Page 100 of Another Lucky Number

I set down my forkful of food thoughtfully. ‘I probably could. If I didn’t have parents who continually breathe down my neck.’

‘Perhaps it’s their way of feeling relevant. Maybe they’re worried that if they let up then you won’t need them anymore.’

‘You know, I’ve never thought about it like that.’

‘Here’s a useful piece of wisdom that was once shared with me,’ he says. ‘Every interaction you have with another person is at least fifty per cent about them. Which means your parents probably have more going on in here than you might give them credit for.’ He taps the side of his head.

‘I like that. A fountain of wisdom you are. Is that what happens when you turn thirty?’ I reach across and tweak his nose.

‘Cheeky.’ He tickles me and I wriggle out of reach.

‘Seriously though. Maybe I do need to look at this differently. How many people get the opportunity to take some proper time out? Perhaps I should use some of the stuff I’ve learned through myinterview prep to finally stand up to my parents and do things my way. Who’s to say that a short career break wouldn’t be a really good thing? Maybe I could go travelling and see more places. Learn about different cultures.Thatwould be amazing.’

‘There you go. That’s one thing you could do. And maybe I could come with you? It’s not long ’til I finish my course. We could take a few months away –ifthings continue to go in the right direction for us as a couple.’

‘Yes. We could do that.’ I’m suddenly filled with giddy excitement at the thought. ‘I could pay for us both. We’d need to keep it affordable, but—’

‘Not a chance.’ James plucks my Rum Punch from my hand. ‘Think the booze and the sun are going to your head. I’ll be paying my own way. I’ve got savings left from my previous job as I said to you before, remember? And I’d been considering doing something anyway. My last bit of freedom before I embark on my own new career.’

‘OK, fine. Even better then.’ I snatch my drink back. ‘So, it’s a deal? We’re going travelling – if this works out between us?’

‘Looks like it.’ James clinks my glass. ‘We can start planning it and make reservations that are refundable just in case. Though let’s see if you’re still as enthusiastic when the booze has worn off – and after we’ve spent the next few days together.’

‘I get the feeling I will be.’

‘Me too. I like the idea of you as my travel buddy. Now, get some food down you to soak up the alcohol before you have any more crazy ideas.’

After what was undoubtedly one of the best experiences of my life, James and I return to the resort and get showered and changedin our respective suites. We’ve agreed to meet in the atrium at seven p.m., so we can go for a drink before dinner.

I take extra time getting ready to make sure I’m as irresistible as possible and I’m quite happy with the result. With a last look in the mirror, I admire my slinky burnt orange dress (which looks good with the hint of a tan I’m now developing), strappy sandals and shimmery eye makeup.Perfect.Even my hair looks good – so far. Hopefully this will have exactly the right effect.

‘Wowsers.’ James gives an impressed whistle as I totter across the atrium to meet him. ‘You look…wow.’

‘Thank you.’ I offer him my cheek to avoid smudging my lipstick and he threads his fingers through mine.

Across at the reception desk, Charnice shoots me an awestruck smile and clasps her heart. I can’t help but giggle, mouthing a friendly ‘thank you!’ back to her.

‘You look great too.’ I admire James’s smart jeans, shoes and dress shirt as we head out of the side door into the gardens. ‘Where are we off to?’

‘I thought we could start with some champagne at The Cave. That work for you?’

‘Absolutely.’

We chat easily while ambling through the resort gardens hand-in-hand, and as we pass the waterfront, I stop suddenly.

‘Can we FaceTime Lottie? I think she’d love to get a call from the two of us together.’ I open my clutch to retrieve my phone and blanch. ‘Aww, no… I’ve left my phone in my room.’

‘Don’t worry, I’ve got mine.’ James pulls his out of his back pocket and checks the screen. ‘We’re in luck, I’ve got a Wi-Fi signal.’

‘But… do you have her info?’

‘I do. Saved it before I left. I said I’d give her a call at some point so this is perfect.’

‘You did?’ My mouth drops open in shock and admiration.

He shrugs. ‘Figured she’d get bored as she was recovering, so yeah.’

‘You aretoosweet.’

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