Page 41 of Another Lucky Number

‘Sounds great. What will the personal development involve?’

‘You’ll see. Just stay focused on each part as it comes up.’ She looks at the sheet of paper again. ‘Then there’s presentation practice over dinner and more company research after. I’ve got two more entertainment acts earmarked for tonight.’

‘Perfect.’ I grin at my friends, while spearing a chunk of pineapple. ‘Am I just swotting up on the company in my room after breakfast then?’

‘Uh-uh.’ Amber shakes her head. ‘Our approach will be way more effective than that.’

‘And your approach is…’

‘Wait and see. Patient one, aren’t you?’

A creeping discomfort works its way through me. Amber’s being intentionally evasive, which means I’m probably not going to like what’s about to come next.

‘Why don’t you tell us a bit more aboutyour interview examples, honey?’ Cat suggests. ‘Maybe we can give you some feedback so you’re ready to practise over lunch.’

‘OK, sure.’

I bring up my notes on my phone and share my thinking with my friends. But despite their interest and encouragement, it’s hard to concentrate. I just can’t shake off the feeling that I’m about to be hurled so far out of my comfort zone that I might end up on a different island.

Chapter Eighteen

After breakfast, Cat nips to her room to get a plaster for a blister that’s bothering her, while Amber and I make a quick pit stop at the resort ‘Business hub’ to test out the AV equipment.

‘That went well,’ I say to her, as we make our way along to the atrium by reception to meet Cat. ‘I’m relieved it was so easy to use.’

‘Always good to test it out just in case,’ she says, and then gives me a sideways glance. ‘You do know all I want is for you to succeed, don’t you, Emma?’

I ponder this unexpected question. ‘Yeah… I do. Sometimes the way you rib me, it feels a bit counterproductive, but I guess that’s banter between friends.’

‘It is. And you’re able to give it back – some of the time. I know you think I do it for my own entertainment – and I admit there’s some truth in that – but I’m also trying to toughen you up, so you can cope with anything and anyone that comes at you. There is a lot worse than me out there, Emma. You deserve to be happy and successful, and as your friend, I want to help you get there.’

This is one of Amber’s rare moments of benevolence, which I don’t take lightly.

‘Thanks for sharing that.’ I smile at her. ‘And thanks for having my back. It’s appreciated.’

‘No problem.’ She gives me an (almost) affectionate nudge. ‘But if you tell anyone, I’ll deny all knowledge. Can’t have people thinking I’m getting soft.’

I chuckle. ‘Don’t think there’s much chance of that. But my lips are sealed, I promise.’

We reach the open, airy atrium and sit on one of the plush cream sofas while we wait for Cat. She joins us a few minutes later after briefly diverting to speak to Charnice at reception.

‘Better?’ I ask her.

‘Much.’ Her face is etched with relief. ‘Those damn sandals. They look so comfortable, and they are, as long as I don’t move in them.’

‘It’s always the way. So, what are we here for?’

‘Is Charnice ready for us?’ Amber says to Cat.

‘Yes.’ She throws a shifty sideways glance at me, and my earlier feeling of unease instantly returns.

‘What’s going on, you two?’

‘Come and find out,’ says Amber.

She and Cat get up and make their way across to reception, and I have no choice but to follow.

‘Good morning, ladies,’ Charnice greets us in her sing-song voice, her dark ponytail of braids swinging from side to side as she does. ‘Emma, hello. Are you looking forward to this?’

---