‘I’m paying tonight – I’m feeling flush after Gill gave me a bonus, so let’s go wild,’ I said. It wasn’t quite lawyer-standard salary, but I liked to treat my friends.

‘That’s generous! Thank you Ol,’ Cec said as she poured everyone a glass of water.

‘I’m gonna get the lobster I think,’ I said, scanning the menu.

‘Ooh me too,’ agreed Isla.

‘What’s everyone going to drink?’ Bea said, grabbing the wine list. ‘I’m in the mood for some rouge.’

‘Aren’t you meant to have white wine with sea food?’ Isla suggested.

‘Oh, I hate all those snobby rules,’ Bea said, waving her hand.

‘Think I’ll just go for fizzy water, you know. I’ve got an early start tomorrow,’ Cec sighed.

‘No! C’mon Cec. Just have the one at least – my treat!’ I said.

Cec shuffles around in her seat. Sitting on her hands. Slightly pink in the cheeks.

‘I really shouldn’t, actually,’ she said quietly.

‘I promise it won’t be a late one,’ I said, pressing.

‘It’s just that …’ We all looked up from our menus. ‘Um … Well. I’m … actually … pregnant,’ Cec said, quietly, breaking out into a huge grin.

‘Oh my god!’ Bea yelled.

‘Amazing!!’ Isla screamed.

I opened my mouth to speak, to offer my congratulations, but I was frozen, totally frozen.

They both jumped up to hug Cec, and started making such a fuss over her, hugging her and squeezing her shoulders. I suddenly felt like the walls of the restaurant were coming in around me, closing me in, alone. Like the world had suddenly tipped.

‘Ol?’ Bea nudged me under the table.

‘You OK, Ol?’ Cec’s voice started drifting into my ears.

‘Sorry …’ I leapt up. ‘I was just taking it all in. I’m … just … surprised! Wow!’ I said, pushing my chair back, making a slight screech and joining in the group hug.

I can’t believe it. Cec. Pregnant. Wild Cec. My Cec. Deep down, I always felt she was my ally, my partner in crime. How did we suddenly get here?

On the drunk side of tipsy, I WhatsApped Cec on the way home in a cab.

Me: Sorry for my delayed reaction about the baby news. I was just so surprised. So happy for you, Cec, it’s amazing news

Cec: It’s all good, Ol! It’s taken me by surprise too *cry/laugh emoji*

Me: Have you been feeling OK though? Any cravings? Crazy hormone rages?!

Cec: Not really yet. Although I’ve started dreaming about salty McDonalds fries

Me: I would happily take you there!

Me: Wow, it’s so exciting. I can’t believe it :)

Cec: I know

Me: I found this old photo of us from 10 years ago that came up on Facebook yesterday. Look at us!

Cec: Oh my god. We’re so young. So slim!!!! Haha. Oh Ol. We’ve been through so much together

Me: And more to come xxx

I felt tears forming in my eyes. Talk about hormones – I wasn’t sure if it was a tangle of emotions about Cec’s good news, or the fact that everything seemed to be changing. Maybe, a bit of both.