Above us is a mirrored ceiling and a crystal chandelier with more lightbulbs than I can count. Behind the reception desk is another mirror, one that runs from floor to ceiling. We’re constantly being reflected, no matter at what angle we stand. It adds to my self-consciousness.
‘Oh,’ says Liv, ‘isn’t this justgorge?’
Margot’s phone rings to the tune of Madonna’s ‘Material Girl’ – a bit on the nose, I think – and I spot Nicu’s face flashing up on the screen. She declines the call and rolls her eyes. Nicu calls back immediately, and this time, she turns her phone off.
‘Everything alright?’ Liv asks.
‘It is now,’ she says. ‘Nicu and the kids have gastroenteritis, so I don’t want to be anywhere near that house.’
Liv and I look at each other. Margot can’t help but notice.
‘It’s okay,’ she assures us. ‘They’ll be fine. And there’s nothing I can do there apart from rinse out a few sick bowls. I’m much better off here.’
It hasn’t crossed her mind that she too might be contagious.
Soon after, we arrive at our bedrooms – two located next to one another, the other adjacent.
‘Sorry,’ says Liv, ‘but I could only get two deluxe suites and one executive.’
‘There’s nothing to apologise for,’ says Margot. ‘Anna, you don’t mind, do you?’
I’m about to nod because of course I don’t mind. I wouldn’t complain if I was told I was sleeping in the janitor’s cupboard.
‘Actually,’ Liv says, ‘I was thinking Anna could have one of the deluxe suites, as it’s her first time at a spa. What do you think?’
Margot blinks quickly as her demotion registers. ‘Of course,’ she says, gritting her teeth so hard they might give off sparks.
‘Well then,’ Liv continues, ‘why don’t we settle in, freshen up, then reconvene in the relaxation room in say an hour?’ We all agree.
Before I’m even inside my suite, I think I can hear the door of Margot’s minibar opening. I WhatsApp photos to Drew, but he doesn’t reply. I suppose that shouldn’t surprise me, as he already made it clear he didn’t want me coming here.
‘It’s not your world,’ he argued. ‘You’re a tourist.’
Only now do I accept his point.
As I slip out of my jeans, I rub my hand over the raised scar on my left thigh. I’m gentle at first, but gradually, I place pressure upon it until eventually I’m kneading it roughly like a fistful of dough, trying to bring my pain receptors to life. Then, once I do, I stop as quickly as I began and take a breath.No, I tell myself,not today. After slipping on my shorts and a white towelling dressing gown, I make sure to tighten the cord around me so it won’t fall open.
Margot is already in the relaxation room when I arrive. It’s comfortably warm in here and soothing piano music plays quietly. She’s sipping from a pink metal flask. I doubt it contains water.
‘Got to stay hydrated, haven’t we?’ she says with a wink.
‘No Liv?’ I ask, taking one of two sunbeds Margot has reserved for us with towels.
‘Not yet. She’s probably having a top-up.’
‘Of what?’
She mimes a needle jabbing her forehead and the pushing of a plunger.
‘I don’t see Liv being a fan of Botox. She’s all about healthy living and a healthy lifestyle.’
Margot rolls her eyes.If they go far enough back, I think,they might just find a human version of herself.
‘A few sun salutations, a downward dog and a flaxseed smoothie don’t give you a forehead as smooth as a baby’s arse.’
‘Well, that’s her business. It’s nice of her to have invited us.’
Margot moves closer to me. I can smell alcohol on her breath.
