Page 43 of Benidorm Again

I gulp down a mouthful of wine. ‘Erm,’ I say, frowning as though it’s been a while. This is not going to sound great. ‘A week… and four days.’

‘A week and four days?’ Luke knocks back his drink and immediately pours himself another. He is trying hard not to look amazed. ‘And four of those days you’ve spent with me?’

‘I know it doesn’t sound long. But a lot of stuff happened over that week. Benidorm can be a really intense place.’ I am babbling.

‘So, you met him on holiday? He’s a holiday fling?’

I shake my head. ‘I met him while singing, for work. It all happenedso fast.’

Oh, the irony.

Luke has a strange expression on his face. He places his hands wide to grip the corners of the table. A smile is dancing around his lips. ‘How do you know he’s the one?’

I fiddle with my napkin. I’m not answering that.

He throws his head back and regards me through thick lashes. His eyes have the look of mischief.

‘And if you hadn’t met him last week,’ he asks, ‘would you be interested in me?’

What a question. I look away. ‘I think we should change the subject.’

Luke shakes his head very slowly. ‘I want you, Connie, like I’ve never wanted any other woman in my life.’

I gulp nervously. He really fancies me. He could literally have any woman on the planet. It makes no sense.

Luke walks over to the side cabinet. A big dark wooden beast laden with all manner of alcohol and picks up another bottle of wine. He yanks the cork out with his teeth. I consider the two empty bottles lying on the table in front of me and realise that we are getting through way too much. He fills our glasses up to the brim.

‘I’m falling in love with you. There, what do you say to that?’ He sways slightly before slumping back into his seat.

‘I’d say you are very drunk. That’s what I’d say.’

He lifts his glass and drains it in one go, immediately pouring another. ‘I’m not. But even if I was very drunk, that wouldn’t matter, would it?’

‘Kind of, yes.’ I’m a bit startled at his declaration. I should nip this conversation in the bud.

Besides, I’m in love with Matteo. I know it has only been a week, but when you know, you know. And I very much need to give that a chance because I get the impression that Matteo has fallen for me too, despite the lack of a formal relationship status.

‘Connie. When this tour is finished, I want you to come away with me.’

‘No. I can’t do that.’

‘I want you to give me the same chance to win you over.’

‘No. Sorry. I’m already booked to fly to Benidorm.’

‘To see him?’

‘For work.’

‘Cancel it. Come to….’ Luke casts his eyes around the room as though the answer lies hidden in the furniture. ‘Santorini. Come to Santorini with me.’

‘What’s in Santorini?’

‘Nothing.’

He’s very drunk.

‘You makeit sound so tempting,’ I quip, desperate to lighten the mood.

---