Amy threw another slice of bacon into the scorching frying pan and watched with satisfaction as it immediately started to sizzle and crisp. There was no sign of any of the others yet, meaning she had the kitchen to herself, which was how she liked it. She wasn’t alone very often these days, ever since she moved in with Nick, so it was a rare treat.
It was lovely to see the girls but there was a strange atmosphere this year. Something that Amy couldn’t put her finger on. Sophie in particular seemed out of sorts and down. She didn’t look great either. And Melissa was drinking them all under the table, more so than usual. Even Emily seemed a bit low.
Amy sighed. She was so very happy right now and she felt bad that she couldn’t share some of it with her closest friends. It seemed inappropriate to gush about how well things were going for her when clearly the others were having issues of their own that meant they were slightly distant and distracted.
She thought about Nick and what he’d be doing this Sunday morning while she was away. He had opined that he wouldn’t know what to do without her and would spend every moment she was away waiting for her to return. Amy grinned to herself. She could never in her wildest dreams have imagined finding a man like Nick, who was so unashamedly obsessed with her and was happy to tell everyone how much he loved and adored her.
He had wanted to get married quickly, suggesting they jet off to a paradise island and do it as soon as possible. But Amy had gently resisted. She was an only child and she knew how much it would hurt her parents not to see her married. She wasn’t good at standing her ground. Usually, she would go along with things to keep everyone happy, even if it meant that she sometimes went against her own instinct. But on this she was absolutely adamant. ‘I want my parents there and I want the girls there. They’re like the sisters I never had and I have to have them at my wedding.’
A flash of irritation had crossed Nick’s face. This was probably the first and only time she had insisted on anything. But, after a moment’s thought, he had nodded and smiled. ‘Fine. I just love you so much, Amy, I want you to be mine as soon as possible.’
Amy had beamed back at him, buoyed by her tiny victory, and wrapped her arms around him. ‘I am yours, darling. I have been since that day we first met. I always will be. Being married will be wonderful but it won’t change anything.’
Nick kissed the top of her head. ‘But that’s where you’re wrong. Being married will change everything because we will both know that we are together for ever and nothing will ever come between us.’
Remembering his words now made Amy feel as though she was glowing from the inside out. She was so certain of his love and devotion that she had never experienced even the slightest scintilla of doubt about their relationship. He wanted her to give up work after the wedding so that they could try for a baby and Amy couldn’t wait. She loved her job but Nick was her priority now. Nick and the family she knew they would have together. She couldn’t wait.
As she placed the crispy bacon slices on a warmed plate and began to whisk eggs together, Emily wandered into the kitchen and sat at the island in the middle of the room. ‘Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes… that looks and smells like heaven, Amy.’
Amy grinned. ‘That’s what Nick says to me every morning when I cook his breakfast.’
‘I bet he does.’ Emily reached over to sneak a piece of bacon but Amy slapped her hand away, causing Emily to giggle. ‘He’s a very lucky man, Amy. I wish I had you to cook my breakfast every day.’
Amy smiled and poured the eggs into the sizzling pan, deftly flipping them around the pan as they began to bubble and solidify into an omelette. ‘I would happily cook you breakfast every morning, Em. Just get yourself over to my place by seven thirty and it’ll be waiting for you.’
Emily laughed. ‘Don’t tempt me!’
Amy crumbled the crisped bacon into the omelette and folded it over, before cutting it in half and serving it onto the two plates she had warmed. She took them to the table, where she had prepared a jug of freshly squeezed orange juice and a plate of thick-cut toast. Emily groaned, before launching herself towards the table and beginning to devour her food. ‘Will you rethink marrying Nick?’ she managed between mouthfuls. ‘And marry me instead?’
Amy watched her with satisfaction. She felt a deep swell of love and admiration for Emily, who had had such a tough time bringing up Jack on her own, yet never whinged or moaned about being tired or broke, both of which she most definitely was. ‘So how are you, Em? And how’s my darling Jack?’
Emily nodded slowly, as she poured herself some orange juice. ‘We’re both well. Jack’s a dream. Life is good.’
Amy raised her eyebrows. ‘I just thought you seemed a bit, I don’t know, distracted or something last night. Are you sure everything is OK?’
Emily smiled fondly. ‘You’re always worrying about other people, aren’t you? There’s no need on my behalf, honestly. I’m fine.’
Amy shrugged. Emily was always such a closed book, she knew there was no point in digging any further. ‘OK. And what about Sophie? She doesn’t seem herself at all.’
Emily opened her mouth to answer but before she could speak, Sophie herself arrived in the kitchen, looking pale and tired. ‘What about me?’ There was a weary defensiveness to her voice.
Amy could feel herself reddening instantly. She jumped up and ushered Sophie into her seat. ‘Nothing. I was just making breakfast,’ she gabbled. ‘What can I get you?’
Sophie shook her head. ‘I’m not feeling great, Amy, thanks all the same. I’ll just have some dry toast.’
‘What’s wrong, do you think?’ Emily fixed Sophie with an incisive gaze, as Amy watched nervously. There was a sudden tension in the air that she didn’t quite understand.
Sophie sighed. ‘Well, I might as well tell you both. You’ll find out anyway—’
‘You’re pregnant,’ Emily cut in, her voice flat and toneless.
Sophie swallowed and nodded. ‘I’m pregnant.’
‘Oh my God!’ Amy threw herself towards Sophie and wrapped her arms around her. ‘That is fantastic news! Congratulations!’ Sophie’s body felt stiff and unyielding, so Amy stood back and waited for a response.
Eventually she replied, ‘Thanks. Although I’m still trying to come to terms with it myself.’
‘What did Steve say?’ Again, Emily’s tone was flat.
Sophie took a deep breath. ‘I haven’t told him yet.’
Amy gasped. The idea of telling her friends something so huge before telling Nick was unthinkable. ‘Why not?’
Sophie shrugged wearily. ‘Because I’ve only just found out. Because I haven’t come to terms with it myself yet. Because, as per usual, Melissa knew before I did.’
Amy pulled up a chair and sat down beside her. ‘But you’re happy about it, aren’t you?’
Sophie bit her lip. ‘Of course. Just… adjusting. It’s a shock, that’s all.’ She looked at Emily. ‘You must have felt the same, Em?’
Emily’s face, which had been set hard, softened slightly. ‘You can say that again. But once you’re over the shock, it’s the best thing you’ll ever do. And at least you’ve got Steve…’ Her words hung in the air for a few seconds, the admonishment unspoken.
Sophie nodded. ‘Yes. I know. I’m very lucky.’ Her words sounded robotic and forced.
Amy watched the exchange. It was as if there was a whole other scene being played out that she wasn’t part of. There was a definite undercurrent and she couldn’t for the life of her work out why.
‘Where’s my breakfast?’ Melissa staggered into the kitchen, wearing a tiny pair of denim shorts and a white sleeveless top, the faint sheen of sweat on her forehead the only sign that she was hungover. She pulled up a chair and slumped down, before looking up at the others curiously. ‘Oh. I take it you’ve told them, then?’
Sophie nodded.
‘Isn’t it the most fantastic news?’ Amy couldn’t understand why no one else seemed to be pleased or excited. If it was her, she would be jumping up and down with glee.
Sophie and Melissa exchanged a glance. ‘Yes, of course it is,’ Melissa said. ‘It’s brilliant news and you’re thrilled, aren’t you, Sophie?’
Sophie gave a small, tired smile. ‘Yes,’ she said. ‘I’m thrilled.’