Tina nods. ‘Of course. Two rooms?’
‘Great,’ says Doug.
His calm reaction surprises me. I’d have thought he might atleast have asked about the cost of rooms at The Balmoral, especially since weneed two of them.
But then I think, what the hell. If I have to pay again, Iwill. But that will be an end to this blossoming relationship, because if hedoesn’t offer to pay half, then I’ll know he was just using me all along...hitching his waggon to my horse, so to speak... coming alongfor the ride...
A dark cloud is suddenly blocking out my sunshine. I excusemyself to go to the Ladies and I stand in front of the mirror, staring at mybemused reflection, feeling on the verge of tears. Why has he put me in thisposition where I don’t know whether or not to trust him? Maybe he thinks thatjust because I’ve come into money, I’ll happily pay for everything. But if hethinks that, he’s very much mistaken.
I fall silent as we make our way over to the hotel, which isin a prime position at the top end of Princes Street and very grand indeed. Allthe way, I’m thinking how bloody typical it is that I should meet a lovely manand start falling for his charms, only to find there could be a very large flyin the ointment! Sadness and disappointment are bogging me down, changing thewhole mood of the day.
Entering the hotel, Doug gives me an anxious glance. ‘Areyou okay?’
‘Fine.’ I attempt a smile as we walk over to the receptiondesk. ‘This place is gorgeous, isn’t it?’
‘And expensive.’ He smiles, as if it’s not a problem – whichof course it isn’t since I’m obviously going to be paying!
He gives the receptionist our names and she nods and smiles.And as she hands over the keys, I ask about payment.
‘Do I pay for the rooms now, or when we leave tomorrow?’I’ve never stayed anywhere evenhalfas grand as this, so I’ve no ideahow these things work.
The receptionist looks bemused. ‘Oh, but according to ourrecords we’ve already taken credit card details?’
‘Sorry?’ I look at her in surprise, then at Doug.
He smiles down at me. ‘Don’t worry. It’s all taken care of.I gave them my details when Tina was booking it for us.’
‘Oh. Right, well... great!’ I look at himin pleased surprise. ‘Although I’m going to be paying my share, naturally.’
He shakes his head. ‘No, you’re not. I said I’d be payingfor the overnight stay and that’s just what I’m doing.’
‘But thecost!’ I whisper as we walk away.
He shrugs. ‘It’s fine.’
Before we go up to our rooms, we take a look at the PalmCourt, where – the receptionist informed us – afternoon tea is still beingserved.
‘Wow. This is gorgeous,’ I breathe, taking it all in: thelow chatter and laughter and clink of spoons as guests drink tea and enjoydainty sandwiches, scones and beautiful pastries topped with chocolate andstrawberries, all served on silver cake stands. The sumptuous wallpaper depictsa lush backdrop of trees and rivers and – together with the magnificentchandelier overhead and the towering palm tree in each corner – adds yet more eleganceand glamour to the scene.
Doug chuckles. ‘Those cakes look very tempting. But we’dhave no appetite left for dinner.’
‘True.’
‘Another time, though?’
‘Yes, of course.’ I laugh, feeling a twinge of regretbecause that’s never likely to happen.
We find our rooms, which are on the same corridor, and wearrange to meet up in an hour to find somewhere for dinner.
Alone, I close the door and the sight of my lovely roomlifts me even more.
There can be no doubt now, surely, that Doug is the genuineman I hoped he was, and not some nuisance freeloader. It’s my fault forassuming that because he lives in a tiny flat and drives an ancient car, hemust be short of money. Maybe he’s just the kind of person who saves instead ofspending. The sensible type. Like Carrie.
Everything is fine, after all. I shouldn’t have worried.
Taking a peek in the bathroom, I can’t help a little shriekof delight. Before I get dressed up to go out with Doug, I definitely have adate with that beautiful, elegant bath.
CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE
