Page 27 of The One That Got Away

‘But… but… is it evenappropriate? I mean, strictly speaking all of the couples have only just met, so I doubt anyone who won this would feel comfortable taking their clothes off in front of a stranger.’

‘I understand you may have some concerns, but most massages are done by strangers,’ Jasmine said. ‘The focus will be on your back and shoulders and Olga, ourRelaxation Facilitator, will be there the whole time. If it makes you feel better, we can arrange it for later in the trip so you have time to get more comfortable with one another?’

Even if she arranged it next century it wouldn’t be long enough.

‘Maybe we’ll let you know?’ Max said.

‘I’ll leave you both to celebrate,’ Jasmine smiled. ‘Today’s group activity is done. Feel free to dine together in the restaurant for dinner, oh, and don’t forget to submit your playlists. Enjoy!’ She walked off.

I’d forgotten about those stupid playlists.

‘I’m going to my room.’ I strode away quickly before Max had a chance to say anything.

Once I got inside, I jumped on the bed and screamed into the pillow. I was trying, but this was so difficult.

I couldn’t sit through a dinner with Max tonight. And I definitely couldn’t go to a couple’s massage lesson with him. Imagine a whole hour of him running his hands all over my back.

An image of his bare chest, incredible arms and his toned arse in those swimming trunks flashed through my head.

Then I thought about the way he’d looked out for me when my bikini top flew off. And the tingles that’d raced through me when our fingers intertwined after we’d high-fived. We used to always hold hands.

Then I remembered the way he’d yanked his hand awayfrom me in the pool when he realised he was still holding mine. Like he was repulsed. My stomach twisted.

This was too much. I just wanted to go home.

I reached for my phone. I’d already had two missed calls from Mum. I had to call her back. She’d probably be worried.

‘Hi, Mum.’ I flipped myself over on the bed and stared up at the ceiling.

‘Hi! How’s it going over there? You having fun?’

‘It’s… the hotel’s lovely and the weather’s great here. Much better than in London,’ I said, trying to focus on the positive.

‘That’s all lovely, but tell me about your date! Is he handsome? Where’s he from? Tell me everything!’

‘It’s Max.’

‘What’sMax?’

‘My date. They’ve set me up with Max. My ex.’

‘No!’ she gasped. ‘Oh. Wow. That’s… a surprise.’

‘Tell me about it!’

‘And I’m guessing you’re not thrilled?’

‘Nope. Mum, it’s so hard.’

‘I can imagine. But you were just kids back then. This doesn’t have to be a bad thing. He was always a sweetheart, well until, y’know, all that terrible stuff happened. What’s he like now?’

‘He’s… he’s aged well. We haven’t spoken much because it was such a shock. We played a volleyball tournament today. We won, but something embarrassing happened.’

I filled Mum in on the bikini mishap, which she laughed about, and told her how Max had stepped in. I also explained everything about the daily activities and our silly Love Tasks.

‘It all sounds great, sweetie. I know it’s difficult, but you’re doing really well. Despite your differences, you and Max worked together today and you won a whole tournament. That’sbrilliant. People change. Just give it a few more days and then reassess, okay?’

‘Okay.’ My shoulders relaxed a little. ‘I’ll try.’

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