Hot Coffee, Cold Hands

Chapter 4 ♡

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There my fabulous parents were, seated at the grand dining room table. In their hands were glasses of expensive red wine. In the centre was a huge banquet of food and my stomach rumbled slightly at the sight. If I'm being completely honest though at this moment in time I'd rather get a Pot Noodle and get into bed.

Across from my parents sat three people. The man was chubby and slightly balding, in a crisp suit jacket and a tightly tied tie.

Damn, that's hard to say out loud, try it.

The woman looked as if she was in her mid-forties, her red hair cut into a short bob. Her red painted lips were pursed, as if she was constantly sucking on a lemon.

My eyes trailed over to the last person. He looked my age, with short brown hair and a sharp jawline. However, his eyes were predatory, and they scanned me over a few too many times for my liking. Ergh.

At long last, my parents noticed my presence. Dad's lip twitched slightly and the smile fell from my mom's face, as if they were hoping I'd be gone for longer.

Nevertheless, my dad plastered a fake smile onto his face. "Ah India! We're so glad you're back darling!" Lies.  "We were hoping that you'd be back in time for you to officially meet the Martens." Again, lies.

Wait, these were the Martens? Oh, that meant that the smarmy boy at the table was in fact Nate, the boy that my parents so desperately want me to 'get to know'.

I pondered over whether to push my luck and come out with a sarcastic comment, but my mother's glare told me that I'd definitely regret it if I did.

Sighing inwardly, I, too, put on a false smile and greeted the Martens. "Uh, hi! It's so lovely to meet you!"

I wanted nothing more than to escape up to my bedroom and hibernate in there for the rest of the evening. I needed to call Holly, and tell her all about my day. The morning, when my parents suddenly had the idea that they were basically going to be controlling my love life from now on. Then the other (much improved) part of my morning at The Hideout, where I'd met Luke.

Holly freaked out about anything, so if my news concerned a boy I'm sure she'd pass out from excitement.

Mrs Marten smiled at me, her slightly wrinkled lips looking scarily huge now that she wasn't practically pouting.

"It's so lovely to meet you too sweetie," A smile was still on her face, but the way she called me 'sweetie' sounded more than a little bit sarcastic. "Your parents have told us so much about you, you know!"

I scoffed, raising an eyebrow, forgetting to be polite. "Oh yeah, what did they say?"

My mom stiffened at my tone, coming to the realisation that my moment of being the ideal, perfect little daughter was gone, and I was back to being Indie.

Mrs Marten blanched slightly, not expecting me to be so forthright. She regained her composure, "You attend Yeardale High School, correct?" I nodded. "Your mom and dad are very proud of you, it seems as though you're top of the class for practically everything!"

Huh? They're proud of me? Never heard that one before. Isn't it just so convenient that they're gushing about me when they've invited one of the richest business owner's family over for dinner? What a loving impression they're trying to make.

"I bet you're glad it's the summer now, aren't you? A whole eight weeks off!" She asked a little too eagerly. "No school, woo!"

I just nodded and smiled to Mrs Marten again, and the table lapses into an awkward silence. Mr Marten hurriedly cleared his throat, motioning towards his son.