He stuffed his phone back in his pocket. “If I can borrow it when we get to the riad, that’d be great.”
“Sure. It’s no problem.” I didn’t touch him, not like I would if Jaime hadn’t been there. No one knew about his mother, no one knew about us. I wasn’t sure whether I liked that or not. Wasn’t sure whether I needed to like it either way.
Jaime glanced up at us from her phone. She was in a seat facing us, the taxi more like a London cab, although I had no idea what I’d been expecting – maybe a carriage pulled by caleche horses which would’ve been an interesting start, given that we were going to be working with a charity that offered veterinary treatment to those animals amongst others. “This place we’re staying’s had really good reviews.”
To be fair to Jaime, she’d spent a fair few nights in pretty rough conditions and she looked tired. Part of the reason for having a few days before we started filming again was to give her and the crew a chance to rest up as it had been non-stop for the last few weeks.
“Would it matter if it didn’t?”
She smiled. “No. As long as the mattress was clean and I can spend at least eighteen hours in it non-stop. But after that it would matter. I’m looking forward to a bit of luxury. And a hamman. Or three.”
“Have you been to Marrakesh before?”
She nodded. “Twice. It’s great, you’ll love it.”
The taxi turned sharply up a narrow street, breaking suddenly and jolting us forward.
“I think we’re here.” Callum stretched and opened the door.
The darkness meant I couldn’t see much, the street lighting low. A couple of cats darted slightly out of the way, and then a door in a wall opened, a smiling woman standing there.
“Jaime? Callum and Wren? You’re from the TV programme?” Her accent was heavy; I’d guess that French was her mother tongue.
“That’s us and we’re happy to be here.”
She beamed at us broadly. “I’m Anne-Marie and this is Riad des I have your rooms ready for you. Leave your luggage here and I’ll send someone to bring it in. Make sure you tip the driver.”
Callum was already on it, passing the driver a couple of notes. Heavy tipping was expected in Marrakesh from everything I’d read.
I followed our host through the door into a small foyer that smelled of something fresh and clean. Elaborate lanterns dropped from high ceilings, colourful tiles on the floors with painted walls. It felt like a retreat, a sanctuary away from the heat and bustle that seeped into the atmosphere even at night.
A pool was surrounded by metal tables, a couple sat at one, both sipping what looked like tea.
“I don’t think I’m ever going to leave.” Jaime’s voice was barely a whisper. “Do you think she’d employ me?”
I laughed, knowing how she felt. “You can always ask.”
She sighed. “Don’t let anyone wake me up and if either of you end up having wild monkey sex, keep the noise down. Even if Brad Pitt and George Clooney plus Zac Efron walk in here, demanding to see me.” Jaime started to follow Anne-Marie who was gesturing to her like she was a small child to follow.
“Do you want my phone?”
Callum was standing next to me looking like he was about to undergo a prostate exam.
“I’ll come to your room in a few. Is that okay?”
“Sure. I might get in the shower while you’re there. That okay?” I was desperate to feel clean.
“Course.”
I’d never known him be so quiet.
His nerves radiated from him, his body far too tense.
“Callum, breathe.” I rested my hand on his forearm.
“Will you listen in if I put Max on loudspeaker?”
I nodded. “If you want.” I didn’t want to feel anxious for him. I didn’t want to do anything apart from sit down and talk about the city we were in and how to spend the next few days, but that wasn’t an option.
