I think I actually laughed out loud before I fell asleep.

“I didn’t catch her name, I’m sorry,” said Maureen, as she handed Ellen the phone. “Sorry to interrupt your walk, but she sounds like she’s crying.”

“Of course, of course.” Ellen took the phone nervously. What now?

She cleared her throat. “Hello?”

A woman’s snuffly voice bubbled from the phone.

“Ellen, listen, I’m so sorry to call you at this time of night, but I only just found out and I had to call you straightaway, to tell you and to apologize for my shocking behavior yesterday. It was just inexcusable.”

The voice was familiar but Ellen couldn’t place it. Someone with a bad cold. She’d seen someone with a bad cold just recently. Who was it?

“I’m not sure—”

“I’m pregnant, Ellen.”

“Luisa!” Ellen thought back to Luisa’s furious, pale face as she’d demanded her money back. In hindsight, it was obvious. Of course she was pregnant. She’d had that particular washed-out look about her that Ellen had seen on her own face in the bathroom mirror. It was just that Luisa had been so angry about not being pregnant that Ellen hadn’t recognized it. “My doctor had been trying to call me. We were meant to be starting our next round of IVF, and my doctor called and said, ‘You can’t start this cycle,’ and I said, ‘What’s the problem?’ and she said, ‘The problem is you’re pregnant.’ A natural pregnancy! After all these years! And it’s all due to you! You got me pregnant!”

“I think your husband might have something to do with it,” said Ellen.

“I can’t believe I asked you for my money back. I’m horrified by my behavior. I was crazy with jealousy and I don’t know—just crazy!” She lowered her voice slightly. “Also, I don’t know if you know, but the Daily News is writing a story about you.”

“Yes,” said Ellen. “I know.”

“I’m so, so sorry, but I ran into Ian Roman when I was leaving your place, and maybe he intimidated me a bit, or I was sort of starstruck—well, I’m just looking for excuses for my inexcusable behavior really. He gave my details to a journalist and she interviewed me, and now I’m just sick about the things that I said. I’ve left her about thirty messages trying to withdraw my comments. If it’s too late and this story appears, you’ll have to sue me. I’m serious. It’s the only answer. Sue me for every penny I’ve got. I haven’t got that many pennies, but you sue me for them. I deserve it.”

She paused and her voice became muffled as she spoke to someone else. “But it’s true! I deserve it!” It seemed like Luisa’s husband wasn’t quite so keen on being sued.

“I think I’ve managed to get the story stopped for a few days,” said Ellen.

“Oh, thank God! Well, when the journalist calls me back, I’m going to set her straight. I’m going to tell her that you’re a miracle worker.”

“Please don’t tell her that,” said Ellen. “Seriously.”

“Well, I’m just going to tell her the truth. This is a miracle baby. Oh, sorry, Ellen, I’ve got to go, my parents have just arrived, but thank you, seriously, and once again my deepest, deepest apologies.” Her voice skidded up with delight. “Dad, I can’t drink champagne!”

Ellen heard a man’s voice say, “Well, Grandpa sure can!”

“Congratulations,” she said. “Congratulations to all of you,” but Luisa had already put the phone down.

She inhaled. Exhaled. She got a bit teary thinking about the Grandpa-to-be with the bottle of champagne. Oh, God, it was still early days. If she was getting the credit for Luisa’s pregnancy, would she get the blame if something went wrong? But still, her professional reputation appeared to be safe for a few more days.

She went back into the dining room. Patrick was leaning over his mother’s chair following the progress of the Monopoly game, while his father marched his token around the board, shaking his head dolefully.

“Pay up! Pay up!” shouted Jack. “Triple the rent!”

“I think you’ve bankrupted him, darling,” said Maureen hopefully. “Does that mean we’re done?”

“Everything OK?” Patrick looked at Ellen.

“It’s good,” said Ellen. “Tell you later.”

“Hand over the cash, dude.” Jack held his palm out to his grandfather.

“It’s late, we probably should wrap this game up soon,” said Patrick.

“But you said I was having the day off school tomorrow,” protested Jack.

“Yes, but the point was so you could rest.”

“I slept all day,” said Jack. He did appear to be bursting with good health now, his eyes bright and clear.

“He’s full of beans,” said Maureen. “But you two look exhausted. Why don’t you let him stay with us tonight?”

“I don’t know,” said Patrick. “After last night, I’d rather—”

“We’ll take him to McDonald’s for breakfast as a special treat,” said Maureen casually. She concentrated on rattling the dice in her cupped hands.

“Yes!” said Jack. “Hash browns!”

“Mum,” said Patrick, but Ellen could see he didn’t have the energy to argue. Her own mother would be up against a formidable adversary in the battle for ruling grandma.