But I barely hear her answer, because somehow, in between thinking about Rupert and worrying about Peter, I’m now wondering what it would look like if Peter’s shirt rode up a little when he stretched.

Having accidentally won a game, I retire to the kitchen and refresh my glass.

‘So?’

Mia barges in behind me.

‘Hey.’

‘What’s this about you and Peter going out?’

I busy myself at the sink. ‘We’re not going out. He has a work thing and doesn’t want to go by himself.’ I look around the kitchen. It appears we are alone but I have no idea how sound travels in this apartment, so I make a shushing motion and hope that Mia gets the point.

‘I think it’s a date and you haven’t admitted it to yourself yet. What are you going to wear?’

‘Nothing.’

‘Well, that will cause a stir.’

‘I don’t actually mean “nothing”, Mia. I haven’t thought about it because it’s not a date.’

‘Have you read the research I gave you?’

‘No.’ It’s currently gathering dust on my windowsill. I keep ripping more and more strips off the top sheet as makeshift gum wrappers.

‘Well, you should. But honestly, I think it could be as simple as getting drunk and shagging him.’

I look through to the lounge. Peter has taken my spot next to Rahul. In an unusual turn of events, it looks like they’re preparing for a second game of Racing Demon.

‘I hate to tell you this, but you’re really going to have to get over your obsession with me and Peter. Even if I did fancy him, he doesn’t fancy me.’

‘Oh, for goodness’ sake.’

I shush her and motion to all the other people in the next room.

She continues in an angry whisper. ‘Let’s look at his recent behaviour. He spent the whole of my wedding staring at you. He built a business plan for you in his free time, despite the fact he gets paid to do that during the week. At my birthday drinks, he brought someone else with him, but nevertheless proceeded to spend more time talking to you and looking out for you than for her. And he’s just asked you out on a date.’

‘You’re seeing what you want to see.’

‘Yeah, well, right now I see an idiot.’

I’m still not used to pregnant Mia. I’m not sure what to say.

‘Oh God. Sorry.’ She dabs at her eyes. I don’t know how we arrived at tears so quickly after insults, but we did.

‘Don’t be.’ Her comment did sting, but I’m going to choose to ignore it. The tears are more shocking. ‘Pregnancy makes you really straight-talking. I kinda like it. I kinda fancy you right now.’

CHAPTER 28

Once again, Mia was right. I should have thought about what to wear. But I didn’t, which is why I now find myself in a dress that I panic-purchased earlier in the day, despite the fact it’s far too expensive for my budget. I feel extra guilty as I rang my mum in the shop, forcing her to share my anxiety about the cost.