Chapter 32
Emmy
Three days later, a new group chat pings up on my phone.
“Priya’s Baby Shower” is announced, surrounded by emoji bows and baby bottles.
Priya’s sister has four children of her own and you’d think the novelty of a baby shower might have worn off by now, but she’s clearly going hard on making her little sister feel special, and I can’t begrudge her that. I mean, I can. But I won’t.
The group lights up immediately as friends and family express breathless excitement over the big day, set for three weeks from now. There’s an extensive gift list, a Pinterest mood board, and a colour-coded spreadsheet for snack contributions. We’ve all been instructed to wear something pink.
I put my phone down and stare at the ceiling, briefly considering faking my own death or pretending to have jury duty. But I love Priya, and I’ll swallow my own snobbery for one day in the name of sister-in-law duty. Even if it means wearing pastel and pretending to care about nappy cakes.
Five minutes later, Chloe texts me:
Chloe
Kill me now.
You in the shower group?
Chloe
It’s giving Stepford.
The spreadsheet is actually quite impressive.
Chloe
I’ve been assigned melon balls. Melon. Balls.
1993 called and it wants its balls back.
Chloe
I am not buying a melon baller.
Just bring tequila.
Chloe
You smuggle in limes and we’ve basically got margs.
I laugh, opening the shower chat back up as I scan the linked spreadsheet.
I’ve been put down for “a selection of different chocolate bars” for something called the “poo game”.
I shudder at the thought. I’m about to close it down when I spot Luke’s name and do a double take.
I didn’t think Luke would be the baby shower type but it looks like he’s Nick’s only guest.
He’s down for 12 bottles of prosecco, which tells me that Priya’s sister isn’t the only one who thinks Luke still works at a hedge fund. I open our chat.
You coming to Priya’s baby shower then?
The dots appear instantly, as if he had his phone in his hand when I messaged.
Luke
Wouldn’t miss it.
It’s going to be weird pretending I haven’t seen you naked.
Luke
I know. We haven’t even talked about roleplay being on the list.
I snort.
We’ll have to take it seriously. No lingering looks. No flirty touches. You’re just my brother’s best friend. As erotic to me as houmous or salad dressing.
Luke
You clearly haven’t had the same experiences as me with houmous.
Well, now I’m intrigued…
Luke
There are some places chickpeas should never go, let’s leave it at that.
Noted!
Luke
I’m not worried about me blowing my cover. I’ve got a way better poker face than you. You'll just have to be on your best behaviour.
I’ll do my best.
Luke
Good girl.
Fucking hell, he knows how to floor me and set my pulse racing with just two words. I throw my phone onto the bed and take a deep breath.
How on earth will I get through a whole baby shower with him in the same room?