It’s also an excuse to see my bedroom. The intricately carved furniture is of dark wood and solid-looking, and the huge bed is made up with crisp white linen. There’s anen suitebathroom with an oval-shaped spa bath and a large green-tiled shower.
The finishes are of the highest quality, I think to myself with my travel writer’s hat on.
A series of expensive-looking toiletries have been set out on the long marble counter. I’ll be getting stuck into those later...
When I return downstairs, April has toddled off to their bedroom.
‘We need to watch her with the stairs,’ Charlie says. ‘No bags yet?’
I shake my head. ‘Not yet.’
‘You want a beer or something while we wait?’
‘I’d love one.’
He goes to the minibar and brings out two cans, cracking one open first before passing it to me.
‘Cheers,’ we say, bumping cans.
I’m still finding it really hard to look at him.
‘Have you seen Alain?’ I ask with forced casualness, taking a seat on the sofa and sinking right into it.
‘A couple of times,’ Charlie replies, opting for the armchair. He stretches his long, honey-coloured legs out in front of him and crosses his bare feet at the ankles. ‘He came to meet the boat yesterday and we had brunch this morning.’
‘How was it?’ I ask, taking a sip of my beer.
‘All right,’ he replies downheartedly, studying his own can. ‘Obviously, it’s hard for him with Nicki not being here. He got a bit tearful around April. She looks so much like her mum.’
‘I think she looks like you,’ I say without thinking.
He glances at me with interest. ‘Really?’
I avert my gaze. ‘Except for her eyes.’ April’s are blue.
There’s a knock on the door and I leap to my feet. The porter takes my bags straight upstairs.
‘Are you all right?’ Charlie asks when I’ve seen the porter out.
‘Yeah, I’m fine. Why?’
‘You seem a bit jumpy.’
My cheeks immediately heat up. I press my palms to them. ‘I’m okay,’ I say in a voice muffled by the pressure on my face. I’m still standing by the door.
‘What is it?’ he asks with a light laugh.
‘I don’t know.’ I’m slightly mortified. ‘I think I’m feeling a bit shy. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you guys.’
‘Aw,’ he says, seeming thoroughly entertained. He has no trouble at all meetingmygaze. ‘Do we need a seven-second hug to reacquaint ourselves?’
‘Er...’I’m not sure that will help...
Too late. He’s already up on his feet and walking over to me. He wraps his arms around me, but this time everything feels different.
The butterflies inside me go so berserk that I feel as if I could take off. It’s unbearable. I need to put a more comfortable distance between us.
‘Better?’ he asks, thankfully pulling back and staring at me.
