Page 69 of It's All Sun and Games

‘What, you’re just like at some random person’s wedding?’ she replies.

I laugh, because I know it must sound weird.

That said, given that Bari Cathedral is a tourist attraction, there are people absolutely everywhere, mingling in with the wedding party – even taking photos of the happy couple. It’s kind of strange but, then again, it might make Lucia and Dario feel like movie stars, which is pretty cool.

‘There’s… a lot going on,’ I say simply. ‘I don’t know if I have time to fill you in now.’

‘Give me the quick version,’ she insists.

I guess I’m coming clean then. I take a deep breath.

‘I decided to meet up with An-dree-a, my Italian pen-friend from school, but when I arrived, it turned out that she was a he, An-dre-a, and through a series of strange events and misunderstandings, his family assumed I was his fiancée, and then through a separate series of strange events and misunderstandings, everyone from work assumed he was my fiancé. So we decided to pretend, to help each other out, and Rick roped him into being the translator for the trip, and now I’m at his sister’s wedding, and… it’s been a lot, but it’s all good. Work is going well, Liz isn’t happy that I’m getting attention, and, Priya, you’re not going to believe it – James wants me. I guess, I don’t know, seeing me taken, it’s woken him up. So, yeah, a lot going on.’

The phone is silent.

‘Priya?’ I prompt her.

‘Yeah, I’m here, I’m just… wow,’ she replies.

‘Yeah, it’s a lot, right?’

‘It’s…’

I don’t think she knows what to say.

‘Robin, are you okay?’ she asks me simply.

‘I’m great,’ I reply.

‘You sound great,’ she points out. ‘It’s weird.’

I laugh.

‘I’ll explain properly, when I have more time,’ I tell her. ‘But, not to make you too jealous, I’m having a great time.’

‘I was calling to see if you needed help with your pitch,’ she replies.

‘Andrea has been helping me,’ I say. ‘Giving me the scoop on all things Italian. I’ve been keeping my cards close to my chest with the others, and working on my pitch while I’ve been in my room alone on a night. I’m really proud of it.’

‘You are still sleeping alone then?’ she checks with a chuckle.

‘Yes,’ I say – that will do for now.

‘Well, I’ll let you get back to your fiancé’s sister’s wedding then,’ she says. ‘But before you go, come on then, what’s this Andrea like?’

‘He’s amazing,’ I tell her honestly.

I glance over at him, watching him pose for a photo in between Lucia and Dario. He looks so happy for them and it only makes him even more attractive.

‘He’s so kind, funny, handsome, intelligent, talented,’ I continue. ‘He’s the whole package.’

Priya laughs.

‘James who, hey?’ she jokes.

Her words stop me in my tracks.

‘Robin,’ a voice calls out.

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