The Perfect Girlfriend(49)

‘Don’t be boring.’ I nudge him with my elbow. ‘Come on. You can sit in your room anywhere in the world. If you don’t come, I’ll have to ask Alex or one of the others, but it would be more fun with you. Have you ever been before?’

He shakes his head.

‘Well, that’s it. I’ve decided for you. I’ll come to your room about five. I’ve had enough in here, I’m off to the spa.’ I stand up. ‘See you later.’

‘All right.’

I climb up the steps, clutching the mini ladder. ‘Make sure you wear something smart,’ I say over my shoulder.

With my towel over my arm – it’s too wet to wrap around me – I navigate around the edge of the pool and push open the heavy door to the female changing rooms without looking back. I shower – again – applying a thin layer of body lotion. It’s a favourite brand of Nate’s and he always commented when I wore it.

I make my way to the spa reception and sit in a comfortable armchair in the calm, cool waiting area sipping a herbal tea. I feel as though I could drop off and sleep for hours. My name is called out. The same stylist as yesterday washes and blow-dries my hair, which is useful as it means I don’t have to explain how I like it done all over again. I ask the beautician who applies my make-up for a more dramatic look around my eyes, much darker colours and an eyelash-lengthening mascara. When she’s finished, I stare into the mirror. I look like someone else. Someone happy, confident and in control.

I look like the sort of person who could be Nate’s other half. Yin and yang.

I am so thrilled that, as I sign for the treatments to be charged to my room, I hand over a large tip.

I’m back in my room by four, which leaves me exactly an hour. I double-check that the limo I’ve ordered is still due to arrive at five fifteen, and I send Alex a message to say I won’t make it to the bar tonight.

I undress. Opening my suitcase, I choose a new, matching black underwear combination, which I put on before taking my blue dress out of the wardrobe. I rip the protective plastic cover and gently ease it off the hanger before I slide it over my head. The zip is a bit of a struggle, but I manage.

I open my jewellery case and select a simple pair of silver earrings, given to me by Babs last Christmas. On to my wrist I slide a plain silver bangle. I borrowed it from Amy ages ago, but she has never asked for it back. I dab perfume behind my ears, then spray some into the air before walking through. Finally, I try on two pairs of shoes, one pair with higher heels than the other. After much deliberation, I select the slightly lower pair. They are black sling-backs and are elegant enough but without giving away how hard I’ve tried.

After a final once-over in front of the mirror, I take a deep breath.

This is it.

I pick up my bag, a plain black one containing my passport, a credit card, some cash and a lipstick, plus a few other items that may come in useful, and I make my way to the lifts. As I wait, watching the red lights illuminate and disappear at each floor level, I feel a calmness descend upon me.

The lift chimes. I step in.

Nate isn’t ready. He opens the door in a hotel robe and his hair is wet.

‘Sorry. I fell asleep.’

‘Shall I choose you something to wear?’ I say, instantly regretting my words the moment they come out of my mouth.

‘No, it’s fine. I won’t be long.’ He disappears into the bathroom and shuts the door.

I sit on the edge of the bed and put my hands under my thighs to stop myself from nosing through his belongings, which is just as well because Nate takes mere minutes. He emerges, wearing the powder-blue shirt that he wears when he has to position – travel as a passenger – for work.

I watch as Nate bends down, pulling open a drawer and taking out a pair of black socks. I don’t see the point of unpacking totally when I’m away. It’s not as if it’s a week-long holiday, and it only has to be repacked – sometimes as little as twenty-four hours later – plus there’s a higher chance of forgetting things. He sits down next to me; I can feel the weight of him as the mattress sags a little. As soon as he has pulled on his socks he stands up, crouches down in front of the desk mirror, runs his hand through his hair, slides his wallet into his back pocket, then turns round to face me.

‘How do I look?’

‘Good,’ I say, looking down at my watch. ‘I’ve booked a car.’ I stand up.

He stares at me, as if properly seeing me for the first time. ‘Wow. You look . . . incredible.’

‘Thanks.’ I point to his passport on the desk. ‘Don’t forget your ID, otherwise you could end up with a teetotal night.’ I turn towards the door.

‘Doesn’t he mind? You know. Um. I don’t remember your boyfriend’s name . . .’

I stop and turn round to face him. ‘Matt. I haven’t mentioned yet that I’m going out for an hour or two with you. What’s there to say, really? It’s early days, we’ve only been seeing each other a short while. I’m sure he’ll be cool with it.’

‘As long as you’re sure?’

I shrug. ‘He’s a great guy. In fact, you and he would get on. There’s nothing to worry about.’

Inside the lift, I hope that we don’t bump into anyone. I don’t want any last-minute, unwanted hangers-on. I distract myself by pretending to check my phone. As we walk towards the hotel exit, I act on impulse, but it feels like the right thing to do. I link my arm into Nate’s and continue walking as though it’s the most natural thing in the world. He doesn’t object – in fact, he turns to me and smiles.