‘What are you going to do?’
‘I have absolutely no idea. My head is spinning. I didn’t sleep a wink last night.’
‘Are you going to keep it?’
‘I’m not sure I can face the alternative.’
‘I suppose it might not work out… naturally…’
‘I’m hoping that. But what if it does? What the hell will I do then? What do I do now?’
‘Have you told Luca?’
‘No. I needed time to think, so I pretended I was visiting a friend who was passing through the area. I hired a car and drove out to some random village. That’s where I am now. I can’t tell him; he will completely freak out. And I’m leaving in three weeks, so the timing couldn’t be worse. I’m starting my new job – what will they think if I turn up pregnant?!’
‘Don’t worry about any of that, Libby. It’s not ideal, I admit, but it’s their problem, not yours, if they don’t like it. You’ll have it covered by your contract and they’ll have to comply. The only thing you need to worry about right now is yourself. You need to concentrate on looking after yourself and you need to tell Luca.’
‘Do you think? Shouldn’t I just wait and see—?’
‘Libby, he’s going to know something is up. You can hardly hide a secret like that from your boyfriend… Anyway, it’s not fair on you that you should try and handle this by yourself. Just because you’re the woman doesn’t mean you need to deal with it alone. Tell him.’
‘You’re right, you’re right. I know I have to tell him. I just cannot even begin to imagine what his reaction will be.’
‘There’s only one way to find out. He has a right to know.’
‘I’m terrified!’ Libby rubbed her forehead with her hand. ‘This is the kind of thing you always hear about and think thank god it’s not happening to me. But itishappening to me. I amthatgirl. The girl who got pregnant out of wedlock, in a new relationship, in another bloody country…’
‘Libby, everything happens for a reason. You know that. If this is meant to be it will somehow work out. Maybe Luca will move to London; maybe you will end up getting married. Life doesn’t always have to happen in the order you would expect.’
‘God, I can’t even think that far ahead.’
‘Don’t. Just take each day as it comes, that’s all you can do. Look, Libs, I’m so sorry but I’ve got to go into a meeting…’
‘OK. But Jules, you have to swear to me one thing…’
‘Anything.’
‘Swear you won’t tell Angus.’
‘Really?’
‘I mean it, Jules. Promise me. This is just between you and me… I don’t wantanyoneelse to know. What if it all disappears by itself anyway? There is no point upsetting anyone and I know how Angus will react—’
‘But—’
‘No buts, Jules, I mean it. Do you swear?’
‘OK, I swear, don’t worry…’
‘Promise?’
‘I promise… now I’ve really got to go…’
‘OK, don’t worry, off you go.’
‘You’ll be fine. Good luck. You are doing the right thing.’
‘Thanks.’
