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

Chapter Two

B ack in my suite, I have a long, hot shower, partly to wash away my annoyance at Amber, and partly because it’s the most amazing shower I’ve ever experienced: with body jets and massage settings and mood lighting. It’s like being at a spa.

The spray works its magic on the tense knots in my neck and shoulders, while I sigh with bliss. Amber’s antics aside, this holiday is the perfect wind down from a crazy-mad few weeks. In fact, it’s almost impossible to believe that only days ago, my life felt like it was in tatters.

It was like something out of a movie. Dave, the man I thought I was going to marry suddenly dumping me, leaving me heartbroken, homeless and suffering from full-on anxiety and panic attacks – then discovering I’d won three-quarters of a million pounds on the lottery.

I genuinely thought at the time that this was the answer to all my problems and boy did I have a rude awakening.

After suddenly quitting my job because of a bullying boss, I’d embarked on a week of living like a millionaire, encouraged by my elderly adopted aunt Lottie to have some fun and create life-long memories – the kind she herself doesn’t have because of a previous family tragedy.

It should have been nothing but an indulgent pleasure, and it had started out like that, but it became one of the worst weeks of my life when I discovered Dave had been cheating on me with one of my best friends and I nearly lost Cat after thinking it was her (it wasn’t, of course).

Then on top of all that, Lottie ended up in hospital after a fall.

It was a lot . It taught me an important lesson though: that money provides financial stability and creates new opportunities, but it most certainly doesn’t buy happiness or solve the bigger issues in life.

But there was one huge plus that came from it all (aside from the money I won): James, the amazing man I met during that time – and coincidentally the travel agent who booked this holiday for us.

I nearly fobbed him off for various unjustifiable reasons.

Well, basically because he seemed to turn up everywhere , dripping with ego and trying to play the hero (that’s what I thought anyway).

But he’s actually lovely – and totally gorgeous.

Like, top quality boyfriend material and the opposite of my self-involved arsehole ex.

It also turned out that I unknowingly used his mobile number to choose my lottery tickets when, during our first (not so successful) interaction, he was about to give me his number and dropped part of the scrap of paper he wrote it on.

I had picked it up, unaware that it was his, and ‘ hey presto!’ I became a nearly millionaire.

He doesn’t know that bit yet though. Oh, and then there was the other big ‘wow’ moment that knocked me for six.

His parents are Lottie’s neighbours and they’re currently supporting her with her recovery from her fall.

As I say, it was a lot .

Watching the bubbles from the resort’s luxury aromatherapy shower gel disappear down the plug hole, the memory of my impromptu first date (and first kiss!) with James immediately before my departure for this very destination triggers a fizzing in my stomach.

I could almost believe that it was fate.

Almost . Maybe too soon to judge, but I’ll certainly enjoy alleviating the holiday blues with his company when this trip is over.

After my shower, I’m towel drying my hair in front of the huge floor to ceiling mirror, when the doorbell rings, signalling a visitor to my suite.

‘ Just a moment ,’ I call out.

Throwing on the resort embossed silk bathrobe, I dash to the door, and on peeking through the spy hole, I see that it’s Cat. She’s still in her beach gear and she looks worried. I quickly pull open the heavy wooden door.

‘Hi, Cat. Everything OK?’

Her expression morphs to one of confusion. ‘I was about to ask you the same thing.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘You looked pretty hacked off when you left the poolside before. Did you have a fight with Amber? She kept saying it was nothing, but I know she’s not telling me something.’

I feel a rush of guilt for making Cat worry. She had no idea what was going on, and Amber would never admit to being the instigator of my bad mood.

‘Oh, Cat, no, I’m fine. It was a bit ridiculous, really, and I probably overreacted. Amber was her usual charming self, which of course, resulted in me looking like an idiot in front of half the resort. Sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you.’ I quickly fill her in on the poolside debacle.

‘That must have been mortifying,’ says Cat. ‘And this is only day two. Are you sure it was a good decision bringing Amber on this trip?’

‘I’m already questioning that myself, believe me.’

‘Sorry honey, but at least I know you’re OK.’ Cat gives my shoulder a sympathetic squeeze. ‘I’m off for a shower myself. See you in the cocktail bar at seven-thirty? Same as last night?’

‘Perfect.’

We say our goodbyes and I resume my post shower activities.

For having arrived only the day before, my suite is already well lived-in, and I have to zig-zag across the refreshingly cool tiled floor, seeking items of jewellery, makeup and clothing which are strewn across the hard wood furniture and the cream fabric sofas.

My idea of unpacking is clearly not how it’s meant to be done.

After trying on about five outfits, I settle on a slinky low-back black evening dress paired with chunky wedged sandals that make my legs look long, slim and graceful (I love an optical illusion).

Outfit sorted, I style my hair (though sometimes I wonder why I bother because it doesn’t behave in hot and humid weather), then finish my makeup with a final volumising slick of mascara.

With half an hour to spare, I open the patio doors and step out onto the spacious balcony terrace, a wall of heat and humidity engulfing me as I leave my air-conditioned room.

Leaning on the railing, I enjoy the feel of the warm sea breeze on my face while taking in the incredible view: the pristine white sand, luscious palm trees regally lining the shore, the sparkling deep turquoise water that hugs the coastline as far as the eye can see.

All these visual treasures enhanced by the rhythmic crash of the surf and the cooing of the pretty Eurasian Collared Doves that have made the resort their home – the perfect habitat for an easy meal, just like Edinburgh city centre is to the less appealing urban pigeons back home.

Never in my life have I experienced paradise like this.

I drink in the view for as long as I can, my normally busy, over-analytical mind astonishingly quiet. I promise myself that I will not – for even a second – take this experience for granted. This is a trip of once, maybe a couple of times, in a lifetime, and I’m going to make the most of it.

Prying myself away from the vista, I grab my handbag and room key, and head for the bar. I stride past the resort’s cluster of boutique-style shops before whizzing by reception, giving a quick wave to Charnice, the remarkably friendly receptionist who checked us in the day before.

On arriving at the open-air cocktail bar, I can see that most of the tables are already occupied by a melange of hotel guests: from smooching young couples to families, middle-aged groups of friends, and travelling companions who have reached the greater milestones in life.

I grab the last remaining table overlooking the pool and as soon as I’ve settled onto the comfortable outdoor sofa, Cat and Amber appear.

‘Looking lovely, ladies.’ I say, as a waiter materialises beside us. ‘What do you fancy to drink?’

‘Rum Punch, please.’ Cat beams at the waiter.

‘I’ll have a Bahama Mama,’ says Amber.

‘And a Pina Colada for me, thank you.’ I complete the order and the waiter disappears.

We sit quietly, taking in the atmosphere, enjoying our freedom from the everyday demands of being at home.

The tasteful lighting on the terrace and the approaching dusk create a relaxed evening ambience that chases away the youthful vibrancy of the daytime.

Even when our drinks arrive and we clink glasses do we stay quiet and contemplative.

Until Amber breaks the silence.

‘Feeling refreshed after your dip earlier, Emma?’

Clear that this is an attempt to wind me up, I ignore her.

‘I hear the water’s really nice.’

‘ Amber .’ Cat calls her out on her goading. ‘You promised on the way along here—’

‘It’s fine, Cat,’ I say. ‘I’m over it. The more we react, the more she’ll continue. Best thing to do is ignore her.’

Amber looks highly amused by my assessment of the situation, but says nothing further. I use the opportunity to savour my first taste of Pina Colada, which is delicious – and stronger than the cocktails I’m used to at home – and change the subject .

‘Have you heard from Mike since we left?’ I ask Cat. She’s also recently met a new man and they’ve just gone exclusive.

‘Yes, I have.’ Her face lights up. ‘We’ve been messaging loads.’

‘That’s amazing, Cat. He’s obviously hooked. I can’t wait to meet him.’

‘I can’t either. I think you’ll like him. He’s so kind. And generous. And patient.’

‘Very much like you then.’ I smile at her and she looks away, unable to accept the compliment.

‘ Yawn .’ Amber makes it clear our U-rated ‘fluff’ is boring her. ‘Tell us more about these messages, Cat. Were they juicy?’

I can see exactly where this is headed but unfortunately Cat fails to pick up on the true motivation behind Amber’s question.

‘Not really,’ she says. ‘It was just chat about…well, nothing, really. You know, just silly things… Jokey banter. It’s hard to explain.’

‘I bet it is.’ Amber’s eyes glint wickedly. ‘Were there pictures too?’

‘Pictures? No. Why would… Oh, you mean pictures of the resort. You know I didn’t even think of that. I should—’