Page 33 of Paradise Pride

Florence tried to concentrate, but Meghan’s voice fizzled out and dizziness took over. She felt like the lift was spinning.Are we falling?That was her last thought before her mind went blank.

33

Meghan

“She’ll be fine. Just make sure she hydrates and gets some rest.” Stella, the poolside manager, put a blanket around Florence’s shoulders and rubbed her back. They’d moved her into a spacious room behind the reception desk that was filled with files, cardboard boxes and messy stationary cupboards.

“Thank you.” Meghan already suspected Florence had fainted because of her panic attack, but she was relieved that Stella, who was a qualified first-aider, agreed with her. Florence had only been out for about twenty seconds, and by the time she came around, security had sent the lift down to the ground floor. “I’ll take her home.”

“I’m fine,” Florence protested. “Seriously, I don’t need to rest. I’ve just got a headache, but that will go away.”

“I still think you should see a doctor, just in case. Has this happened before?” Stella asked.

“What? Me being stuck in a lift?”

“You know what I mean.” Stella looked at her pensively. “The panic attack. Are you claustrophobic?”

Florence shook her head and shrugged. “I don’t love small spaces, but I rarely use lifts and I’ve never been stuck in one, so I’ve never thought about it much. As soon as it stopped, though, I felt like the walls were closing in on me and I was desperate to get out, so yeah, I suppose I may be claustrophobic.”

“You’re part of the hospitality team, right?” the security guard asked. He was big and tall with broad shoulders and a bald, sunburnt head. “So you have no reason to go up there. The lift is only for guests, maintenance and housekeeping. Why were you up there? And why did you press the emergency button?”

“Not now, Sergei,” Stella said as her eyes shifted from Florence to Meghan and back. “We can talk about this later, but Florence needs to get some rest first.”

“It was me.” Meghan shot Sergei and apologetic look. “I pressed it by accident.”

“You have to press it pretty hard for the lift to stop.”

“I guess I did. I fell against it. I’m sorry.” Meghan gave him her most innocent look. She was not going to have Florence take the blame for any of this. “Florence was kind enough to return my purse to my room. I left it downstairs after breakfast.” She sincerely hoped Florence was right about the cameras not working because if Sergei saw the footage, it wouldn’t look good for her.

“There. See? There’s always a reason.” Stella smiled at Sergei, but Meghan also saw a flicker of worry in her eyes. “Let’s leave it at that, shall we? The lift is up and running again and everyone is fine. I have to go back to work, and Florence needs to rest.”

Sergei hesitated for a moment, then nodded. He clearly took his job very seriously. Although it was nice to know the security guard didn’t just come in with the purpose of falling asleep in front of the cameras, he was being awfully strict about the matter. He stepped back and looked Florence over once more. “You’re not wearing your uniform.”

“Her shift hadn’t started yet,” Stella lied. “AndIasked her to bring up Meghan’s purse. I know that’s not the protocol, but sometimes it’s easier and quicker than going through reception and housekeeping, as it can take up to an hour before guests finally have their belongings back.” She tilted her head and raised a brow at him. “You know that.”

Sergei nodded again, and he finally looked like he was bored with interrogating them. “Okay. Have a good day, everyone. And stay away from the big, red button from now on.”

“I will.” Meghan helped Florence up. “Can you walk?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” Florence put on a brave face, but she still seemed unsteady on her legs.

“Come on, let’s get you home.” Meghan put an arm around her waist.

“That’s very kind of you, but I’ll drive her back,” Stella said, stopping them. “I can’t have anyone see you doing that.” She took a deep breath before she continued. “Look, I have no idea what happened in that lift, and I don’t want to know, okay? But here’s a word of warning. Whatever you two are up to, it can’t happen on the hotel premises. What you do outside the hotel grounds is your business as far as I’m concerned, but not here.”

Florence nodded. “I know. I’m sorry.” She turned to Meghan and squeezed her hand. Will you come and find me later? I’ll message you my address.”

“Of course.” Meghan was still shaken herself as she headed for the breakfast area to get a coffee. She’d rather get in a taxi and ask the driver to follow them, but she suspected that might be pushing it with Stella. Apart from her own panic attacks, she’d never witnessed anyone else having one and she’d been terrified when Florence passed out. She knew what it felt like, and she feared Florence might not ever set a foot in a lift or a small space again. Meghan thought about that as she helped herself to a coffee and sat on the terrace. A voice roaring through the speakers announced an ab-tastic class in the pool and she saw Manuel, Florence’s colleague and housemate, head for the pool in a pair of ridiculously small, red Speedos. As soon as the music started, he addressed the guests and gestured for them to join him in the pool for a workout.

It was amazing how many of them got in, and even some of those who hesitated were persuaded by his comical enthusiasm. It was a brave thing to do. Meghan couldn’t imagine herself doing that; she’d be terrified no one would join in, and addressing crowds wasn’t her thing either. Florence was never afraid to yell through the microphone; from what she’d told her, she wasn’t afraid of anything. Meghan stretched her legs in front of her and sank into thought as she watched the class. It seemed like Fearless Florence wasn’t so fearless after all…

34

Florence

“How are you feeling?” Stella glanced at Florence sideways as they drove out of the car park. “Still dizzy?”

“No, just a headache.” Florence blew out her cheeks as she opened the window. “I had no idea I was claustrophobic.”

---