Page 48 of Another Lucky Number

‘The resort shouldn’t stand for that.’

‘No, they shouldn’t. But apparently, he wasn’t as bad before.’ I fill them in on what Charnice told me.

‘You realise there’s a good chance this guy’s going to be at your presentation on Monday,’ says Amber. ‘If he’s got that much power and influence.’

‘That thought has already crossed my mind.’ My hand goes to my stomach, which is churning unpleasantly. ‘I take it James hasn’t replied yet?’

‘No, not yet.’

With these two issues weighing heavily on me, I feel quite deflated. It must show because Cat puts her arms around me and gives me a big hug, which I lean into.

‘Don’t let this stuff throw you off track, honey,’ she says. ‘By Monday we’ll have you ready for anything – even that nasty man. The issue with James will be resolved too. It’s just a misunderstanding.’

‘I hope you’re right.’ I sigh, closing my eyes.

‘What’s more interesting is why he’s here in the first place,’ says Amber.

‘It’s odd, isn’t it?’ I say.

‘It sure is…’ says Cat, who purses her lips as if she’s trying to work it all out, then seems to quickly give up. ‘Why don’t you grab a lounger and lie here for a bit? Give that poor brain of yours a rest. There’s nothing on your schedule till lunch now anyway.’

‘Good idea.’ I get up and commandeer the empty lounger next to her. ‘Can I borrow some lotion? Didn’t come prepared for sunbathing.’

Cat tosses the bottle across to me, and I apply the sunscreen while gazing out across the turquoise water, where a couple of windsurfers are balancing precariously on their boards. It’s windier today than the previous days, making the water choppier and the waves taller – creating a bigger challenge for them.

Once I’ve lotioned-up, I pass the bottle back to Cat, and settle back on my lounger.

‘Ahh… that’s better. Think I need this downtime.’

I close my eyes and focus on nothing but the feeling of the warm rays on my skin. It feels good, and to my surprise, I’m able to park my personal dilemmas for now. In fact, I’m on the verge of nodding off when a high-pitched screech breaks through the quiet of the beach. Lifting my head, I see a huge muscular man holding a woman in a fireman’s lift. He’s cantering towards the water, with her pounding his back, shouting at him to put her down – much to the amusement of their holiday companions and other onlookers. It’s all very good natured, but I can’t help feeling embarrassed on the woman’s behalf as she hangs there inelegantly with her backside on display.

Once the show is over, I’m settling back into my sunbathing, when I spot three bare chested men walking along the beach in our direction, chatting and laughing together. Squinting across at them, I do a sharp intake of breath and reach across to prod Cat on the shoulder.

‘Is that him?’

She stares in the direction I’m pointing in. ‘I think so…’

Amber sits up. ‘That’s him all right. Nice body. He’s no Sébastien, but I doubt there are many men who’d rival his physique.’ She turns to me. ‘Well, what are you waiting for? Get over there.’

I puff out my cheeks, suddenly feeling immensely insecure. ‘He’s with his friends. What if he tells me to bugger off?’

‘Then you can sleep with any other single man on this resort with a clear conscience.’

‘Helpful, thanks.’

‘Shut up and move your arse.’

‘OK, wish me luck…’ I get up from my lounger and straighten my beach dress.

‘Good luck!’ Cat calls after me.

I pick my way across the fine white sand towards James and his friends, who are closer to the shoreline.

‘James, hi,’ I call across to him when I’m close enough to do so.

He and his friends’ look over and he appears to excuse himself, while they continue to walk on and come to a stop at enough of a distance to give us our privacy.

‘Hi, Emma,’ he says when we reach each other. ‘Were you looking for me for something?’

---