Eric pulled up in his car. “Thought I’d find you here.”
“Just imagining the possibilities.”
I turned to him. “Want to see inside?”
We walked through empty rooms that echoed with our footsteps. Sophie and Jaime had planned their whole future here. The nursery upstairs. The kitchen remodel. The garden parties.
“When are you telling them?” Eric asked.
“Soon.” I walked to the bay window, the one Sophie had gushed about on social media. “They’re having a girl, you know. Found out today.”
“Ivy, don’t.”
I pressed my hand against the cool glass. “Don’t make me feel guilty about this. They didn’t feel guilty about what they did to me.”
My phone buzzed again. This time I looked. It was Sophie’s housewarming invitation sent to the entire family group chat.
Join us in celebrating our new home. Can’t wait to share this special moment with everyone we love.
Eric read over my shoulder. “She still doesn’t know.”
“No.” I smiled, remembering the renovation schedule I had just approved. “But she will. Very soon.”
I took one last look around what would have been their dream home. In thirty days, the contractors would arrive. In thirty-one days, Sophie and Jaime would realize exactly what they had lost. And I would be there to watch it all unfold.
“You’re different lately,” Denise said, studying me over lunch. “Calmer. Almost scary calm.”
I stirred my salad, watching lettuce leaves swirl like tiny green boats. “I’m just focused on work.”
“Please. You’re plotting something.” She leaned closer. “Spill.”
Before I could respond, Sophie walked into the restaurant, her baby bump now obvious under her flowing dress. I ducked behind my menu, but it was too late.
“Ivy.” She waddled over, Jaime trailing behind her. “I’ve been trying to reach you for weeks.”
“I’ve been busy.” I kept my voice light, professional. The restaurant was full of my colleagues.
“Congratulations on the gender reveal.”
“You’d know more if you came to family dinners.” Sophie pulled up a chair uninvited. “We miss you.”
Jaime stood awkwardly beside her. “Hey, Ivy.”
I ignored him, gathering my things. “Sorry. I have a meeting.”
“Wait.” Sophie grabbed my arm. “The housewarming party. You’re coming, right? We found another house. Even better than the Victorian.”
“Everything happens for a reason, you know.”
I met her eyes. “Does it?”
“Of course. Like me and Jaime. Sometimes the universe knows better than we do.”
Denise choked on her water.
“The universe,” I repeated.
I stood up. “Right. Well, I wouldn’t miss your housewarming for anything.”
Outside, Denise caught up with me. “Okay. What was that? You looked like you were about to either cry or start a scene.”
“Neither.” I checked my phone. An email from the contractors confirming next week’s start date. “I’m just giving the universe a little help.”
Back at the office, Eric was waiting by my desk.
“Emergency best friend meeting. Now.”
He dragged me to the stairwell, our usual spot for private conversations.
“I just overheard Jaime on the phone. He’s in trouble, Ivy. Big trouble.”
“What kind of trouble?”
“Gambling debts. He’s been betting on sports, losing big. That’s why they couldn’t get the house loan.”
I leaned against the wall. “Does Sophie know?”
“No. He’s telling everyone they chose a different house because it’s better for the baby.” Eric ran a hand through his hair. “This changes things, right?”
“Changes what?”
“Your plan. I mean, they’re already suffering. Maybe that’s enough.”