Page 6 of Benidorm Again

I’m still not following but make a mental note to check up on Cherry.

‘So, I rang Nancy and she’s arranged for us to do a couple of gigs while we’re there.’

Why would Tash do that? Nancy, our agent, is not to be messed with. Once bookings are made, they are set in stone.

‘We told her you’d be bang up for it, but Nancy just needs you to confirm first. It means our flights, food, accommodation would all be free. Otherwise, none of us could afford to go.’ She mistakes my silence for being overjoyed.

Tash squeals with excitement. She has no idea that she’s ruining my big special romantic week. Instead of bonking and in a general loved-up haze, I’ll now be working. I’ll be singing in clubs while trying to keep up with The Dollz, the world’s heaviest-drinking chain-smokers. And in between, I have the world’s most elaborate pre-moon to organise and execute.

Deep fucking breaths.

‘Thanks Tash. That’s really good of you… and Nancy.’ My voice sounds distant, as though I am on a sort of polite automatic pilot. ‘But I was hoping to see Matteo that week. I haven’t got time to do gigs as well as the pre-moon for Ged and Liam.’

‘And you will see him, Connie, babes. You will. But what’s the alternative? None of us get to share Ged and Liam’s big week? They’ll be gutted.’ Tash lets the silence hang between us for a moment before continuing.

What a guilt trip. How can I say no?

‘Okay. But only if the gigs don’t get in the way of me spending time with Matteo,’ I say reluctantly.

Tash whoops eagerly. ‘Yay! It’s going to be savage. I’ll tell Nancy you’ve confirmed.’

Savage. Oh. My. God.Now, I have even less time to prepare myself for the Las Vegas trip. And even though I could really dowiththe extra money, I could really dowithoutthe extra pressure.

My spirits plummet at the thought of what might lie ahead. I will have to make sure I get some time with Matteo alone. Before it all turnssavage. I will just have to be firm with everyone and learn to say no.

‘All The Dollz are proper buzzing. I’ll ask Nancy if the gigs are slutty or more show girl upmarket. We might need some of those giant feathers and swinging nipple tassels.’

This is getting worse by the second.

‘Either way, it’s going to be one hell of a messy one. We can’t wait.’

Sweet Jesus.

‘Anyway, gotta bounce, babes. Good luck with that snobby lot on tour. You’ll need it.’

Oh, my fucking word.

Chapter 3

I must warn Matteo. I must.

But I can’t.

One, he’s deeply immersed in the creative process, and two, I’m a wimp.

‘I think he’ll love the surprise element,’ says Ged to Liam.

They’re discussing my situation.

‘Imagine when he turns up to collect you, and there’s all of us standing top-to-toe in full Barbie and Ken.’

This is the first I’m hearing of the trip being themed. Of course, it would be Barbie.Of course, it would.

‘Wait until you see my white, faux fur coat and headband,’ Ged says excitedly, thrusting a phone full of photos of Ken outfits on Pinterest at me.

‘He’ll absolutely die,’ agrees Liam.

Yes, he might.

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