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‘The hotel’s probably going to have to pay for the meal anyway, so you might as well enjoy it,’ added Timothy. ‘You don’t mind, do you, Samantha?’

Now it was Samantha’s eyes that were bulging.

‘Course not!’ she said, quickly.

Her reply seemed genuine.

I should not want to have dinner with her.

I should dread the idea of sitting with a guest for hours, but the truth was I would love to spend more time with Samantha. She made me smile.

But this was different to walking around a town with her or checking on her during a beach excursion.

‘I will have to check with Victoria,’ I said. ‘It is very unusual for a Love Alchemist to dine with a guest in this kind of setting.’

A group dinner where we were all sat together on one large table like at the trip to Alberobello would have been fine. But a table for two meant staring into Samantha’s eyes. It was significantly more romantic. And that was the point. This dinner was designed to stimulate romance between the guests.

The last thing I needed was to encourage any extra feelings between me and Samantha. Unfortunately, I was managing to do that all on my own.

‘Yeah,’ Samantha said. ‘That’s best. So she doesn’t get the wrong idea.’

‘Excuse me one moment.’ I nodded.

Given the fact that I was already on thin ice with the management and Victoria was worried about me flirting with female guests, she was sure to say no. I’d be disappointed when she did, but it was the sensible option.

I dialled Victoria’s number. The phone rang out and just as I was about to hang up, she answered.

‘Romeo?’ She seemed flustered. ‘What is it?’

‘I am at Grotta Palazzese. They still have a table for two for Samantha and’

‘I can’t… I’m in the middle of something,’ Victoria said and I realised she must have someone else on another line. ‘Sorry, Romeo. I’m dealing with a personal issue. What did you say?’ I explained the situation again. ‘So she’ll be sitting there, alone?’

‘Sì.’

‘And is she upset?’

‘She is a little embarrassed and the other guests have said it’s not nice that she has to sit alone and…’

‘Shit. So not only is Samantha upset, the other guests are noticing how bad it is too? I don’t need a revolt on my hands. I don’t need… I said I’ll sort it!’ Victoria was clearly still having a conversation with whoever was on the other line. ‘Sorry, I can’t deal with this right now. I need you to resolve this. What do you suggest?’

‘Get the waiter to clear away the second plate and cutlery?’ I suggested, even though I knew that would not make Samantha happy. It was the safest choice though.

‘What? And make everyone feel sorry for her? No! Just sit with her, for God’s sake. Do whatever you need to make her happy so she has a good experience.’

‘But I thought you did not want me to spend too much time with female guests?’

‘Yes! I’m still here!’ It sounded like I had lost Victoria again to her other conversation. ‘No! I can’t just drop everything just because… hold on! I have one of our Love Alchemists on the other line. Just give me one second! Romeo, I need to go. Just sit with Samantha, smile, play nice and tell the other guests that this is a sign of the Love Hotel going the extra mile and doing whatever is needed to delight our guests. It’s not like Edward can complain about you flirting when the bastard’s done a disappearing act! Speak tomorrow, okay?’

‘Va bene.’ I hung up.

So that was settled then.

I would be having dinner with Samantha.

I had never shied away from a challenge, but something told me that staring into her beautiful eyes, sharing delicious food and chatting to her for hours without becoming more attracted to Samantha would be impossible.

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