And then Greg’s face crumples and we fall into each other’s arms and hold each other tightly. We both cry and kiss and cry a bit more.

I don’t think that Greg will ever let me go. And now I’m beginning to wonder if I want to.

Chapter 111

Chapter 111

My husband and I make love. Crazily, madly, passionately. Like we did when we were young. It’s utterly fabulous. When we’ve done it once, we do it again! Then we lie in bed cuddled up together. And I wonder why I’m going to Peru at all and whether it’s too late to cancel.

Chapter 112

Chapter 112

It’s the day of my departure and Lauren has come to say goodbye to me. She’s all tearful too.

‘Two weeks,’ I say as she hugs me. ‘Two tiny little weeks. That’s all I’m going for.’

‘But it’s so far away,’ my sister complains.

‘And it’s full of foreigners?’ I grin as I say it.

‘Exactly.’

Greg hangs back, saying nothing.

Throughout the day I’ve wondered if I’m doing the right thing. If it wasn’t for the fact that the company had stumped up the money, I might well have cancelled. I’m wearing my walking boots so that they don’t go missing if my luggage is lost and, despite the thickness of my hiking socks, I have the coldest feet known to man.

If Greg begged me not to go now, then I probably wouldn’t. It’s all very well talking about these things in theory, looking at the itinerary and the travel guides – but the reality is a lot more scary. I’ve only been on a plane once in my life and never on my own. Then I remember that all of my colleagues are seasoned travellers and will look after me. So I tell myself that I’m being ridiculous and it’s just nerves and that this is really what I wanted. I think too of all the times I’ve sneakily pored over my guidebook – the exotic names, the vast, unfamiliar landscapes – all the things that have made me want to do this trip and, finally, I’ll be seeing them all, I’ll be among them all. I’ll be breathing the air of the Andes, have my feet on Peruvian soil.

I take a deep breath. I have nothing to be afraid of. This is an experience, an adventure. This is what I wanted.

All my gear has, amazingly, fitted into my holdall. It’s at my feet now and my backpack is slung over my shoulder.

There’s a toot from the road and I look out of the window. My stomach lurches. ‘They’re here.’

The company mini-bus is outside and it appears that everyone else is packed inside.

‘I could come to the airport with you,’ Greg offers.