Page 17 of The One That Got Away

Just as I got up to leave, Jasmine came in.

‘Stella, hi,’ she said softly. ‘Manuel explained what happened and I just saw Max outside too, I…’

‘I’m sorry, but I’ve got to go.’

‘Wait. Please. Just give me two minutes.’

I paused and sat back down.

‘I’m listening.’

‘Now I understand that obviously it’s a shock to arrive here expecting to meet someone new then discover that you’ve been matched with your ex. Believe me, I understand. I recently got divorced and if my ex turned up, I’d freak out too. But the algorithms don’t lie. And neither do our experts. We work with the best matchmakers and relationship gurus in the business. The track record for matching couples successfully at this hotel is flawless. So as uncomfortable as it may seem right now, please try and trust the process. You’ve come all this way. Taken time off work. Invested a lot of money coming here. Don’t throw it all away without even giving it a go.’

‘Can’t you just give me a refund?’

‘I’m going to ask you some questions and I need you to answer truthfully, please.’

‘Okay.’ I shuffled in my seat.

‘Was Max ever violent or abusive towards you in any way?’

‘No, never.’ I shook my head.

‘Did he cheat?’

‘No. That’s not why we broke up.’

‘Well, then, I’m sorry, but I’m afraid a refund won’t be possible. It’s in the terms and conditions. All bookings are final.’

I hadn’t read the small print but Jasmine seemed genuine. If Max had been abusive then it seemed like they’d reconsider, but I wasn’t about to lie about something as serious as that.

He’d still hurt me though and right now, I’d rather spend two weeks in the dentist’s chair than suffer through a single minute with him. But this trip had cost Mum a lot of money and she’d already warned me not to try and pay her back. If I left now, herhard-earned savings would go to waste and just thinking about that made me sick to the stomach.

‘It’s just… things ended badly between us.’

‘I get that. I really do. How long ago did you date?’

‘Twelve years ago. We broke up when I was nineteen.’

‘So you’re probably completely different people now. I know it won’t be easy, but try and see this as an opportunity to clear the air. At least have dinner together. The new chef here isgorgeous, I mean, hisfoodis delicious,’ she blushed. Sounded like someone had a little crush. ‘So you’ll enjoy the food, even if at first the company isn’t to your taste.’

‘Okay.’ I exhaled loudly. ‘I’ll try. Do you have a dry cleaners nearby?’

‘We can arrange for clothes to be cleaned, why?’

‘Because I noticed Max is wearing a white shirt and if he upsets me, which I can guarantee will happen, I can’t promise that I won’t throw my sangria all over him.’

Jasmine’s mouth turned up into a smile.

‘Don’t worry. I’ll have our dry cleaners on standby. Shall we go?’

‘I suppose.’

I stood up and walked to the door, my heart thundering against my ribcage.

After years of wondering why Max acted the way he did towards me, it looked like I was finally going to get an explanation.

But whether I was ready to hear it was a different story.

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