Hooked - James Sirirus Potter.

Chapter 13

Leaning back, Claudia let the sun shine directly on her face as she sat waiting for the waiter to bring her coffee and cake. Her friend Ellis was sitting opposite her singing praise over her newest boyfriend and the latest holiday they shared. She enjoyed Ellis’ company, but they rarely saw one another and when they did Ellis dominated the conversation.

“Here’s me in the infinity pool, here’s Joel in the infinity pool, here’s the bar in the infinity pool.” She reeled off, flicking past the pictures on her tablet. “It was so hot Claudia; my god you wouldn’t have been able to cope.”

“Hmmm.” She said, a half smile on her lips as she flicked through the pictures. “I’m glad you had a good time.”

“I did; I’ve booked the next one.” She gushed, “It’s expensive, but I can afford it and I get discounts so… I’m going to Barbados in September; I don’t want it to be too hot.”

“Wow.” Claudia nodded, “I bought that house in Cambridge.”

“Oh did you?” Ellis gasped, thoroughly impressed. “That’s brilliant; I’d buy a house if I weren’t obsessed with holidays.”

“I’ve got no one to go on holidays with.” Claudia laughed, “But I do need to buy a new killer dress for this bloody party we’ve got at work.”

“When is it?”

“May, some sort of big celebration within the company.” She shrugged; “My parents will be there.”

“Ooh.” She frowned, shaking her head as she tucked the tablet into her handbag. “We’ll get you through it.”

“I’m forcing James to stay by my side all night.” She grunted as Ellis’s eyes lit up.

“James… what’s he like?”

“Out of bounds.” Claudia laughed, “Seriously Ellis, you’re terrible… but he’s lovely, tall, dark and handsome and has the most gorgeous little girl!”

“Why is it as soon as a man has a child, he is more attractive?” Ellis sighed, shaking her head. “Oh god, look at that child! She’s got shorts and tee shirt on!”

Turning around to see, Claudia’s jaw dropped as she saw a little girl with shorts and a tee shirt, tears were streaming down her cheeks. “Paige!” Claudia shouted, jumping to her feet and running towards her.

“Claudie!” she sobbed, throwing her arms in the air to be held. “I got lost.”

Walking back to Ellis with Paige wrapped in her arms, a chill radiated from her little body as Claudia wrapped her cardigan tightly around her. Waving her arm in the air madly, Ellis pulled the waiter over in a second.

“We need a small hot chocolate and- Paige, are you hungry?” Paige nodded as Ellis’ jaw locked. “A Ham sandwich and a big slice of cake.”

“Paige, who are you here with?” Claudia asked, rubbing her arms to get her to warm up. “Where’s your Daddy?”

“Home.” She sniffed; “I was shopping with Mummy and she disappeared.”

“Well, you’re staying with us now.” Ellis stated, as the waiter quickly brought out the hot drink.

“Here; she looks cold and our manager said it’s on the house… do you need to use our phone or anything?” He gasped quickly, looking horrified.

“No thank you.” Claudia smiled as Ellis put a hand on his arm.

“Thank you for getting it quickly; we need to warm you up Paigey.” She cooed, letting the waiter escape. “How old are you, I bet your six.”