"Wow niña! You look beautiful and fresh. And I love your hair!" Macy exclaimed and smiled at her happily. "Where are you going looking like that?"
She laughed, "I'm heading out with Bella for the night but I'll be back later. Do you really think my hair suits me?" Clara asked for assurance. She hadn't had hair above shoulder length since she was a child.
"You look absolutely beautiful niña. I think it suits you better as you've lost some weight." Macy eyed her with concern looking at her figure. "You have a figure that most men pray for but I don't think you should lose any more weight. You need to put on some fat!" Macy admonished.
"I didn't intend to lose weight Macy, it just happened." She looked down at the short tube dress hugging her body. "I'll start running again soon and get into a healthy routine. Recently, I've just either forgotten to eat or I wasn't in the mood."
"I understand niña. But it's important to look after yourself and I..." They were interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. Clara headed into the foyer and swung the door open with a ready smile for Bella's cousin, but found herself face-to-face with a beautiful stranger. His green eyes striking in his boyish but masculine face, while his brown locks were in slight disarray from the wind.
"Um....can I help you?" She queried.
"Clara?" He asked, an amused look on his face.
"Arrr...um, yes." She looked at him in surprise.
"Sorry for the confusion. I know you were expecting Charlotte but I'm Oliver, Charlotte's brother and we've never met." He stuck out his hand for her to shake.
She grabbed it and hugged him. "Oh come on in, that is so strange that we've never met. I've heard lots about you from Charlie and Bella. So - you're the banker in Boston." she smiled welcoming him in.
"Yes - for now - but I'm thinking of moving to New York so I can keep a closer eye on Bella and help out my aunt. I don't normally make it back this way that often which is probably why we've never run into each other before. Bella sent me instead of Charlie because she thought you could do with a charming face to look at - her words not mine." He grinned cheekily at her, his blue eyes sparkling mischievously.
She threw her head back and laughed heartily, something she hadn't done in a long while. "Well, she's not wrong on both counts." She led Oliver into the kitchen and introduced him to Macy.
"You look after my girl tonight and make sure she enjoys herself," Macy warned, jokingly shaking her wooden spoon at him.
Oliver grinned. "Don't worry Macy we will. I think the girls have a lot planned but I'm the designated driver. Shall we head out Clara before the traffic gets too bad?"
Clara nodded, smiling at him and lead the way out of the kitchen. She came to a sudden halt when she saw Luca standing at the front door in an embrace with a tall brunette. He looked over at her and narrowed his eyes, whispered something into the woman's ear, at which point she nodded and left. Clara felt like someone had physically punched her in the gut but held her composure.
"Where are you going, Clara?" Luca asked, deceptively calmly.
She looked between Luca and Oliver, concerned about creating a scene. "I'm heading out to London tonight. This is Oliver."
He nodded at Oliver but rudely didn't bother with introductions. "I'd like to have a word before you leave." His voice brooked no argument.
"I'll wait in the car, Clara." Oliver offered and she looked at him gratefully, conscious that he would have sensed the tension between her and Luca.
YOU ARE READING
Unrequited
Romantika"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...
