Page 69 of Be Less Panda

‘OK then, but on one condition: you will not interfere.’

‘As if I would. Well, actually, I would if he looked dodgy.’

‘Olivia!’

‘Alright, I promise not to interfere. When are we flying out?’

‘Tomorrow morning.’

‘Tomorrow?? But I’ve got a hairdresser’s appointment.’

‘Don’t worry. I’ll go on my own.’

‘No, no. I can reschedule Julian. I’m sure he won’t charge me when I explain that I’m saving my best friend from potentially becoming a people trafficking victim.’

Nancy laughed. ‘At least you’ll have something interesting to talk about when he asks about your holidays. I’ll meet you at Orly airport at 12.30 pm.’

33

Mark walked into the hotel room and casually threw his camera on the bed. ‘How did it go?’ he asked.

‘Perfectly!’ Lucy smiled as she closed the lid on her laptop. ‘The laptop connected straightaway. I could hear everyone clearly now that Kizzy has setup that new meeting microphone gadget for the conference room. Even the video held up.’

She got up from the dressing table where she’d been working and hugged him. Harry had confirmed that everything went well at the Birmingham end too, so there was no reason why Lucy couldn’t keep her side of their marketing business going while she and Mark went travelling.

‘Did you enjoy your afternoon?’ she asked.

‘I did, but I’d rather you’d been there,’ he said, putting his arms around her waist.

‘I need to work sometimes.’

‘I know.’ He started kissing her neck.

‘Come on them. What did you get up to?’

‘I took a lot of photos and posted a few on Instagram, ’ he said. ‘I sat and watched the world or, to be more accurate, the tourists go by while I drank a hideously expensive coffee in St Mark’s Square and enjoyed seeing the likes and commentscome in. I reckon we could easily build up a good social media following on our travels.’

‘Why would anyone be interested in us?’

‘I’m allegedly quite attractive, and you don’t exactly turn milk sour, at least when you’ve got your makeup on,’ he grinned, dodging her playful slap and spinning her around onto the bed. ‘How many people our age would love to be doing what we’re doing now?’ he added as he pinned her to the bed.

‘What are you planning? An Only Fans channel?’

‘That could bring in some extra cash.’ He did an excellent job of appearing to give Lucy’s suggestion serious consideration.

‘I hope you’re joking, Mark Farnham.’

His face cracked into a smile. ‘Of course, I’m joking. I meant there must be loads of people who’d love to go travelling while working remotely. We could post tips and hints and look at getting some sponsors. What do you think? You’re the marketing guru.’

It would be better than having him moaning about doing a job he hated. ‘It could work, I suppose.’

‘Good. That’s settled then.’ Mark flopped back onto the pillow. ‘I’ve already planned our first Instagram-able outing for tomorrow morning.’

‘What are we doing?’

‘I’ve booked a gondola ride.’

‘That sounds very romantic.‘ She snuggled up to him and gave him a passionate kiss.

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