I cracked a smile at the memory, which of course cracked the mask. ‘Only five more minutes, Ms Novak,’ said Eleni.
I cleared my throat. ‘Thank you,’ I said through barely parted lips.
And yes, all right, I was a little turned on. Too bad I hadn’t known about the spa’s epic bathtub ahead of time – I would have brought a toy with me.Next time.
If thereisa next time, I thought, my mind revisiting Julian’s unknown dilemma.
* * *
Idowork hard – most days, most of every day – and it can take a lot out of me, always beingon, always beingtheDiva. But as Tommy said, it’s hardly a grind.
And there are certainly perks – like spending the afternoon at the super-lush Spa Aetheria. After being slathered, lathered, scrubbed, and rubbed over (nearly) every inch of my body (definitelynot the sort of spa that specialises in happy endings), I floated back to my villa on a cloud.
I stretched out on the sofa, trying to decide what to do next. I was supposed to leave Aetheria tomorrow, but so much felt unfinished. Julian’s circumstances – was he really in trouble? And what about the partnership between Divorced Diva and Aetheria? Maybe Tommy was barking up the wrong tree. It’s not like this was his area of expertise; he was a structural engineer turned boat skipper.
And then there was Tommy – a walking question mark.
How could I leave without discussing what had happened between us? Besides, I’d already told him I was extending my stay.
Ireallydidn’t want to make a dent in my blissful state – I could easily have fallen asleep on that dreamy sofa – but there was too much that required my attention. No rest for the Diva.Literally.
I swung my legs over the edge of the sofa and sat up, mentally sorting the tasks I needed to tick off before dinner.
First, tell Claude I was staying on Aetheria for a couple more days. Then put the PR campaign on ice – just until I was sure it wouldn’t blow up in our faces. Claude could handle that, but how was I supposed to ask without spilling the entire pot of tea?
‘Figure it out as you go, Ally.’ I took my phone off charge and called her.
‘How was the spa day?’ she asked without preamble. ‘And spare no detail – I’m living vicariously.’
I laughed. ‘Claude, how many times have I told you – just book in at Elysium!’
I understood Claude’s desire to live a frugal life – well, sort of, but not really – but wewerepartnered with one of the best spas in London. She could go anytime for free!
She laughed at herself – unusual for her.
‘You’re in good spirits,’ I said. ‘Especially for a Monday.’
‘I know, right? It might be the weather – it’stwentytodayandthe sun is shining. I actually took my sandwich to the park instead of eating at my desk.’
‘Wow. Big day!’
She chuckled again.
‘And to answer your question, the spa’s incredible. They have an outdoor shower overlooking the sea – like something out of a shampoo ad – and the mostdelicioustreatments. Oh, and thefacial! My skin has never looked this good without makeup.’
‘You’re doing a very good job of selling me on Aetheria,’ she admitted.
‘I am? That’s wonderful.’
Only it wasn’t wonderful – our partnership might be dead in the water. Which brought me back to why I’d called.
‘Al?’
I’d done it again – I was in my head and not the conversation.
‘Hi, sorry…’Out with it, Ally.‘Er, look, I’ve decided to stay two or three more days.’
‘Oh?’
