My Curvy Puck (Locker Room 1)

Ellie scoots back and her wide eyes are unblinking. I expected more of a reaction, but I remind myself of the amount of information Ellie is processing right now. “Wow.” She pauses. “You’re going to get married, right?”

I shrug. “Um… I don’t-”

“Oh, you have to get married, babe!” Ellie shrieks. “You just have to. Oh, can I help plan it? Imagine the wedding you’ll be able to have! You know he’s loaded, right? Has he told you that yet?”

I laugh and shake my head.

Ellie continues on her barrage of hyperactivity, bouncing from one dream wedding scenario to the next. I take the chance to whip my phone out and tap out a text to Noah – I promised him I’d let him know as soon as I had done the deed.

After a few minutes of more mock wedding planning, I look to my watch.

“I’m really sorry, but I have to go…” I push my empty mug to one side and Ellie glances over at the counter. Old Geoff is eyeballing her, demanding she return to work with his fierce eyes.

“I’ll take you,” Ellie says, pushing up off the table.

“What?” I gasp. “Ellie? You’re working!”

“He’ll be ok. Plus, I won’t see you for another… Well, actually! You’ll be here all the time now, right?” I shrug and Ellie helps me from my chair with a heavy yank of my arm. “Well, if you manage to make time for me that is… With all the baby making you’ll be doing…” Ellie stops in her tracks and when I look back at her, her eyes are wider than ever. “Oh my god. I just realised. I’m going to be the aunt to your children!”

I giggle and follow behind Ellie as she dances out of the coffee shop with a wave over her shoulder directed at her scowling boss.