I smile and Pete smiles back. He places a palm on my cheek and gives me another soft kiss on the lips.

“I’ll be here bright and early on Saturday,” he breathes. “Have the coffee ready.”

When we were together there was a running joke between us. Pete couldn’t speak to anyone or do anything until he’d had at least two coffees to start the day. He drinks more coffee with more dedication and conviction than anyone I’ve known.

“I’ll get another kilo of beans to be safe,” I say.

Pete pecks me on the cheek. “Get some rest, Trish. I know how challenging that’s going to be.”

I follow him to the front door and close it behind him as he leaves.

20

Tash phones while I’m in the taxi.

“Well?” she demands.

“It went well,” I say, trying not to sound as exhausted as I feel. “They were disappointed I’m handing the project over to Mark but were grateful I’d gone to Tokyo in person to explain the transition and talk through any concerns. They were very supportive in the end.” Unlike you, I want to add.

“At least you didn’t lose them,” Tash mutters.

I close my eyes and rest my head back against the seat. How did I put up with this woman as my boss for so long? Scott’s right – she is a dragon.

“I’ve arranged a meeting with Mark first thing Monday to go over everything.”

“Good. So you’re better now? You’ll be working proper hours again?”

She speaks like my pregnancy was a bad case of the flu and it’s been an inconvenience but thankfully is in the past.

“I intend to work full-time for as long as I can,” I snap.

Tash sighs dramatically. “I’ve got to go.” And she hangs up without so much as a goodbye.

The trip to Tokyo was harder than I thought it would be. Workwise, it was fine – I can still switch into being a focused fiend when I’m talking to clients – but the rest of the time was tough. The city was wet, crowded, noisy and lonely. My client offered to take me out for dinner, but I respectfully declined and ordered off the in-room menu instead – a miserable plate of rice mixed with cabbage and a weird-tasting dressing. The hotel room was airless, and a red light kept flashing on and off through the flimsy curtains all night.

The flights both ways were long and uncomfortable. Normally I’d have been pleased to have a row of seats to myself, but conversing with a stranger might have helped to take my mind off… well, my thoughts, mostly. The doubts and fears that kept swirling around in my head. Plus, every time there was so much as a niggle in my abdomen, I was convinced I was going to lose the baby.