‘We’ve discussed it a bit. In fact, we were talking about it the other day. For now, we’re going to leave it. Maybe next year or something, I don’t know yet. I’ll look at seeing a specialist or exploring other options. But for now, we're trying to stay hopeful about it happening naturally.’
Sophie nodded understandingly. ‘That makes sense. Taking it one step at a time is probably the best way.’
‘Yeah.’
‘You know I’m here for you, right?’
‘Thanks, Soph. Does that mean you’ll be around when I’m crying down the phone, tearing my hair out and utterly sleep-deprived?’
‘Ha! Always. What are friends for?’
About twenty or so minutes later, as they stepped outside the deli, Sophie suddenly flapped her hands. ‘Oh, I almost forgot to ask about Thailand! How are the preparations going?’
‘We’re all set, really. We’ve got the itinerary planned out, most of the packing done, and I'm actually getting quite excited about it now.’
‘Ooh, I’m not jealous at all. The food will be incredible. We had such a nice time when we were in Phuket. Those were the days.’
‘I can’t wait to try authentic Thai dishes, especially the street food.’
Sophie laughed. ‘You’ll love it. I want loads of tabs on your Instagram stories. I’ll be living vicariously through your holiday!’
‘Definitely, I’ll spam you with pictures and make you jealous,’ Nina joked.
‘Can’t wait.’
‘I’m really looking forward to the change of scenery and experiencing a new culture. It’s going to be a much-needed break from everything. It’s been a busy few years.’
‘You deserve it. Absolutely you do.’
‘It’ll be strange not seeing Lovely Bay for a few weeks, but I think this holiday is exactly what Robby and I need right now.’
‘Exactly. You’re going to have such a good time. Time for you to switch off. It’s going to be a brilliant experience.’
‘I hope so! Don’t want to tempt fate…’
19
Nina was sitting next to Robby on one of the chairs in the new patio area. A plane droned high above, and she could hear the sounds of the sea from the harbour. She’d been reading her book, looking at places in Bangkok on her phone, and text-chatting to Sophie about Nick. She scrolled through the pictures on the hotel’s website for the millionth time. She’d looked at the spa that many times she felt as if she’d already been there. Everything about the hotel looked fantastic. She kept imagining herself lounging by the pool with her book. She’d even dreamt about walking along the road in Bangkok eating street food.
‘I’m so excited. I cannot wait to get on the plane,’ Nina said to Robby. ‘It’s going to be so good to get away.’
‘Me too. Are you looking forward to the heat? Let me tell you, I am.’
Nina nodded. ‘I’m looking forward toeverything, to be quite honest. It’s going to be really hot, like open the door and be knocked over by the heat, hot.’ She pointed up at a grey sky. ‘What’s not to love about that when we’ve had this all week?’
‘Nothing!’
Nina clapped her hands. ‘Works for me at the moment. Give me all the sunshine all the time. I’ll take the humidity, too.’
‘Yes, you’re not wrong. It will be nice to get a bit of sun for sure,’ Robby answered.
‘Bring on the plane ride.’
‘You’re sure you’re going to be okay with the flight on your own?’
Nina put her finger to her chin and tapped as she pretended to contemplate for a second. ‘Now, let me see if I’ll be okay on a twelve-hour flight to Bangkokallon my own. Will I be able to cope? Tough one.’
Robby laughed. ‘Yep, sorry, I’m just concerned. It’s not a little hop. It’s a long way.’
