Page 40 of The Gin Lover's Guide to Dating

‘The gin distillery visit next month.’ Amir cuts me off and gives me a warning look. ‘We were just discussing the visit Reyes and I are going on. We thought that it might be good for Liv to come too. Help her build up her knowledge. Because she’s not expecting to work here for long, she doesn’t want to waste the hotel’s money, but I said she should sleep on it before making a final decision. Right, Liv?’

Reyes gives my hand a little squeeze, urging me to play along. I can’t bear to let them down; not tonight anyway. I’ll discreetly hand in my notice tomorrow, when they’re not around.

‘Yeah, that was it.’ I try, and fail, to hold Aaron’s gaze. ‘Just don’t want you investing in me when I won’t be around for long.’

‘Really.’ Aaron’s eyes narrow as he scrutinises us one by one, obviously unconvinced.

‘Yes, Mister Gardiner.’ Reyes nods affirmatively. ‘This is true. We think this will be good for Liv also.’

Aaron watches us intently, but we stand firm, sticking to our story.

‘In that case, I agree,’ says Aaron. ‘Liv, you will join the gin distillery visit. And as you’re doing that, you may as well complete the formal hotel staff training programme. That will keep you out of trouble.’

I blanch. For a second, I wonder if Clara’s been reporting back to him, then I realise he’s just being his usual graceless self.

‘OK… thanks, Aaron.’ I’m unsure what to say. ‘That’s… great.’

‘What I actually came down to say to you motley crew…’ Aaron’s still regarding us with a thread of suspicion ‘…was that, as it’s quiet, you can all get off early. I’ll ask Clara and one of the staff from The Library bar to cover till close.’

I look at my watch and see that it’s only 10.30 p.m. The thought of an early night has never been more appealing.

‘Mister Gardiner,’ Reyes gushes, ‘this is very generous of you.Muchas gracias.’

Not knowing how to respond to this outpouring of gratitude, Aaron gives Reyes an awkward nod.

‘You can put your timesheets through for the usual time,’ he says over his shoulder, already on his way out the bar.

As soon as he’s gone, Reyes turns to me.

‘Now, Chica. We are going to solve this. Tonight. Amir, you are in?’

‘Sure am.’ Amir gives Reyes a knowing wink.

‘We go to the pub,’ Reyes commands.

‘What? No, Reyes.’ I protest. ‘I appreciate the gesture, but I’m so tired. I just want to curl up in bed, and forget about everything.’

‘Which is exactly why you must not do this.’ Reyes faces me straight on, grabbing me by the tops of my arms and shaking me slightly. ‘You must not forget. You must feel this pain; and then you must discard it. We will do this with alcohol, with talking and with laughter.’

‘I know she talks nonsense, generally.’ Amir earns himself a dirty look from Reyes. ‘But I have to agree with her. You need to deal with this, otherwise it’s going to destroy you. Plus, we need a chance to convince you to stay, before you sneak in here and resign tomorrow without either of us knowing.’

‘You’re good.’ I give Amir a look of resignation.

‘The very best.’ He gives me a wink.

‘Well, things can’t get much worse.’ I shrug. ‘I guess it can’t do any more harm to drown my sorrows: given that I have failed in my career, and now I have no friends either.’

‘This is not true, Chica,’ Reyes scolds me. ‘I tell you when you start, that we are amigas, yes?’

‘Umm… yes, but I thought you were just being nice.’

‘Nah, Liv.’ Amir shakes his head. ‘Reyes doesn’t pretend to be friends with anyone. She’s one straight-talkingbeeatch.’

‘I am this,’ Reyes agrees enthusiastically.

‘And you can add another friend to that list too.’ Amir pulls me in for a hug. ‘Truly. We’re the real deal. Not like those arseholes that were in here earlier.’

‘Thanks guys.’ I blink furiously as I feel my eyes start to sting again. ‘I think I believe you already. In all the time I’ve known that lot, I’ve never had a conversation like this with any one of them.’

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