Page 22 of Another Lucky Number

‘Correct,’ he confirms. ‘I know that is tight, Emma, but you are clearly a focused and determined individual. I am sure that this will be another exciting challenge for you.’

Sébastien turns his attention to Lacherra to request the bill, while I struggle to take in what he’s said. On Monday I have an interview for the biggest job of my life: a total game changer career-wise. I’m going to have to put in the hours if I want a shot at this, and I so badly do, which means my holiday is over – at least for now.

As I battle to keep myself from having a nervous breakdown on the spot, I feel the nausea from earlier returning – and settling in comfortably for the next four days.

Chapter Ten

Later in the evening, back at the resort, Cat, Amber and I gather on Cat’s balcony for a late night debrief.

‘So, he doesn’t want to sleep with you?’

‘It seems not, Amber.’

‘Huh.’ She looks genuinely perplexed.

‘That’s pretty much how I feel about it.’ I push aside the irrational nagging feeling of being undesirable – something that’s plagued me since my ex, Dave, suddenly ended our relationship. ‘It’s obviously an amazing opportunity Sébastien has offered me. I’m super excited about that. It’s just… I’d have preferred to be appealing inbothsenses. I know that sounds ridiculous, especially as I didn’t want anything to happen in the end – but I wantedhimto want something to happen. If that makes any sense?’

Cat reaches across and squeezes my shoulder. ‘It does, honey. You’re still a bit bruised and vulnerable after your break up. It’s only been a matter of weeks and Dave’s “modus operandi” was cruel.’

‘That’s an understatement.’

‘Maybe Sébastien does like you, but he sees it as unethical topursue you romantically and professionally at the same time,’ she says. ‘He seems like a person with good morals.’

‘That’s true. Let’s go with that theory.’ I’m cheered by this thought.

‘And now you have a dream job opportunity as well as a man – James – who seems to be very interested in you.’

‘He does indeed.’ I sit back with a coy smile, delicious memories of last night’s Messenger chat with James flitting through my mind; a welcome distraction from the nausea that set in at the end of my dinner with Sébastien. ‘Thanks, Cat. You always know how to put a positive spin on things.’

‘It wasn’t really that difficult.’ She raises an appraising eyebrow. ‘So, how do you feel about facing the biggest interview of your life in three days’ time? Especially as you’re on a luxury holiday – which was meant to be your chance to get away from it all? That must create some conflict for you.’

‘You’re not wrong there.’ I place a hand on my churning stomach. ‘I’m gutted about the timing. But if I don’t go for it – just so I can lie in the sun doing nothing for a few days – I know I’ll regret it. The job sounds incredible.’

‘I think you’re right there.’

‘No idea how I can prepare for it in three days though. It’s a bigger role than anything I’ve done before, which means I need to shine brighter than I ever have.’

Amber, who’s been atypically quiet during this exchange, suddenly bursts to life. ‘I know how you can be ready for it.’

‘How’s that?’ I probably don’t want to hear this, but I’m desperate.

‘By enrolling in the “School of Amber”.Obviously.’

I sigh. ‘Anyhelpfulsuggestions, Amber?’

‘I’m deadly serious. Remember how I said I’d help you sort your shit out? The other day, before we left for this trip?’

‘Yeah… but—’

‘But what?’ She eyeballs me. ‘You don’t trust mewith this?’

‘No, that’s not it—’

‘Emma, do you want this freakin’ job or not?’

‘Yes, of course I want it. I so badly want a job that I love… that satisfies my ambition, and makes me feel like I’m doing more than slowly rotting behind a desk. Working for a luxury brand of resorts, leading a growth strategy, with international travel thrown in. It soundsunbelievable.’

‘So, what’s your alternative?’ Amber cocks her head knowingly. ‘How are you going to make sure you kick ass and outshine all the other candidates in that interview?’

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