Suddenly I wish I hadn’t worn my favourite singlet. It’s firm-fitting, especially around the midriff area. I put it on because I was standing in front of the mirror at 5 a.m. and there was a definite bump happening. I felt proud of it, to be honest – my baby-in-production body. I was starting to wonder if I was ever going to show.

Now, Scott is either going to think I’m pregnant or fat, and I’m not sure which is worse.

“Look, I’m sorry I took off last night in such a rush.”

“It’s fine.”

“No, it was rude.”

“Honestly, Scott. I wasn’t in the least offended by your abrupt departure.”

He gives me a small, fragile smile and lets out his breath.

“I saw something that upset me and I had to leave.”

God, he’s referring to my breasts…

“It was my ex-wife.”

“Oh.” What I really want to say is “Thank God – I thought you were offended by my giant knockers.”

“She was with her new husband.”

“Oh.”

“Anyway, it’s still at the raw stage.” Scott wipes his face again. “For me, at least,” he mumbles.

Poor bugger. He’s heartbroken. I know how that feels.

“Did you know they were going to be here in Tokyo?”

“Yes. But I figured they wouldn’t stay in this hotel. Harumi used to complain about the rooms when we stayed here while visiting her relatives. I thought she’d steer clear.”

“Your ex-wife is Japanese?”

“Yes. Though she’s lived in New Zealand for a long time”

“How come you knew they were going to be here?”

“We’re going to the same wedding tomorrow.”

“Oh. That could be awkward.”

“Yep. Neither of us would back down, even though the groom has been my friend since we were at primary school and Harumi knew him for less than a year. She told me she had just as much right to be at the wedding.”

“Bitch.”

Scott’s smile is far more genuine now.

“Thanks.”

I’d forgotten about the loved-up couple in the gym with us. They must have decided Scott and I were suitably engrossed in conversation that we wouldn’t notice her hand on his crotch and his hand kneading her left breast.

If Lily were here, she’d have yelled, “Get a room,” but I don’t have the same gumption.

Scott glances in their direction and raises his eyebrows. “Should we get out of here before things go any further?”

“Yes, please,” I say, grinning.

Scott opens the door. “Congratulations, by the way.”

“For what?”

He looks at my stomach. “How far along are you?”

I stare at my bump for a moment with a mix of pride and guilt. “Five months.”

“Is it your first?” he asks as we walk towards the lift.

“Yes.”

“Exciting.”

I push the up arrow. “Terrifying, more like.”

The lift doors open and we step inside.