Page 31 of Another Lucky Number

‘So, a successful first outing for the “School of Amber and Cat” then.’ Amber looks mighty pleased with herself as she slugs at her drink. ‘Sexy Sébastien’s not going to know what’s hit him.’

Chapter Fourteen

We’re enjoying our final wind down drink over some light-hearted chat, when I spot Sébastien entering the bar terrace.

‘Oh shit.Hide.’ I instinctively duck down under the table.

‘Honey, what are you doing?’ Cat looks at me in bewilderment.

‘It’s Sébastien. He can’t see me sitting here drinking. He’ll think I’m not taking this seriously.’

‘What? No, he won’t. He probably won’t even notice us. The bar’s quite…oh…no… he’s spotted us. He’s coming over.’

‘Shit. Shit. Shit. Do something. Stop him.’

‘Emma, don’t be ridiculous,’ says Amber. ‘The man won’t expect you to take a vow of abstinence from fun because you have an interview on Monday.’

‘Amber, please,’ I plead with her. ‘I’m begging you.’

‘All right.’ She gets up from her seat and I peer over the table top as she sweeps towards Sébastien like a heat seeking missile.

Moments later, when I’ve ducked down out of sight again, I hear her greet him.

‘Sébastien, how nice to see you again. How are you today? Having some time to yourself, I hope.’

‘Salut, Amber,’ he says. ‘My day is busy, but good. You are still enjoying your stay?’

‘Absolutely. It’s exquisite here,’ she simpers, in a very un-Amber-like way.

‘Bien. I am very pleased to hear this. Though I see Emma is not with you this afternoon.’

Sébastien may be making a statement, but it’s very much a question. I cower lower under the table, praying he won’t spot me.

‘No, she’s not,’ says Amber. ‘She’s in her suite working on her presentation. Wouldn’t hear of coming to the bar. She has some work ethic – though sometimes I wish she’d chill out and enjoy life a bit more.’

I purse my lips in irritation. This is a pointed comment aimed at me – not just Amber playing out her role as diverter in chief.

‘Emma is staying in her room to work?’ Sébastien sounds perplexed. ‘Mais, pourquoi?Why, when there is all this sunshine and these beautiful surroundings?’

‘That’s what I said to her. But would she listen?No.’

I awkwardly shift position, while filing a mental note to give Amber a proper briefing next time I ask her for a bailout. I’m willing her to wrap things up and send Sébastien on his way, when the conversation takes a turn in an alarming direction.

‘If Emma will not listen to you, then perhaps she will listen to me,’ says Sébastien. ‘I will go to her suite now and tell her she must still enjoy her holiday.’

Oh, for god’s sake.Amber had better pull off an Oscar winning performance now.

‘I don’t think that’s necessary,’ I hear her say. ‘Cat and I will talk to her later. Get her to see sense.’

I hold my breath, waiting for Sébastien’s reply.

‘No, Amber. I will follow up with Emma. She needs to hear this from me. Please excuse me while I go and speak with her.’

‘Really, there’s no need,’ Amber tries again, but there’s no reply, indicating that Sébastien has already left.

I cock my head above the table in time to see him striding through the door to the main resort building. Amber shoots across to our table.

‘Amber,what the hell?’ I say. ‘He’s gone to my room? You were meant to deal with it.’

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