Page 14 of Another Lucky Number

‘A bit?’

‘Well, you did have a good job before and you were churning out the work your boss was supposed to be doing. So, you are capable enough, you just never got the recognition. You also spent a good half an hour on the flight boring the shit out of usabout the charity donations you were making with your lottery win, did you not?’

‘That’s not even nearly the same thing.’

‘It still counts. You’ve also gifted money to your parents. And paid for me and Cat to be here with you on this freakin’ awesome trip. I consider that pretty charitable. Why not bend the truth a little? People embellish their CVs all the time to make themselves sound better than they are.’

I can’t help but smile. It feels good to imagine that there’s the tiniest smidgen of truth in what Amber is saying. Giving a resigned sigh, I start walking again.

‘OK, fair enough. It’s still a load of bollocks but at least there’s something of me hidden in there, however well concealed. I just wish you hadn’t done that, because now I feel stupid for being rejected.’

Amber catches up with me and pokes me in the ribs. ‘If you feel stupid then that’s your problem. Lesson number one from the School of Amber: you need to put yourself out there if you want to get anywhere. Sometimes things will work out, and sometimes they won’t. But a few setbacks along the way are totally worth it when you score something big. You’ll see.’

Cat materialises at my other side, linking arms with me ‘I have to say, honey, although that wasn’t comfortable for you – and Amber didn’t necessarily go about it in the right way – she does have a point. Successful people get where they are by being well networked and taking chances others might not. It doesn’t come naturally to me either, but I’ve had to do a bit of that in my career and it has paid off.’

With Cat (partially) joining forces with Amber on this one, it becomes clear that I may have to back down.

‘I suppose you’re right. But he wassohot. I’d have happily spent the next week and a bit salivating over him – instead of fruitlessly trying my luck for a job, then having to avoid him for the rest of the trip.’

‘I think you might be able to do both,’ says Amber.

‘I’m sorry… what?’

‘It was obvious he wants in your knickers. That’s why I mentioned the job thing. Hoped he was one of those men who thinks with their—’

‘Thanks, I get the picture.’ I frown at her. ‘So, wait a minute, you think he likes me?’

‘Totally,’ Cat chips in. ‘Kisses as a greeting, his concern for you when Amber kicked you in the leg… I’m assuming that’s what happened anyway. He was also paying you much more attention than the two of us.’

‘Well, in that case, maybe Icanforce myself to face him again.’

Cat and I giggle like schoolgirls, skipping back to our rooms, while Amber trails behind, pretending she doesn’t know us.

Back in my suite, after getting ready for bed, I punch in the code for the safe and retrieve my phone, which I had locked away to minimise my screen time during this trip. A true R&R experience does not involve endlessly scrolling through social media feeds. I’m also not expecting anything more than a few scam emails and a message from my mum checking I’m: a) not drinking the tap water; b) not spending too long in the sun; c) locking my valuables away; or more likely d) all of the above.

On illuminating the screen, I see that I’m right about my mum – this time it’s a reminder of the increased risks of alcohol in hot weather – but there’s also a new Messenger request: from a James McAdam. My heart leaps on seeing the familiar face staring back at me from the thumbnail photo beside the notification. A face I now know belongs to an amazing guy I’ll be going on a second date with when I get home.

He’s made contact.Already. And whileI’maway. This is huge. I’m suddenly filled with springy adolescent excitement, which instantly morphs into guilt on remembering I’ve spent the latter portion of my night lusting after another man.

Banishing this unwelcome feeling, I hit accept and lay my phone on the bedside table. It’s not likely I’ll hear from him straight away given it’s not even seven a.m. in the UK. He’s probably still asleep. However, within minutes, my phone buzzes with a message from him. I snatch it up and read it.

Hi Emma, how’s paradise? Hope it’s living up to your expectations? Been thinking about where to go on our next date. x

My face breaks into a girlish grin, my stomach fluttering so much that it feels like there’s an actual living, breathing butterfly in there. Ignoring the advice I’ve so readily dished out to Cat in the past about not being too available, I type out a response.

Hi, you’re up early! We’re having a fabulous time, thanks. Sun, sea and cocktails. What more can a girl want? So, you were thinking about our date, that’s nice. Tell me more… x

His reply comes just as swiftly.

Woke up early so thought I’d use the time productively. Was thinking… as you’re into extortionate plonk, how about wine tasting followed by dinner? x

I laugh out loud at his reference to our unfortunate first meeting – me fresh from a break up, unwittingly preparing to drown my sorrows with a two-thousand-pound bottle of wine pinched from my ex’s wine cupboard. The cheeky sod.

My phone pings again.

Too soon? x

I giggle at his humour. Just over a week ago – through my veil of hypersensitivity – I considered his behaviour rude and arrogant, but now I see it as playful and endearing.

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