‘Are you still using the stolen e-scooter?’
‘It’s not stolen. It’s borrowed!’
‘From whom?’
‘How would I know? They didn’t leave a forwarding address or anything.’
‘You’re going to get arrested for theft!’
She laughs high and loud. My sister is so wild, having the sort of self-possession that she does even when she’s breaking the law or bending life to her will. ‘They have to catch me first.’
I can only shake my head.
‘Do you want me to track down Miles?’ There’s a gleeful shine to her eyes. ‘Or leave him be?’
I stare her down. Although knowing Rox I have to make these boundaries abundantly clear. ‘Do not under any circumstances track him down. No trailing, stalking, hunting, scheming, or plotting revenge.’
‘Fiiiine,’ she says like a petulant child. ‘Take every ounce of fun away, why don’t you?’
‘Sorry, Rox. I’m just so confused by all of this. I’m going to try and forget about it all for a bit and enjoy exploring Bruges.’
‘That’s more like it.’
‘Take the e-scooter back, please.’
‘Yes, Mum.’ She salutes and ends the video call.
11
19 DECEMBER, BRUGES, BELGIUM
After I hang up from Rox, there’s a knock on the cabin door. Sabrina comes in, rolling a trolley offering a truly decadent breakfast in bed.
‘Good morning, Aubrey. I trust you slept well.’
‘I did, thank you. Didn’t hear a peep, although that might be because of all the wine I drank. I want to blame Princess, but there are certain gaps to my memory.’
Sabrina laughs. ‘Well, you’re on holiday, so you can take your time and enjoy breakfast in bed.’
She lifts the cloche and presents me with a range of delicious morsels. Fresh fruit, crispy bacon, eggs, thick sourdough slices, petit fours, a beaker of yoghurt and gourmet chocolate truffles.
I snatch a truffle and take a bite. ‘Ooh, you have to try these,’ I say.
Sabrina takes a chocolate praline and sits on the edge of the bed.
I had the option of breakfasting in the dining carriage, but figured I’d try room service since it’s all inclusive and a rare treat. And OK, I’m avoiding smouldering hot guy Jasper. Last night, under the influence of too much Jingle Juice, my interest in him only heightened most likely due to Princess picking up on the vibe between he and I and steering conversation to matters of the heart. And that’s a not a road I want to travel down.
Actually… Don’t I have to dwell on what went wrong with my ‘wedding that wasn’t’ to make sure I don’t make that same mistake again? And without hearing from Miles himself, it’s impossible to move on. I’m stuck treading water, waiting for answers. Gah. I’m a mess.
‘You look a little more comfortable this morning, Sabrina.’ Today she’s wearing a traditional uniform, a single-breasted navy-blue suit with gold buttons. The only nod to Christmas is a pair of candy cane earrings. ‘No festive costume today?’
‘Not this morning. Later I’ll be wearing some hideous thing, I’m sure. Have you got much planned for today?’ Sabrina asks, stifling a yawn. Her usual verve is missing, as if she hasn’t slept well. I feel for her, having to always be ‘on’ around passengers at all hours of the day and night.
I motion to the generous breakfast, and Sabrina takes a bunch of grapes to nibble. ‘Princess and I are going to do some sightseeing, not exactly sure what yet. I take it that she’s Miss Moneybags?’
Sabrina claps. ‘Yes, she is indeed! Isn’t she hilarious? I’ve met her before when I worked in a five-star hotel in London. Princess can’t help but bring the party atmosphere. Where she goes, fun follows.’ The world of luxury travel is small, so it’s not a surprise their paths have crossed.
‘Yeah, she had everyone in stitches last night with her bawdy humour.’
