Page 71 of Another Lucky Number

‘Will we start with two bottles of the stuff we had last time?’ she says.

‘Maybe the guys would like to look at the drinks menu?’ I suggest.

‘No, that’s fine,’ says James. ‘We’re easily pleased, right guys?’

Tyler and Rob nod casually.

Amber relays the order to the waiter when he reappears, and within minutes, we’re toasting to good health and amazing holidays.

I take a sip of my fizz, the fruity bubbles of which are like crystalline pearls on my tongue, leaving me giddy with happiness. I then steal a glance at James, who looks even more gorgeous in the half-light, and he obviously senses this, because his free hand seeks out mine and our fingers intertwine. It’s an almost perfect moment – other than the fact that we’re not able to enjoy a deeper level of intimacy together. Well, that, and the sight of Amber making rude gestures as she banters with Tyler, likely telling him one of her many inappropriate stories. He seems riveted, guffawing loudly, which backs up James’s observation that they would be a perfectly suited couple – or a very dangerous combination.

Cat, Rob, James and myself have settled into a more palatable conversation about excursions we could go on once my interview is over, when Sébastien materialises next to us. His dark eyes sweep the table, taking in each of James, Rob and Tyler, then land on my hand in James’s. Feeling uncomfortable,I instinctively release it, attempting to disguise the movement by adjusting my necklace.

‘Mesdames, messieurs,bonsoir.’ Sébastien makes his way around Cat, Amber and myself with his signature greeting. ‘How is your evening?’ His gaze land on me and stays there.

‘It’s… good, thanks.’ I shift in my seat. ‘Managed to bag the last table out here.’

‘I see this. You have also “bagged” yourself some new friends, it seems.’

‘Oh, sorry. I’ll introduce you. Sébastien, this is James, Tyler and Rob.’

‘Enchanté.’ Sébastien nods politely at each of them in turn. They offer similar responses though I note that James’s smile doesn’t shine quite as brightly as usual.

‘James works at Archer & Crombie, a luxury travel agency,’ I say.

‘Ah, yes.’ Sébastien’s face lights up with recognition. ‘I am pleased to see you here, James. Your company sells a lot of holidays to our resorts. I hope you will enjoy your stay and continue to recommend the resort after.’

‘So far, so good.’ James gives a polite nod.

‘I am glad to hear this.’ Sébastien’s eyes shift from James back to me. ‘You are looking well this evening, Emma. Your eyes have the shine of the stars in them once again.’

I feel myself colour from this comment, despite knowing that Sébastien doesn’t mean anything by this. It’s a reference to my ‘funny turn’ the previous evening. It also seems to be his way, to be open and say whatever is in his head, however, this isn’t common knowledge, and I’m hyper aware of the look that’s exchanged between James and his friends.

‘Oh… thank you… yes…’ I stammer. ‘As I said this morning, I’m in much better form today. It’s been a productive day of interview preparation.’

‘Bien. I am looking forward to Monday, as I am sure you aretoo. Not only for the interview, but for being able to finally relax and enjoy your holiday.’

‘Absolutely. Some rest and relaxation will be well overdue by then. Although I’m still getting some – in small doses.’

Sébastien’s eyes crinkle in what appears to be acknowledgement of my comment, before his gaze sweeps around the group once more.

‘I will bid you goodnight, then,’ he says.

‘You don’t want to join us for a drink?’ says Amber. ‘The more the merrier.’

‘Ah,non. Thank you for the kind offer, Amber, but I will be rising early tomorrow. I will take what I think you call a “rain check”.’

‘No probs.’ She smiles at him. ‘We’ll expect to you to join us at another point then.’

‘I will look forward to this.’

Sébastien gives us one final polite nod, his gaze lingering slightly longer on me, then makes his way inside. I glance at James and it might be that my radar is too sensitised, or I’m feeling weird about the attention Sébastien was showing me, but I get the sense that something’s going on with him. He wasn’t quite as friendly as I’ve known him to be just then with Sébastien. But then I don’t know James that well. Maybe it’s a guy thing. Maybe they cool things a little around other guys to come across as laid back and smooth.

‘So, that was Sébastien,’ I say unnecessarily.

‘We saw,’ says James. ‘He’sall man, isn’t he?’

I’m unsure how to answer this. Or what James meant by it.

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