Kitabı oku: «Essex Girls», sayfa 4

Jade thought back. Sonia Lopez was the girl with the mega rich parents at her old school. Didn’t she once have a pair of Gucci shoes that cost her £500 just to wear to school?

‘Are the prices reasonable?’ Jade enquired, completely clueless.

Kelly hesitated, and turned back to her suitcase to unpack. ‘Errr … I don’t think it’s too bad. It’s really good quality and you have to remember, you get what you pay for.’

Jade watched Kelly parade around in a gorgeous two-piece white bikini with diamond straps and silver chains to fasten the bottoms; it was amazing.

‘Kelly, what are those diamond crystal things stuck on your skin?’ she asked bewildered, as she noticed a pattern only half covered by her bikini bottoms.

‘It’s a vajazzle, babe. Don’t say you’ve never heard of them?’ She pulled her bottoms down lower to reveal the pattern of a star.

Jade shook her head, agog.

‘Where have you been for the last few years?’ Kelly laughed, as if having a vajazzle was the most normal thing in the world.

‘In Bath. And I definitely did not see or hear of anyone having a vajazzle there!’

‘You have to let me do you one right now. You can’t go out without a vajazzle to the pool!’ Kelly gasped, horrified at the thought. ‘I’ve brought loads of patterns with me in case mine comes off. Look …’ She reached into her suitcase and pulled out several different designs. ‘You can have a fairy, star, flower, cherry, butterfly …’

‘I’m not so sure I want one,’ Jade said, a bit confused as to why people would want one.

‘You don’t want a vajazzle?’ Kelly looked at her like she was crazy.

‘Errr … well maybe I will then,’ she agreed. They were quite pretty after all, and if everyone else was going to have one then why should she be the odd one out? She opted for a flower and Kelly put the crystals on her perfectly. She’d have felt embarrassed if it was anyone else lowering her bottoms to stick tiny crystals on her skin, but seeing as she’d known Kelly for years and she had a way of making people feel comfortable, Jade felt totally relaxed.

‘You can’t go in the water today now though in case they wash off and the last thing you need is a patchy vajazzle,’ Kelly said. ‘Though I’ll doubt you’ll want to anyway, as it messes your hair up.’

Jade pulled her bikini bottoms down to observe Kelly’s work. It actually looked good. ‘I love it!’

Kelly’s face was beatific. ‘I knew you would. You won’t be able to live without a vajazzle in your life now, trust me. They’re reem.’

An hour later, they were standing outside the swimwear shop that Kelly had told Jade about.

Jade gasped. ‘Wow! These bikinis look amazing!’ She felt her spirits lift as she piled up about ten to try on. ‘I love them all!’

‘See, I told you there was a nice shop,’ Kelly said, looking pleased with herself.

Jade’s grin dropped when she saw the price of one – the pile of the bikinis she was holding was so high it came up right under her chin. ‘Kelly, it’s two hundred and fifty euros for this one!’

‘Really?’ Kelly tried to remain positive. ‘Maybe that’s just a special expensive one or something? You know, like a limited edition or something? Remember, they’ll last for years too, because they must use the most expensive material.’

Jade glanced at the prices of the others – there wasn’t even one under one hundred and fifty euro. ‘Kelly, I’m not spending that amount. I just can’t. It’s ridiculous.’ Feeling hot, despite the air conditioning, and now embarrassed in front of the snooty store assistant at having to put all the bikinis back, Jade left the store, disappointed. ‘Let’s just go and have a nice chilled day sunbathing. It’s exactly what I need.’

As they made their way to Plaza Beach, Jade was surprised at hearing loud music blaring out. ‘Is there a nightclub open in the day or something?’ she said looking round to see where the noise was coming from.

Kelly stifled a giggle. ‘That’s Plaza Beach, babe, that’s where we’re going.’

Jade was confused. She’d never been to a beach where they played music. Maybe one where there were some annoying teens with an iPod and speakers blaring out, but that’s about it. As they turned the corner, she was in shock. Men with six packs and bronzed bodies were everywhere. Girls wore make-up and looked gorgeous, slim and toned. Some were even walking around in five-inch heels and wedges. There were huge upholstered cream sunbeds with groups of about eight people on each one, lounging in the sun with huge cushions as pillows. It was unbelievable. It was like a beach version of Essex!

‘I never knew it was going to be like this!’ Jade said to Kelly.

‘I did try to explain it, babe,’ she replied, peering over the top of her Miu Miu sunglasses.

Jade felt completely out of place. Her plain swimwear now felt even more plain and dull. This place was like battle of the bikinis! She also felt as white as Casper the friendly ghost. She eyed up Kelly, who looked tanned.

‘Kelly, how come you’re not as white as me? Did you put fake tan on?’

‘No, don’t be silly, not for holiday. I had a few sunbeds before I came out here, I got a cheap course. I had to, I was sooo white.’

Probably the same colour as me, Jade thought, annoyed that she hadn’t considered the same thing.

‘Don’t worry hun, you’ll catch the sun in no time,’ Kelly smiled.

They found two free sunbeds, which was surprising as the place was packed, and Jade relaxed as she lay down and felt the warmth of the sun on her skin. Thank God she had her vajazzle; at the moment that was the only thing making her feel like she belonged there. She was going straight back to buy one of those bikinis without a doubt, and she was waking up every day for a week at nine thirty to sunbathe, even if it meant she had to set her alarm. If only she had known Marbella was going to be like this. She would have made much more of an effort. She’d only ever been away once with her friends to Greece, and stupidly assumed it would be the same.

Jade sat up and rested on her elbows to take a look around. She had already spotted a couple of good-looking men, although some of them were wearing sunglasses and she knew it might be a different story when they took them off. It was amazing how important the eyes were when it came to fancying someone. All in all, this place looked like it was going to be fun. Pretentious maybe, but fun.

‘Three o’clock, hun,’ Kelly nodded to her right at two men standing by some sunbeds, chatting.

‘Three o’clock?’ Jade answered, dumbfounded. ‘Surely it’s not that late already?’

‘No, silly,’ Kelly giggled. ‘Turn to three o’clock. Hot men.’

Jade glanced at them. Nice bodies, yes, but not really her type. It was weird really, as she didn’t have one particular type, unlike some people, who only liked dark hair and blue eyes. Jade just knew her type when she saw him. She sat up and looked out to the sea which looked an amazing deep blue, and clear turquoise in places. A fair-haired man in red shorts was walking out of the ocean and Jade had to prevent herself from gasping. Wow, now he was her type! His hair had obviously been highlighted by the sun, and he had a mahogany tan and the most beautiful face she’d ever seen on a man. Simply gorgeous.

‘I think I’m in love,’ she whispered to Kelly.

‘What?’

Now understanding the clock time signal, Jade muttered, ‘Twelve o’clock.’

Kelly sat up, gazing at him secretly through the black lenses of her sunglasses. She nodded approvingly and smiled. ‘Very nice.’

Jade watched as he walked past. His body was to die for. He definitely worked out to get abs like that! His eyes were a striking green colour. He was perfect. She was annoyed that she didn’t look better herself. He didn’t even look in her direction and she couldn’t blame him. There were so many pretty girls around!

Her thoughts were interrupted by Adele shouting out Kelly’s name. They sat up and both crossed their legs so Adele could sit at the end of their beds.

‘Alright, girls?’

‘Good babe, you?’ Kelly asked, re-applying some sun lotion.

Jade was amazed at how different Adele looked compared to a few hours ago. She had a lovely purple embellished bikini on, which looked very expensive, her hair was wavy and loose and she was wearing mascara. She wasn’t beautiful, and she was a bit too masculine to be pretty, but quite attractive. Jade smiled, feeling a bit shy and out of place.

‘Yeah good. Boiling,’ Adele said with a giggle, wiping her forehead. ‘Have either of you got a mirror?’

Kelly handed her a compact which had a small mirror inside. Jade had to hold back from laughing as she watched Adele coat her lips in gloss and pout at her reflection. She looked completely in love with herself. Kelly caught Jade’s eye, bit her lip and turned away, also finding it funny to watch.

‘Where you off to tonight?’

‘Where’s good to go?’ Jade asked.

‘Think everyone is starting at Sinatra’s bar tonight, so go there first. Luckily I have a night off before I start work again.’

They chatted for a while and Jade decided that Adele seemed really nice, which was good as they were going to be working alongside her. She offered them both a cigarette and they declined, as she lit her own.

‘You both single?’ Adele asked.

They nodded.

‘There are loads of nice blokes this season. I’ve just started seeing this guy called Lee, from Glam nightclub,’ Adele said. ‘I really like him, met him when I first got here last month.’

‘Ah that’s good,’ Kelly said. ‘I well wanna meet some nice new guy while I’m here. I’ve been single for ages.’

Adele took a drag from her cigarette, exhaled and said, ‘You seen anyone you fancy yet?’

‘Nearly everyone here!’ Kelly giggled. Then she looked over at Jade. ‘She’s already in love, this one.’

Jade felt embarrassed. Thanks a lot, Kelly, she thought.

‘Come on, spill the beans. Who do you like? You’ve only just got here,’ Adele laughed, flicking the ash from the end of her cigarette. ‘You two are worse than me.’

‘I don’t like him, I don’t even know him. I only just saw him for one second!’ Jade protested.

‘Don’t be shy, babe, show her who you fancy,’ Kelly giggled looking round to see if she could spot him again.

Jade hesitated, feeling as though she was in a school playground discussing her first crush. ‘I just think the bloke over there,’ she looked back quickly to check where he was, ‘the one at the bar with the red shorts on and blondy hair, is quite nice.’

Adele’s jaw dropped. ‘Oh my God. What, Sam?’ she asked, looking over at the two men.

‘Why, do you know him?’ Kelly questioned.

She nodded and exhaled another puff of smoke. ‘He’s my ex.’

Jade felt her heart sink. How embarrassing. She felt extremely uncomfortable and unsure what to say. Adele, obviously knowing that she felt awkward, added, ‘We went out for a year, ages ago, babe. He’s a nice boy, but we just used to argue about anything and everything.’

Jade smiled and began to backtrack instantly. ‘I just thought he looked nice, that’s all. I only saw him for a second.’

‘We’re still mates,’ Adele continued, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand. ‘I’ll put in a good word for you, if you like?’

‘No, don’t be silly, that’s fine.’ Jade flushed beetroot, feeling completely weird about the whole situation.

‘Oh babe, that’s so nice of you, definitely put in a good word for her,’ Kelly said. ‘And while you’re at it, set me up with him,’ Kelly said, pointing at a man with the biggest muscles Jade had ever seen. They all giggled.

‘Flipping hell,’ Adele said as she stubbed out her cigarette with her white Havaianas flip-flop, covered in purple Swarovski crystals to match her bikini. ‘He’d eat you for breakfast!’

He looked over and Adele waved at him as if she knew him. He waved back, baffled, and the girls sat there laughing. She is so confident, Jade thought, enviously.

Adele looked at Jade’s bikini and she wasn’t sure if she was imagining it, but it looked like she was smirking. She then turned to Kelly.

‘Lovely bikini, babe. Where’s it from?’

‘Thanks hun,’ Kelly replied adjusting the straps. ‘It’s from this online boutique in the States. They had amazing ones on there.’

Adele grinned and raised her eyebrows. ‘Did you know that there’s another girl wearing the exact same one over there?’

Kelly’s jaw dropped. ‘Shut up! Please tell me you’re joking?’

Jade turned to look and then tried to make her feel better. ‘She’s sitting really far away, don’t worry. Plus, you look so much better in it.’

‘Anyway girls, I’m going to head back to my sunbed and soak up the sunshine,’ Adele interjected, looking pleased with her work and standing up.

‘Like you need it, Del, you’ve got the best tan ever,’ Kelly complimented her.

‘You can never be too tanned,’ Adele pointed out. She paused before she left and turned to Jade. ‘Seriously babe, I’ll put in a good word for you. It’s been ages since I was with Sam and I’d love to see him happy with a nice girl. I’m happy with Lee, so trust me; you’ve nothing to worry about.’

‘Honestly, it’s fine,’ Jade protested shaking her head.

‘Okay hun. Well if you want me to, let me know. See you tonight girls,’ she said walking away.

‘Bye,’ they chorused.

‘Right quick, we need to go somewhere else,’ Kelly said hastily, as soon as Adele was out of earshot.

‘What? Why?’

Kelly’s voice shrilled as she jumped up, stuffing the sun lotions in her bag. ‘Babe, did you not just hear that there is another girl wearing this bikini? We can’t stay here now! People will see!’

‘Don’t be so silly. Just forget about it,’ Jade replied as she stretched lazily, too relaxed to want to move again.

Kelly looked down at her, her head blocking the sun much to Jade’s irritation. ‘Come on, we have to go. I searched far and wide for the most amazing, unique bikinis and now someone has the same one. I can’t believe it! It’s sooo embarrassing!’

Knowing her friend wasn’t going to give up, Jade exhaled loudly, stood up and put her shorts on reluctantly. ‘Come on then, let’s go.’

*

Adele walked back to her sunbed and glanced at Sam, who was sitting by the bar. She could see why Jade fancied him; he was exceptionally good looking and she couldn’t believe her luck when she’d managed to get with him a few years back. When Adele wanted something, she always got it, and Sam had been no exception. If she was honest, when they had first met she knew he wasn’t overly keen on her. She was the one that always had to text and call him first, otherwise she doubted their relationship would have ever happened. Secretly she guessed it was because at the time, every one of his friends had girlfriends and the lads’ nights out had stopped, so Sam just thought he’d do what everyone else was doing, which was get a girlfriend and have quiet nights in. Adele didn’t care though; she’d had exactly what she wanted. Their relationship had lasted a year in the end, longer than she’d even expected. Eventually, they’d both decided to end things. They were too young for anything serious, and Adele had guessed that Sam had wanted to be single. Adele had never felt completely secure in their relationship and had often snogged other men behind his back. He’d never found out, he would have hated her for it. Not that she ever would have been stupid enough to get caught, she mused, she was an excellent liar and always managed to twist things round with ease. The closest he’d ever come to finding out was when someone had uploaded a photo onto her Facebook page of her with her arms around a guy she’d met at a club. She made the person delete it immediately and luckily Sam had never seen it.

She saw Jade walk past with Kelly. She was prettier than she even realised. One of those annoying girls who didn’t have to try too hard to look fantastic. So she liked Sam did she? Adele had a niggling feeling, and she couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was. She didn’t like the idea of Sam and Jade together. Jade was really nice and she’d bet that Sam would like her too. Well, not if she had anything to do with it. She didn’t want to be with Sam herself, as she really liked Lee, but she definitely didn’t want Jade with him either. She had no choice but to put a stop to it.

*

After they left Plaza Beach, Jade stopped and bought a bikini from the store they’d been in earlier that day. She’d realised that she kind of needed it, and if she missed the chance then someone else might buy it and she’d be left with her rubbish cheap bikinis. Plus, they’d saved money on their cheap flight, so it was fine. She’d wear it all the time, on every holiday she had until she was thirty-five. Plus, two hundred euro spent on a bikini wasn’t that bad, was it? She decided on a pretty lemon embellished one. Definitely Marbella swimwear Jade thought happily, as they walked back to the hotel. How annoying that she could only afford one though, after all, she couldn’t wear it every day because people would notice. It was amazing how expensive they were, especially when it didn’t even look that hard to make. The thought struck her like lightning.

‘Oh my God. I have, like, the best idea ever.’

‘What?’ Kelly peered at Jade excitedly.

Jade was so enthusiastic that she couldn’t get the words out quick enough. ‘We could make our own swimwear! Customise them so they’re different to everyone else’s. Design our own patterns! Create our own styles! There must be a market or shop around here somewhere where they sell cheap crystals and sequins or something? Then we can sew them on. It’ll be fun!’

‘That’s such a good idea, babe! We’ll have the most reem swimwear in the whole of Marbs!’ Kelly agreed animatedly.

‘Exactly! We just need to know when the market is on and head down there.’

‘Let’s ask at the hotel,’ Kelly said, walking faster.

‘What are you wearing tonight?’ she asked Kelly.

‘Dunno, babe. Maybe my white strapless dress with nude Gina heels.’ She thought for a second. ‘Actually, no, I’ll save white for when I’m more tanned. I might wear my black lace Alexander Wang dress, you know, the one which makes my boobs look massive.’

‘Kelly,’ Jade giggled, glancing at her naturally huge chest. ‘Every dress makes your boobs look massive!’

CHAPTER 4

After two and a half hours, the girls were finally ready for their night out and decided to sit on the balcony and drink the vodka and orange they had bought earlier. It was a beautiful evening and Jade felt a wave of happiness wash over her. What was it about sunshine and warmth that made you feel so much better? Though she did have to admit she’d overdone it with the sunbathing on her first day; she always did. She’d never learn that putting on factor twenty just once for the whole day was not enough and now she felt a bit sore in the places she’d missed, like the very top of her stomach, just under her bikini.

‘This holiday is gonna be amazing, babe, I can feel it,’ Kelly said, joining Jade who was sitting at the table on the balcony reading a magazine. ‘Six more days of chilling out before we start work.’

Jade smiled at Kelly, who looked beautiful in her black dress and lightly tanned face. ‘It’s a shame Lisa couldn’t come too.’

‘She’d miss her lover boy Jake too much,’ Kelly giggled. ‘I’d say Marbs is more of a single girl’s place.’

‘Yeah, you’re right,’ Jade replied. Her gaze was fixed on the beautiful sunset. ‘I can’t believe the sun is still out, even at this time.’

‘I know, babe. The Spanish sun is so much hotter than the English one. Wish we could swap,’ Kelly said as she held her hands up and admired her nails.

‘What do you mean?’

‘I wish we could have their sun instead so it was always hot,’ Kelly said with a nod, as though she knew what she was talking about.

Jade was bemused. ‘But we do have the same sun. There is only one sun.’

‘Shut up! I thought there was a sun in every country. So you’re telling me there is only one in the world?’

Jade laughed, ‘Kelly, I do hope you’re winding me up.’

Kelly laughed, throwing her head back, her hair blowing in the breeze. ‘Actually come to think of it, that does ring a bell. I remember something about that in Mr Gregson’s science class. But, what about in other countries, like, I don’t know, Africa or somewhere, where it’s like the middle of the night or something and there’s no sun at all?’

Jade’s mouth curved into a smile. ‘For starters, it’s not the middle of the night in Africa, which isn’t even that far from here. Secondly, it’s all to do with the world turning round. Countries closer to the equator are usually the hottest too.’

Kelly looked mesmerised. ‘God, you’re so intellectual,’ she said seriously. ‘I don’t even know what an equator, or whatever you just said, is. You were always so good at science.’

‘I’m seriously not that clever at science.’ Jade couldn’t help but let out a short laugh. ‘I only got a C at school.’

Jade sipped her drink and winced at how strong Kelly had made it.

Kelly burst into laughter.

‘Are you trying to kill me or something?’ Jade said with a grimace, swallowing the liquid reluctantly.

Kelly held the palms of her hands up. ‘I didn’t put that much in, honestly!’

After a good few drinks, Jade already felt tipsy. They made their way to Sinatra’s bar, which was absolutely packed with people. Wow, Jade thought happily, this place was a lot classier than the dingy bars in Greece. She’d even spotted a few soap stars on their way there, how exciting. Maybe one of the hot male actors would fall in love with her and she’d be on the cover of Heat!

Kelly stood on her tiptoes and peered through the bar, spotting Adele and waving. She was sitting with another girl and two boys. She gestured for them to come over and they both kissed her hello.

‘Evening girls,’ Adele pouted. She turned to her other friends standing next to her and introduced them. ‘This is Gary, Lee and Sophie. This is Kelly and Jade.’

They all said hello to each other and Jade couldn’t help but notice Adele had once again managed to get another good-looking bloke. Lee was tall, with dark hair and stubble, and striking hazel-coloured eyes. How did she manage to get these men?

‘That’s my Lee I was telling you about,’ Adele whispered, checking that he couldn’t see.

‘Babe, he’s well fit,’ Kelly said eyeing him up sneakily without him noticing. ‘Absolute sort.’

‘So funny as well,’ Adele smiled, glancing in his direction.

They bought drinks and sat down beside them.

‘I feel smashed already,’ Adele said with a giggle and a hiccup. ‘The drinks here are so strong; the measures are a joke, just to warn you. The shots are definitely larger than at home.’

‘They can’t be any worse than Kelly’s!’ Jade laughed, explaining about the strong drinks they’d started their night with.

‘We’re going to TIBU after here, you girls coming? I’ll introduce you to Joe, who manages all the waitresses and staff.’

‘Ah thanks honey, it will be great to meet him before we start.’

*

The girls walked up the staircase to enter TIBU. Adele kissed the security at the entrance and also the snobby-looking woman with the clipboard, eyeing the rest of them up suspiciously.

‘Alright Alice, they are with me. These guys are workers,’ she said in a poised manner, as she pointed to Lee, Sophie and Gary, ‘and these will be starting work here soon.’ This was aimed at Jade and Kelly. ‘We were just going to have a few drinks and introduce them to Joe.’

Alice nodded and stamped their hands, allowing them all in for free. This was great, Jade thought!

‘We’ll get free drinks as well,’ Adele boasted, as she waved at and kissed all the waiters and waitresses and walked around the club confidently, chin lifted proudly. The outside bar was heaving, with every table packed, but before they knew it, space was being made for them at a table and a waitress appeared with glasses of champagne.

‘I love it here,’ Jade whispered to Kelly.

‘This is Marbs, hun!’ Kelly winked.

They chatted to the others, who all seemed nice enough, though Jade noticed Lee wasn’t as perfect as she previously had thought, as he seemed a bit arrogant and full of himself. They were briefly introduced to Joe, who seemed really busy, and Jade watched the waitresses at work to see what she would be doing in a week’s time. They were all slim and attractive, wearing tight red tops with the gold TIBU symbol. They looked really glamorous and once again, Jade felt as though she really needed to top up her tan and make an effort to look nice, in order to fit in. It was hard work trying to look amazing all the time in Marbella! Her make-up-free days in Bath seemed like another lifetime now. Kelly interrupted her thoughts by nudging her.

‘Is that the bloke from earlier?’ she asked, pointing discreetly to a man serving behind the bar.

Jade’s heart missed a beat. It was Sam, and he looked even better than she remembered. His tan looked darker, making his gorgeous green eyes stand out and as he laughed, she saw a smile that could have been from a Colgate advert. Wow. However Jade tried to play her thoughts down, worried that Kelly would say something in front of the others. ‘I think it’s him, not sure.’

‘Yes it’s definitely him,’ Kelly stated, staring.

‘Okay, well stop staring, Kelly!’ Jade hissed, afraid he was going to notice.

A little later the bar had quietened down and Lee and Gary had gone inside the club to chat to some people they knew, so it was just the girls left on the table. Adele spotted Sam and to Jade’s horror, called him over. If she says anything, Jade thought, I’ll just die, I know I will.

As if reading her thoughts, Adele whispered, ‘Don’t worry hun, your secret is safe with me.’

Once again, Jade tried to play it down, embarrassed. ‘I only said he was good looking. Honestly, I don’t want to be set up with him.’

‘Hey.’ Sam kissed Adele on the cheek as he walked over.

Jade quickly glanced at him. She could feel herself go hot and couldn’t even look for long in case he saw her staring.

‘How’s it going? Busy night?’ Adele asked, in her distinctively husky voice.

‘Yep, Saturdays are always busy though. Take it you have a night off?’

‘No, I just always sit here drinking when I’m working,’ Adele teased, pouting her lips and flicking her long dark hair over her shoulder. ‘Of course it’s my night off! Where you going tomorrow daytime?’

He shrugged his toned shoulders casually. ‘Don’t know. Plaza Beach probably, that’s where we always end up. How come?’

‘This is Kelly and Jade,’ she introduced, waving a hand in their direction. ‘You should come to the beach tomorrow with us, they’re going to be working here too next week. Bring some of the other boys as well?’

He smiled at Kelly and Jade and said hello, then looked back quickly in the direction of the bar. ‘Sounds good, I’ll BlackBerry message you. Better go, bar is getting busy again. Bye girls, nice to meet you.’

‘Bye,’ they chorused.

Jade watched him as he made his way back over to the bar. He was tall, just over six feet she guessed, with fairly broad shoulders and an amazingly toned body. She imagined how safe and protected she’d feel if he wrapped his strong arms around her. His white TIBU top brought out the colour of his striking, stunning emerald eyes. His fair hair had streaks of gold running through it, highlighted from the sun. Somehow he reminded her of Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic.

‘He is good looking,’ Kelly said when she noticed Jade glancing over at him.

‘Very,’ Jade replied dreamily. ‘He reminds me of Leo in Titanic.’

‘Deffo, babe. Oh my God, I loved that film so much. Do you remember we used to watch it over and over?’

‘Yes, it’s such a good film.’ Jade smiled at the memory. When they’d discovered the DVD they were hooked, and used to watch it eating Monster Munch crisps and Doritos with dips as they blubbered throughout the ending.

‘I’m not being funny, but whoever made that story up must have such a good imagination. They must be so intellectual. I’d love to be that talented.’

Jade laughed, almost spitting her drink out. ‘No one made it up, Kelly! It actually happened. The Titanic really did sink!’ She laughed even harder at Kelly’s incredulous expression.

‘Are you joking babe? Oh my God, shut up! I thought it was all made up! The Titanic really sunk? What about all those poor people?’ Kelly’s eyes were wide with amazement.

‘It’s a well-known tragic story and it was made into a film, silly.’ Jade wiped her eyes, which had started to water because she had been laughing so hard.

‘I just can’t believe that,’ Kelly shook her head, completely bewildered. ‘Poor Rose! Poor Jack! Whatever happened to her in the end? She didn’t marry that horrible bloke she was supposed to, did she? I mean, I know that necklace was pure beauts but he was just nasty!’

Jade burst out laughing again as she explained the characters were actually made up even though the story was true, leaving Kelly even more dumbfounded.

A few drinks later, she caught Sam’s eye and he smiled at her, making her heart somersault. It was official. Jade was in love.

*

Sam went back to the busy bar and thought about how much he loved his job. Hot girls everywhere, good money and baking sun every day; there was no other place he’d rather be. He looked over at Adele and the others. She was an odd one, Adele, wanting to spend the day together when he’d seen her with her new guy, Lee, several times. He doubted that Lee would be happy knowing Adele was going to the beach with her ex. It had been a long time since they split though, Sam justified to himself, and they were very young when they had dated. It wasn’t like there was any chance of any romance happening between them again anyway, no way. He couldn’t believe he’d gone out with Adele in the first place. She seemed to have become more full of herself recently and her looks meant everything to her, something that didn’t interest him. It was all about what you looked like, what shoes you had and how much your designer bag cost as far as Adele was concerned. She was a typical Essex girl, he decided, but he’d only been twenty-one when they’d met and if he was honest, he didn’t even know what he was looking for at the time. All his friends had started to date girls and Adele just came along, then before he knew it, they were a couple. They’d been more like friends really and he knew the relationship would never last from the first day. They still spoke when they bumped into each other at home, but that was about it. Then he’d seen her on his first day in Marbella and couldn’t believe it. He wasn’t bothered about her being there either way; they were still on friendly terms. Still, he was glad she was with Lee now and hopefully she would find the happiness she was after.