"What?No.What gave you that idea?"
Amelia palmed her large belly and stroked like only an expectant mother would.
"You're not telling your family you're married?"
"Nope. Not if I can help it.” Izzy shook her head several times for good measure. “Once we know for certain I'm not pregnant, we'll get a discreet divorce."
"Wow. Okay.”
“What?”
“I mean, does that exist?” Amelia asked.
"Leave me some hope," Izzy said with a groan as she plopped into one of the side chairs along the office wall near the couch.
Amelia moved to join her, lowering herself to the couch with all the grace she could muster.
"I mean, the last thing I need is for my family to know I screwed up on that level of epic, you know?"
"It was an honest mistake."
"And the wedding night?" Izzy grimaced, face hot as she blinked at her friend and fought off her embarrassment. When she said she didn’t do one-night stands, she meant it. And to have done one—literally one—and have it come back to bite her this way?
"Well, your parents might not approve, but there are worse things in the world. Let’s get real here."
Izzy covered her face with her hands. "What have I done? This is my punishment."
"You’re being silly. Punishment for what?" Amelia asked.
"For giving my parents such a hard time growing up. For dropping out of college and beauty school and all the other things I started and gave up on. This is the cherry on top, right here."
"Iz, you were trying to find your way. You always knew you wanted to be an artist, but from what you’ve told me, they pushed you into other things to deter you."
"They said I needed a way to pay the bills," Izzy said with a twist of her lips.
"Yeah, well, everyone has to find their own way. You’ve grown and matured and you're paying your own way now. That’s the important thing."
"I guess. I mean, I've had some lean months, but thankfully I've learned the art of saving and want versus need.”
“See? That’s maturity.”
“It also helps that London lets me work at the coffee shop if things are really bad, to help pay my rent."
"See? You’re paving the way on your own, so don't sell yourself short. It'll all work out. Just wait and see."
"Yeah, well, until then, I have to get through tomorrow, and you know how the Babes will be at that brunch. Are you sure you can't ditch work?"
"Now who's wanting me to be irresponsible?" Amelia shook her head, a sorrowful expression crossing her face. "You're on your own. Sorry. Filming will be tricky tomorrow and there's no way I can miss it."
"Fine. Make me face the firing squad myself."
Amelia's chuckle filled the room and drew a reluctant smile from Izzy.
"Tell me more about Everett,” Amelia ordered. “He's so—"
"Izzy! Where are you?" Sophia called, her voice echoing through the large house.
Izzy groaned but welcomed the interruption, whatever it took to steer clear of herhusband. "In here! Sorry."