Clara Meets The Parents (Clara Andrews #2) Read online

  ‘Please! Do I look like I use sun screen?’ Janie rolls her eyes and points to her radioactive skin proudly.

  Not wanting to be the one to tell her that she looks like an old parsnip, I drop it back into my bag and flag down a taxi.

  ‘I don’t know about you guys, but I am starving!’ Oliver bends down and kisses the top of my head fondly.

  ‘Me too.’ I reply, hearing my stomach begin to rumble.

  ‘Me three!’ Chips in a rather toasty looking Randy.

  ‘Mom?’ Oliver turns to Janie.

  ‘You gotta be kidding me! I’ve just been French kissed by a goddam dolphin! Don’t even talk to me about food.’ Janie shoots me a scowl and we lock eyes, neither of us saying a word.

  Before I can stop it, laughter spills over my lips. For a second I think she might thump me, but suddenly her lips turn into a smile and she burst into hysterics. I am laughing so hard that my stomach begins to hurt. I can’t quite believe that Janie is laughing, genuinely laughing. I guess when something is really, really funny, even an Ice Maiden will thaw.

  Chapter 23

  Sipping on a salty Margarita, I roll onto my very full stomach and chew the end of my straw thoughtfully. The sparkling waves are splashing playfully on the sand, tempting me in for a quick dip. A slight smile forms at the corners of my mouth as I recall this morning’s trip to the dolphinarium. I don’t think I have ever laughed so hard. It actually became unpleasant after a while. My stomach started to feel like it had been to an advanced Belly Blaster class.

  Watching a couple of very handsome American boys enjoying a game of football, I almost miss the pretty brunette coming my way. As she gets a little closer, I realise that the pretty brunette is actually Erica.

  ‘Hey girl!’ Erica drops her bag onto my lounger, almost knocking me off in the process.

  Accepting a double air kiss, I push myself up to my feet feeling rather excited to see her again. ‘Erica! Hi! How are you? Where’s LP?’

  ‘He’s watching the game at the bar.’ She rolls her eyes and pushes me to the side. ‘Who are these lovely people?’

  ‘These are Oliver’s parents, Randy and Janie.’

  Flashing Randy a cheeky wink, she wraps her arm around my shoulders. ‘So you’re the famous Janie? Clara here has told me how wonderful you are!’

  ‘Oh really?’ Janie shoots me a death stare and I try not to squirm under her accusing glare.

  Attempting to avoid eye contact, I laugh nervously. Oh God, she does not look impressed.

  ‘Erm, fancy a dip, Erica?’ Not giving her chance to reply, I steer her towards the sea.

  ‘Wait! Where’s Oliver?’ Straining her neck, she scans the beach frantically.

  ‘He went for a run. Why, what’s wrong?’

  ‘Oh, no reason.’ Smiling brightly, she peels off her kaftan to reveal her perfect hourglass figure, poured tightly into a tiny, black bikini.

  Not being able to help feeling a little self conscious, I quickly slip under the waves.

  ‘So, how have things been with the delectable Janie? Any change?’ Dipping her head back in the water, she raises her eyebrows.

  ‘Actually, this morning has been rather fun. I am beginning to feel a lot more positive about the whole thing.’ Looking back up the beach at Janie, I actually am starting to think that maybe things will be alright in the end.

  ‘Great! After all, once this holiday is over you and Oliver will go back to England and Janie will fly off to Texas. Problem solved.’

  ‘Hmm... maybe.’ Chewing my lip, I kick my legs to stay afloat.

  ‘Maybe?’

  ‘Oh, it’s just something Oliver mentioned.’ My cheeks burn up and I’m not sure it’s due to the weather.

  ‘I’m afraid you’re gonna have to elaborate a little more. Just mentioned what exactly?’ Erica replies, shading her eyes from the sun.

  ‘Well the other day, we were walking down the beach and he said that maybe, one day, we should move to America.’ I get a tingle at the nape of my neck at the recollection.

  ‘He did?’ For a second Erica looks stunned, before her usual chirpy smile reappears.

  ‘I haven’t really thought about it before.’ Kicking my legs under the waves, I try to stay afloat. ‘I always knew that we would have to make a decision on where to settle down eventually. I was just waiting for Oliver to show that he is truly committed first. It would be pretty amazing though.’

  ‘Wouldn’t it just.’ Erica twists a strand of hair around her fingers, looking deep in thought.

  ‘I mean, I haven’t given him an answer yet. I wanted to leave it a few more days to see if he still felt the same.’

  ‘Are you for real? The guy asks you to move across the globe and you leave him hanging?’

  ‘It wasn’t quite as simple as that. When he asked me, it was just after he thought that I was pregnant. I just wanted to make sure he still feels the same way, now that it’s sunk in that I’m not.’

  Erica’s jaw drops and I suddenly get the feeling that maybe I am sharing a little too much with someone I have just met. I am about to change the subject when I spot Oliver chatting to his parents.

  ‘Well, it looks like he’s back, so I should probably go and dry off.’ Taking a few steps towards the sand, I turn back to Erica. ‘I would appreciate you not mentioning the whole moving, America, baby thing to Oliver. I really don’t want to make a big deal out of it.’

  ‘Honey, it’s forgotten. Now come on.’ Running ahead, she skips out of the water like a young Pamela Anderson.

  ‘Oliver! It’s so wonderful to see you again!’ Throwing both of her arms around his neck, she plants an overly friendly kiss on his cheek.

  Noticing him visibly recoil, I reach down for my towel. I can’t imagine there’s a man in the world that would squirm at a hug from Erica. Laughing at his bashful reaction, I take a sip of water.

  ‘Who’s up for tequila?’ Tossing her long locks over one shoulder, Erica adjusts her bikini bottoms.

  ‘To be honest, Clara and I kinda have plans.’

  ‘We do?’ I shoot him a puzzled look which he returns with a frown. ‘Oh! Of course! I totally forgot.’ Hoping it’s not glaringly obvious that I’m blatantly lying, I gathering up my belongings.

  ‘What a shame.’ Erica pushes out her bottom lip and slips into her kaftan. ‘Maybe another time then.’ With a quick hug she picks up her bag and prowls off down the beach.

  Once I am sure that she is out of earshot, I turn to Oliver. ‘Well that was a little rude. What was all that about?’

  ‘I just don’t like the girl.’ He shrugs his shoulders and pops on his sunglasses.

  ‘Why?’

  ‘Does it matter why? I just don’t like her. Could you drop it now, please?’ He is trying to appear not bothered, but there is an edge to his voice that I don’t like.

  ‘OK.’ Digging out my magazine, I lay down my towel and hop back onto the lounger, not in the mood to argue.

  What could he possibly have against Erica? Something doesn’t feel quite right. I don’t think I have ever seen Oliver take an instant dislike to anyone before, especially a beautiful, busty, brunette. Promising myself that I will get to the bottom of it, I turn my attention back to the magazine.

  Just as my mother always said, never underestimate a woman’s ability to find things out....

  Chapter 24

  Applying blusher to the apples of my cheeks, I stare back at my reflection. The result of a few days in the sun really is remarkable. The pale skin that I normally spend hours bronzing is now golden brown and the surge in vitamin D is making my eyes sparkle brightly under the moonlight. The crisp air has cleared out my lungs, leaving me feeling energized and refreshed. Not to mention the magic salty sea water that has done wonders for my cellulite

  Fiddling with a stray strand of hair, my eyes land on the hotel calendar. I am disheartened to see that we have almost reached the halfway point in the holiday. I am nowhere near ready for home yet. To be fair, I can’t wai
t to see Marc and Lianna, not to mention Madison. I haven’t been gone a week, but judging by the many pictures that Marc has been sending, she looks like she has been blown up with a foot pump. Like a ridiculously cute, little Michelin man.

  My mind wonders back to Oliver and the prospect of moving to America. Could I really leave my friends behind? I know they could visit, but how often would that be realistically? I would miss them like crazy. Or am I being silly? Am I throwing away a potentially life changing opportunity for the sake of a social life? Let’s face it, Lianna is getting married, Marc has a baby. Everyone’s moving on, why should I get left behind?

  As much as I want to sit and ponder my future, my grumbling stomach encourages me to get a move on. With a final slick of mascara, I pop a lip gloss and my phone into a clutch bag and flick off the light. I may not know what I want in the future, but I know what I want right now and that’s food, lots and lots of food.

  Scouring the menu, I feel totally torn. Is it bad etiquette to order two mains? Taking a sip of mineral water, my eyes dart between the dishes. Why is it that when you’re hungry, everything sounds amazing? Even the calamari has me salivating and I don’t even like squid!

  The restaurant is in a stunning new building located at the top of the resort, with a beautiful view of the hotel grounds. As the sun went down hours ago the sky is almost back, but the air is still as warm as ever, even with the powerful air conditioning. No sooner had we took our seats, Oliver and Randy disappeared for a game of pool, leaving Janie and I alone.

  For the past thirty minutes, I have been filling Janie in on my life back home. Work, friends, family. Not that I am sure she is really listening, although her ears did prick up at the mention of a company discount. Just as I am about to run out of steam, Randy appears at the table looking rather pleased with himself.

  ‘I’m guessing you won?’ Leaning back in my chair, I look behind him at an annoyed Oliver.

  ‘Yes ma’am. The boy never learns.’ Laughing, he slaps Oliver on the back and collapses into his seat. ‘Let’s order, I’m starving.’

  It takes only a matter of seconds for us to order pretty much the entire menu. Bread, starters, mains, desserts - I mustn’t be the only one that was hungry. Daydreaming about the spicy salmon, my attention is dragged back to the table at the mention of weddings.

  ‘So, she is walking down the aisle, pretty as picture. Only she gets to the alter and her father trips on her veil, ripping it clean off. She was so mad! I mean the air was blue!’ Randy wraps his arm around Janie and she manages a stiff smile. ‘It’s a good job we knew the pastor well! Are you a member of the church, Clara?’

  His question is innocent enough, but I know that I have to tread carefully here. One wrong answer could turn things upside down. What should I say? Don’t they know it’s rude to discuss religion or politics at the dinner table? Thinking of how to put it as diplomatically as possible, I glance at Oliver for help. Frustratingly, he smiles back bemused.

  ‘No, I’m not, although I do see myself as a deeply spiritual person.’ Hoping that this will be an acceptable answer, I chew the inside of my cheek anxiously.

  ‘Would you get married in a church?’ Janie turns to face me with an expression that I can’t quite read.

  ‘Err, umm, well, I’m not too sure to be honest. We haven’t really spoken about marriage...’ I look down at the table nervously, feeling my face burn up.

  By ‘haven’t really’, I mean never, so this is rather awkward. To tell you the truth, I can’t really believe that someone like Janie is religious. The woman goes topless on the beach in nothing more than a zebra print thong for crying out loud! Before the conversation can get any more uncomfortable, I am saved by a rather intoxicated, beautiful woman in the form of Erica, who throws herself onto my lap.

  ‘Erica! Wow! You look amazing!’ I’m not just being polite here, she really does. The skin tight, red bodycon dress gives her a figure even Jessica Rabbit would envy. ‘How are you?’

  ‘I’m great! Tequila! Lobster! What’s not to love?’ The scent of alcohol is overpowering and I try not to gag. Cupping her hands to her mouth, she hollers across the restaurant. ‘LP! Get your ass over here!’

  The entire restaurant turns around as LP strides across the room. I feel Oliver squeeze my leg under the table and pretend not to notice. I know that he isn’t their biggest fan, but I am not letting him be rude again.

  ‘Everyone, this is my husband, LP.’ Jumping to her feet, Erica pushes him forward proudly.

  A chorus of hellos echo around our group and I notice Janie’s jaw drop. Not that I can blame her.

  ‘Well, aren’t you a dish? It’s a shame I’ve ordered my dessert, otherwise I’d eat you right up!’ Janie unashamedly blurts out without a hint of blush.

  Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for poor Oliver who has turned as red as a Bloody Mary. The worst part is, we all know she isn’t joking.

  4.14pm

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  Chapter 25

  Much to Oliver’s annoyance, Erica pulls over a couple of chairs and instructs the flustered waiter to bring their remaining courses over to our table. Attempting to shuffle our seats around, we make space for the unexpected guests. Within a matter of minutes, we have become a table of six and the already crowded table has become even more cramped. Not that Janie seems to mind, I have never seen her move so quickly. For the past ten minutes, LP has been revealing the inside secrets of Hollywood’s most wanted and it has turned her into a giggling mess. Erica meanwhile seems oblivious to Janie’s flirtations. Leaning across the table suggestively, she seems to be enjoying winding up Oliver up a little too much.

  ‘So, what were you guys talking about before we rudely interrupted?’ Flashing me a wink, Erica reaches for Oliver’s glass and takes a big slug. Oh dear. I don’t even dare look at him.

  ‘Weddings! Our wedding day was eventful to say the least.’ He clocks the huge platinum band on her finger. ‘That’s some rock! What’s your story?’ Glad to have Erica’s attention, Randy looks like the cat that got the cream.

  As she fills them in on the whirlwind romance that led to a little white chapel, I take the opportunity to study LP. He is very handsome, as you would expect from a man married to Erica. I know she said he was a music producer, but Simon Cowell he is not. With his impressive physique, ridiculous height, chiselled jaw and mirrored sunglasses, he could easily pass for a major celebrity. Not that I have any idea why he is wearing sunglasses at night, but somehow he manages to pull it off.

  Now that I have put a face to the name, I can kind of understand why Oliver isn’t his biggest fan. He must be intimidating to other men, even men as successful as Oliver. The staggering confidence alone is enough to make you feel a little unnerved. Maybe the green eyed monster is rearing its ugly head. Let’s face it, there’s a little jealousy in all of us, but if I have to share a planet with J.Lo, he can deal with LP.

  The delicious smell of freshly baked bread brings me out of my daydream as the waiter places a steaming bowl of soup down on the table, along with an enormous basket of bread. Picking up a crusty roll, I dunk into the bowl and take a big bite. God, that’s good! With hurricane Erica storming the party I had almost forgotten how hungry I was. Looking around the table, I realise that I am the only one eating. Too greedy to be bothered about manners, I carry on regardless.

  Happily stuffing my face with the yummy bread, I must be almost finished by the time everyone else picks up their spoons, every one apart from Erica that is, who nibbles on a tiny olive slowly. The table falls into silence as we tuck into our food. The on
ly sound comes from LP’s phone, which vibrates violently on the table. Excusing himself to take the call, I catch Janie unashamedly checking him out as leaves. Unbelievable.

  ‘What do you guys have planned for the rest of the vacation? We should do something.’ Slurring slightly, Erica taps her manicured nails on the table.

  ‘We have a pretty packed schedule.’ Oliver retorts, tearing off a chunk of baguette.

  Now I know that’s a lie. It was only this morning that we agreed on spending the rest of the holiday relaxing. What is his problem?

  ‘Come on! You must have a little spare time?’ Erica smiles devilishly at him as he stares stonily back.

  ‘Like I said, we have a pretty packed schedule.’ Picking up his glass, he drains the contents in one swift gulp.

  ‘OK... well what about you, Clara?’ Flinging her arms around my neck, she plants a big red kiss on my chin. ‘Think you can squeeze me into your diary? We could go to that shopping centre down town if you fancy it?’

  ‘I’ll go shopping with you.’ Randy mumbles and is soon rewarded with a dig in the ribs from Janie.

  ‘Actually, yes. How about tomorrow?’ I shoot Oliver a defiant look. ‘The hotel left some discount vouchers in the room, so we might as well use them.’

  Erica spins around that fast she nearly falls off her chair. ‘See, Clara can find the time for me!’

  Standing up like Bambi on ice, she steadies herself on Janie’s shoulders. ‘I’m gonna find my husband. Clara honey, I will see you tomorrow.’ She sounds quite upset.

  With a final wave, she totters off towards LP, who is talking animatedly on the phone by the bar. We all watch as they order a bottle of champagne and make their way towards the door.

  ‘I would prefer it if you wouldn’t go tomorrow.’ Oliver puts down his knife and fork with a clatter.

  ‘Come on! You can prise yourself away from the little lady for one day.’ Randy laughs teasingly.