My Year of Saying No - Maxine Morrey Page 0,12

into spa weekends.’

‘And why I’m going to get on that right now. Talk to you in a bit.’

5

I may have to give you a few days free for arranging this

I pressed send and put my phone down next to me on the table, exchanging it for a delicious juice full of organic goodness and a bunch of ingredients I’d never even heard of.

Good then?

My phone lit up as Seb’s reply came in. I’d turned the ringer off so that it didn’t disturb me or anyone else in the relaxing surroundings as various guests lay on loungers, some in swimsuits, some, like me, snuggled in the softest of fluffy white dressing gowns with a subtle logo embroidered on the right chest. The area was warm but not stuffy and an assortment of greenery, from small ferns to large palms, was interspersed around it, providing both privacy as well as that sense of relaxation that comes from being surrounded by plants.

Gorgeous! I’m still convinced they’re going to come and ask for the rest of the money! I can’t believe the deal you got me

I couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps something had reignited with Seb and his ex because I was pretty sure what I’d paid for this weekend was a fraction of what it should be. And that feeling caused a little ripple in my stomach. Which was ridiculous because Seb had dated plenty of people during the time I’d known him and it had never bothered me. So why did it send a quiver of curiosity through me now? I knew the answer, of course. Before, I hadn’t been single, so what Seb did and who he saw had no impact on me. But now that I was… I gave my towelled head a gentle boink back against the top of the lounger. Now that I was – it made no difference. I just needed my body to start listening to my brain.

A laughing face emoticon bounced in on to the screen and I could see that he was still typing.

Don’t worry about it. They won’t. Secret? They had someone cancel a package last minute. With you there, they know they’re getting some money on top of the other person’s deposit they lost, but they’d have been unlikely to fill it this late otherwise. You’re doing them a favour

Winky face.

Ha! I’m not sure about that, but thanks again to you and your friend for arranging this.

You’re more than welcome. I’m glad you’re having a nice time. Humphrey all right? (I can’t believe I have to write that name…)

A rolly-eyed emoticon winged its way to him.

Get over it. It’s a good name. And yes, he’s having a wonderful time! He’s having a doggy massage at the moment.

Shocked face quickly followed by laughing one.

He’s so chilled anyway, I don’t know what this will result in. He may just sleep for the entire next week!

Hope you’re having one too. I think you’re probably more in need than the dog, to be honest.

Don’t worry. I am. I’ve just had a lovely hair treatment and I’ve got a massage booked at 2

Sounds good. Also, why is your phone not turned off? You’re supposed to be decompressing

Funny face.

Ha ha! It’s only on because I wanted to speak to you…

I reread the message and deleted some of the words. Try again.

It’s only on because I wanted to thank you for setting this up. I’m not looking at emails, messages, social media or anything else. Jess is offline at some romantic retreat Harry’s whisked her off to this weekend, so it’s fine, really

He sent a smile.

I’m torn between being happy to hear you’re having a good time and wanting you to switch off entirely.

I will. Stop worrying about me so much

Winky face.

He sent back a shrug.

Can’t help it. This is just what I do when it comes to people I care about

I didn’t know how to reply. The words were so simple, but they meant such a lot. That was one of the things I’d liked about Seb from the beginning. He was straightforward. Said what he meant, but without being overly blunt or rude. He took people’s feelings into consideration and I always knew where I stood with him. I imagined he’d been a good and respected officer in the army. I’d said something to that effect once and he’d shrugged it off, saying something non-committal like he’d hoped so, which made me think he definitely had been.

There was no question of him being a complete angel