‘A few of the others work remotely, as consultants. The three Lucys call themselves Life Coaches of Chaos. I’m still not sure if that’s a joke or not?—’
‘The three Lucys? There are three of them?’
‘Yes, the three you saw sitting together. Joined at the hip and fans of the petty squabble. Some of the others fly in for the summer and then fly out over the wet season to fill up the coffers so they can return for the dry season.’
To be honest, it sounds like a dream lifestyle. ‘How long will the rest of the renovations take?’
‘A year or so because Xavier’s paused for high season. There are still some guest resort suites left to do, but that will recommence after the summer so none of our current guests are affected by it.’
Mariola waves to a staff member standing next to a golf cart. ‘This is Joji.’
‘Hi, Joji. I’m Harper. Sorry to say, golf is not really my thing. Especially in this heat.’ Joji has a floppy mane of hair that he flips from his eyes.
‘Nice to meet you.’ He gives me a flirty smile, but I sense it’s his go-to charm, which he can get away with at his age.
‘We use golf carts to ferry staff or guests around because of the heat, and the expanse of greenery here makes all distances a bit of a trek,’ Mariola explains. ‘Staff quarters are at the very perimeter of the resort. We’ll take you to your room to settle in. Xavier has requested to meet you for dinner at Seashells restaurant.’
Joji holds his hand to help me into the golf cart, which is sweet until he does a rather suggestive eyebrow waggle, which I duly ignore. He’s, like, half my age and I wonder if he’s taken flirting lessons from Michel the pilot. Cut from the same cloth, the two of them. ‘But the bookshop?’ I ask. ‘Where is that?’
‘Xavier will show you.’
A minute later we get to a cordoned-off staff area. There’s an expanse of soft green grass and a shaded outdoor seating area where a few people mill over an early lunch.
‘This is you.’ Mariola opens the door to my room.
I stifle a laugh. ‘Wow. I see why the renovations are so necessary if the décor in the guest suites is stuck in the same era.’ Dark wood panelling covers the walls. Thick brocade curtains hide any natural light. The kitchenette is a peach monstrosity from the seventies. And the bathroom is an explosion of avocado. But it’s spacious and has everything I need, including a TV, sofa, and desk. I sit on the bed to test the mattress; it springs back like it’s got good support, and the white sheets are fresh and clean.
‘Yes, the new suites are luxurious and well appointed. These are dated but still well maintained. I hope you’ll be happy here, Harper.’
‘I’m sure I will be.’
Mariola goes to a folder on the desk. ‘Here’s a map of the resort.’ Mariola points out various spots where staff can get food and drinks, or communal areas to hang out in our downtime. ‘There’s also brochures about all the new amenities and what we offer guests. Keep the map handy, you’ll need it to find your way around.’
‘Thanks.’ When she leaves, I throw myself back on the bed and do the only sensible thing. I turn on the aircon and call Lily.
16
The internet is too weak for a video call, so after a few aborted attempts, I call on WhatsApp. I ball up the soft feathery pillow under my head. When Lily answers, I dive right in. ‘Sorry the internet is pants. You will not believe this. I’ve bloody well checked in to The White Lotus, haven’t I?’
There’s a half laugh, then, ‘What?! It’s not really like that, is it?’
‘It is!’ I fill Lily in on the various personalities I’ve met so far, including the finger-snapper himself, Xavier.
‘Ooh, that’s hot though, right? A powerful man in total control like that.’
‘Uh, no. It’s the opposite of hot. It’s rude. I told him not to do it.’
There’s a groan down the line. ‘You told him? You’re going to be sacked before you even start, Harper!’
I don’t mention I’m worried about the same thing. ‘For helping that poor fool with his people skills? How can that be a sackable offence?’
‘Well, I suppose if you get fired then you’ll move back, and just quietly, I wouldn’t mind that.’
‘It’s not going well with Mai?’
Lily lets out a frustrated sigh. ‘Not especially. I forgot what a brat she is. It’s like living with a vampire. She’s nocturnal, up into the early hours bashing on her keyboard doing whatever it is nineteen-year-olds do. Making TikToks probably. But it’s fine. I’m sure she’ll settle down.’
‘Why don’t you come here? Chuck it all in and become an expat who works remotely?’ I’m only half joking. I regale Lily with snippets about the quirky group of expats I met earlier.
