Why did it have to be so hot? Rose was enjoying the air-conditioning of Tilly’s town car as they navigated the streets of London. 

One thing she was realising now—heat and pregnancy do not mix. She looked out the window as she fanned herself with the book she had been reading on the plane. It had been a terrible read. Its purpose was served much better as a fan. What kind of person had their lead character die in the end? The sadistic kind, that’s who. And from childbirth, no less. Stupid book!

Once she was finally feeling comfortable, she sat back to enjoy the city scenery passing her by. It was quite nice to be on her own (apart from the driver), relishing the peace and quiet. Tilly was busy with the caterers. With the wedding only two days away, it was all go. 

Rose could have flown in a few days earlier, but not wanting to risk being found out, she told Tilly she had to work. All she had to do was get through the next few days, then she could go home and get on with her life. She had been looking at places to rent near her parents, but her mother would have none of it.

‘You are staying right here where I can help you with the baby,’ she had said. It wasn’t ideal, but she was more than likely going to need all the help she could get.

They drove over Rose’s favourite bridge. It never failed to impress every time she visited. She had to admit, even though she was thrilled to be back home in New Zealand. A bit of her missed England. 

She and Ethan had travelled a little before relocating to the US, something she had really enjoyed before it all went to shit.

“Here we are, Miss Fletcher,” Tilly’s driver, John, announced. 

“Thanks John, and thanks for the air-conditioning. Does the sun not realise England doesn’t get hot?”

“Try wearing a suit. I feel like I’m wearing a portable sauna.”

“You should ask Tilly to change your uniform to a singlet and stubbies,” Rose said, smiling. 

“I don’t believe I know what stubbies are, Miss Fletcher,” he replied in an unamused, posh accent.

“I wish you’d call me Rose and stubbies are rugby shorts.”

“Ahh, no thank you. The suit is just fine.”

“Have fun sweating your butt off then,” Rose said.

“Thank you for your sympathy, Miss Rose.”

She rolled her eyes at him in the rear-view mirror. He noticed and smiled. “Shall we get you inside then?” He asked.

“When is Tilly due back?”

“Once I have delivered you and your belongings safely, I’m to drive to the venue to pick her up.”

She thought about going to the venue to meet Tilly, but she was tired and hot and sticky. 

“Thanks John, I’m eager for a lie down.”

Once settled, and on her own, Rose cranked up the air-conditioning in Tilly’s flat.  

She lay down on her bed for a minute, which then turned into an hour. It was so comfy, she really missed that bed. It held some wonderful memories, too. They had made love for the first time at Ethan’s place. But her bed turned into the regular hook up spot. Tilly and Daniel down the hall, she and Ethan in her room, those were the days. 

She looked at the bedside table and saw the mark where Ethan had lit a candle, then knocked it over in their lustful frenzy. They were lucky they hadn’t burnt the house down that night. Rose ran her finger over it as tears filled her eyes. She missed him so much, and the thought of seeing him at the wedding terrified her.

“There you—hey you okay?” Tilly rushed in and wrapped her arms around Rose. 

“Hey, I didn’t hear you come in. Don’t mind me, I’m just reminiscing,” she replied as she looked around the room. She adjusted herself slightly to keep her bump more hidden. 

“Shit, sorry, I didn’t even think. You can stay in my room?”

“Don’t be silly, I’m fine. You couldn’t drag me away from this snug bed if you tried anyway,” she smiled at Tilly to reassure her she was fine. 

It might actually be nice to lie there and remember all the fun they used to have before everything turned to custard.

“Okay, but let me know if you need anything,” said Tilly. 

“Shouldn’t I be saying that to you?” She laughed. 

“I’m just glad you’re here.”

“I’m really sorry I missed out on the hen’s party. The night looked fun, though. You obviously had a great time.” 

“Don’t worry about it. I didn’t expect you to fly over every time there was something happening. But you missed out on some antics. Did you see the hot guy giving me a lap dance?”

She did indeed. Her mum made her watch the video like ten times. Then disappeared with her dad afterwards. Man, that was an awkward day.

“I sure did. What did Daniel think of it?”

“Oh, he hated it, but he had his own lap dance, so he shut up pretty quickly.”

They laughed and hugged again. Rose kept doing it a little awkward to keep her small bump from touching Tilly. Tilly frowned as they pulled apart, then asked about Ethan. Much to her relief.

“So, did you see his date for the premier?”

“How could I miss it? They were all over the internet.”

Rose had cried all night after seeing the photos. The woman he was with was beautiful and blonde and thin. And the dress she wore showed her hard nipples off to the world—had the woman never heard of a bra?

“I’m still giving him the silent treatment. He flew in a couple of days ago with her. Can you believe it?”

Rose couldn’t believe it. He would actually bring a date to the wedding she would also be attending. What kind of heartless jerk did that?

“Are they dating now, then?” Rose asked. She had made herself stop googling him not long after she found out she was pregnant, because it was too hard. But that didn’t stop the odd picture from popping up.

“Kind of. She lives in New York as far as I know and they meet up now and then.”

“Sounds like Ethan’s perfect relationship. The benefits with little effort. Reminds me of when he was sleeping with Victoria, although he kept that well hidden.”

She would much rather he kept this one hidden, too. Rose didn’t need to see that girl’s perky tits whenever she was online. 

“Well, you only have to worry about seeing him at dinner tomorrow night, then at the wedding. And Meg will be there.”

That was a relief. She hadn’t seen Meg in a while and it would be nice to catch up with her.

“I’ll be fine. Now what’s for lunch? I’m starving.”

Tilly pulled Rose off the bed and into the kitchen. 

“Cute top. I’ve never really seen you wear that style before,” said Tilly. 

“Well, it’s perfect for stinking hot days like this. Plus, I’ve put on a bit of weight, so it’s great for hiding it.”

She was wearing a cotton top with thin straps. It fit snugly around her boobs and then fell loosely around her middle. It did a great job of hiding the bump, but it made her look a little fatter than she actually was.

“I thought your boobs look bigger. You look great, though. It suits you.”

Tilly was looking at her funny, and Rose was wondering if they were still talking about the top.

Rose opened the fridge and stood there a moment, enjoying the cool air before pulling out a bottle of sparkling water and a punnet of raspberries. She turned to Tilly, holding them both in the air.

“What? I like raspberries in my water. So sue me.”

Rose poured them both a drink and grabbed some chocolate-covered strawberries from the fridge as well.

“Were you saving these?”

“Yes, for you. I know how much you love them. There’s a quaint little shop that opened up around the corner and they sell the yummiest treats.”

“Ooh, nice. Maybe we should go for a walk later?” Rose suggested.

“It’s a date.” Tilly smiled. “I’ve really missed you,” she said, bringing Rose in for another hug.

“Me too.”

Tilly pulled away and looked at her funny for a second. Shit, she forgot to pull her bump back.

“Let’s give these strawberries a try before they melt,” Rose said as she turned to pick one off the bench and walked over to the window. 

Tilly watched her in silence. Rose felt uncomfortable at the prolonged silence. She had to get out of there.

“Mmm, yum,” she said, popping the last bite into her mouth. “Hey, I might have a nap before we head out for a walk. I didn’t get a lot of sleep on the plane.” She started walking back to her room.

“Oh, no you don’t. Get your butt over here,” Tilly demanded. 

“Excuse me?” Rose did not like where this was heading. 

“Show me!”

“Show you what?” She laughed nervously.

“Lift your top,” she demanded again.

“You want me to flash you?” She asked in amusement. 

“Show me your stomach.”

“Why on earth—“

“Rose!”

“Okay, okay.”

The jig was up. Rose slowly lifted her top and revealed her cute little bump.

“What the hell Rose!” Tilly yelled. “How many months?”

“Five,” Rose mumbled. 

“Rose!”

“I’m sorry, okay. I’ve decided to not tell Ethan, and I didn’t want to put you in a position where you have to lie to everyone.”

“Oh Rose, I wish you had’ve said something. This is a big deal.”

“I know and it’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”

“You know he’s going to find out eventually. He’s your best friend's, soon to be brother-in-law. And how do you plan on hiding that bump?”

“I know all this. I just need to figure out my life before I let him back in. Please understand.”

“And the bump?”

“My dress hides it really well and I was hoping the flowers and shawl would do the rest.”

“I don’t like this Rose, but your secret is safe with me.”

“Thank you.” Rose hugged Tilly again. It was like she was getting a year’s worth of hugs in one day. “Would you like to know what I’m having?”

Tilly nodded with enthusiasm. 

“A girl.”

“That’s amazing.” Tilly looked at Rose and smiled. “I can’t believe you’re going to be a mum.”

“Me either.”

Rose didn’t end up having that nap. Instead, she and Tilly talked about babies, birth and her stupid baby daddy.