Page 97 of Another Lucky Number

My momentary optimism sinks like a stone. ‘I see. That’s OK. Other than a few moments of delusion, I was expecting that to be where things went.’ I punctuate this statement with a self-deprecating chuckle.

‘I am truly regretful that I am not able to offer it to you, Emma, especially when you were so keen for the challenge and you sacrificed your vacation time for this process.’

He does look like he means it, so as much as I’m disappointed, I can take comfort from that.

‘Sébastien, it’s fine, honestly. You gave me a fantastic learning opportunity, and for that I’m truly grateful.’

While my mind processes my ‘unsuccessful’ job candidatestatus, the thought that’s been haunting me all afternoon leaps to the surface, and I can’t help myself. Ihave toput it to bed.

‘Can I ask one question? It wasn’t because of Mr Miller, was it? The man who asked the last question at the presentation. He was—’

‘Rude and arrogant.’ Sébastien frowns. ‘You must not give him another thought. Monsieur Miller is a regular guest, and while some hospitality venues may allow their VIPs to behave in any way they wish, this does not apply at Paradis Resorts. He undermined the process for his own motivations – I was already aware of his complaints – and this I cannot accept. Please be assured that I will speak with him about this. I also have no doubt there is little substance to what he said.’

I wince. ‘Actually… I did overhear his conversation, but I genuinely didn’t mean to. He was being so loud and scathing about one of the housekeeping staff. I was shocked and it must have been clear from the expression on my face.’

‘Emma, if Monsieur Miller is going to talk like that in the bar, it will beverydifficult for anyone not to overhear him. I will say again only once – you must not give this another thought, and I ask for your discretion in what I have shared with you.’

‘Yes, absolutely. Not a word.’

‘Merci bien.’ He nods his appreciation. ‘Now, if I may, I would like to share some feedback with you?’

‘Yes, please. I’m always keen to know what I can do to improve.’

‘This is nothing less than I would expect of you. Your interview and presentation today were almost faultless, except for two things: you came across as nervous, which is perfectly understandable; and you showed a lack of understanding of some important strategic and financial aspects of the hospitality industry.’

‘I know. I would need to learn about those areas.’ I purse mylips thoughtfully, unsure whether to vocalise what else is on my mind. ‘Sébastien, there’s something I’d like to confess… No, wait, that makes it sound really bad. There’s something I’d like to share.’

‘Please, go on.’

‘The night we met in The Cave, Amber exaggerated… well, everything really. She “bigged me up” – if you understand what I mean – and I was furious with her for that. At first, I was going to decline your interview invitation, but she convinced me to go for it, and I guess I stupidly thought maybe I had a chance. I always felt “kept down” in my previous roles, so I wanted a chance to prove myself – which it turns out I haven’t. I’m sorry if that means I wasted your time.’

Sébastien scrutinises my flaming, apologetic face, and breaks into a kind smile. ‘Emma, I knew that Amber was exaggerating.’

‘You did?’

‘Of course. She is your friend, your…. comrade. She wants to help you, but she is also…. mischievous.’

‘She’s definitely that.’ I scoff.

‘I did not give you the opportunity because of what Amber said about you. I did it because of what Isawin you. You caught my eye that night in the karaoke bar. You have a shine that makes people warm to you, and when we spoke in The Cave, I sensed your discomfort that Amber was “bigging you up”, as you say. The more I see of you, Emma, the more I know you are exactly the type of person I want to work with. I hope we can keep in contact so that when the right opportunity comes up, we can talk again.’

As he’s been saying all of this, my mouth has grown wider and wider in surprise – to the point that I eventually notice it and clamp it shut.

‘Wow… Sébastien, I don’t know what to say. I mean, yes, I’d love to stay in touch.’

‘Excellent.Well, I must go. My wife is arriving at the airport in one hour, and I am going with my driver to meet her. She wanted to surprise me, but I am instead going to surprise her.’

His wife?This further revelation slams into me like a freight train. So much so, I almost lose my footing as we get up from our seats.

‘Oh, how lovely,’ is all I can manage.

‘Emma, it has been a pleasure. I am sorry again that it is not better news, but I am confident that whatever you go on to do next, you will be a great success. Perhaps we will see each other around the resort over the next few days. I think you and my wife would get on well. She is one in a million, as you might say – and like you, she has a beautiful soul.’

His adoration of his wife is so clear that I’m amazed he’s never mentioned her. But then we were strangers before. Why would he share information about his private life with me?Oh, my god I’m such an idiot.There was no spark between us. I reallydidread the signals wrong – but then we all did.

We part with me indicating that I would very much like to meet his wife, and as I walk away from Sébastien, my mind is a jumble of emotions: disappointment that I didn’t get the job; enthusiasm from the strength of Sébastien’s positive feedback; and pure shock at the revelation that he’s happily married. There’s also a sizeable wave of mortification as I wonder whether he’s told his wife about my unsolicited (and slightly crazed) announcement on the beach that I couldn’t have a holiday fling with him. Maybe best I avoid the two of them over the next few days just in case.

‘So, hedefinitelydoesn’t want to sleep with you?’

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