Clara Meets The Parents (Clara Andrews #2) (14 page)

10.17am

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: RE – Compliant

Dear Miss Andrews,

We would like to thank you for bringing your complaint to our attention. On behalf of 1
st
Class Airlines, I would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused. As you will be aware, 1
st
Class Airlines have issued you a full refund. In addition to this, we have upgraded your return seats from First Class to our First Class Private Cabin. Complimentary food and beverages will also be included.

In answer to your question, please rest assured that no children under the age of 16 are permitted in our First Class zones.

We hope you find this to be an acceptable outcome to your complaint.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions that you may have.

Yours sincerely,

Catherine Wilks

Head of Consumer Satisfaction

1
st
Class Airlines

Smothering sun lotion over my legs, I look down the empty beach at Oliver and Randy playing football and smile lazily. Today has been the perfect last day. At the crack of dawn, Oliver and I packed up our snorkelling equipment and headed down to the beach. The sun was only just waking up as we laid down our towels and reading material under a huge palapa. For hours we dived between rock coves and reefs taking underwater selfies and snaps of multi coloured fish.

Around ten, Randy and Janie stumbled along the sand, bringing with them a brunch fit for a queen. Berry fruit pots, cheese filled baguettes, crispy bacon, boiled eggs. You name it, we probably ate it. To be honest, I am surprised that we didn’t sink when we got back into the water. Since then we haven’t moved, unless it was for a margarita or quick dip to cool down.

The sky is now littered with fluffy, white, cotton candy clouds and one by one the sun worshippers have slowly sloped back to the hotel. Janie is stretched out on a padded lounger, glistening with carrot oil in a last ditch attempt to get a final shade darker. My own tan has come along nicely. The horrendous fake tan disaster has now completely washed away and in its place is a light, healthy glow to be proud of. I can’t wait to rub it in Marc’s face when I get back. Mr ‘I am always browner than you’ Stroker.

Erica aside, I have actually had a really nice, relaxing break. The thought of getting back to Lianna, Marc and my little house is actually quite exciting. With all my own relationship troubles over the past couple of days, I had totally forgotten about Lianna’s good news. I actually can’t believe that my best friend is getting married! I am also a little gutted that I was not around to see the proposal. Not that I will have missed anything, I already know exactly how the wedding will go. Vintage fishtail gown, small church ceremony followed by a retro afternoon tea and a honeymoon in Venice. Lianna has spent many an evening at my house, curled up in a tiger striped onesie reeling off her idea of the perfect wedding. I could plan it for her all by myself if I had to.

Rolling onto my side, I raise my eyebrows at my swollen stomach. How much weight have I gained in such a short space of time? All these cocktails are going straight to my hips. No wonder Oliver thought I was pregnant! I’m starting to wonder myself to be honest. Is it possible to become pregnant by consuming vast amounts of guacamole and tequila? I seriously hope not, that would be one very green, very intoxicated infant.

Thinking of baby bumps makes my mind wander back to Oliver’s offer of moving to America. Is America really where my future lies? It would be pretty cool to go back home with some exciting news of my own to share. With Marc having Madison and Lianna getting married, I am feeling a little concerned that I am stuck in a rut. The dreaded thirties are getting closer and I don’t want to be the one that gets left behind. Trying to listen to my head as well as my heart, I ask myself, do I really want to move across the pond or do I just want to move forward in my relationship?

Not knowing the answer, I push myself to my feet and pad along the soft sand. As the water washes over my toes, I think back to how much my life has changed since I met Oliver. Anyone from the outside looking in would probably say not so much, but the person I am inside couldn’t be more different. When I am with him I feel whole, I feel complete. Even after a year of dating, I still get excited to see him. Knowing that he is at home waiting for me when I am stuck in traffic on a rainy Wednesday makes me happier than I can put into words. I used to think that soul mate was a term invented by gift shops for teenagers with too many hormones, but now I couldn’t be a bigger believer.

Collapsing down onto the sand, I look back at Oliver, Randy and Janie as a smile creeps onto my face. As Carrie once said, sometimes we need to stop analysing the past, stop planning the future, stop trying to figure out how we feel and just go with it. Right now, I don’t know where I am going, but I do know who I want by my side when I get there.

As I peel my jet lagged eyes open, the first thing that hits me is the biting cold air that is nipping at my nose. There is no way that I am getting out of bed until this house warms up a little. My hard earned tan will have disappeared by the end of the day at this rate. Tugging the heavy covers up to my chin, I dig around under the pillow for my mobile. Swiping the screen to bring it to life, my fingers jab at the flashing message icon. I try to adjust my sleepy eyes as the text pops up on the screen.

Rise and shine! Can’t wait to see you! And I’m starving so don’t dare be late xxx

Some things really don’t change. Engaged or not, Lianna still has the appetite of a sumo wrestler. It doesn’t surprise me that there will be no bridezilla crash diet for her! Shaking my head, I poke a toe out of the bed and quickly pull it straight back in again. The first day waking up in your own bed after a holiday is normally awful, but I am really excited to see Lianna and her ring! We have only been apart for a little over a week, but we have so much to catch up on.

Checking the time, I realise that I have slept for twelve whole hours! I almost feel bad that Oliver was up at the crack of dawn for work. To be honest, I could easily roll over for another twelve, but I have places to go and people to see. Bracing myself, I throw back the sheets and make a beeline for the bathroom. My feet are like blocks of ice on the cold tiles as I wait for the shower to warm up. Has England always been this cold? My body does not like this drastic change in temperature one bit. I shuffle out of my spotted pyjamas and hop under the running water. Some people say nothing feels better than your own bed and I feel the exact same way about my shower.

After regrettably scrubbing away all scents of sun lotion and sea water, I wrap myself in a fluffy towel and pad into the bedroom, leaving a trail of soggy footprints in my wake. Dragging on a pair of jeans, a chunky jumper and three pairs of stripy socks, I run down to the kitchen and flick on the coffee machine. On opening the fridge, I curse myself for not picking up milk on the way back from the airport. Oh well, black coffee is better than no coffee. I would take it through an intravenous drip if I had to.

Blowing on the dark, lava water, I flip through the mountain of letters that have accumulated behind the door. As usual, I immediately toss the junk mail straight into the bin, before dropping the familiar bills and bank statements onto the coffee table. My brain is still on Mexico time as I curl up on the sofa and flick on the television. Rain pounds on the window as I sip my coffee and settle down to watch This Morning. There really is no place like home.

‘Wow! It’s beautiful.’ I breathe, watching the huge diamond sparkle under the bright lights of the restaurant.

‘It was so romantic! I really didn’t think Dan had it in him!’ Lianna’s eyes shine brighter than the ring.

‘Neither did I! I still don’t to be honest!’ Letting out a little laugh, I dunk a mozzarella ball into some barbecue sauce.

‘So, going back to this Erica woman. Is everything OK between you and Oliver now?’ She picks up her glass and takes a gulp of Diet Coke.

‘Things are more than OK.’ A smile appears at the sides of my mouth before I can stop it. ‘It was one big misunderstanding that got totally out of hand. I won’t ever disbelieve him again.’

‘Can I ask you something?’ Twisting her engagement ring around her finger, she stares at me intently. ‘Is Oliver definitely ‘The One’?’

Not being able to find the words to describe how I feel about Oliver, I resort to an enthusiastic nod of the head. After almost losing him in Mexico, I am now more sure than ever that he is the one for me. Even Matthew Mcconaughey wouldn’t get a look in.

‘OK.’ Lianna pushes her black rimmed glasses up the bridge of her nose. ‘That’s all I needed to know. Now, what do you think of these.’

Pushing a stack of bridal magazines across the table, she points to the folded down edges. ‘I have turned down the corner of each one that I like.’

Flipping open a magazine, my eyes land on a stunning, lace fishtail gown. Exactly what I thought she would go for. I work my way through the pages and realise that each dress is a carbon copy of the first. She is so predictable.

‘This one is stunning!’ I stroke the picture as my eyes take in the beautiful dress. The top is lace with a sweetheart neckline and fitted tightly to the body with a corset bodice. Just below the knee, a tulle skirt spills out like a water fountain, leading to a simple but highly effective puddle train.

‘Is it the Isabella Fenoli?’ Snatching the magazine out of my hand, she lets out a little screech. ‘That was my favourite too! Have you seen the back? Do you like the pearl buttons?’

‘I have and I do. It’s perfect! I’m so happy for you!’ I reach out and grab her hand excitedly. ‘I can’t believe that you are getting married! It’s crazy!’

‘Can you believe that you’re my Maid of Honour?’ She smiles manically, her eyes the size of saucers.

‘Really?’ I always knew that we would be each other’s Maid of Honour, but it’s still incredible to be asked.

‘Yes, really! Who else would it be?’ Batting away my hand, she drains her glass before snatching the last mozzarella ball.

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes and I quickly blink them away. Lianna does not enjoy public displays of emotion and I really don’t fancy a telling off.

‘I also want Madison to be a flower girl. Do you think we can get her walking in three months?’

‘Three months? She won’t even be able to hold her own head up in three months!’ God help Li when she has kids of her own.

‘Hmm, perhaps you’re right. I might have to have a rethink.’ Lifting her handbag onto her knee, she pulls out her purse and drops some notes on the table. ‘Anyway, I’m gonna have to love you and leave you.’

‘What? We aren’t having cocktails?’ Truth be told, I had been eyeing up the drinks menu since we arrived.

‘Not today! I’ll call you when tomorrow, we can have them then!’ She wraps a scarf around her neck and tugs on her coat.

‘But I’m back at work tomorrow!’ I grumble, gathering my things.

‘Bye! Love you!’ Lianna’s voice trails off as she disappears between the tables.

Well that was short lived. We must have only been sat here for little over an hour. Checking my watch, I realise that Oliver won’t be home from work yet. I wipe my greasy fingers on a napkin before dragging on my coat. Not knowing what to do with myself, I wander outside onto the street. I walk a few steps down the pavement when I spot a bridal shop over the road.

Narrowly avoiding being hit by multiple cars, I make it across the street in one piece and stare through the window. There must be a dozen dresses in the display, but only one that steals the show. I push my nose against the glass and peer at the incredible gown. Diamond white, tulle ball gown with a gorgeous beaded overlay. If Cinderella was alive today, this would be her dress. Don’t get me wrong, Lianna’s dress is stunning, but it’s not what I would go for. This on the other hand, is everything I have ever dreamed of.

Tearing myself away from the window, I head for the taxi rank. As I walk along, my head is filled with rhinestones, roses and rings. All that wedding talk has left me with a buzz of excitement. No more Li Edwards, Mrs Lianna Dickinson is on her way.

‘Oh my God! She has grown so much! What have you been feeding her?’ Sticking my head into the basket, I stroke Madison’s pink cheek gently before crashing down onto the sofa.

‘Is this new?’ I ask, trying not to show my revulsion at the zebra print throw that has just given me a static shock.

‘Isn’t it fantastic?’ Gina flashes me a smile as she passes me a steaming cup of coffee. ‘I’m thinking of an animal kingdom theme for the whole house. Zebra, leopard, giraffe, peacock...’ She carries on reeling off prints as I raise my eyebrows questioningly at Marc.

Not wanting to blatantly lie, I decide to change the subject. ‘Isn’t it great news about Li and Dan?’

Marc nods in agreement and passes me little Madison carefully. ‘Just lift your arm to support her head. There you go! See, you’re a natural.’

I roll my eyes at him, but inside I am secretly pleased. Babies normally scream the second I pick them up. Snuggling into my stomach, she squeezes her fingers into little balls.

‘Can I let you in on a secret?’ Marc asks, snapping a picture of us on his iPhone.

‘Yes.’ I stroke the tiny prawn toes and pray that she doesn’t wake up. I could eat her!

‘I knew he was going to do it.’

‘How? Did he tell you?’ My jaw drops at the revelation. How did he keep this to himself? Marc is the office gossip! You can’t even tell him that you are on antibiotics without the whole floor knowing.

‘He kinda had to. He wanted to take her to Paris and needed to book her the time off without her knowing. I have known for a while now.’

‘Aww! I can’t believe that he could be so romantic! Did he have a lobotomy or something whilst I was away?’ Hearing Madison begin to grumble, I rock her back and forth.

‘Have you seen the ring?’ Gina chips in.

‘I have. We went for lunch earlier. It’s beautiful and very Lianna.’

‘Very.’ She agrees. ‘It’s not my personal style, but it’s so classic.’

‘What would you go for, Gina?’ I shoot Marc a fiendish look and bite my lip as she crosses her arms thoughtfully.

‘I have always wanted a pink diamond. Heart shaped, at least a carat, shoulder diamonds with a platinum band.’ Gina shrugs her shoulders and makes up a bottle of formula.

‘You haven’t thought about it much then?’ A smile plays at the corners of my mouth. You couldn’t make it up. A pink, heart shaped diamond. Nothing could be more Gina.

‘How was Mexico?’ Marc asks, looking a little pale at the talk of engagement rings.

Not wanting to go over the whole Erica fiasco again, I decide to leave it out. ‘It was amazing. Sun, snorkelling, shots. You guys would love it.’

‘Are you offering to babysit so I can whisk her away?’ Marc puts his hand on Gina’s knee fondly. ‘We could do with a holiday.’

‘Erm, I guess I could give it a go. What do you say, Madison?’ Seemingly unimpressed, she lets out an almighty scream. ‘Maybe not.’ Handing over the bawling baby, I reach down for my mug of coffee.

‘What about his parents? How did that go?’ Marc cradles Madison, who immediately shuts up at the sound of his voice, a real daddy’s girl in the making.

‘It actually went really well. We did have a projectile vomiting incident, but we soon got over it. They’re very cool parents.’ I smile fondly at the recollection.

‘As cool as us?’ Gina pipes in from the kitchen.

‘Almost! You would love Janie.’ I shout back. ‘How was Oliver today? Jet lagged?’

‘Oliver?’ Marc looks puzzled as he juggles Madison’s bottle and the television remote.

‘Yes, at work. He left before the sun had come up. I’m surprised he could even get out of bed to be honest. You didn’t see him?’ Putting down my cup, I dig out my phone to see if he has called. Nothing. I wonder if he is at home yet.

‘Erm, I was in and out of the office all day. Didn’t even stop for lunch.’ He fights Madison for her dummy and replaces it with a bottle before she can scream.

‘Busy day then?’ I ask, tossing my phone back into my handbag.

‘Mayhem. Looking forward to coming back tomorrow? It has been crazy without you guys.’

‘Not even a little bit.’ Letting out a little sigh, I pull my bag up onto my shoulder. ‘Speaking of work, I should get back. I’m absolutely exhausted.’

‘No worries. We should probably put this one down for the night anyway.’ He lifts Madison up for a goodbye kiss. Clearly not happy at being disturbed, she scrunches up her tiny face angrily.

Bending down for a quick peck on the cheek, I give Marc a hug before heading for the door.

‘Nice to see you Gina.’ I put my head into the kitchen and give her a wave.

Letting myself out, I beep open the car and jump into the driver’s seat. Turning up the heating, I make a mental note to dig out my beanie hat and Dr. Martens. Where did summer go? Pulling out into the road, I can’t stop thinking about Gina and her pink engagement ring. I don’t think I have ever seen a pink, heart shaped engagement ring before. Then again, I didn’t think I would ever meet anyone else like Gina until I met Janie. The more I come to think of it, Gina really is a Janie in the making. Two Janies, imagine the chaos.