‘That’s nice.’
‘I’m just his lodger. We’re friends, nothing more,’ Miranda said hastily, and Christy shot her a searching look as she pulled open the fridge door and removed a large fruit salad.
‘Am I allowed to ask about the baby or is it a taboo subject?’ Balancing the dish on one hand, Christy opened a drawer and rummaged for a large spoon with the other. ‘If it’s a tactless question, ignore me.’
‘It’s not tactless.’ Miranda rubbed a hand over her abdomen. ‘I’m seven months pregnant but I’m not with the father any more. It was a short relationship and he turned out to be married. I didn’t know that until afterwards.’ Somehow it was important to her that Christy knew the truth.
‘Ouch. You poor thing.’ Christy’s voice was soft. ‘That must be difficult for you. Still, at least you have Jake now.’
‘Oh, no!’ Miranda looked at her, startled. ‘I don’t have Jake. It isn’t like that at all. He just—’
‘He just can’t take his eyes off you,’ Christy finished with a womanly smile. ‘I’ve never seen Jake so smitten and I’ve known him for a long time. I’m thrilled. Alessandro and I have been waiting for him to meet someone special.’
‘I’m just his lodger.’
Christy’s smile widened. ‘To the best of my knowledge, Jake doesn’t have any financial problems, so his reasons for wanting you to share his house must amount to more than a boost to his income.’
‘He’s been very kind to me, that’s true, but—’
‘You’re the first woman he’s ever brought to dinner here so that says a lot.’ Juggling fruit salad and bowls, Christy walked back towards the kitchen door where she paused. ‘Jake’s had plenty of girlfriends but hardly any serious relationships. I just want you to know that. Be kind to him.’
Be kind to him?
And suddenly, without a shadow of a doubt, Miranda knew that Christy was the woman Jake had been in love with.
When? He didn’t seem like the type to chase after a married woman.
Her own mind suddenly full of questions, she followed Christy back to the table and Jake looked up.
‘You were a long time. Everything OK?’
‘Fine.’ Miranda managed a smile and Christy dished out fruit salad.
‘My fault. I was delving into all her secrets. Woman’s prerogative.’
Jake’s gaze was thoughtful but he didn’t pursue the subject until they were safely back in the car.
‘I’m sorry if Christy upset you. It didn’t occur to me that she’d ask you questions about your pregnancy, but perhaps it was inevitable.’
‘She didn’t upset me. She’s really nice.’
‘And Alessandro?’
Miranda thought about the dark-haired, brooding A and E consultant who had challenged his wife on so many points. ‘A bit intimidating,’ she said honestly.
‘Most women find him irresistible.’ Jake’s tone was dry. ‘Mediterranean heritage and all that.’
‘She was the one, wasn’t she?’ Miranda couldn’t not ask the question. ‘Christy was the woman you were in love with.’
‘What makes you say that?’
‘Just something she said when we were in the kitchen. Something about her caring about you.’ She frowned slightly and Jake gave a smile.
‘I should hope that she does care about me. That’s what friends are supposed to do and, yes, Christy is the woman I was in love with, but it was a long time ago.’
‘Does she know?’
‘Yes.’ Jake’s voice was calm. ‘Funnily enough, I told her just before Christmas.’