Page 34 of Benidorm Again

‘Yes! I knew that. That’s what I thought you meant.’

He pulls me up the final step of the hot tub so that we are standing close enough for him to whisper inmy ear. ‘I’m a gentleman. If you want me to have sex with you, I’d at least expect you to buy me dinner first.’

I’m not sure what to say. I have no rebuff. My eyes are glued to his. They are bright and dangerous and utterly sexy.

‘Besides, who would be crass enough to have sex in a hot tub?’ He wrinkles his nose at me.

Yes, who would be that crass?

‘I’ll give you a knock before five.’ He dips his head to bow.

I watch him stride away. He is in expert shape. He has incredibly toned legs and a tight butt. It’s like watching two bowling balls rubbing together.

Pull. Yourself. Together.

As I race past the receptionist in my fluffy dressing gown, she waves me over with a panicked look. ‘I’m very sorry but your dress is not ready for you this evening.’

‘What do you mean my dress isn’t ready?’ I say through tight lips.

She explains again about the dry cleaners shutting early, without warning, with all of my costumes trapped inside.

‘But what will I wear tonight on stage? I have nothing to wear!’ I am trying my best not to create a scene. After all, it isn’t her fault. Although, in a way, it sort of is.

As she tries to calm me, a few elderly patrons have the nerve to peek over the top of their newspapers to shush me.

Panic is rising from my stomach. It is mixing with the alcohol that I shouldn’t have had and the encounter with Luke in the hot tub that should also not have occurred.

A quick check of the time tells me it is already four o’clock. ‘So, when can I have my costumes? I need at least one of them right now. No. I need three of them. I have to do costume changes because I change character during the performance. And the costumes match what I’m singing.’ A picture of the Maestro pops into my head. He’ll explode if I get into any more trouble. I’m not sure his frail frame and fragile temperament could take it. ‘I will be sacked if I don’t have any costumes to wear. Sacked!’

‘I’m sorry, madam. You don’t seem to be listening to me. The dry cleaners are closed. They aren’t picking up the phone. We have no way of retrieving your costumes before tomorrow morning.’

‘BUT I NEED TO WEAR SOMETHING!’ I bellow. A crowd is starting to gather. I am creating the scene I said I wouldn’t create.

Thereceptionist looks startled. ‘My friend has a boutique. It does bridesmaid and eveningwear. Maybe she can help. What size are you? I’ll ask her to bring some round. Or I could get the driver to run you over there?’

Deep breaths. Deep breaths.

‘Yes. Take me to the shop. Thank you.’ I take in a large gulp of air. ‘Give me two minutes to change.’

I race up to my room and throw on the first things I can find. Some joggers and a hoodie. Just as I lock the door, I remember my dinner date with Luke.

Gah!

I knock on his door. No answer. I knock harder. Still no answer.

Feck it!He’ll just have to dine by himself. I’ll leave a message with reception. Yes, that’s what I’ll do. Just as I’m about to leave, the door swings open. Luke is standing dripping wet, clutching a small towel around his waist. He looks surprised to see me.

Keeping my eyes trained on his, I say, ‘I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to take a raincheck on dinner. An emergency has come up. I can’t make it.’

His face falls.

‘Can I help?’

‘No. No, it’s a costume thing. They’ve lost all my costumes, and I have nothing to wear tonight.’

‘Oh, shit. We are due to leave at six thirty.’

‘I know,’ I say, speedily backing away. ‘Go without me. I’ll see you at the theatre.’

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