‘Me too,’ I confirm.
‘Great,’ says Flavia. ‘Maybe you can all arrange to meet in the hotel lobby for a quick pre-dinner run.’
‘Are you not coming with us?’ I ask, discovering that I feel mildly disappointed.
‘I’m a slow runner,’ Flavia says. ‘I’d hold strong people like Mike up.’
Mike preens again, and then we continue down the mountain with everyone in harmony.
* * *
When we arrive back at the hotel, we all mill around the lobby for a short period, exchanging further exclamations about what an amazing afternoon we’ve had, before separating to go to our rooms.
When the lift stops on our floor, Flavia and I are the only two left in it. We exit together and walk along the corridor to our suite. Flavia seems a little more relaxed than she was after I took her bag, so I assume that she’s dealt with whatever caused her to become tense.
We make light conversation as we wander along, and I have to say itisnice feeling relaxed in her company; since we’re on this trip together, it would be a shame not to enjoy it.
Flavia’s just saying something about my upcoming run as I open the door, when Mike’s voice comes from behind us: ‘You two must be on the corner of the building. That’s got to be amazing view-wise?’
Not ideal. Neither of us has mentioned to the others that we’re sharing tonight. They all know that we are in no way a couple and I don’t think either of us wants any potential awkwardness with people incorrectly speculating about any kind of possible relationship between us.
As one, Flavia and I do one-eighties to face him.
‘Yes,’ says Flavia.
‘Yeah, fantastic,’ I agree.
I want to reiterate that we are not a couple but can’t quite find the words because, given our newfound truce after our earlier irritation with each other, I don’t actually want to be rude to Flavia, so I need to be careful how I describe our certainly-not-ever-romantic relationship. Not relationship. Friendship.
I’m clearing my throat to say something, I’m still not sure what, when Mike says, ‘See you downstairs in ten then, Dominic,’ and goes into the next-door room.
Flavia and I are both silent for a few moments, and then she says, ‘No-one will think we’re a couple once we leave the hotel. And, anyway, we can just explain the mess-up about the suite. That would be best.’
‘Good plan,’ I agree, wondering why we didn’t just tell Mike about it just now. And then clarity about the rest of the trip hits. ‘Umm… I’m guessing we’ll be sharing accommodation at the safari lodge, as well as back here on New Year’s Eve.’
‘Oh. I hadn’t thought of that. You’re probably right. Well… hopefully the safari lodge won’t be so booked out and they’ll be able to switch us to separate rooms. Or we’ll have a sitting room again. And I imagine we’ll be in the same room here when we come back, and obviously this is going to be okay.’ She looks at me enquiringly, as though checking I agree.
I nod. ‘Yep, I’m sure it will be fine.’ I frown. ‘Should we… if anyone mentions it? What…’
‘I think we just say exactly what happened? As in, we know each other vaguely from way back when, because we grew up in the same village, and we both entered the raffle and won the prize, and there was a mix-up, so we’re sharing, but luckily there are two bedrooms in the suite.’
‘Good idea. Yep. Great.’ I have no idea why this conversation feels so awkward. ‘Right, yes, so if it’s okay by you I’ll just get ready for the run now.’
‘Yes, of course.’
‘Why don’t you come?’ I ask.
‘No, thanks. I’m not a runner and I could do with a snooze.’ Flavia’s tone is extremely firm, which makes me laugh.
‘Fine. Enjoy your sleep.’
* * *
When I get back to the room after the run, Flavia’s changed into a different dress and is sitting in an armchair reading.
‘Did you have fun?’ she asks.
I haven’t had a flatmate in years; it actually feels quite nice sharing quarters like this and having someone ask about mundane things like did I enjoy my run.
