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Victoria repeated that it was still very early in the process and suggested we met to discuss it this morning, but earlier she had messaged to say she would not be at work until lunchtime.

She told me to monitor how Edward interacted with Samantha during today’s trip, promised we would meet once I returned then could decide what action to take.

When Edward did not come for breakfast, I feared the worst. That was why I insisted that I go to his room. The last thing I wanted was for Samantha to realise he was not sick, but just did not appreciate her.

I knocked on his door. There was no reply, so I knocked again.

‘Edward, this is Romeo. I have come to see if everything is okay.’

After hearing footsteps, the door finally opened.

‘All right, mate,’ he said. Edward did not look ill. Perhaps tired or hungover, but not too unwell to come on the trip.

‘I am here to see if you will be joining us on the excursion today.’ I looked past him and spotted an empty bottle of what looked like brandy.

‘Nah.’

‘Samantha is looking forward to going,’ I said. Edward shrugged and I clenched my fist behind my back.

‘I’ve got other stuff to deal with and my head’s pounding.’

‘I am sorry to hear that,’ I said as politely as I could. Drinking a whole bottle of alcohol the night before an excursion was selfish. He must have known that Samantha would be upset.

Most likely he just did not care.

‘Is there anything I can get for you to make you feel better?’

‘Nah, room service is bringing paracetamol. Anyway, I’ve got shit to sort out, so if you don’t mind…’

As Edward closed the door in my face, I clenched my fist.

Stronzo.

The guy was an arsehole.

Now I had to tell Samantha that Edward really was not coming on the trip and that she’d have to go on a romantic excursion alone.

Merda.

13

SAMMIE

It’d been ten minutes since Romeo had left. Although I didn’t know Edward well, I still hated the idea of him being laid up in bed, feeling like crap. I wished I could do something to help. I pulled out my phone and messaged Stella.

Me

Edward’s got a stomach bug so he’s not coming on the trip.

He’s told me to go anyway, but I feel crap for leaving him on his own.

Luckily, Stella came online straightaway.

Stella

Oh no! Poor thing.

There’s probably not much you can do if he’s got a stomach bug. The hotel staff will get him whatever he needs so he’s right. Go and have fun by yourself.