She wheels my suitcase towards a black taxicab and the driver gets out to help load my case into the boot.
“The Grosvenor Hotel, please,” Amy says as we climb into the back. “We can drop your case off before the class starts at eleven. They’re providing a light lunch so we can eat there.”
I tut and slump back in my seat. “And here’s me, hoping for a relaxing weekend.”
“No such thing with me, darling. Anyway, stop your whining. There’s wine involved.”
“Ahem.” I point to my belly again.
She rolls her eyes. “You can have a few, can’t you?”
“Yes, and hinder my baby’s development.”
“Why do you keep popping those wretched things out, anyhow?”
“This one wasn’t planned, believe me.”
“Oh?” She pulls out her mobile and starts texting.
I adjust my thin scarf with the Birth of Venus print, running the sheer fabric through my fingers. Wearing it always makes me feel a little closer to Callum, reminding me of the last time I was in London with him. Even if he is being a dickhead and ignoring me. I find it hard to be mad at him, especially with a part of him growing inside me.
With a tight grip on the scarf, I blurt out, “I left Justin.”
Her head snaps up. “When?”
“A few months ago. It’s a long story.”
She puts the phone away, crosses her legs and rests her chin on her fist. “I’m all ears.”
I tell her about the breakup but leave out certain parts. She doesn’t need to know I’m a cheat, too.
* * *
We dropmy case off at the room and freshen up. Another taxi ride and we arrive at an old building; part of the City & Guilds London Art School.
The brown leaves rustle in the wind, and I cling on to my dress before it takes flight. “Have you been here before?”
“No. A friend told me about it. I thought it sounded fun.”
I waddle through the door, following the temporary signs for the ‘Life of Wine’ workshop. My only request is they have a comfy seat, because there’s no way I can stand all afternoon.
Amy opens a door to a studio full of easels and stools, and I thank the heavens for seats. Amy gives me an excitable glance as she walks in. The smell of paint is everywhere, and I inhale a deep breath, getting high on the scent.
“Good morning, ladies,” a man says over the soft music playing in the background. He steps out from behind an easel where he was talking with another male.
“Morning, I’m Amy Bennet, and this is my friend Steph. We’re booked in for the workshop.”
“Amy. I thought I recognised the name.” He grips her shoulders and goes in for an air kiss on the cheek…and another one doing the double.
Amy mouths to me, ‘Who is this guy?’
Then it dawns on me. My body tenses and my eyes grow wide. I wipe my sweaty forehead, knowing I’m next for the double air kiss. Gosh, will he remember me?Of course he will. He remembers Amy, and he never shagged her. Oh no.
I glare at Amy, silently mouthing ‘it’s Mark’, then fake smile as Mark releases her and steps towards me with open arms.
“Stephanie. It’s so good to see you.” He places his hands on my shoulders and goes in for an air kiss. I turn my face, not sure which side he’s going, and end up with a peck on the lips. He pulls back and looks down at my stomach. “Congratulations. When’s this bundle due?”
“Twentieth of January.” I huff, still not over the coincidental date.