Page 30 of Another Lucky Number

‘What do you think, Cat?’ I ask. ‘Do you think he’ll hook up with other women on his trip?’

She grimaces at the weight of this question. ‘Honestly, honey? I don’t know. He doesn’t seem like a player and he’s obviously keen on you, but what someone intends to do and what happens in the moment can be two different things. I know that’s not what you want to hear, sorry.’

‘Don’t apologise. I’d rather you were honest with me.’ My heart sinks a little.

‘But I do think Amber’s advice is good,’ she adds. ‘I’d put it out of your mind, because it’s out of your control. You’ll find out in time if he’s the right guy for you. And right now, all the signs are positive.’

‘They are, aren’t they?’

‘Yes. They are. Just keep reminding yourself that he’s not Dave. He’s a totally different person. Seems much more respectful.’

‘Thanks, Cat. That makes me feel a bit better. And Mike? He’s still missing you like crazy?’

‘Yes.’ She sips at her drink with a bashful smile. ‘Sends messages to that effect every couple of hours.’

‘Aww… that’s so sweet.’

‘Aww…that’s so barf.’ Amber rolls her eyes. ‘Right, I’m calling time on this. Not the slightest bit of action in any of that, so let’s get to work.’

Cat and I share a look of she’s-just-jealous and reluctantly shift our focus to my prep.

Two hours later, we’re mildly sozzled and I’ve planned out the (high level) content of my presentation, which is looking pretty good if I may so myself. And that’s not the drink talking.

‘OK, that’s enough of that side of things,’ says Amber. ‘You’ve got a solid foundation there.’

‘And in case you haven’t noticed, you’ve come up with all of it yourself,’ says Cat. ‘Amber and I have just been a sounding board. That must surely give you some confidence that you can be ready for this by Monday.’

‘Yeah, maybe,’ I say, scrolling back through my notes on Cat’s iPad. ‘But that wasn’t the hard part. It’s about how I come across on the day.’

‘I know, but from what I’ve seen here, I’d hire you. Wouldn’t you as well, Amber?’

‘Only if Emma agreed to G&T Thursdays – every week,’ she says. ‘Failure to attend would result in immediate disciplinary action, and likely dismissal.’

‘That’s a yes.’ Cat laughs. ‘High praise from all involved. Now, let’s get onto the fun bit. What can you do to give your presentation that extraje ne sais quoi?’

‘I see what you did there.’ I give her a toothy smile before considering her question. ‘I’m drawn to the idea of taking things from a fresh angle.’

‘That sounds good. What do you have in mind?’

‘That’s the problem. I have no idea. I’ve been chewing on it since this morning, but I can’t seem to come up with anything.’

‘What about a theme of some sort?’ says Cat. ‘Though I’m not sure what.’

‘How about a Caribbean twist of some sort, or… I know…. beach party,’ says Amber. ‘You could present in your swimwear to keep with the holiday vibe. Might earn you some extra points with Sébastien the sex god too.’ She gives me a sly wink.

I stare at her in disbelief. ‘I don’t even know where to start with that. I thought you were meant to be useful.’

‘I’m trying to help you think creatively. Nothing should be off limits at this point – it’s the process that’s important. Consider even the most far-out ideas and you might have a moment of genius.’

‘Fair enough,’ I concede. ‘But I do not want to stand in front of a sea of strangers essentially in my underwear. That’s the stuff of nightmares – like when I dream I’m at work and I’ve forgotten to put my trousers on.’

‘I’ve had that one.’ Cat wrinkles her nose. ‘It’s horrible. Only with me it happens on a date.’

‘That’s surely related to our insecurities: mine being work and yours being men. Anyway, now we’ve done bikinis and missing trousers, what else could… hang on…that’s it!I’ve got it. I know what angle I’m going to take. Amber, you’re a genius.’ I get up and pull her into a bear hug.

‘Oi! Get off,’ she complains, trying to escape me.

I quickly fill them in on my thinking and then we kick back to enjoy some well-deserved down time.

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