“Ashley is such a doll,” she says, adjusting the clasp of her necklace, a black leather choker. She sports a fresh manicure that matches her zebra skirt. “She was probably just being nice, inviting me. Then I felt obligated.”

She shrugs and looks around. “Regretting my decision now. I’m bored already. Mimosa?”

“Please.”

“She’s pulling up!” Ash says. “Hide in the dining room.”

Mia and I lock eyes. I watch her take a bottle of champagne and slip it behind her back.

“I don’t know if jumping out and shouting ‘Surprise!’ at someone seven months pregnant is a great idea,” I say.

“We won’t shout,” Ash says.

Is it too late for me to leave and, if confronted, claim ignorance?

The front door opens.

“Surprise!” Ash shouts.

The friends come filtering out of the dining room.

Scarlett’s face drains of color.

“Welcome to your baby shower!” Mom says, throwing her arms around Scarlett’s shoulders in a chaotic hug.

“What?” Scarlett asks. Her eyes find me, and I mouth, Sorry.

“Come in, come in,” Ash says, leading Scarlett into the kitchen.

“What’s happening?” she asks, still looking at me.

“We wanted to celebrate,” Mom says. “Celebrate you and the baby.”

“Oh . . .” Scarlett says.

She pulls out a chair and sits down. I can sense her anxiety. It’s palpable.

I get her a plate and a glass of sparkling cider. I sit next to her, and she squeezes my kneecap.

“I couldn’t stop it,” I whisper. “It’s gonna be fine. None of that corny shit.”

I expect some well-concealed anger, something only I’d be able to pick up on, but get none. All I get is a reserved “Thank you.”

Mia strolls over and kneels in front of Scarlett.

“You look beautiful,” she says, slipping Scarlett an envelope. “Maybe it’s tacky to give cash, but I’ve heard babies are expensive. And I’ve never had a problem being tacky.”

“Really? Never noticed,” Scarlett says. “Thanks for coming. It’s good to see you, Mia.”

Overall, their reunion is surprisingly cordial.

People compliment the food, and from there the conversation starts. There’s no fussing over Scarlett, no measuring her circumference like she’s a science project. None of that. Just talking. It’s surprisingly chill.

Time passes, and as it does, the unease dissipates. People are enjoying themselves. Scarlett is enjoying herself. I hear her laugh. Her friends are all cool, laid-back, similar in temperament to my sister.

Just when I start to relax, the front door opens, and in walks Matty’s mother, Joann.

All my orifices cinch simultaneously.

“Sorry I’m late,” she says. She walks straight up to my sister and kisses her on the cheek.

“Hi, Joann,” Scarlett says.

I’m horrified, but Scarlett doesn’t seem to be. They’ve always had a good relationship, but I would think that the current situation would have some effect.

“Thanks for coming,” Mom says, giving Joann a hug.

I don’t bother to hide my disgust. Ash pinches my arm, trying to get me to change my face. She can pinch me all she wants because I can’t feel it. I’m undeterred.