Books
The bestselling author ofThe Flatsharereturns withThe Wake-Up Call.
The Wake-Up Callfollows Izzy and Lucas, a pair of rival receptionists who work at the same foundering hotel.
Theyre also betting they can play nice for long enough to finish their mission easier said than done.
Below, get a sneak peek atThe Wake-Up Calls cover, and keep scrolling to read an excerpt.
I started late today, so I am staying late, too.
That is only reasonable.
And the seating areas dotted around the pool badly need tidying.
That is why Im here: tidying.
Fetch me a beer, would you, Lucas?
Louis calls from the pool, twisting to float on his back.
Fetch me a beer.
Like Im a dog.
Lucas, she says, surprised.
Shes wearing a dressing gown hanging open over her bikini.
What are you doing here?
I recognise that bikini: it lives in the box she keeps under the desk.
You cant see a bikini without imagining the person in it.
And it is very small.
Turquoise green with thin straps.
My imagination did not do her justice.
She looks so different.
Shes barefoot, with her hair unstriped and pulled up in a bun.
But its not that, it cant be theres nothing to be afraid of.
Hello, I say, hating how stiff I sound.
So Im staying late.
Her eyes narrow slightly.
Behind me I hear the slick splash of Louis moving methodically through the pool.
Youre staying late … in the swimming pool area?
I am tidying the spa, yes.
Her eyes get narrower.
What game are you playing, Lucas da Silva?
I dont know what game I am playing, thats the truthful answer.
I dont want Izzy to spend her evening in a bikini with Louis Keele.
I swallow and move aside, returning my attention to the dog-eared magazines in wicker baskets by the chairs.
When I glance back at her, shes dropping the dressing gown onto a sunlounger.
I look away sharply, heart pounding in my throat, suddenly very aware that I shouldnt be here.
Shes not wearing that bikini for me.
That beer, Lucas, mate?
I knowwhy hes asking.
Its not because he particularly wants a beer.
Its because he wants Izzy to see me fetch him one.
No drinks in the spa, I snap.
Cant you make an exception?
No exceptions, Louis, not even for you!
Izzy calls as she slides into the pool.
Louis looks at Izzy with blatant appreciation.
I feel another stab of that strange, new fear.
And I hate her, I remind myself.
I hate her and she hates me.
Copyright 2023 Beth OLeary LTD.
This article was originally published onApril 13, 2023
