“He was at a barbecue we went to last summer and whenever I see him now he wants to chat. I don’t like him though.”

“Why did he call round?”

“Oh, he does that sometimes if he sees I’m working from home. He asks if I want a break. A coffee. He’s irritating.”

She sat back. “You’ve got a good-looking guy calling round when you’re working from home and you haven’t told me? Does Harry know?”

“Yeah, he knows he’s a pain. I don’t let him into the house, though.”

From Annie’s expression I could tell she had me sussed. She knew I was lying about something.

“Emma, don’t take any risks,” she said. “You’ve got a lovely husband. A happy marriage. Don’t do anything to mess that up.”

That was so unfair—and yet so spot-on—that I started to cry. I didn’t know whether I was crying with anger or with guilt. I brushed Annie away when she tried to put her arm around me.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“It’s just my hormones,” I said, drying my eyes. “They’re all over the place. Don’t worry, though, I’m not having an affair. That guy is just a bit of a nuisance, that’s all.”

We walked back to the office in silence. I knew she was mulling things over. I just hoped she didn’t connect Tom with the baby I was expecting.

•   •   •

I got home at six that night. Harry’s car was in the driveway and when I opened the front door he came to greet me from the kitchen.

“Hi, sweetheart.” He hugged me and kissed my cheek. “Good day?”

“It was fine. Busy.”

“Well, that’s good. Why don’t you sit in the garden and I’ll bring dinner out to you?”

I went upstairs to change into shorts and a tank top then came back to the kitchen. Suddenly I was starving.

“Something smells good. What are we having?”

“Spaghetti.” He passed me a little bowl of olives, slick with garlic and chilli. “Go and put your feet up outside. I’ll only be a few minutes.”

I reclined my chair, enjoying the sun on my body. I’d worked hard that day, mainly to avoid answering any more of Annie’s questions. I caught her glancing over at me but just gave her a brief smile each time and focused on my work. That night with Tom had changed all of my relationships.