Page 76 of Another Lucky Number

‘You’re welcome. You still didn’t get much sleep though, right?’ Her eyes twinkle devilishly.

‘Oh, for god’s sake.Fine. As you helped me out, I’ll throw you a bone. We had sex, Amber – as grown-ups do when they have feelings for each other. He even stayed over in my suite.’

‘So technically it washimwho threwyoua bone,’ she hoots with glee.

I give a withered shake of my head. ‘You’re a sad woman. Makes me wonder if you’re not getting any yourself.’

‘Huh-uh. I’ve no complaints in that department. I could teach you two a few tricks to—’

‘We’re good, thanks.’ I hold up a hand to silence her. ‘Shall we get some food?’

‘Yes, please.’ Cat puts down her tea and scrambles to her feet.

Leaving Amber chuckling to herself, we make our way across to the breakfast buffet.

‘I’m so glad you and James made up,’ says Cat. ‘How did it happen? After he turned up at yours, I mean.’

I quickly fill her in while we pile fruit, deli items and toast onto our plates.

‘I really hope that’s going to be the end of the Sébastien issue,’ I say, once she’s up to speed.

‘Fingers crossed, honey.’

We return to our table to find James occupying the fourth seat and chatting away to Amber.

‘Good morning,’ I slide into my own seat, which is beside him. ‘How are you?’

‘I’m good.’ He leans in and pecks me on the lips. ‘And you?’

‘Eh… I thought you two woke up in the same bed this morning,’ says Amber.

‘We did, but not at the same time.’ I beam at James, while tucking into my plateful of food.

‘Emma was studiously prepping on her balcony when I woke up,’ he says. ‘So I sneaked out to avoid interrupting her.’

‘He did. And he left me a little note.’

‘Aww, that’s lovely,’ says Cat.

‘I’m more impressed that Emma was taking the initiative,’ says Amber ‘Which reminds me, you’re meant to be doing your presentation run through right now.’

‘I know.’ I nod. ‘I was practising it this morning.’

I look expectantly at James, but he doesn’t seem like he’s going anywhere.

‘Where are your buddies?’ My eyes roam the restaurant, hoping that’ll encourage him to move on.

‘Still in bed. Couple of lightweights. Amber wins the prize for the best stamina.’

‘Damn right.’ She fist bumps him. ‘James, how do you fancy being panel member number three this morning? Emma needs to get used to having an audience, so bringing you into the fold will be a good start.’

I eyeball Amber, trying to reach her with the message of ‘no, send him on his merry way’, but she’s either oblivious or intentionally ignoring me. Finding no help there, I lock eyes with Cat, and with one look, her thoughts are clear: I do need to get used to presenting to others, and do I really want to rock the boat with James again so soon?

‘That OK with you, Emma?’ James, at least, has the decency to check in with me. ‘I’d like to see what you can do and hopefully offer some supportand encouragement.’

‘Eh… yeah, sure. Why not.’

Though I’ve managed to keep my tone casual, my heart is hammering like I’ve downed three double espressos, because this isn’t just adding another audience member into the fold. It’s James: the guy I played bedtime gymnastics with last night, and who I hope is going to fall hopelessly in love with me. I don’t want him seeing me stumble my way through my presentation content.

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