Clara Meets The Parents (Clara Andrews #2) (5 page)

Tipping my head upside down, I spray volume serum through my hair and give it a final scrunch. After our visit to the beach BBQ earlier, we spent the rest of the day snoozing under a palm tree, just the two of us. All worries of Janie have been completely blown away and I am pleased to say that I am feeling rather fuzzy inside. I smooth down my dress and smile at the beautiful, tropical print. My first choice was a black, strapless, playsuit, but I had a feeling it may come across a little slutty for dinner with the in laws. The simple, ivory wrap dress I settled on is casual, cute and fingers crossed screams please love me. With a final confident smile at my reflection, we leave the room hand in hand. Janie might have won the first round, but this one is all mine.

Walking through the restaurant, I hold my head high and stride past the many tables of happy couples. As we approach our seats, my positive attitude falters a little when I notice Janie and Randy are already here. I had planned on being draped elegantly in my seat, Martini in hand when they arrived. I intend on portraying an image as far away from the trailer trash that hurled on the beach earlier as possible. Tightening my grip on Oliver’s hand, I bite my lip as Randy jumps to his feet to greet us.

‘Hey! Come on, sit down. We’re starving here!’ He laughs heartily and I accept a friendly kiss on the cheek.

Janie stays seated and I lean down to give her a tight squeeze. ‘Janie! You look fantastic! That colour is great on you.’

She eyes me up suspiciously as I pull out my seat and sit down. Smiling back, I try not to laugh at the monstrosity of an outfit that she is wearing. My strapless playsuit suddenly seems extremely conservative. Her gingham print mini dress is loosely held together by a chunky, gold halterneck strap and I am slightly concerned that it is going to burst open at any given minute. Dropping my bag on the floor, I am perturbed to see that she has teamed it with a pair of transparent, sky scraper heels. Courtney Stodden eat your heart out.

Randy orders a round of margaritas for the table and I make a grab for the bowl of crusty bread rolls. Happily tearing a chunk off and smothering it in butter, I catch Janie raising her eyebrows at me, or at least trying to.

‘Bread roll, Janie?’ I push the bowl towards her and wipe my sticky fingers on a napkin.

Shaking her head, she pushes it back to me in disgust. ‘I don’t do carbs. I follow the Low-V plan.’

‘Oh.’ Feeling like a little pork chop, I pop the bread back into the centre of the table.

‘You might wanna try it some time.’ She flashes me a wink and I feel my cheeks instantly burn up.

Reminding myself that I have to win her over, I decide not to bite back. Tucking my hair behind my ears, I pick up the cocktail that has appeared in front of me. Yummy. Calories in alcohol don’t count, right?

‘Did Oliver tell you that I booked us a couple of massages at the spa hut down on the beach?’

Janie stares at me blankly, so I carry on talking. ‘It looks amazing. Sea front treatments, complimentary champagne and afterwards they make you a lobster lunch.’ Clapping my hands excitedly, I wait for her to say something.

‘I don’t think so. It’s not really my thing.’ She turns her attention to the menu and crosses her very long legs.

‘It’s spa treatments, champagne and lobster. How can that not be your thing?’ I stare at her confused.

‘I’m a vegetarian.’ She takes a sip of her drink and flashes me a pearly white smile that doesn’t quite meet her eyes.

Before I get a chance to explain that I am sure that there will be other edible things to eat apart from luxurious seafood, Oliver slips his arm around my shoulders.

‘My dad went ahead and ordered the tasting menu, that OK?’ He pushes the bread towards me.

Not wanting another fat jibe from Janie, I politely decline.

‘So tell us a bit about yourself, Clara.’ Randy turns to face me and I realise that this is my time to shine.

I have rehearsed this speech so many times in preparation for this holiday that I now know it off by heart. I begin with my upbringing in the North West of England, before moving swiftly on to my relocation to the big smoke. Once I have finished telling them about my hard climb up the career ladder and my charity work for the local dogs home, I am pretty sure I have sold myself well. Even though the charity work consists of nothing more than the odd bag of thread bare clothes donated to the charity shop, it felt good to throw it in there. Sitting back in my chair, I feel a swell of joy at Oliver’s proud smile.

‘Oliver hates dogs.’ Janie snipes from behind her cocktail glass.

‘Really?’ I spin around in my seat to face him. ‘You never told me you didn’t like dogs?’

‘It’s not that I hate dogs. I guess I just prefer the company of cats.’ He shrugs his shoulders and I stare at him in shock.

He can’t be serious! I hate cats! He knows that I hate cats! OK, let’s not blow this out of proportion. We are allowed to like different things. It’s not that big of a deal. I try to push it to the back of mind but I am visibly irked. Catching Janie flash me a smug grin, I suddenly feel stupid for falling for her antagonistic stirring.

Straining my mouth into a forced smile, I let out a small sigh. ‘I actually love both. In fact, I love all animals. Are you a pet person, Janie?’

‘Are you kidding me?’ Randy hollers over the table. ‘Janie hates anything that has more than two legs and doesn’t speak English.’

‘I’m sure that’s not true.’ I glance at Janie for confirmation as our first courses are placed down on the table.

‘It’s not true sweetie.’

Breathing a sigh of relief, I pick up my fork and dive into the steaming fishcakes.

‘I hate anything that doesn’t speak American.’

Call me crazy, but six courses and a good few glasses of wine later, I think Janie is starting to soften. Since the delicious lime cheese cake, Janie has complimented my watch, insisted I try her signature cocktail, which incidentally turned out to be vile and apologised profusely when she accidentally jabbed me with her fork. A little part of me did think it was more accidentally on purpose rather than accidentally, but maybe I am just being paranoid.

Sat in the lounge bar sipping Mexican espressos, we look the image of family togetherness. Wincing at the copious amounts of tequila in my coffee, I marvel at how well the evening has gone. Admittedly, it didn’t get off to the best start and I almost fell off my chair when she finally agreed to go to the sea front massage tomorrow, but things have ended on a rather positive note.

Finishing up our drinks, I listen to Oliver and Randy plan a golf trip like a pair of excited school boys. I have never understood what it is about golf that men find so appealing. That was until I tagged along with Marc and discovered the vast amount of alcohol and mundane man talk that was involved.

It must be another half an hour or so before I can prise Oliver back to the room. Randy and Janie decided to stay on in the bar for a night cap, so we said our goodbyes and sneaked back to the room. As I watch Oliver fumble in his back pocket for the room key, I can tell that he has had more than enough to drink.

‘Do you need some help with that?’ I ask with a little laugh.

‘No, I got it.’ He finally manages to locate the key and succeeds only in dropping it on the floor.

‘OK. I think it’s time for someone to go to bed.’

Pushing him through the door, I pull back the covers and roll him into bed, laughing as he tries and fails to remove his shoes. As I pad into the bathroom and splash cold water on my face, I hear my phone chirping from the bedroom.

Once I have peeled off my dress and fought to remove my sandals, I find my phone buried beneath a pile of fluffy bath robes. Diving under the covers, I double tap the screen to open the picture message that is flashing up on the display. As the image springs to life, I try to focus my drunken eyes in the dark room. Is that a ring? Why is Lianna sending me pictures of a ring? My eyes drop down to the text and my heart pounds in my chest.

He put a ring on it!!!

Sitting bolt upright I frantically dial her number, only to be greeted by her usual, cheery voice mail. Not wanting to do this over a text message, I tap out a quick response demanding that she calls me ASAP. Opening the message again, I enlarge the image to get a better look at the ring. Wow! It’s huge! The simple, gold band is very Lianna and the beautiful tear drop rock is set off by the delicate shoulder diamonds. It really is breath taking. Popping my phone on the bedside cabinet, I roll over and snuggle into Oliver’s back, trying to block out his ridiculously loud snoring.

As hard as I try to fall into a much needed sleep, I can’t seem to shake off the adrenaline rush. My best friend is engaged! She is getting married! The annoying little voice in the back of my mind taunts me that I am not there to see it. I wonder how he did it. Where did he do it? Did she know he was going to do it? I need all the details! It is just my luck that I would be six thousand miles away when this happens. Reminding myself that it is only a matter of days until I am back on home soil, I squeeze my eyes shut tight and will myself to drift off. It is not long before I am lost in a wedding fantasy of my own. Princess dresses, rose bouquets and sparkling tiaras surround me and before you can say ‘here comes the bride’ I am out for the count.

The next morning, I am woken by a very energetic Oliver, who is happily brandishing a tray of breakfast goodies in my face. He plants a kiss on my nose and I allow myself a delicious, long stretch. It takes me a moment to register that he is already showered and dressed.

‘Why are you up so early?’ I ask, trying to focus my eyes.

‘Golf, remember?’ He passes me the tray and steals a strawberry from the top of a stack of pancakes.

‘I’m surprised you don’t have a hangover.’ Giving him a wink, I pick up a slice of French toast and take a giant sized bite.

‘Nope. No hangover.’ He replies confidently. ‘I do, however, have a round of golf waiting for me and you have a spa appointment with my mom.’

Attempting a response proves tricky with a mouthful of fried goodness, so I resort to a swift nod of the head.

‘I better shoot. Enjoy your breakfast. Have a good day!’

With a quick wave, he disappears out of the door and all I am left with is the world’s best coffee and five million calories. I must admit, I am not complaining. Locating my phone under the pillow, I am frustrated to see that Lianna hasn’t replied yet.

Just as I am about to dive into the pancake mountain the hotel phone rings. Hurriedly licking the golden sugar from my fingertips, I make a snatch for the handset.

‘Hello?’ Balancing the phone on my shoulder, I pop a piece of dragon fruit into my mouth.

‘Miss Andrews? This is a courtesy call to remind you that you have a treatment booked with us at the spa.’

My eyes flit to the clock on the wall and I realise that I only have twenty minutes to get my greedy backside out of bed and down to the beach.

‘Fantastic. I am on my way.’ Slamming the phone down, I regrettably push the tray of delicious food away.

I actually made a little progress with Janie last night and I really don’t want to take two steps back by being late. Rolling out of bed I make my way to the shower, throwing open the balcony doors as I go. The sun is shining, I have had an amazing breakfast and Janie is finally starting to soften. Today is going to be a good day.

Even though I know very well that I am going to be late, I can’t help but stop and take a million photographs as I make my down to the beach. From the humongous crabs that dart across my path to the prehistoric looking reptiles that block it. Every few steps I take, there is something amazing to see.

As I am happily clicking away at a cute, little coati, I spot Janie sipping something which looks suspiciously like a margarita. Hurriedly slipping the camera back into my bag, I run over to where she is sitting.

‘So sorry I am a little late. Have you seen the coati? How cute is he? Or at least, I think he is a he.’ Letting out a nervous laugh, I take a seat next to her.

‘Honey, they’re vermin. Now come on, we gotta go.’ Finishing her drink in one gulp, she slides off her chair.

Pretending not to notice her nipple slip, I pop on my sunglasses and walk beside her. We follow the winding path through the grounds and I manage to resist stroking the many coatis we pass on the way. A few minutes later, we stop outside the beach hut and Janie turns to face me, a huge smile plastered across her very tight face.

‘By the way, I changed our treatments to something more fitting. I hope you don’t mind.’ She links her arm through mine and gives my hand a friendly squeeze. I am so shocked at the sudden act of kindness that my jaw almost hits the floor.

‘No, of course I don’t mind.’ Feeling like we have finally turned a corner, I give her a little smile as she ushers me through the door.

Taking care not to trip over the bamboo rug, I look around the beach spa with excitement. This place is so pretty! Palm tree leaves decorate the walls and the view of the sea is just incredible. I wander over to the window and watch the water splash contently on the sand as Janie checks us in.

‘Miss Andrews? Would you like to come this way?’ A petite, pretty, blonde lady beckons me to follow her.

Stepping into the treatment room is like falling into another universe. The only lighting comes from some beautiful, coconut candles and the deep purple walls make you feel totally cocooned. After leaving instructions for me to undress and get comfortable on the bed, my therapist, Kacie, disappears in a cloud of Chanel. As I strip down to my knickers, I realise that I don’t actually know what I am here for. Janie mentioned that she had changed our treatments, but she didn’t actually say what she had changed them to. Deciding just to go with it, I slip under the sheet and allow myself to relax.

It’s not long before soft, calming music floods the room and Kacie appears at the foot of the bed.

‘Would you like the drapes open, Miss Andrews?’ She smiles sweetly and I reply with a happy nod.

Rolling over, I let out a small gasp as the ivory tulle is pulled back to reveal miles of turquoise waters. The sun bounces happily off the waves, twinkling down on the bronzed beach bums.

‘So, we have you down for two treatments today. I thought it would be best to start with the Invigorating Deep Muscle Tissue Massage.’

‘OK.’ I reply slowly. ‘And what is the second treatment?’

‘A top to toe wax.’ She replies, as if it is the nicest thing in the world.

Wax! I cried last week because I stubbed my little toe! There is no way I can have a full body wax! Feeling a little alarmed, I clutch the sheet tightly as I try to think of a way to get out of it. Maybe I could tell her that I am allergic to wax? Yes, that should work.

‘With this particular massage, we like to start with the back, so if you could lie on your front for me and place your face in the hole.’ Kacie dips her hands in a bowl of hot, oily looking fluid and beckons for me to roll over.

Biting my lip, I do as I am told and turn over, praying that this isn’t as painful as it sounds.

‘I am going to focus this massage on the deepest layer of muscle tissue and tendons. The deep pressure will remove chronic muscle tension. If the pressure gets too much, just let me know and we will take a break.’

I manage a little squeak and try to calm down. The hot oil drips down my spine and I am pleasantly surprised at the heavenly sensation. As Kacie works her way up my back, I let out a sigh of relief. Lifting my head, I sneak a peek at the view. This is exactly what I had in mind. I wonder if we will still get the lobster and champagne.

Ow! A sharp pain sears through my shoulder, accompanied by a horrible crunching sound. That did not sound good. What the hell was that?

‘Ow! What the hell was that?’ This time, I can’t help the words escaping my mouth.

‘You appear to have a large knot in your right shoulder, but stay with me and I’ll try to get it out.’

Gritting my teeth, I reluctantly put my face back into the hole of pain. A quick glance down at my watch tells me that I have forty three minutes left in the torture chamber.

I wonder if Janie has gone for the same treatment. I can’t imagine she will be very happy with her masseuse if she has! I must admit, picturing her being pummelled like a fatty steak brings a wicked smile to my face. It almost makes going through this myself worthwhile.

Well, they do say every cloud has a silver lining.