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“Well it felt like years,” said Kate, pouting and making Flo laugh.
“Right, Tia,” said Flo, leaving Kate and marching behind the desk. “These are VIP guests, let’s upgrade them to the Mortimer Suite.”
“There’s really no need,” said Bob, not wanting to cause a fuss.
“There’s every need. Now, let me make a fuss of you and stop interfering, Bobby.”
Flo winked at Kate. Bob pretended to hate Flo’s use of Bobby, but Kate knew no one could be annoyed at Flo for long.
“Here you go,” said Flo, handing them a key card. “Your room’s on the top floor, I’d take you up there myself but I’ve got a million and one things that need my attention. Tia here will take good care of you if there’s anything you need. She’s an angel.”
Tia smiled adoringly at her boss and nodded her head in agreement.
“Thanks, Flo, this is so kind of you,” said Kate. “We’re still on for dinner?”
“Of course, why do you think I’m running around like a blue arsed fly? I need to make sure everything’s sorted so I don’t get called in later.”
“Thanks,” said Kate, thrilled at the thought of spending time with her friend.
Tia gave Kate and Bob instructions to find their room, and offered to fetch someone to help with their luggage. Bob insisted there was no need, picking up a case in each hand to show he could manage. They stepped into a lift and emerged moments later on the top floor.
“Wow,” they said in unison, staring at the wall of windows that looked across the city.
Their suite was at the farthest end of the corridor, and both were lost for words as they stepped inside. An entire wall was made of glass, its doors opening onto a wide balcony. The middle of the room was dominated by the biggest bed Kate had ever seen. Next to the bedroom was a dressing room, and beyond it a bathroom bigger than the entire downstairs of their house.
“Look at this,” said Bob, staring at two love heart shaped towels on the bed, a bottle of champagne nestled between them. “Fancy a glass?”
“Better make it really small,” said Kate, smiling at her husband.
“Are you feeling OK about being back in Bath?” he asked, pulling her on to the bed and wrapping his arms around her.
“Yes, I am. Everything that happened feels so long ago, like it happened to someone else. And besides, I’d be happy anywhere as long as it’s with you.”
Bob leaned over and kissed Kate. “You’re telling me you haven’t enjoyed your solo city breaks?”
“They weren’t city breaks, they were for work!”
“Yes Mrs Carter, whatever you say.”
Kate picked up a towel and flicked him. He grinned and she snuggled back down.
“How long till you meet Maddie?”
“An hour. Why?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” said Bob, running his fingers up and down her back. “I thought you might need some help relaxing.” He turned her over so she was facing him.
“Oh… did… you… now…” said Kate between lingering kisses.
*
It wasn’t until Kate stepped out of the enormous shower half an hour later that nerves began to take hold. The massage setting on the shower hose had eased some of the knots in her shoulders, but nothing could stop the churning in her stomach.
“Are you OK?” asked Bob, pouring them each a small measure of champagne.
“Not really. I’ll be glad to get this over with.”
“You never know, you might actually enjoy it,” he said, handing her a glass.
