Page 42 of Another Lucky Number

‘Looking forward to what?’ I raise my eyebrows questioningly at my friends.

‘We haven’t told her yet,’ says Amber. ‘We wanted it to be a surprise.’

‘What’s the surprise?’ My teeth are now gritted.What the hell have my two so-called best friends cooked up?

Charnice, who doesn’t appear to have picked up onmy reaction, gives me a wide smile. ‘This morning, Emma, you’re joining me here at reception to look after our guests. I have your uniform ready.’

I’m what?Panic gushes through me as Charnice bends down and re-emerges clutching the exact same blouse and skirt that she herself is wearing. She hands them to me, and I accept them out of nothing other than politeness.

‘Erm… can I speak to you guys quickly?’ I say to Amber and Cat.

They share a look and we shuffle off in the direction of the sofas so we’re out of earshot.

‘What the hell are you playing at?’ I eyeball the two of them. ‘I’m not going to work behind reception. This isridiculous.’

‘Why is it ridiculous?’ Amber challenges me.

‘Because… I don’t know the first thing about being a receptionist. And…it’s embarrassing.’

‘Why? Who’s going to see you? We’re the only people that know you here.’

‘Sébastien might see me.’

‘I knew you still wanted to bed him.’

‘It’s not about that, Amber,’ I growl, ensuring I keep my voice low. ‘I want to come across as a credible candidate for this job. How ridiculous am I going to look if he stumbles upon me at reception, grinning like an idiot, wearing the hotel uniform. He’ll think I’ve lost it.’

‘Actually, when you paint it like that, itispretty funny.’ Amber snickers and Cat elbows her to get her back on track. She neutralises her expression. ‘That’s one way of looking at it, yes. But there’s a more realistic angle – which is that Sébastien sees you and is super-impressed at the lengths you’ll go to for the job. It’s just as important to learn about the frontline operation as it is to know the strategic stuff.’

‘Huh. I guess that is another way of looking at it.’ I can’t fault her logic but I’m still not happy at all about this.

‘It’s also a great way to see more of who stays here,’ Cat chips in. ‘You’ll hear firsthand what’s important to guests. What’s working for them, what they’re dissatisfied about, what questions they have. We’re offering you a window into Paradis Resorts’ highly valued clientele. Why would you not want that understanding ahead of your interview?’

My overriding reaction is still one of mortification and wanting to flee to the safety of my suite, the beach, poolside – anywhere but here. But I can see the sense – and the opportunity – in what my friends are telling me.

‘OK, I’ll do it,’ I say after a long pause, during which I beg the universe to intervene and it fails to answer my plea.

‘Good girl.’ Amber pats me on the shoulder, while Cat slips a supportive arm around my waist and gives me a squeeze.

We shuffle back across to Charnice, who springs to attention, still smiling broadly.

‘All right, Emma? Are you ready to join me?’

‘As I’ll ever be.’ I plaster a smile on my face. ‘Where can I change?’

‘The ladies powder room is across the atrium. Or you can use your suite if that would be more comfortable for you?’

‘The powder room will be fine, thank you.’ I turn and walk away, muttering under my breath. ‘If I go to my suite for this, you’ll never get me back out again.’

‘You’ll be OK,’ says Cat, who is walking beside me. ‘It’s only for a few hours, then we can enjoy a nice lunch together.’

‘I suspect it’s going to be the longest “few hours” of my life. And since that’s the case, the last thing I need is you two peering at me from the sofas. Go on,disappear.’

‘Aww, come on,’ says Amber. ‘You’ve got to let us see you in action.’

‘Not a chance. You disappear or the deal is off. And can you take this for me for safekeeping?’ I hand Cat my handbag, which has my phone in it.

‘I think that’s our cue to go,’ says Cat to a still protesting Amber. ‘If it were me, I’d feel the same.’

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