“Okay.” She’s thinking, but whatever she’s considering doesn’t show on her face. “Okay. I’m sure we can stay with Fi. I’m seeing her tonight anyway—”

“Not Fiona. Anywhere but there.” Why do Carrie’s thoughts always jump to Fiona?

She looks at me, her exasperation more than clear. “What is your problem? You’ve just been staying there.”

“Well, that was before all the things I heard tonight.”

“What are you talking about? I’m sure you’ve got the wrong end of the stick. Why are you always so down on her?”

“What?” I’m missing something. I know I’m missing something. “Why are you always defending her?”

“I’m not—”

“Yes, you are. You haven’t even heard what she said yet, and you’re already defending her. It’s like she can do no wrong in your eyes.”

“And it’s like she can do no right in yours,” she shoots back. But she won’t meet my eye. “You’re wrong about her. I know that you’re wrong about her.”

Perhaps it’s the way she says know. Perhaps it’s a million little things connecting that I hadn’t connected before. Whatever the reason, I suddenly understand what’s been going on. “Oh my God.” It’s out before I can stop myself. “Are you in love with Fiona?”

“What?” she blusters. But the flush across her cheeks and the way in which her eyes leap to me, as if caught with her hand in the cookie jar, tell me I’m right.

“Jesus. You and Fiona?”

“Who the hell are you to tell me who I can be with?” There’s no volume in her words, but somehow they crack like a whip.

“Why aren’t you answering the question?”

“Yes!” she explodes. “I am with Fiona! And it’s absolutely none of your business.”

“Indeed.” I’m still shocked to hear it confirmed. Carrie and Fiona? “You made that abundantly clear when you lied to me.” Fiona was driving Jamie’s jeep. I assumed the wrong McCue.

“I didn’t—”

“I saw you. At the village shop, when you were supposed to be in Edinburgh. When you told me you were in Edinburgh.” She drops her eyes, her righteousness slightly dented, red spots of embarrassment in her cheeks. Ben knew, I realize. Did everyone know except me? “So yes, you lied to me.”

“You’re right: I lied,” she rallies. “Of course I lied. I didn’t know how you’d react. Turns out I was right to lie to you. I thought it might take you time to adjust to the idea, but I never thought you’d have this level of homophobia.”