Page 61 of Benidorm Again

‘I’d needreassurance that you are going to investigate who is behind all these leaks. I have my own reputation to think about,’ I say firmly.

‘Of course. Of course. And you’d have full access to wardrobe. Just ask Dolly for whatever you need for the next tour.’

Ooh, that’s very tempting.

‘Let me think about it. I’ll let you know later today,’ I watch as they all squirm.

‘We look forward to hearing from you,’ says the Chief Executive firmly. ‘The next tour will be in Europe, if that helps make up your mind.’

Keeping the excitement from showing on my face, I manage, ‘Thank you. I’ll bear it in mind.’

I walk out of there a foot taller.

I am a friggin’ hashtag boss lady.

‘How did it go?’ Dolly asks, sitting opposite me in a nearby coffee shop on the quayside.

I peer out over the River Tyne and the Millenium Bridge arching over it, coming to rest at the feet of the old flour mill, now home to trendy artworks and a rooftop restaurant.It’s in stark contrast to the neighbouring Glasshouse, a giant shining dome reflecting the blue sky and dominating the skyline, home to my new career. I see my reflection in the glass. I am vibrant. Strong. Grown up.

‘They want me to stay on.’

‘They do? That’s great,’ says Dolly a fraction too quickly.

‘Yeah. I kind of pushed them into a corner over investigating the newspaper leaks on tour. I think it changed their minds about sacking me.’ I can’t help but feel proud for standing up for myself. ‘They want to avoid any further scandal. So, I’m staying. Apparently, the next tour is across Europe. How amazing is that?’

Dolly fiddles with her coffee, stirring sugar into it. ‘Good for you, pet. You’ll love Europe. The tours are always… I was going to say wild but after this one, I’m not so sure. And the costumes are always more elaborate. You’ll love them. I have some ideas in mind already.’ She’s deliberately not making eye contact.

‘Wait. You knew they’d keep me?’

She looks up.

‘How?’ I ask. Her face is a dead give-away.

‘Luke threatened to quit if they didn’t keep you.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Apparently, Luke told the Chief Exec that if they fired you, he’d quit anyway.’

I let this sink in.

‘But why? Why would he do that for me? I didn’t need him to do that. I was bossing the shit out of it.’

Gah!Luke is so fecking annoying. I can’t even think of a word to describe how infuriated I am with him right now.

She shrugs.

‘There has to be more to it. Why would a royal person be remotely interested in me? He could have any woman in the world. Any royal woman in fact. Why would he go to such lengths to sing with me? Why would he threaten to quit?’

Dolly stares blankly back.

‘Come on, Dolly. You know him. Why would he give me a family heir loom? He barely knows me.’

‘I think you need to speak to the Maestro about the locket.’

‘He’s the second last person I’d want to speak to. Why? What would he have to do with anything?’

‘He’s Luke’s godfather. And, technically, the locket belonged to him. As for Luke defending you to the council, I think he has genuine feelings for you, and just wants to make things right.’

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