‘Sounds perfect.And… actually, do you think you’d have time to do Jasmine’s nails too?She’s a Love Empress here.She probably would only want something simple like a French manicure.We’d both pay you for your time.’
‘No, it’s okay.’ I waved my hand dismissively.‘I’d be happy to do it for you!’
‘You’re a lifesaver!I’ll wait to hear from you then, thanks!’
Once I’d loaded up a tray with some pastries and fresh fruit, plus placed an order for fresh pancakes, waffles and an omelette to be delivered, I literally skipped back to our villa.I couldn’t wait to tell Jake the exciting news.
When I burst through the door, I saw that Jake was already sitting outside.
I rushed over to him.
‘Guess what?’ I placed the tray on the table in front of him.
‘What, baby?’
‘I just saw Sammie and she’s asked me to do her nails!And the Love Empress woman who I think is her boss or something!’ I let out an excited squeal.
Jake smirked, then got up and wrapped his arms around me.
‘That’s so cool!Proud of you.’
‘I told her I’d check with you because I didn’t know if you had something in mind for us to do today and get back to her.’
‘Nope.Nothing that can’t wait.’
‘Okay, great!I’ll message to see if she’s free after breakfast.Then we’ll have the rest of the day to spend together.’
‘Perfect!And whilst you’re doing their nails, I’m gonna do some more writing.I’m feeling inspired.’ He dipped his head and planted a soft kiss on my lips.
‘That’s what I like to hear.You going to tell me what the song you wrote yesterday is about?’
‘It’s a secret.And it’s not ready.I wish I had my guitar.’
‘You didn’t want to bring it with you?’
‘Roger suggested it, but I thought there was no point and didn’t want to put too much pressure on myself.’
‘I can understand that.Maybe we could get it delivered?’
‘Yeah, maybe.’
The doorbell rang.
‘That’ll be the rest of the food.’
‘There’smore?’
‘Yep!If you’re going to be writing some hit records and I’m going to be doing my first proper nails booking in years, we’ll need to keep our strength up.’
* * *
A couple of hours later, I was on my way to Sammie’s office to do her nails.My heart thundered against my chest.
I couldn’t fuck this up.This was a great opportunity to dip my toe back into the water and build my confidence.Apart from doing Vanessa’s nails, I hadn’t done anyone else’s for ages.If I messed up on myself or Vanessa, it was fine, I could shrug it off and start again, but I couldn’t do that today.Sammie was trusting me to do a good job and I didn’t want to let her down.
I knocked on the door.
‘Come in,’ she called out.
