‘Sorry,’ she whispers with a curtsey, causing me to laugh.

‘You can take the girl out of the city …’ I tease.

‘Oi,’ Zaza blushes, her elbow prodding at my ribs. ‘Are you drinking with us tonight?’ she asks, turning to Scott.

‘You’re off out drinking?’ Scott says, raising his eyebrows at the three of us. ‘Again?’

‘Not just them, we’re all going,’ chimes in Betsy, who was the one who suggested we all go for one last hurrah just in case she breaks a hip in the mountains and has to be airlifted out – this seems to be her main concern.

‘We need dinner,’ I state, knowing this really will be the last proper dinner we’re going to have before we officially start the Lares trek tomorrow.

‘We’ll only have the one, sir,’ Zaza says, a cheeky expression on her face while Betsy raises her hand in a fist, her fingers slowly unfurling to show she’s not going to be sticking to just the one.

Scott doesn’t manage to stifle his laughter.

‘After your hangover today I think that might be for the best,’ I jibe to Zaza.

‘Actually I might be super naughty and go for a Diet Coke,’ she says excitedly.

‘Well, enjoy. I have to do the last bits for tomorrow to make sure we’re all good to disappear off into the valleys for a few days,’ Scott says. ‘But for my lot – the bus leaves at five-thirty tomorrow, just make sure you’re on it in time for me to chuck some breakfast in your direction.’

‘Deal,’ we all nod.

‘The rest of you aren’t my problem,’ he shrugs, causing great laughter amongst the group.

22

Zaza