Clara Meets The Parents (Clara Andrews #2) (8 page)

After all the drama that was this afternoon, we left Janie and Randy on the beach and went for a stroll along the shore. Walking hand in hand, I slip off my sandals and let the warm waves wash over my toes. The sun is still shining brightly and I enjoy the light tingling on the back off my neck. Glancing up at Oliver, I smile at his caveman style stubble and longer than normal curls. This break away was exactly what the doctor ordered. I haven’t seen him this relaxed in a very long time.

‘We should do this more often.’ Slipping my arm around his waist, I breathe in the salty sea air.

‘You know, if we moved back home we could do this stuff all the time.’ His eyes glint wickedly and I stare back confused.

‘Back home?’

He nods enthusiastically. ‘Yeah, America.’

My heart begins to pound and I look down at my toes, trying to take it in. Thankfully, Oliver doesn’t wait for me to answer and continues regardless.

‘Texas is only a few hours flight to Cancun, we could be down here all the time if we wanted. It wouldn’t necessarily have to be Texas though, there are loads of fantastic places we could live. California, Miami, Nevada. The list is endless!’ Spinning me around to face him, he grabs my shoulders. ‘What do you think?’

Flummoxed, I rack my brains for something to say. ‘Erm, what would we do for work?’

‘We will sort something out. If it’s money you’re worried about, don’t be. I can easily earn enough freelance to support the both of us. You wouldn’t even need to think about working.’

‘What about Lianna and Marc?’

‘They could come and visit any time they wanted. I’ll even pay for the tickets.’

Twisting my toes in the sand, I start to feel a buzz in the pit of my stomach.

‘Look, you don’t have to make a decision right now. Just promise me you’ll think about it. Come on, lets go get a drink.’

Slipping my hand into his, I follow him along the beach. Catching a glimpse of myself in his sunglasses, I smile back at my happy, healthy reflection. Could I really uproot my entire life and move to America? The scary thing is, I really think I could.

Scooping up the last of the delicious blackberry sorbet, I lean back in my seat. To say I am stuffed is an understatement. I am most definitely going to have to work some of this off when I get back home. The flattering, empire line dress that fit so beautifully a few days ago, is now pinching at my newly acquired love handles. Shifting around in my seat, I try to find a position where I don’t feel like an overstuffed sausage.

Janie has been her usual loud self this evening, but for some reason it doesn’t seem to be bothering me. All evening I have been thinking over Oliver’s offer to move to America. Since we got together, I knew we would have to cross this bridge at some point. I just never really thought what would happen when we got to it.

‘Are you excited for the dolphin trip tomorrow, Clara?’ Randy fills my water glass and pushes it across the table.

‘I am! It is something I have always wanted to do, but you don’t really find many dolphins in England.’

‘You don’t have dolphins?’ Janie pipes up and slams her glass down on the table.

‘Not really and even if we did it would be far too cold to swim with them. Have you ever been to England, Janie?’ I offer her a small smile as she motions to the waitress for another drink.

‘England? Hell no! Cold, small, old... who in their right mind would go to boring old England?’

‘London actually has some fantastic tourist attractions. Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower

Bridge and that’s before you’ve got to the shopping. Personally, I think you would love London.’ Watching her eyes light up at the mention of shopping, I sit back quietly confident.

‘We have shops in Texas.’ She shrugs her shoulders and tries to act nonchalant, but I know I have got her.

‘You know Bond Street is one of the world’s most famous shopping destinations and always littered with celebrities.’

‘Celebrities?’ Janie mumbles, as her pupils dilate like a happy puppy.

‘Oh yeah. Pop stars, actors, designers, they all gravitate to Bond Street when in London.’

‘Oh Lord! I think we know where we’re going for our next vacation!’ Laughing, Randy bangs his hand down on the table.

‘Mom has a little thing called Celebrity Worship Syndrome.’ Oliver rubs his brow and looks a little embarrassed. ‘I’m not yanking your chain, it’s a real thing.’

I knew Janie must have an Achilles heel. Who would have thought it would be celebrities?

‘I once met David Hasslehoff in a night club.’ Feeling quite proud of this little claim to fame, I twist a curl of hair around my fingers.

‘The Hoff? You met The Hoff?’ Janie grabs my arm and I honestly think she might spontaneously combust.

‘Yes. He has a girlfriend from Wales, they’re always milling around London.’

‘Randy! Did you hear that?’ She wipes a bead of sweat from her brow. ‘Did he say anything to you? Did you get a picture? An autograph?’

Shaking my head, I wonder what the hell I have started here. Trying to rack my brains for any other star studded encounters I have had over the years, I enjoy having Janie hang on to my every word.

‘My mum met Dolly Parton at the airport.’ It’s not Brad and Angelina at the Ritz, but it’s the best that I can come up with.

Watching Janie’s jaw drop gives me a feeling of empowerment. Finally! Finally she is interested in what I have to say. This is something that I can work with. Flashing Oliver a wink, I order another cocktail and prop my elbows up on the table. I may not be the blonde, cheer leading, gun loving Texan that Janie had in mind for her precious son, but my celebrity knowledge is second to none.

‘Hey, did you know that Tom Cruise stayed at this very hotel?’

11.48pm

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Favour.

Hi Marc,

I need a favour.

Can you send me over the pictures of The Saturdays from the Suave launch?

Also, send me a copy of Adam’s work pass. (The one from HR who kind of looks like Justin Timberlake)

Thanks a million!

It was past midnight by the time Oliver and I collapsed into bed and gone eleven by the time we dragged ourselves back out of it the following morning. After a quick yet delicious cooked breakfast in the hotel restaurant, we took a taxi down to the dolphinarium. When I say we, I mean everyone but Janie. While the rest of us demolished bacon and eggs and jumped in a cab, Janie insisted on a measly fruit cup followed by a quick jog.

The very chirpy taxi driver took great pleasure in mimicking our varied accents. Randy was rather impressed with his take on the Southern drawl, mine however came out more like the Queen after a few too many Bucks Fizz.

Once we had checked ourselves in and shed our clothes, we made our way through to the pool. High on adrenaline and filled with anticipation, we dragged on our life jackets and tried to pay attention to the safety instructions. I am so distracted by the happy dolphin noises that I almost miss the ‘no cosmetics’ rule. Janie, however, did not and instantly expressed her revulsion at such a ‘vile’ request.

Suitably advised and make up free, we take our places in the water. I shoot Janie a quick glance and let out a little giggle at her thunderous gaze. You would have thought that we were swimming with Edward Scissorhands, not a pool full of frolicking dolphins. The pools are smaller than I imagined and segregated into five individual sections. Smiling for the photographer, my eyes widen as our instructor, Alex, brings out a rather large, rather boisterous dolphin.

‘Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce you all to Daphne.’ With a quick hand gesture from Alex, Daphne pirouettes perfectly.

Wow! Clapping my hands together, I reach out and stroke her rubbery skin. She doesn’t feel real!

‘This is amazing!’ I exclaim happily, resisting the temptation to squeeze her adorable button

nose.

‘Daphne and I have a lot to show you guys today, but first I need a volunteer.’ Alex glances around our group, grinning inanely.

Not wanting to hog the dolphin, I peer over at Janie who is deliberately avoiding eye contact.

‘You.’ Alex points a bony finger at Janie and beckons her to come over.

It takes a quick dig from Randy, but after a moment’s hesitation Janie shuffles forward, eyeing up Daphne dubiously.

‘A big round of applause for our volunteer!’ Alex pats Janie on the back as we all clap encouragingly. I can’t believe she’s actually doing it!

As Alex instructs Janie on how to position herself for a kiss on the cheek, Oliver beckons the photographer over to capture the magical moment.

‘OK. All ready?’ Alex asks a panic stricken Janie, who is sat cross legged in the water, arms folded tightly. ‘One, two, three....’

‘Smile for the camera!’ The photographer hollers.

Never one to miss a photo opportunity, she spins around and flashes him a Joker worthy smile. Unfortunately for Janie, the timing couldn’t be worse. With a quick flick of the wrist from Alex, Daphne leaps up out of the water. Unaware of Janie’s change of position, Daphne plants a huge, wet fishy smacker straight on Janie’s pouting lips, just as the camera flashes.

Bracing myself for the scream, I cover my ears as Randy and Oliver fall about laughing.

‘Goddamn dolphin! Get me outta here! Get me out!’

As Alex struggles to help a livid Janie out of the pool, the boys try their best to compose themselves. Watching Daphne splash around happily, I wipe some laughter tears from my eyes.

Mexico, I really do love you.

Paying for the photographs, I slip the infamous dolphin snog snap into my beach bag. It may be pricey, but there is no way I am leaving without this bad boy. The sun is starting to get strong and I feel my back start to tingle under its powerful rays. Digging out the sun lotion, I give myself a good dousing before handing the bottle to Janie.

‘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.

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....