“You’re a doll. I’m not technically on bedrest, but the doctor told me I should stay in bed as much as possible these last three weeks. And of course Ben translates that into a carved-in-stone edict. You know how he is.”

The truth is, I don’t know how he is. Not really. An attorney, Allison had temporarily moved from Los Angeles to Manhattan two years ago because of some huge corporate case that was eating her life. The case finally settled, and when she came back, she was not only married, but two months pregnant.

Which means that I’ve only known Ben for the last six months, and during that time my boss’s exploding career has been keeping me crazy busy. All I know is that he works on the business side of one of the networks, that he dotes on Aly, and that she’s convinced he hung the moon. For the time being, that’s good enough for me.

“Got it,” I say, after scribbling down the list she rattles off to me, although it’s so short I don’t know why I bothered. “No ice cream? No pickles?”

“Don’t tease the pregnant woman,” she warns. “It’s like poking a bear. And you might as well throw in some of those fudge brownie bites. The ones in the bakery section.”

Considering every item on her list is from the bakery section, the cookie aisle, or the frozen dessert section, I’m thinking that Little Bit is going to share her momma’s sweet tooth.

“Should I grab some Peanut Butter M&Ms at the checkout stand?” I ask.

“Oh, Natasha, this is why we’re besties.”

I laugh. “Who knew friendship could be bought with chocolate?”

“Ha! And seriously, thanks. Just let yourself in when you get here. I’m in the bedroom with my headphones on watching my way through the entire Marvel catalog. Just don’t tell my boss. I’m supposed to be reviewing depositions since I’m not technically on maternity leave yet.”

“Your secret’s safe with me.” I check the time and do a quick calculation. “I’ve probably got another three hours of work here. Lyle’s heading to London tomorrow to start the publicity tour for M. Sterious, and I’m buried in checklists.”

“Tell him congratulations. I’m all caught up with the Blue Zenith films. I can’t wait to see him as M. Sterious. The trailer looks amazing.”

“The movie’s even better,” I say before we end the call. Then I drop my phone on the desk and roll my chair to the bookcase so I can grab one of the rough cut DVDs. I know Lyle won’t mind if I give my friend an advance peek, but just to be safe, I lever myself out of the chair, grab my portfolio, and cross the open area to the closed door of his private office.