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‘We try very hard not to do that. It’s bad PR for the company. If someone is exceptionally demanding or difficult, I sometimes ask a colleague to join the case, to share the workload. Of course, the customer has to pay for that, but the extra amount is chicken feed in the overall scheme of things.’
‘I bet it’s lucrative though.’
‘Well—’ he smiles shyly at me ‘—let me put it this way. Without wanting to sound arrogant, I’m very good at what I do, and I therefore come at a high price.’
‘Doesn’t it put you off relationships though? When all of your work is to do with break-ups, it must make you a little jaded and cynical, surely?’
‘You’d think that, wouldn’t you? But no, I’ve got lots of positive role models for marriage in my life – my parents, for example. I know the divorce statistics look depressing, but there are lots of marriages that work too. Where love is concerned, I’m definitely optimistic that the right person is out there for me, even if it’s not Sarah.
‘I think the biggest problem for me has been the long hours that I work. It’s not unusual for me to be in the office until ten at night, or even later if we’ve got a particularly big case on. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for meeting new people. At the weekends I often go to visit my parents, or I see friends, or I’m in my flat reviewing documents for the next week. The good news is that I’m now at a level where I can start to delegate more and hopefully get some work–life balance back. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while, and I suppose I thought getting married would kick-start me into actually doing something about it. There’s no great reason to leave the office if all you’re going back to is an empty flat, but if you’re sharing it with someone special…’
‘Yeah, I get that. I’m moving into a flat after this holiday and, although it’s lovely and I’m looking forward to having my own space again, it’s going to be odd being on my own, particularly after living with Josh for so long.’
Ed busies himself arranging the towel on his sunbed and applying sun cream, so I pick my book back up and carry on reading. A companionable silence settles between us, punctuated with occasional bursts of conversation. When lunchtime comes, it seems only natural for us to wander up to the buffet together. I spot my parents already sitting down and I carefully steer Ed to a table away from theirs. I know we’ve shared a lot this morning, but I don’t think I know him well enough to inflict my parents on him.
Of course, I should have known that would never work. I see my mother spot us sitting together, and her eyes are out on stalks. She nudges my dad and she’s obviously telling him, ‘Don’t look now!’ because he slowly turns round, trying to look as nonchalant as possible. He’s a terrible actor, my dad.
‘Just to warn you, my parents are sitting over there and they’ve clocked us,’ I say to Ed. ‘Ten to one they make a beeline for us as soon as they’ve finished eating.’
‘Anything I need to know in advance?’
‘My mum is very inquisitive, but otherwise I think they’re pretty normal. You tell me afterwards.’
Sure enough, as soon as they’ve finished their meal, they make their way over.
‘Charlotte!’ exclaims my mother, mock disapprovingly. ‘Why didn’t you come and sit with us, and introduce us to your friend?’
I just about manage to resist rolling my eyes at Ed. ‘Mum, this is Ed. We met on the beach this morning when I stole one of his sunloungers and we just got chatting. Ed, this is my mother, Christine, and my father, John.’
Ed is pure charm. He’s straight on his feet shaking my parents by the hand, asking them if they’re enjoying their holiday and generally buttering them up. My mother is practically cooing at him.
‘We’ve booked a table at the seafood restaurant for this evening, Charlotte,’ Dad says to me after a bit. ‘You’re more than welcome to join us, Ed, if my daughter has no objections and you’d like to. What do you say? Shall I tell reception we’ll be a table of four rather than three?’
Talk about being put on the spot! I look at Ed, but I can’t read his expression. ‘That really is very kind of you,’ he says after a short pause. ‘I’d love to join you, as long as Charley doesn’t mind.’
Poor Ed. He has no idea what he’s letting himself in for. ‘Fine with me!’ I say, plastering a smile on my face.
‘That’s sorted then. I’ll speak to reception. We’ll meet in the bar for drinks at seven. See you both there.’
As they walk away, I can see them talking. My mother is particularly animated and I know she’s pretty much married me to Ed already. I need to head this off to prevent an embarrassing situation.
‘I’m so sorry about that,’ I say to Ed. ‘Please don’t feel pressured by my parents. I’m happy to make an excuse on your behalf.’
He smiles. ‘I’d love to hear that. What would you use? A prior engagement? I don’t think that would come across as very believable, given that I’m on holiday, do you? I don’t think anything short of drowning me would wash with your mother.’
‘I’m sure I could arrange a drowning,’ I say, mock-threateningly.
‘Look, the last thing I want to do is put you in a difficult position. If me being there makes it awkward for you, I’m quite happy to develop a sudden illness. Perhaps I’ll react badly to this delicious goat curry,’ he offers.
I laugh. ‘“Ed discovered he’s horribly allergic to goat, shortly after devouring a whole plateful.” That sounds even less plausible. I’m sorry but I’m going to have to drown you. It’s for the best. You’ll thank me later.’
As we walk back to the beach, I consider my predicament. I really don’t want my parents to get the wrong idea and start trying to set us up, but, on the other hand, I’m really enjoying Ed’s company. A question comes to my mind.
‘Tell me something. If you weren’t having dinner with us tonight, what would you be doing?’
‘I’ve mostly been ordering room service so far. It’s extra cost, but I have an expenses budget as part of the package. I’ve got a great view from my balcony, so I tend to sit out there and eat.’
‘That sounds a bit shit if I’m honest, view or no view. If you’d really like to, I’d love you to join us tonight.’
