Page 36 of Another Lucky Number

‘Yes, please. It’s just the three of us,’ says Cat.

The hostess gives a nod of acknowledgement and leads us to a table in the indoor part of the bar, where there’s a band set up but the live music doesn’t seem to have started yet. We’re then handed drinks menus by another member of staff.

‘I’m going to stay off the booze tonight and just have a club soda and lime.’ I cast mine aside, looking around at the décor which matches that of the terrace outside, giving the place a very cave-like feel.

‘Me too.’ Cat lays her own drinks list on the table. ‘This afternoon was enough.’

‘I’m with you.’ Amber does the same, triggering Cat and I to share a surprised but relieved look as the waiter returns.

‘Have you heard anything more from James since last night?’ Cat asks me, once our order is in.

‘No, and I’m not sure how much he’ll be in touch now he’s away on his own trip. Guess it’ll depend on his Wi-Fi access and…’ I trail off with a grimace.

‘And what?’

‘Whether he becomes “otherwise occupied”.’

‘I told you not to think about that,’ says Amber.

‘I haven’t been… until now.’

‘I bet he can’t stop thinking about you.’ Cat gives my hand a reassuring squeeze.

‘That’s not what you said before.’

‘Well, I’ve changed my mind. I think he’ll be so focused on you, he won’t even notice the other women around him.’

‘Oh, OK.’ I’m cheered by this, despite there being no rational reason for this. Sometimes blind faith is all we need to get us through.

Our drinks arrive and we sip at them quietly, lost in our thoughts, until the attractive and elegantly dressed lead singer introduces herself, and she and the band and kick off their set with Eric Clapton’sWonderful Tonight.

‘Wish I could sing like that.’ I lean on the table, gazing dreamily at the singer, whose voice is smooth and melty as butter.

‘Bet the punters in the karaoke bar the other night wished that too.’ Amber quips, and I jovially flick her with a napkin.

‘It got me noticed by Sébastien, didn’t it?’

‘Yeah, though I’m not sure anyone within a one-mile radius would have missed that yowling.’

‘And you were so much better? Hurling yourself around like you were possessed.’

We continue our sibling-like bickering until we’re interrupted by Cat.

‘Children… You might want to pipe down. Look who’s just arrived.’

We follow Cat’s gaze and our eyes land on Sébastien – who’s looking heart-stoppingly handsome in an open collar linen shirt and causal dinner jacket. He’s at the bar talking to two staff members – one male, the other female. They’re laughing and smiling. It’s obvious they have a lot of respect for him, but there’s something more to their behaviour. It’s like they’re fawning over him, in the way people do when they’re drawn to someone – and not necessarily sexually. It seems Sébastien’s magnetism can pull in anyone and everyone.

The male waiter pours him a glass of white wine and Sébastien appears to thank him, before turning and toasting the singer – who offers him a flirtatious smile in return. He then scans the room and I’m caught between wanting him to notice us and hoping he won’t. But before I can register what’s happening, Amber’s caught his eye and beckoned him over to join us. Returning her invitation with a broad grin, he sets off in our direction.

‘What did you do that for?’ I say. ‘He’s like my potential boss-to-be. I can’t relax if he’s sitting with us.’

‘This is a bonus research opportunity.’ Amber waggles her eyebrows at me. ‘Let’s see what “intel” we can glean from him to help with your prep. Plus, he’s great eye candy…Sébastien, how are you? Please come and join us. Can’t have you sitting by yourself again.’

‘Mesdames, bonsoir…’ Sébastien makes his way around each of us, this time offering double cheek kisses to all and an oxytocin-inducing waft of his aftershave. ‘You are all looking radiant. Emma, it is good to see that you have taken my advice.’

‘I have indeed.’ I beam back at him, automatically switching into best behaviour mode. ‘Andsuchgood advice it was too.’

I sense Amber prickling from Sébastien getting the credit when she and Cat had already put the plan he suggested in place. And I can’t help but enjoy it a little.

---