The Love Resort
lately they’d hit a bit of a bad patch. Her work as an extra was stressing her out; her dream to be a proper actress seemed to be moving further away. Tim had been trying to write a novel since he’d graduated three years ago, but as he found it harder and harder, he’d been drinking a bit too much. The holiday would sort both of them out, and when he returned he’d be inspired to start writing. She was sure of it. It was just what he needed.
    Thea shouted in his ear.
    ‘What’s all the bloody noise about and why can’t I open my eyes?’ Tim asked, suddenly sitting up. ‘Oh, there they go, that’s better.’ He ran a hand through his hair. ‘Why’s my hair wet? You didn’t pee on me, did you?’
    ‘Tim, we’re going on holiday today.’
    ‘Oh, good. Have I packed?’ A smile spread across his face.
    ‘You’re all packed,’ Thea replied. ‘So if you get yourself into the shower, I’ll make coffee and then we can go.’
    ‘Oh, great.’ He perked up. ‘Where are we going again?’ Thea groaned but she melted, when he grinned, adding, ‘Only joking. Caribbean here we come!’ He rushed to the shower, kissing her on his way.
    Thea made coffee and once again said a silent prayer of thanks that she’d won the competition. She’d bought Exclusive Holidays on a whim; after a particularly bad day at work she’d picked it up along with a family-size bar of chocolate. At first, looking at the holiday destinations had made her feel bitter, which she knew they would, but then the pictures of the white sands and tranquil seas had calmed her. Finally they inspired her. So when she saw the competition for a free holiday at The Love Resort, her chocolate buzz helped to convince her it was a good idea and she entered. And, lo and behold, she’d won.
    Thea began to round up their luggage as she heard Tim singing loudly and tunelessly in the shower. Yes, this holiday was exactly what they both needed. They would return and everything would be all right once again.
    ‘What on earth are you doing?’
    ‘I was just filling my hipflask.’ Tim looked guilty; Thea snatched the silver flask from him. She’d given it to him for his eighteenth birthday; had it engraved, To T lots of love T . Not terribly imaginative, but she was young.
    ‘Sorry. I don’t mean to be such a nag.’
    ‘I know, but you have to stop worrying so much. I’m good, T.’
    ‘You are?’ She wanted to laugh at the earnest expression on his face.
    ‘Yes. I love you.’
    ‘I love you too.’
    *
    Carla lay awake in her sister Claire’s bed, too excited to sleep. She was upset that Lee had to sleep on the sofa but Claire only had one room and they had shared the bed. It didn’t matter, they were about to spend two weeks totally together. Two weeks with Lee would be paradise.
    She thought back to when she’d met him. She’d started university full of excitement. That first week she’d made friends with various people from her corridor and from her course, but when her neighbour introduced her to a group of lads who were in the same hall as them, that was when her university life had truly begun. Lee was, of course, one of those lads.
    She decided to get up, have a shower, and make breakfast for Lee. She put on her jeans, feeling all the excitement that holidays invoke.
    ‘Are you awake?’ she asked, waving a cup of coffee under Lee’s nose.
    ‘Yes. This sofa is pretty uncomfortable.’
    ‘Oh, sorry.’
    ‘Carla, I’m not complaining. It was nice to be able to stay at all. Is that coffee for me, babes?’ She handed it to him, and he kissed her cheek.
    ‘Have you got everything?’ she asked as they piled their luggage up by the front door.
    ‘Sure, all I need is my girlfriend and I’m good to go.’
    ‘As we’re early, how about another coffee?’
    ‘I’ll make it. White, two sugars.’
    ‘How sweet you never have to ask.’
    ‘Well, Carla, if they put us through a Mr and Mrs type test we’ll pass with flying

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