Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
C at leaves the next morning, having kindly offered to receive my delivery from the department store, so that I can take advantage of my late check out. But not before the two of us make the most of the hotel’s top notch breakfast service and eat so much that we’re fit to burst.
I make the most of my last few hours in the hotel by indulging in some ‘me time’ in the swanky leisure club (I more or less have the pool, sauna and rooftop jacuzzi to myself, which is sheer bliss), then I chill out watching a movie in my suite, before tucking into a delicious pasta dish from the room service menu.
Shortly after finishing my lunch, my phone lights up with the incoming FaceTime call I’ve been waiting for. I hit the ‘answer’ button and Lottie’s anxious face appears on the screen.
‘Dear girl, what have you been up to – again ?’
‘A simple “hi” would have done.’ I grin at her. ‘It’s arrived then?’
‘Yes, it’s arrived. They have arrived. They’re absolutely beautiful, Emma, but I simply cannot accept them. This is too much.’
‘It’s nothing less than you deserve. Anyway, you need some new clothes now you’re socialising again. How was your sherry with your neighbour? Was it a man?’ I raise my eyebrows suggestively
‘No, it wasn’t a man.’ Lottie tuts at me affectionately. ‘It was the lady who lives over the road. We got chatting the other day when I was out tending to my pansies, and I don’t know what came over me, I just invited her over.’
‘Good for you. I’m so pleased that you did that. I’ve always worried about you spending so much time alone.’
‘It was nice having her company, I must admit. Although, I am fine by myself.’
I frown. ‘I know you’re “fine”, but “fine” isn’t good enough, Lottie. You need more from life. Loneliness is an epidemic in our country. I hate to think that you’re part of that statistic.’
‘I’m not though, am I? You’ve made sure of that.’ She smiles at me.
‘So, back to your new clothes… Are you going to try them on and show me?’
‘What, now?’ Lottie seems perplexed. ‘You won’t be able to see them on this little screen.’
‘Uh-uh, don’t you be making excuses.’ I waggle my finger at her. ‘Prop your iPad up somewhere, like on the table in your hallway, and then you can stand at a distance. I’ll get enough of an idea.’
‘Oh, Emma. I can see that you’re not going to accept no for an answer. Though it may take a while. I’m not flexible like you young things.’
‘I have time.’
I watch the random flitting images of Lottie’s hallway on the screen, as she attempts to position the iPad so that I can see a full-length view of her.
‘That’s perfect,’ I say after several tries. ‘Now off you go. I’ll be here waiting.’
Over the next hour, Lottie tries on the three outfits I picked out for her. They’re elegant, but also practical and casual enough for daytime wear, and they fit beautifully. I squeal with excitement each time she appears in front of the screen, which she seems to find entertaining.
‘Thank you ever so much, my love.’ Her face appears close-up again, after trying on the final piece. ‘They are quite divine. You really should not have done that, but as it’s clear that I have no say in the matter, I must accept them graciously.’
‘Yes, you must. I’m glad you’re finally getting it.’ I beam at her angelically, noticing for the first time that she’s looking tired and a bit pale, just like at the spa. ‘Lottie, are you OK? You don’t look so good.’
‘I’m fine.’ She dismisses my concerns, but her voice has weakened. ‘It’s nothing a sit down and a cup of tea won’t fix.’
‘OK… as long as you’re sure. Get some rest and call me if you need anything.’
‘Enough of the fussing, my love. Go and prepare for your big night out. I’m looking forward to hearing how it goes immensely.’
I reluctantly accept her direction and end the call. Then I realise that, in the flurry of excitement, I haven’t told her about what happened with Dave. That’s probably not such a bad thing – especially when I need to move past it.
Ensuring I’ve made the absolute most of my stay, I check out of the hotel and head back to Cat’s, where I’m astonished to be met by a mountain of shopping bags. I wasn’t aware that I’d bought quite so much .
‘Hi.’ Cat waves from the other side.
‘Er… hi. Jeez, sorry about this Cat. I’ll move everything into my room.’
‘I can’t wait to see what you’ve got.’
A while later, after showing a delighted Cat almost every single item, and modelling a few of them at her insistence, we decamp to the kitchen for a cup of tea. I talk to her a bit about my concern for Lottie, before lightening the tone.
‘So, are you looking forward to your first taste of Amber beyond native soil?’ I ask.
She pauses thoughtfully. ‘I think it’s going to be… a learning experience.’
‘Very diplomatic, as ever.’ I chuckle. ‘You do know that when she and Rich go away, they’re like a couple of kids – zero fear and incapable of relaxing. A right pair of adrenaline junkies.’
‘Well, yes, I have heard about her adventures. Her comments at the travel agent did unnerve me slightly too. If Amber wants to seek out extreme sports while we’re enjoying the best sun loungers, then that’s fine. But there’s no way I’m joining her.’
‘Don’t worry, she’s pretty independent, so I’m sure she’ll be happy on her own. It’s her potential for mischief I’m more concerned about.’
We look at each other with wide (semi-jovial) eyes and start to laugh.
‘Well…’ says Cat. ‘If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed, it’s that it won’t be a boring trip.’
Shortly after seven p.m., Cat knocks on my bedroom door .
‘Come on in,’ I call to her, and gasp in amazement as she enters the room. ‘ Cat! Wowsers! ’
Instead of wearing one of her usual nice-but-plain outfits to help her blend into the background, she’s in a statement black and white print dress that ends halfway up her thighs. She has also tonged her hair into soft waves and is wearing more make up than usual – and she’s completely pulled it off.
She hangs awkwardly in the doorway. ‘Is it… OK?’
‘ Are you kidding? ’ I’m incredulous she can’t see the impact of her transformation. ‘You look like you’ve walked off a catwalk.’
‘Nah, no way. Not with these legs. And this tummy. But I’m glad you like it.’
‘Enough of that,’ I scold her. ‘I’m being deadly serious. What’s brought about this change?’
She looks ever so slightly bashful. ‘Actually, my inspiration for this is… well, you.’
‘Me?’
‘Yes, you. Your new image has made me feel really dowdy. So, I nipped to the shops after your delivery arrived, and got this dress and some new makeup. And I suppose… it’s maybe a tiny bit because I’m keen to hold onto this one if I can…’ She trails off self-consciously.
She is, of course, talking about her new man.
‘Aww, hon. I’m glad I’ve inspired you, but when it comes to a bloke, you shouldn’t feel you have to change who you are.’
‘I don’t. Not really. It’s just that he always looks really smart and sexy, so I don’t want to risk putting him off by not making an effort.’
I sit down on the bed while she looks at the floor, saying nothing. ‘Cat, I would have done anything to get Dave to love me… to put me first and see me as the yin to hi s yang. I tried for four years, but it was a waste of time and energy – he was simply shallow and self-obsessed. I learned that the hard way. I don’t want to see it happen to you.’
‘Me neither,’ she mumbles. ‘But I also don’t want to be single anymore. I really like this guy.’
‘Look, you’re the most kind, caring, loyal, fun-to-be-with person I know. And you’re pretty with and without the makeup. If he’s worth it, he’ll like you for you – not what you look like. And if not, well… his loss, not yours.’
Cat stands quietly for a few moments longer. I really feel for her, having had such a tough time when it comes to men.
‘You know, you’re right.’ Her spirits visibly lift and she sits down beside me. ‘I’m not good at it, but I’ll try to remember that.’
‘Good.’ I give her a little wink, happy to see her more positive.
‘You look incredible too.’ She takes in my chic, long-sleeved black mini dress and bling heels. ‘Another fabulous outfit. And I just love your eye makeup. Those girls in the department store did their job well. Is the personal shopper one still coming tonight?’
‘As far as I know. I don’t have her number, I just gave her mine, so we’ll have to wait and see.’
Twenty minutes later, we pile into our booked taxi, and as it tears along the city streets, I’m a jumble of nerves and excitement. With everything that’s happened this week, I haven’t given any thought to my ‘Champagne for everyone’ announcement, and now I’m wondering if I should have rehearsed a little speech. I also have an uneasy feeling building in my stomach, because I’ve never been one for public speaking, and there’s a reason for that.
‘You OK?’ Cat peers at my face .
‘Yup… totally.’ I’m keen to keep this looming issue locked away in my denial closet for now.
‘Are you sure? You look a bit green all of a sudden.’
‘Oh… well, I am feeling ever-so-slightly car sick.’ This isn’t actually a lie. Despite wearing seatbelts, we’re being thrown around like ragdolls by the driver’s overenthusiastic driving style.
Our taxi pulls up outside Liberté Nouveau, a cosy but popular hang-out just off George Street. We’re the first to arrive, so we go straight to the bar to order a bottle of the house Champagne, and while it’s being poured, Amber appears.
‘Cheers, you guys.’ I hold out my glass and clink Cat and Amber’s.
‘ Cheers. ’ They grin back at me.
I savour the cool, crisp and slightly fruity explosion of bubbles. It whips up that same giddy feeling of excitement I felt in the restaurant just over a week ago, and from what I can tell, it’s having the same effect on my friends.
‘Has anyone heard from Sara?’ I ask, as we make our way to the booth I reserved for this evening. ‘I messaged her earlier, but she hasn’t replied.’
‘I bumped into to her last night on my way home,’ says Amber. ‘She’s working late again – something about a day of back-to-back meetings, but I reckon it’s back-to-back sex with the boss. I wonder if they actually pencil in—’
‘Please stop.’ I halt her in her tracks. ‘Will you do me a favour and leave out that chat tonight? Please ? We have new people joining us, and I’d rather Sara isn’t introduced to them in that way. I also don’t want you scaring them off.’
‘What are you, like the fun police or something?’ Amber surveys me disdainfully. ‘I hope you’re going to chill out once you have some booze in you. Here, have some more Champagne.’
She tops up my still two-thirds full glass, while I attempt a convincing ‘I’m serious’ face.
‘I feel bad for Sara,’ says Cat. ‘I know she enjoys her job and gets overtime, but this is bordering on slave labour.’
‘Is it?’ asks Amber, a cheeky glint in her eye. ‘Or maybe she’s a slave of a different—’
‘ Amber .’ I stop her short again.
‘ Oh. Come. On. ’ She throws her hands up in the air. ‘Cat handed me that one on a plate.’
‘All I’m saying is that Sara works really hard,’ says Cat. ‘And if she really is having a relationship—’
‘Affair.’ Amber corrects her.
‘OK, if she is having an affair with her boss – remember we don’t actually have any proof of that – then I’m sure she’s not… having it off with him all day, every day.’
Amber hoots with laughter.
‘Right, enough, Amber.’ I come to Cat’s rescue. ‘Stop winding her up.’
‘Aww… muuumm ,’ she mocks me.
‘And don’t even think about starting on me… oh, hi.’
We’re interrupted by the arrival of Cameron, who’s immediately followed by Jana and Trudy.
‘Hi, all of you. ’ I clap my hands with excitement. ‘Thanks so much for coming. Trudy, I thought you couldn’t make it.’
‘Change of plan.’ She punches the air with a triumphant fist.
‘I’m so glad,’ I say and quickly introduce everyone. ‘So, how are you two ladies?’ I ask her and Jana.
‘Exhausted,’ says Jana.
‘Ditto.’ Trudy agrees. ‘But ready for some fun.’
They both look fresh-faced and perky to me .
‘Busy day?’ I ask.
‘Like you wouldn’t believe.’ Jana sighs theatrically. ‘It felt like every tourist in the city spent the day in our store today. And we’re both working tomorrow, but that won’t stop us, will it, Trudy?’
‘No way.’
‘How about you, Cameron?’ I ask. ‘How was your Friday?’
‘Oh, fabulous as ever, lovely.’ He reaches out and touches my hair as if it’s a piece of fine art. ‘Another day of performing miracles. It’s what I live for.’
‘And the world thanks you for it.’ I give him a little salute.
I leave my friends – old and new – to chat while I head to the bar. Based on my limited knowledge of Cameron, I’m fully expect that he and Amber will be competing to be the centre of attention in no time. I only hope she reels it in a bit and doesn’t end up offending him.
While I’m waiting for the barman to prepare the two bottles of Champagne I’ve ordered, a male voice comes from my right.
‘Champagne, eh? Celebrating something?’
I turn and find myself looking at a man around my age. He’s tall, with a slim-but-muscular physique, dirty blond hair and striking blue eyes. Not what I’d call my type, but still nice to look at.
‘Erm… yes… sort of.’ I desperately try to think up a fake reason for our festivities, because I know what the next question’s going to be.
‘What’s the occasion?’
‘Well… it’s kind of… personal.’ I hope my vagueness will put him off.
‘ Aha … it’s your engagement party.’
‘Nope. I’m happily unattached.’ I’m flattered that he’s interested enough to be fishing, but disappointed he’s not letting it go. ‘I’m… celebrating new doors being opened.’
‘Well, aren’t you cryptic.’ He eyes me, and I feel myself blush, more from his scrutiny than any sense of enjoying his attention.
Thankfully, the barman interrupts our little ‘to and fro’, indicating to me that he’ll bring the Champagne over.
‘Well, I’d better get back to my friends,’ I say. ‘See you later.’
‘I certainly hope so…’
I realise that he’s waiting for my name. ‘Emma.’
‘Good to meet you, Emma. I’m Simon.’
I turn and walk away, feeling his eyes on me. While it’s a nice compliment to be chatted up, he was a little full on, and anyway, I’m giving men a wide berth for the foreseeable future. Tonight is about me and my friends – and that’s it.
Back at our booth, I’m delighted to see that everyone’s getting on brilliantly, and that Sara’s arrived. She’s standing next to our booth chatting to Jana.
‘ Sara! ’ I call over the rabble of music and voices. ‘I’m so glad you’re here.’
She excuses herself from her conversation and struts across to me, planting air kisses either side of my face. ‘Great atmosphere! Well done, girlfriend.’
‘Thanks. How are you?’ I ask. ‘I’ve been concerned about you working all these hours. They’re asking too much of you, Sara.’
‘Sweetie, it’s fine.’ She snakes an affectionate arm around my shoulders. ‘Honestly. The project is an interesting change for me and the extra money’s great for topping up my wardrobe. We can’t all be nearly-millionaires, you know.’
I look away, embarrassed by her words. I hope she doesn’t think I’ve already forgotten what it’s like to be tied to a job or to have to budget tightly.
‘I didn’t mean—’ I go to apologise, but she’s laughing.
‘ Relax . I was kidding. I’m happy, so there’s nothing for you to worry about.’
‘I guess I’m still disappointed that you can’t come with us next week.’
‘Sure, I am too. But it’s no biggie. Your new additions are super nice, by the way. You’re a good judge of character.’
‘With friends maybe. Perhaps not so much with men.’ I fill her in on my altercation with Dave and running out on James at the travel agency.
‘Hey, don’t beat yourself up.’ Sara lifts my chin with her finger. ‘Dave wasn’t right for you and maybe this James isn’t either. But don’t give up on men altogether. You need to shop around, figure out what kind of guy meets your needs. Have a few on the go at a time.’
‘That’s an apt choice of metaphor, coming from you, Ms Shopaholic. It’s not really my thing, though. I struggled enough to keep one man in my life.’
‘Actually…’ She arches an eyebrow. ‘More than one man means less pressure, because you’re less invested. If one doesn’t work out then you have other options so there’s less chance you’ll get hurt. You don’t have to sleep with them all. Enjoy their company, lap up the attention. It’ll help mend that bruised ego of yours.’
‘You certainly seem to know what you’re talking about. Have you had to do the same in the past?’
‘Not really…’ Sara purses her lips. ‘Not for that reason anyway. I’ve always been the one who does the dumping.’
‘ Well now I feel better, ’ I wail.
‘Oh, sweetie, no.’ Sara yanks me in and strokes my hair, making me feel like her pet pooch. ‘Let’s just say I see the world a little differently to you. It comes from… never mind. I’m not looking to settle down. I live for me, for enjoying myself – and for my Jimmy Choos, of course. But I know that you want something different, and I believe that, if you broaden your options and focus on having a good time, you’ll find a smoking hot guy who can’t get enough of you.’
‘Thanks, Sara. I’ll think it over.’ I give her a grateful hug, and we rejoin the others.