Page 11 of Another Lucky Number (Lucky Number #2)

Chapter Ten

L ater in the evening, back at the resort, Cat, Amber and I gather on Cat’s balcony for a late night debrief.

‘So, he doesn’t want to sleep with you?’

‘It seems not, Amber.’

‘ Huh .’ She looks genuinely perplexed.

‘That’s pretty much how I feel about it.

’ I push aside the irrational nagging feeling of being undesirable – something that’s plagued me since my ex, Dave, suddenly ended our relationship.

‘It’s obviously an amazing opportunity Sébastien has offered me.

I’m super excited about that. It’s just…

I’d have preferred to be appealing in both senses.

I know that sounds ridiculous, especially as I didn’t want anything to happen in the end – but I wanted him to want something to happen. If that makes any sense?’

Cat reaches across and squeezes my shoulder. ‘It does, honey. You’re still a bit bruised and vulnerable after your break up. It’s only been a matter of weeks and Dave’s “modus operandi” was cruel.’

‘That’s an understatement.’

‘Maybe Sébastien does like you, but he sees it as unethical to pursue you romantically and professionally at the same time,’ she says. ‘He seems like a person with good morals.’

‘That’s true. Let’s go with that theory.’ I’m cheered by this thought.

‘And now you have a dream job opportunity as well as a man – James – who seems to be very interested in you.’

‘He does indeed.’ I sit back with a coy smile, delicious memories of last night’s Messenger chat with James flitting through my mind; a welcome distraction from the nausea that set in at the end of my dinner with Sébastien. ‘Thanks, Cat. You always know how to put a positive spin on things.’

‘It wasn’t really that difficult.’ She raises an appraising eyebrow.

‘So, how do you feel about facing the biggest interview of your life in three days’ time?

Especially as you’re on a luxury holiday – which was meant to be your chance to get away from it all?

That must create some conflict for you.’

‘You’re not wrong there.’ I place a hand on my churning stomach. ‘I’m gutted about the timing. But if I don’t go for it – just so I can lie in the sun doing nothing for a few days – I know I’ll regret it. The job sounds incredible.’

‘I think you’re right there.’

‘No idea how I can prepare for it in three days though. It’s a bigger role than anything I’ve done before, which means I need to shine brighter than I ever have.’

Amber, who’s been atypically quiet during this exchange, suddenly bursts to life. ‘I know how you can be ready for it.’

‘How’s that?’ I probably don’t want to hear this, but I’m desperate.

‘By enrolling in the “School of Amber”. Obviously .’

I sigh. ‘Any helpful suggestions, Amber?’

‘I’m deadly serious. Remember how I said I’d help you sort your shit out? The other day, before we left for this trip?’

‘Yeah… but—’

‘But what?’ She eyeballs me. ‘You don’t trust me with this?’

‘No, that’s not it—’

‘Emma, do you want this freakin’ job or not?’

‘Yes, of course I want it. I so badly want a job that I love… that satisfies my ambition, and makes me feel like I’m doing more than slowly rotting behind a desk. Working for a luxury brand of resorts, leading a growth strategy, with international travel thrown in. It sounds unbelievable .’

‘So, what’s your alternative?’ Amber cocks her head knowingly. ‘How are you going to make sure you kick ass and outshine all the other candidates in that interview?’

I glance helplessly at Cat, who simply offers me an encouraging smile. ‘Well, I guess I’ll… um… read through the job description, prepare using the interview themes and the presentation brief—’

‘ Blah, blah, yawn .’ Amber pulls a bored face. ‘That’s what everyone else will have done. What about how you’re going to show your understanding of the company? You’re here – right in it – so you need to use that competitive advantage and draw from the experience.’

‘That’s a good point, I never thought of that. Although I haven’t had much time to think about anything yet.’

‘And remember, he’ll be zoning in on how you act in that interview as well, not just the answers you give.’

‘Oh yeah, the behavioural side of things that he mentioned. I have to admit, I was finding it hard to focus on what he was saying so some of it passed me by.’

‘Understandable. He is smokin’ hot. But now you need to pull your head out your arse and focus.’

‘ Shit , you’re so right.’ I stand up absently and lean on the balcony railing. ‘This will be one tough process, which means I’m going to need all the help I can get. OK, Amber, you’re hired.’

‘ Awesome .’ Amber high fives an unprepared Cat, who narrowly avoids a smack in the face. ‘Finally, you’re my bitch. Emma, how do you feel?’

‘Actually, I feel marginally less nauseous. That’s got to be a good thing.’

‘What about me?’ says Cat. ‘What’s my role in this? I want to be involved.’

‘Yeah, totally.’ I nod enthusiastic agreement. ‘Cat’s done really well in her career, Amber. She can be your wing-woman.’

‘Fine by me.’ Amber shrugs. ‘But remember that I’m in charge and that I get the final say. We’ll pull a plan together tomorrow morning, once you have the info, then we can start putting you through your paces after lunch.’

‘Oh, honey, this is so exciting for you,’ says Cat. ‘We’ll be a great team. Bag you the job of your dreams.’

‘Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,’ I warn her. ‘But thank you so much, both of you. You have no idea how much I need your support.’

I grin at my two friends, and for the first time since Sébastien told me I have three days to prepare, I feel like I might have a chance at this.

A while later, I’m getting ready for bed in my suite when my phone pings. Plucking it from my bedside table, I feel a similar adolescent rush of excitement to the previous night – because, of course, it’s James.

Good night? Bet it was more exciting than mine. I hate packing. x

My feeling of elation is snuffed out in an instant when I realise that I can’t tell him about my evening. Not the full technicolour version anyway. I think carefully for a moment, then tap out a response I consider to be honest, without giving away my original intentions for the evening.

Hi. Yes, really good night, thanks. Went for a meal on a fancy estate and took a moonlit walk in some beautiful gardens. You’re up early again. Is it today you leave for your own trip? x

I’m keen to move the conversion away from me. James, however, is not.

That sounds romantic. Kind of hoping you and your friends have one of those weirdly close friendships… x

I give an uncomfortable chuckle, amused by his humour, but equally aware that he’s sensed something, even within the limited information I’ve shared.

Bugger . I don’t want him to think I’m having a holiday fling, especially as I have no intention of doing that – not anymore anyway.

Sticking with the light-hearted tone, I add a touch of reassurance, so he knows there’s nothing to worry about.

We are strangely close, the three of us. Don’t worry, I’m only looking for rest and relaxation here – no room for that sort of complication. Plus, I’m saving myself for a date with a hot man when I get home… x

I’ve intentionally left out the whole job interview thing because I’m already feeling the pressure and don’t want to add to it. Also, I don’t want James to think I’m a loser if I’m unsuccessful, and if by some miracle I do get the job, I’ll have one hell of a talking point for our next date.

Ping. I lift my phone again.

I know I have no claim whatsoever, but I’m relieved that you just enjoy a slightly inappropriate level of intimacy with your girlfriends. Nothing wrong with that. In fact, I completely approve. x

I laugh out loud, rolling my eyes, and compose my equally predictable response – an essential part of the flirty banter.

You’re such a typical bloke! There was me thinking you were different. Hey, you haven’t answered my question yet. When do you leave for your own holiday? I don’t even know where you’re headed…? x

There’s a pause and I’m wondering if he’s going to reply, when his response appears on my phone.

Sorry, got distracted by mental images of your girly threesome.

Actually, preceding blokey rhetoric aside, I think I am different.

Like vintage wine – classy and worth the wait.

Although maybe you won’t appreciate that with the way you drink it…

I do indeed leave today. Off to the east coast of the US with my mates.

Ten days of beer and banter. Can’t wait. x

I feign indignance at his wind up.

Cheeky! Just as well I’m easy going – these days. Sounds like an exciting trip. Is this something you do regularly with your friends or is it for a special occasion? x

Ping.

I kind of liked your oversensitive side. Made things interesting. It’s sort of a joint birthday milestone thing. But our big 3-0s are quite far apart. Mine was already two years ago! x

Ping .

Hang on, mister. Only I’m allowed to bring up my flaws. Pleased to find out that you’re older than me though. x

Ping.

How much older? x

Ping.

How old do you think I am? x

Ping.

I’m so not entering that minefield, lady… x

I laugh and gasp with fake outrage as we continue to flirt and chat, until I realise the time, and – with a day of interview prep looming tomorrow – reluctantly say goodnight.

Snuggling down in the bed, my mind is bursting with romantic scenarios for my second date with James.

These pleasant thoughts push all worries about the job interview from my mind: the last one before I drift off being how nice it is that James already wants me to himself.

And how much I want the same in reverse.