Page 56 of Another Lucky Number

‘James, hi.’

I flush heavily from being caught in this compromising position, while probably once again modelling the look of the undead. I swipe at my under eyes and hope for the best.

‘What’s going on?’ He regards me with a quizzical expression. ‘You looked like you were ready to throttle those kids.’

‘No… I wasn’t… I was…Oh, what the hell.’ I let out a peep of frustration. ‘Not sure you can judge me any more than you already are.They’re wee buggers!Soaked me three times with their water pistols – and the third time was definitelydeliberate. They took aim and fired like they were a professional hit squad.’

‘I see. That’s not acceptable. But… what exactly were you planning to do to them if you caught them?’

‘I… erm… don’t know. Is it not OK to grab them by the scruff of their necks and march them to their parents anymore?’ I decide that humour is the only way out of this one.

‘Pretty sure that would land you in a cell for the night.’ James’s mouth twitches with amusement.

‘Right, well maybe I’ll leave them be then.’

‘Probably for the best. Want to meet my mates?’

He jerks a thumb towards two blokes standing about twenty feet away, who seem to be watching our exchange with interest. I want to die on the spot. It’s bad enough that James witnessed me in this compromising situation, never mind them too – and especially after their first impression of me wasn’t the best. James is at least familiar with my unfortunate habit of embarrassing myself in public.

‘Shit. I can’t believe they saw that.’ I self-consciously swipe at my under eyes again.

‘They won’t judge you. Not too much anyway,’ he adds with a chuckle.

‘That really doesn’t help. Let me go clean myself up and I’ll see you by the pool.’

‘Good plan. Now can I trust you not to take off after those children again the minute my back is turned?’

‘Too soon, James.’ I shoot him faux daggers – while stifling a giggle at my own expense – and stalk off towards the pool, my face burning with humiliation.

Once I’ve cleaned myself up for a second time, I make my way back across to Amber and Cat, noting with irritation that the woman who took my lounger has already vacated it. They sit up as I approach.

‘Where haveyoubeen?’ says Amber.

‘Are you OK, honey?’ Cat appears to spot my less than cheerful demeanour.

‘No. I’m having a crap afternoon.’ I plonk myself down on the empty lounger. ‘After those little brats soaked me here, some nasty woman dumped my stuff on the ground and stole my lounger. Then after I moved, the wee bastards soaked me again – on purpose – and I went after them, only to be caught doing so by James.’

Amber snorts with laughter. ‘You went after them? What were you planning to do?’

‘That’s exactly what James asked me.’ I huff.

‘And?’

‘I don’t know. Talk to their parents, maybe? Anyway, the point is… I’m not managing to relax at all, so shall we do my interview prep?’

Amber shoots Cat a look I can’t decipher and Cat seems to subtly shake her head.

‘What’s going on?’ I glance from one to the other. ‘Tell me.’

Amber appears to weigh up what Cat was communicating to her before seemingly disregarding it. ‘Emma, I’ve got something to tell you that’s not going to improve your mood.’

‘Oh god, what now?’

‘I went by reception to ask about excursions for our remaining days after your interview and Charnice told me there’s been an error with our reservation. Apparently, she had been looking for you to talk to you about it.’

‘What kind of error?’

‘It turns out they’ve only got us booked in until tomorrow and the resort is full. They’re not sure how it happened, but it makes no difference because they’re moving us to another one.’

---