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His phone is switched off.

Everything will work out. I know it will. I can do this.

31

I take myself off for a walk along the promenade. The fresh sea air invigorates me while I think things through.

When I eventually return, and walk into Nidi’s office, I’m greeted with a hive of activity. Ava is filing things away onto shelves and Maria-José-Inmaculada-Carmen is organising the diary and tapping away on the computer.

‘Our new online booking system!’ Maria-José-Inmaculada-Carmen announces proudly. ‘We want to do nice things for you because we think you are very sad about Oliver.’

Ava turns like lightning. ‘But I showed her what to do and how to do it!’

I smile serenely at both of them. ‘Thank you.’

What a sweet gesture.

Maria-José-Inmaculada-Carmen turns to me excitedly. ‘We have an idea!’

I listen as they outline their marketing plan.

‘Big coaches will take clients from the office to this amazing retreat we found,’ Ava says. ‘To do holistic activities. Ones involving trust falls and teamwork. They have a fountain that cries healing tears. We will take clients on a Life Coach Trip.’

Warning bells are ringing in my head.

‘Because it involves a coach,’ Maria-José-Inmaculada-Carmen explains when I do not respond immediately. ‘And you are a life coach too. It is a play on words. The coach does the coaching during the trip on the coach.’

The bells are getting progressively louder.

‘We will do fun stretch and think activities,’ she says. ‘We spoke to the owners. They look like old wizards on the website. Clients will love them.’

Ding. Ding. Ding.

Love them? It will be more of a bad, hallucinogenic sort of trip. Involving two cobwebby warlocks. Besides, once Gandalf finds out it is me – the liar and the thief – he may not want to host our event.

Maria-José-Inmaculada-Carmen gushes, ‘Ava has booked Meals in Heels. They are ladies from Benidorm who do all the parties. Very classy. They are coming very soon to tell us about their services. Special food. Music. Dancing.’

What music? What dancing? What special food? I have not pre-approved anything of the sort. I clearly said to get some information and ideas together. Not do what the bloody hell you like.

‘Edible soil. Edible flowers. Everything vegan,’ Ava joins in.

I’ve had to zone out. People will think they are at a garden centre, not a business networking event.

Gaaaah!

See what happens when you give people an inch?

‘But this isn’t a party,’ I say to them.

Their faces drop.

‘Look, it may have potential. I just need time to process how it might pan out and how to pay for it. Coach hire is not cheap. Guests could make their own way to the venue. I’m not sure the retreat is such a good idea.’

Ava and Maria-José-Inmaculada-Carmen trade guilty glances.

‘We have already booked it,’ whispers Maria-José-Inmaculada-Carmen.

‘And we’ve sent out the invites and posted to our socials,’ Ava says quietly, looking at her feet. ‘You did say to use our initiative,’ she mumbles. ‘Sorry, Nell.’