Under My Umbrella

Chapter Four

Everybody encounters awkward scenarios. Bumping into an old flame when you’re out walking the dog in your pyjamas. Turning up to a party and not knowing anyone there. But there’s awkward scenarios, and then there’s waking up in a hotel room with a guy who happens to be the brother of a bride whose wedding you’re about to stop.

“Morning.” Shane sets a mug of coffee down on the table beside the bed. “At least I think it is.”

I lift the covers just enough to see that I’m wearing a pale blue nightshirt and breathe a sigh of relief. “Where did you sleep?” I prop myself up with my elbows and try to see beyond the flowery bedspread to the rest of the old-fashioned room.

There’s not much except a slim pine desk housing a kettle and a basket of teabags and coffee sachets, and a wardrobe with round wooden handles next to the bathroom door.

“Don’t you remember?” Shane clasps his hands together. “We fell asleep in each other’s arms. It was beautiful. Like a scene from a romantic movie.”

“More like a horror film,” I mutter, reaching for my coffee. I sip the hot liquid and peer through the gap in the curtains. “What time is it?”

“About eight.” Shane moves to pull the curtains open, and I cringe as the sunlight fills the room. “I’m seeing Claire today.”

I gather up the duvet with my hands. “You haven’t told her about me, have you?”

“No.”

“Are you going to?”

He shakes his head. “Not until I’ve heard this fantastic plan of yours.”

“Oh. Yes, that. Well, I wouldn’t say it was fantastic.”

“But you do have a plan?”

“Of course I do.”

“Because I’ve got an idea, too.”

“Oh?” I sip my coffee, trying to appear disinterested. It’s not like he’s going to say anything useful. Anyway, I’m going to come up with a killer plan myself so I won’t even need his suggestions.

“You need to get Claire to hate you.”

“What?”

“Flirt with Rob, do whatever it takes to make her think there’s something going on.”

I stare at him. “Why are you telling me this?”

“You know what you said yesterday about how you don’t even know Claire? Well, neither does Rob. And she doesn’t know him. Hardly grounds for a marriage.”

“What if it’s fate?” I pull a face at the thought.

“Then out plan won’t work.”

“Excuse me? Our plan? I never said I liked your stupid idea.”

“Got anything better?”

“If I just talk to Rob, he’ll listen to me. We’re still close.”

“Not that close,” Shane mutters.

“What did you say?”

“I’m sorry, Hayley, but how close can you really be to someone who doesn’t even tell you about his impending wedding? Are you even invited?”

Christ, I’m not, am I? Rob doesn’t want me there.

“No need to look so worried.” Shane perches on the end of the bed. “It’ll be Claire putting her foot down and banning previous partners. She won’t exactly be thrilled when she meets you.”