Page 57 of Benidorm Again

‘An itinerary would be great. Will there be a hot air balloon or any other occasion to wear short casuals?’ asks Liam. ‘We’ve bought some matching gold, glittery, dungaree hotpants.’

Of course. Of course, they have.

‘And what did Matteo say about us all coming over?’ Ged says, folding his arms and tilting his head to the side knowingly.

They wait for me to answer.

‘He’s fine with it, is he?’ Ged probes.

We are all fully aware that while impossibly handsome and kind, Matteo is also the dark-eyed, brooding sort who doesn’t suffer fools. He has little patience for people - in other words, all of us - who let others down professionally due to their amazing ability to wreak havoc wherever they go.

Shiiiiiite.

‘Yes. Yes, of course. It’ll be fine. I’ll send you all the itinerary first thing tomorrow. There are just a few little things I need to confirm first.’

Lies upon lies upon lies.

I must tell Matteo that we are all coming to Las Vegas. I must. But I will leave it until the end of the Sinfonia farewell party. He is about eight hours behind, so he will get my message when he wakes up.

The thought of seeing him sends an excited shiver right up my spine.

‘Oh, and Nancy says Eddie from Talent Star needs us to do him a favour while we’re over there. Some sort of birthday surprise for a friend of his,’ says Big Sue.

‘What do we have to do?’ asks Tash.

Big Sue shrugs. ‘She didn’t say.’

I notice my dad is looking concerned.

‘It’ll be perfectly above board. Probably. Now. Who’s ready for a free bar?’ I say, ushering everyone out of the dressing room.

My dad gives me a bittersweet lingering smile. ‘As long as you’re safe, love.’

‘Of course, Dad. I’d never do anything stupid.’

He takes a moment. Probably chewing over the fact his daughter has pretty much made a fool of herself in publicevery single day this week. ‘I just worry that,’ he casts a quick glance around the room. ‘That this is all a bit much for you.’

‘I’m fine, Dad. Don’t worry. I’ve got it all in hand.’

Famous last words.

Chapter 21

The end of tour celebration always begins with a speech by one of the founding members of the Sinfonia, apparently. It is given by a very old gentleman who has come dressed to shoot grouse on a country estate. After telling us when and why the company was founded, he thanks the ensemble, the chorists and the tour manager.

‘If Dolly were here, I’d tell her what a marvellous…’

‘Iamhere, Mr Faberhouse,’ Dolly says, standing right next to him. ‘I was the one who escorted you in. We had a whole conversation about land tax and your views on what’s wrong with the youth of today, remember?’

He takes a second glance at her. ‘Really? Is that you? Why I barely recognised you, my dear.’

He carries on as though he’s baffled by her transformation. He keeps throwing his eyes to the ceiling and saying, ‘Whatevernext?’

Eventually, he gets around to thanking the Maestro who keeps his speech mercifully short and to the point. ‘I too, would like to thank everyone for their efforts and look forward to seeing them doubled the next time.’

He gains a weak ripple of applause, but he does have a point. I’m glad I don’t have to make a speech. The atmosphere has somewhat flattened, and The Dollz are making noises of becoming bored. Just as we think the Maestro is about to tell us all to avail ourselves of the free bar, Luke steps towards him and throws an arm over his bony shoulders.

‘Maestro, the Sinfonia would be nothing without you.’ Luke sweeps his gaze across the crowd of musicians until it lands on me. ‘I’m sorry I messed things up. I’m sorry for lots of things.’

---