Clara Meets The Parents (Clara Andrews #2) by Lacey London Read Free Book Online

mom with her head down the toilet.’ He laughs and takes a sip of his cocktail.
    ‘Really?’ My eyes widen, but I honestly can’t say I’m surprised. ‘What was it like growing up with Janie for a mother?’
    ‘It was like any other childhood, except instead of trips to band camp, I went to Vegas and sometimes Atlantic City.’
    I offer a nervous laugh, half wondering whether or not he is joking.
    ‘I did warn you that she wasn’t the stereotypical motherly type. It’s all an act though. Deep down, she’s as soft as a kitten. I swear.’
    Taking a deep breath, I brace myself to ask the question that I have been waiting all afternoon to ask.
    ‘So, did your mum say anything about me earlier?’ Biting my lip, I try to appear nonchalant.
    ‘Actually, she didn’t. My dad thought you were delightful though. A beautiful English rose is the exact term he used.’
    Blushing, I take a handful of nachos and lean back in my seat. Well, I guess one out of two isn’t so bad. I now realise that I may have underestimated Janie. I get the distinct feeling that a polite smile and fleeting compliment aren’t quite going to cut it this time. As our burgers are placed down in front of us, I reach over and squeeze Oliver’s hand.
    ‘I’m going to make your mum fall in love with me if it is the last thing I do.’
    Stretching over the table, Oliver plants a tiny kiss on my nose. ‘I’m sure you will. How could anyone not love you?’
    ‘Exactly.’
     

Chapter 12
     
    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.’