Clara stepped back to survey her handy work, the three-tiered black forest cake looked good, considering she hadn't made one in a long time. She was throwing a little celebration dinner, partly for her arrival in New York and having managed to find an apartment so quickly, and for her ability to evade Luca. Her last encounter with him had been traumatic and she had arrived at Bella's door feeling anguished and confused.
Bella and Oliver had each gone out of their way over the last couple of weeks to help her find a place and settle in as quickly as possible. Oliver's attentive overwhelmed her. He'd taken her under his wings and helped with the logistics and locating a good obstetrician. From their first encounter in the UK, she knew his interest in her was more than platonic, and if she didn't have the complications she was facing, then she would more than welcome his interest.
Clara checked on the roast in the oven and headed to change into a short, figure-hugging wool dress. Piling her hair high on her head, she examined her reflection. The two months in Australia had really put a tan on her skin, the wool accentuated her slim figure which was starting to become overtly curvy. Her intercom buzzed, and she looking at her watch, racing down the stairs to the front door.
"You did well finding this apartment Oliver. It's impossible to find an apartment like this in Brooklyn at such short notice." Bella was saying while they hung up their coats.
"I had to pull some strings for sure, luckily a colleague has a friend who had just moved out and was about to put it on the rental market. Serendipitous really." Oliver grinned at Clara.
"I do love it and I owe you big time Oliver. Hopefully the food tonight will go part way to showing my appreciation."
"I'd rather have dinner alone with you, that would definitely make us even," he whispered in her ear as he trailed behind her into the kitchen.
She turned to see his eyes twinkling with amusement but a serious look on his face. Clara didn't respond but set about placing food on the table.
"Smells delicious Clara. You always were fabulous in the kitchen," Bella took a big bite of pork crackling and just about fell apart at the table.
"Honestly Bella, the way you're reacting to that mouthful of crackling is embarrassing," Oliver teased.
"Shut up Oliver, let me enjoy the crackling. I've had a stressful day preparing a court deposition."
Clara laughed, "I think you need more than crackling going by your reaction."
"Probably, but it's going to have to be my only reprieve for now as I'll have to work the weekend to get it done." Bella sighed and shoved another crispy piece into her mouth, chewing with ecstasy.
"What are your plans tomorrow Bella?" Oliver asked.
"I was thinking of heading to the MOMA and checking that out. I haven't been there in ages. It'll be my first real tourist outing since I arrived."
"Bella and I are glad you decided to come here. We were all worried about you, especially now that you're pregnant. How about I play being your guide tomorrow. I can show you around and take you to a few good eating haunts?"
Clara looked at him, hesitantly nodding. She noticed Bella casting a glance between them, her crackling paused mid-air.
"You should take Clara to Strata for lunch. They have the best apple crumble with dulce de leche ice cream. If you do that Oliver, Clara will love you for life. Dulce de leche is one of the ways to her heart." Bella wiggled her eyebrows at him. "You'll owe me for that tidbit."
Grinning from ear-to-ear, Oliver nodded. 'If that's the case, then I know a great Argentinean bakery where we can get some freshly made alfajores."
YOU ARE READING
Unrequited
Romansa"You've wanted me and you finally got me." He stalked menacingly towards her while unbuttoning his shirt, his eyes never wavering from her. "Does it feel satisfying to have a man who doesn't love or want you?" He taunted. "Are you happy that you'll...
