"Don't be. I feel exactly the same way. Only I'm a man, so we don't have any tears."
I chuckle, and he gives me a hard kiss on the lips. "One month. We can do this, Belle. We’re both going to be so busy the entire time, it's going to fly by."
"I suppose that's true. I have to figure out what I'm going to wear, and I need to wrap up that fundraising campaign, and I'm sure there will be dozens of wedding-related decisions to make, and dress shopping and a bridal shower…"
"See? You’re not even going to miss me."
"Oh, yes, I bloody well will."
The clock in my living room chimes two o’clock and I sigh. A few minutes later, we perform our well-worn ritual of snogging each other as though it'll never happen again. Each time, I end up breathless and terrified. “Why couldn't I have fallen in love with a nice dentist?"
"Because you're far too wild at heart for that,” Will says, opening the door.
We give each other one last kiss.
"Stay safe," I whisper.
"Always."
And then he's gone, leaving me to wander back through my empty apartment to my empty bed for a quick cry, followed by a short, fitful sleep.
Chapter 12
Like a Hamster on a Royal Wedding Wheel
Will
Bolivia – Two WeeksLater
"Welcome to Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat on the planet, here in beautiful Bolivia. You may recognize it from films such asStar Wars: The Last Jedi.This incredibly unique place is going to be our home for the next four days. Over the next four days we’ll be traveling by 4 x 4 and camping out to discover all that this incredible area has to offer, here at the crest of the Andes Mountains. Salar de Uyuni is over 10,000 square kilometres in area and it sits at an elevation of over 3500 m above sea level, so even though there’s nothing to climb out here, there is the danger of altitude sickness. So if you're making a trip here, be sure to bring plenty of water, altitude sickness medication, and Advil. Another must is sunscreen, and don’t forget to apply it inside your nostrils, because you’ll be living on the world's largest mirror and the reflection gets everywhere! It gets hot during the day here in April and quite chilly at night so you better bring clothing you can layer. And don't forget a swimsuit and towel, because they've got beautiful hot springs that we’ll check out later.
“I've got my guide, Juan Carlos, with me, and he is going to take us off the beaten path and give us a chance to explore this incredible area."
"Cut!" Enid says into the microphone. "That was great, Will. Take ten while we set up the next shot."
I give her a nod, then hurry into the tent where Gregory is waiting for me, his face covered in zinc. Also waiting for me is another film crew who is here to capture all my ‘off air’ wedding preparation moments. So I’m now being filmed basically every waking moment, which is…not irritating at all. But it’ll all be worth it in eight weeks and six days.
I guzzle down half a liter of water, then Gregory and I continue on with our etiquette lessons.
"Now, when you fold your napkin in half, is the crease facing you or facing away from you?"
"Facing me?" I ask.
Gregory shakes his head.
"Damn — the crease isclosestto me. Closest. That's how I’ll remember, it—cc… The crease is close. Okay, next."
"Very good, sir. True or false: when eating, the knife stays in your right hand and the fork in your left."
I close my eyes and pretend to eat. "True — fork left, knife right."
"Excellent. When you're done eating, how do you lay your silverware?”
"Diagonally?" I ask.
"Brilliant.” He fans his face with the paper for a moment and I feel horrible about dragging him here just to teach me etiquette lessons.
"Are you feeling all right, Gregory?" I ask.
