Page 21 of Another Lucky Number

I look out across the gardens as a momentary self-check. I’m feeling many things, some of which aren’t entirely pleasant, but queasy is no longer one of them.

‘Yes, I am.’ I smile at Sébastien. ‘Let’s go eat.’

‘Excellent.’ He pats my arm in a gesture that I interpret as think-no-more-about-the-misread-romantic-moment, which hasthe effect of making me think of nothing else, all the way back to our table.

A short time later, we’ve demolished our delicious main courses of fresh snapper, which was a fish I hadn’t tried before, as well as a scrumptious dessert, and we’re rounding off our meal with a rum liqueur. Despite Sébastien’s offer to tell me more about the job, the conversation has been friendly and informal. I’m dying to know more, but I’m determined not to be the one to bring it up. With Amber having sold me as corporate personality of the year, and that being the driving factor for this whole professional encounter, I can’t afford to drop that façade. Instead, I make a show of enjoying Sébastien’s company and engaging in light-hearted, intelligent conversation to ensure that any doubts he might have after our unfortunate encounter in the gardens are washed away.

Eventually, when I’m starting to wonder if he has indeed changed his mind, he finally gets to the point.

‘Alors, Emma...’ His gaze lands on me in a manner that’s just too sexy for its own good. ‘Shall we bring this back to business?’

‘Sure. Sounds good.’ I mentally block out his magnetising effect and give a relaxed smile, hoping he’s buying my laid-back act. ‘I’m keen to hear more about the role.’

‘Of course. It is a strategic level role to support the company’s growth strategy. Essentially, it is about scoping out resorts with potential and overseeing the end-to-end acquisition process for the ones we buy up. They have to be integrated into the company financially, from a branding perspective, and also culturally. Does that make sense?’

‘It does. I’ve worked on a few acquisitions in the past. It sounds like a very interesting and challenging job.’

Sébastien’s done more than pique my interest. Until now, Ididn’t even know this type of job existed. This is it. It’s the dream career I’ve been seeking: in a totally different sector to my main professional experience, but I can tell from what Sébastien’s saying, that it’s a reasonably good match to my skills and experience. And as Amber said, if I don’t put myself out there, how will I ever find the right opportunities?

‘Can you tell me a bit about your experience, Emma?’ says Sébastien. ‘Perhaps a quick summary of your CV?’

‘Erm… sure.’

Though I should have been prepared for this question, I find myself caught off guard – probably due to my brain being in holiday mode.

‘Let’s see… until recently I held a strategy and planning role within a FTSE 100 company…’

I give Sébastien a comprehensive run through of my professional experience, and I’m pleased to find that I don’t have to embellish it at all. I just omit the fact that my ex-boss, Karla, had me do most of her work and stole all the credit. As I talk, I’m almost surprised by how articulate I sound and how much I’m enjoying talking shop. With my dreadful relationship with Karla having taken centre stage in my previous job, my confidence had taken a knock and any sense of achievement and self-fulfilment had evaporated. I knew I was good at what I did and I got a lot out of it. I just forgot.

‘Well, Emma…’ Sébastien, who has been listening intently, addresses me once I’m done. ‘It sounds like you have quite an impressive skillset: in a different industry with different challenges, but the nuances of the hospitality industry can be learned.’

‘I agree. I made the transition from retail to financial services several years ago – in a more junior capacity, of course, but the premise is the same. A change of industry is exactly what I’m looking for and just the challenge I need.’

‘OK. Let me talk you through the selection process then.’

As Sébastien shares the interview and assessment approach, I sit forward, genuinely riveted by this experience. I can feel that familiar rumble of career hunger rising within me. Though I undoubtedly have moments where common sense evades me, I know I’m sharp and I’ve always done well in the roles I’ve held. In fact, until Karla got her claws into me, I was regarded as a serial high performer.

Well, watch out world… Professional Emma is back and it feels good.Really good.

‘Emma? Is that all right with you?’

Shit, I wasn’t listening. I’ve no idea what Sébastien has asked me. I should have saved my self-acclamation for after dinner. Scrutinising his face uncertainly, I decide it’s probably best to agree rather than admit I wasn’t focused on the conversation.

‘Um… yes, of course. That’s totally fine. I’m easy going with these things.’ I give a little wave of my hand to accentuate this trait.

‘Super.’ Sébastien looks pleased with my answer. ‘Your flexibility will certainly work in your favour, Emma. Not everyone would be willing to sacrifice their holiday for a job interview. Especially when they are already on it.’

Sacrifice my holiday?What the hell have I just committed to?I had (naively, I now realise) assumed all this would happen once I was home.

‘Yes, well, that’s me… always easy going.’ I force as genuine as smile as possible. ‘Um… the selection process you just shared with me, do you have a printed copy I can refer to as part of my preparation?’

‘Bien sûr, Emma. I will have all the information you need delivered to your suite. Please also speak to Charnice at reception about getting access to any resources you need – including a laptop if you do not have one with you.’

‘I don’t. Thanks, that’s great. And… when do you intend to make a decision by?’ I mentally cross my fingers that he hasn’t already told me this.

‘Monday. The same day as your assessment. I committed to the other candidates that they would hear back by the end of that day, so it must be a quick turnaround.’

‘Right.’ I place my palms on the table in an effort to ground myself. ‘So, I have three days to prepare.’

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