Free Clara Meets The Parents (Clara Andrews #2) by Lacey London Page B

my God! I love your accent!’ The busty brunette to my left squeals and grabs my arm hysterically.
    ‘Erm, thank you’. Turning a violent shade of crimson, I bite my lip and will the barman to hurry up.
    ‘Are you from London? Do you know the Queen?’ Sliding over until she is almost sat in my lap, her eyes light up like fairy lights.
    ‘Actually I live around thirty minutes from London and no, I don’t know the Queen. Unfortunately.’ Paying for my drink, I pop a tip into the sombrero hat.
    ‘Oh.’ Looking a little deflated, she tilts her head to one side and chews the end of a straw thoughtfully.
    Peeking over the edge of my glass, I take a good look at my new friend. I can’t help but notice that she is very pretty. Her tumbling, brown curls must have taken a lifetime to blow dry and the perfectly contoured cheeks make her almost cartoon like. Struggling not to stare at her enhanced boobs, I eye up her toned stomach enviously.
    ‘I’m Erica.’ Smiling, she holds out a hand and I try not to show my shock at the four inch, red talons. ‘Can I get you a drink?’
    ‘I’m still on this one, but thanks and its Clara.’
    ‘Well it’s a pleasure to meet you, Clara. Are you here alone?’ Erica asks, slipping back into the pool.
    ‘No. I’m here with my partner. He’s gone to play ping-pong.’ Rolling my eyes, I dunk my shoulders under the water.
    ‘That tournament on the beach?’ She drains her drink and drops it on the bar. ‘The minute we checked in, LP was all over it. I don’t think I have seen him since.’
    ‘LP?’
    ‘My husband. He promised me a romantic week away for our anniversary, so much for romantic. Ten years together and my husband would rather be playing goddamn ping-pong.’ Laughing, she motions to the barman for a refill.
    ‘Ten years? You have been married for ten years?’
    ‘Yes ma’am.’ She shoves an enormous diamond ring under my nose and I have to admit that I am very impressed.
    ‘How can you have been married for ten years? How old are you if you don’t mind me asking?’
    ‘I’m thirty nine next month.’
    ‘Thirty nine!’ My jaw drops at the revelation. ‘You look incredible!’
    ‘Oh stop!’ She takes two frosty glasses from the bar man and hands one to me.
    Not being one to turn down a free drink, I accept it and take a sip.
    ‘Are you married, Clara?’
    ‘No, we’re not married. We actually came out here so I could meet Oliver’s parents. He’s from Texas.’
    ‘A fellow American?’ She smiles appreciatively. ‘And how are you finding the in laws?’
    ‘Erm...’ Laughing nervously, I rack my brains for the right thing to say. ‘His father is fantastic. He really is a great guy. Janie on the other hand, is a lot to handle.’ Taking another sip, I screw up my face at the high alcohol content. Wow, that’s strong.
    ‘If we’re gonna talk monster in laws, I win hands down. Wanna go for some lunch and swap horror stories?’ Erica swims over to the steps and I follow behind like a doting puppy.
    Well, they do say a problem shared is problem halved...

Chapter 20
     
    Laughing hysterically, I dip a nacho into the guacamole and munch away happily. For the past couple of hours, Erica and I have giggled like a pair of school girls. Sipping on yet another cocktail, I fan myself with a lunch menu. After listening to some of her outrageous mother in law stories, I am feeling like I have got off rather easy with Janie.
    Erica and LP’s relationship has had me mesmerised and I can’t help but think that my quiet, suburban life pales in comparison. When Erica first met LP, she was working as a waitress at the Four Seaons in Philadelphia. As a music producer, LP spent most of his time touring America, bouncing from one hotel to the next. In true Hollywood style, six weeks after serving him a latte, they were flying out to Vegas. Destination, little white chapel. Ten years later, they have two adorable boys and one very cute little girl.
    ‘Don’t get