Six
Tuesday 8th September
Dear Mrs Pearson,
This is confirmation of your booking with us at the Firefly Forest retreat:
1 x Double Cabin (single occupancy)
Check in: Monday 14th September
Check out: Saturday 10th October
We acknowledge receipt of your payment for 55,000 NOK, with thanks.
You have been enrolled in our mind and body transformation programme for four weeks and I have attached a flipbook of information, so you know how we operate and what to expect. I hope this answers any questions you have, but please don’t hesitate toemail me if you need anything else.
As it is less than a week until arrival, your booking is non-refundable.
We look forward to welcoming you.
All the best,
Tore Nilsen
I read the email with one eye open, then turned the light on and read it again as a text came through from the bank:
A payment of £4,010.24 has been made to Firefly Forest Retreat, Norway.
Oh, fuck. It all came flooding back as my brain woke up. Shit, shit,shit.
What a ridiculous thing to do. Four grand? My post-wine head was thumping. When was I supposed to be going again? Monday?! For fuck’s sake.
My phone started ringing and Mum’s sunny smile appeared on screen, her ginger hair in rollers.
‘Morning darling, how are you feeling?’
‘Tired and hungover.’
‘What? Dr. Fielding said no booze!’
‘I know, I know, but I ran into Markon a date– can you believe it, Mum? Right under my nose.’ My voice cracked. ‘He didn’t know I was back in the flat, but still.’
‘A date?’ Mum’s jaw dropped. ‘The cheeky shit! You’re not even divorced yet! That boy needs to stay single for a few years and think about what he’s done before breaking anyone else’s heart.’
‘It won’t last – she’s allergic to dogs – but I went rage-shopping when I got home, and now I’ve got buyer’s remorse.’
‘Don’t worry, darling, I do it all the time. Your father nearly lost it when the half-price Christmas hampers started arriving in January. He wouldn’t know a bargain if one bopped him on the head.’
‘I wish it was just a hamper.’
‘Anything you buy online can be sent back within seven days for a full refund. Nothing to stress about. I’ll help you with it if you’re worried, darling. I know my rights.’
‘It’s not really something I can send back,’ I sighed. ‘I’ve booked onto a retreat in Norway for a month. Leaving on Monday.’
Mum stopped at that and frowned into her phone. ‘Okaaay… that’s a new one. Tell me more.’
‘It’s this cool celeb haunt that Abi recommended. Scandi heaven apparently. I’m sure it’ll be amazing, but I haven’t really thought it through properly. I’m going to need a new bikini and some furry boots and a yoga outfit. And I know it’s cheeky, but I kind of assumed you guys would be OK to cover my weeks with the dogs while I’m away?’
