I wonder if they already have a child because he seems practised at keeping her balanced. As I listen in, the man darts his eyes to me every once in a while. I look away, thinking he is probably annoyed that a stranger seems to be listening to their conversation. But from the corner of my vision, I see him nudge his partner and nod in my direction. That’s when I realise I’ve probably been clocked for more than just being nosey.

I knew a cap wouldn’t be a good enough disguise, but I wasn’t exactly going to turn up in a mask either. The chance of being recognised is never zero, no matter how much preparation I do. The man leans forward and opens his mouth as though he is going to ask me something, but I give him a subtle shake of my head, hoping it deters him.

“Jesus, it’s really you!” he exclaims. Ellis jolts at the sudden noise.

I shush him lightly as some others around the room draw their attention towards us. “Hey,” I speak quietly, edging forward on my chair. “I’m more than happy to sign something, but I’d like to keep it low profile.”

“Oh! Yes, sorry! I’m just a huge Spears fan,” he whispers back at me, pulling a baby book from his satchel. I glance at Ellis who smiles shyly, rummaging through her handbag for a pen. The irony of me signing a baby book isn’t lost on me. The idea alone makes me chuckle.

“It’s great to meet you… what’s your name?” I flip to the front of the book. I eye Ellis over my shoulder to gauge her true reaction, I can’t read the look on her face. I don’t know if she’s mad or just observing me.

“Oh, yeah right, sorry – it’s Tom.”

As soon as I catch his name I scribble a message in the book, sign it, and hand it back to him. His hand darts out to take it from me but I keep my hand locked around it, not handing it over just yet.

“Tom, can you keep this between us?” I tell him in a low voice. I raise my eyebrows wanting him to understand. Ellis isn’t ready to announce to the world that she is having a hockey player’s baby, and until she is I will do what I can to keep this under wraps.

Though I would have paid for the most private treatment available, Ellis is insistent on seeing her usual doctor – and who can blame her. Her doctor knows her well, her condition, and her previous pregnancy. It would be selfish to take her away from what she knows for the sake of my identity being hidden.