‘Ah, that’s the thing—’
‘You know, maybe you’d eaten something dodgy and got sick, but then I remembered, not our Liv. She’s a sensible one. She wouldn’t risk anything more exciting than a cheese omelette! Then I thought maybe you were just ignoring me. Giving me the old silent treatment,’ Tracey continued, Olivia’s input apparently surplus to requirements. ‘What is it they call it these days? Ghouling? Or ghosting, is it? But then I didn’t think you were the type.’ She paused and took a long inhale. ‘So, what’s been going on? Where have you been hiding?’
‘Well, funnily enough …’ Olivia winced. ‘I did get sick, from someverydodgy food.’
‘Get away with you. You’re joking?’
‘Unfortunately, I’m not.’
‘Jesus, I knew I was many things, but psychic was not one of them. Are you OK now? How long were you out for? Have you seen a doctor?’
‘It was last night, but I’m fine. I feel fine now.’
‘You sound tired. Have you eaten anything since?’
Tracey and her twenty questions were suddenly making Olivia feel rather nauseous again.
‘No, not yet. It’s why I called, actually.’
And now wish I hadn’t.
‘I was wondering if you were around for a tea or a walk or to grab something to eat.’
‘Hell no!’ Tracey roared. ‘There’s no way you’re going anywhere, my girl. Not after a Delhi belly situation. You do need food, but also fluids and a whole lot of rest. What’s the name of your hotel? I’ll come over right away.’
‘You don’t have to do that.’
‘I know, but I’m going to.’
‘Are you sure? You really don’t need to.’
‘I know. What’s your hotel called?’
‘But honestly, Trac—’
‘Liv.’ Tracey dropped her voice. ‘Quit arguing with me, and just give me the name of your bloody hotel!’
Olivia knew she had two choices. Hang up and run, or admit defeat.
‘It’s the All Seasons homestay.’
‘Thank you. Now, sit tight and I’ll be with you in two shakes of a lamb’s tail.’
Olivia
Olivia had only just managed to get out of the shower and open a few windows by the time Tracey arrived, dressed head to toe in every shade of yellow, arms full of shopping bags.
‘Just a couple of essentials,’ she’d proclaimed, bursting into the bedroom and ordering Olivia to sit in the corner. ‘Now, don’t move. I’ll be back.’
Olivia barely had time to process how one person could own so many garish items of clothing, before Tracey returned with a rather unsettled-looking lady from reception and a bundle of clean bed linen.
‘We can’t have you sleeping in that, it will only make you feel worse,’ she huffed, stripping the sweaty sheets and handing them to the woman. ‘I’d wash these on averyhigh temperature, if I were you. Oh, and is there a kitchen I can use to make tea?’
The lady nodded and pointed down the long corridor outside Olivia’s bedroom.
‘Great!’ Tracey turned back to face Olivia as the shell-shocked woman disappeared. ‘You’ve showered, yes?’
‘Uh-huh.’
