Grace sat frozen for a moment. What the hell? she thought. Who were Sarah and Jamie? Was Lawrence’s sister inferring that Lawrence had had a wife called Sarah who had a son called Jamie . . .?

‘What else haven’t you told me, Lawrence!’ she hissed, clenching her fists and looking angrily up at the night sky.

Chapter 11

11

Grace was glad that the next few days would be crammed full of work. There was a general feeling of things cranking up and moving faster, and an air of excited expectation seemed to pervade everyone and everything. Even though, as Tina and Grace had noticed, Balinese people never seemed to actually hurry, there was nonetheless a sense of efficiency and moving smoothly, of the hotel staff knowing exactly what to do. Scheduling, lists, plans, bookings and the constant checking and re-checking of every detail, from bedsheets and fresh flowers to kitchen stocks and rubbish disposal, filled their days as the opening date for the hotel approached. Johnny continually threatened that if it wasn’t ready, it wouldn’t happen.

Grace had to admire Rosie, who had turned into the equivalent of a military commander, leading troops of media about, rounding up talent and story ideas, supervising photographers and TV crews to make sure they got what they needed. They were all obviously blown away with the experience of the Kamasan, from what Grace could tell.

Andy ruled his domain with cheerful humour and his seemingly casual style, while actually keeping a forensic eye on every move his staff were making and every drink and dish that was tested for the final menu.

Advance staff working for the high-profile guests and the show talent were already checking things out for their bosses as the countdown continued. Steve and Henry were briefing the extra crew Grace had hired, as she kept refining their schedules to fit in with fluctuating scenarios.

Suddenly, three weeks on from the meeting when Johnny had told them about Bruno Mars, Grace had some breathing space. There was always something to do, but with a week to go all her preparations for the opening were on track, and without Lawrence around to distract her, she had been able to really knuckle down and add the finishing touches to the campaign.

‘I’m heading home for a bit, to hang out with Daisy. It’s been so hectic I haven’t spent much time with her lately,’ Grace told Steve as they walked through the hotel grounds after lunch.

He glanced at his phone. ‘Sure. Relax while you can.’

‘Maybe meet later for a quiet drink?’

‘Love to,’ he said, not looking up. ‘No news from Lawrence?’ he added.