Clara in America (Clara Andrews Series - Book 7) Read Online Free PDF

revealing her new tattoo. In true Lianna fashion, she makes all the right noises and nods approvingly. Deciding to save her from my mother for fear of what she will show her next, I smile apologetically at my mum and take the iPad. Sneaking into the sanctuary of the bathroom, I close the door behind me and perch on the edge of the huge roll top bath.
    ‘What the hell was that?’ Lianna clasps her hands to her face as her jaw drops open.
    ‘Exactly what it looked like!’ Raising my eyebrows, I shake my head and frown, feeling more than a little embarrassed at my mum’s behaviour. ‘She might think it’s cool right now, but just give it a few years and she’ll regret it. I know she will. Can you imagine what that thing will look like when she’s old and wrinkly?’
    ‘She’s already old and wrinkly!’ Lianna fires back, not missing a beat.
    Letting out a snigger, I put my finger to my lips in a bid to keep her voice down. ‘I’ll tell her you said that!’
    Li lets out a giggle and turns the screen around to reveal the incredible Barbados beach that I know and love. Letting out a jealous whimper, I stick out my bottom lip and take in the amazing backdrop. The fabulous Caribbean sunshine bounces off the water, creating a dazzling display of light. Looking out at the grey London sky, I remind myself that I am flying to Florida tomorrow and a frisson of excitement bubbles in the pit of my stomach.
    ‘So, what’s new with you?’ Li’s voice pops my thought bubble, bringing me back to reality with a thud. ‘Any gossip?’
    ‘Actually, there is…’ I flash her a cheesy grin and wag my finger knowingly. ‘We’re going on holiday tomorrow!’
    She gasps and drops down onto the sand. ‘Since when?’
    ‘Since Janie sent us tickets to Orlando…’
    ‘That’s amazing!’ Her tanned face breaks into a huge grin. ‘Awwh! Noah will love it! Make sure you take a million pictures. I want to see everything!’
    ‘I will, don’t worry.’
    After discussing her latest celebrity sightings in The Hangout, I promise to send her photos every day and say my goodbyes before slipping back into the party.
    ‘Where have you been?’ A very flustered Oliver asks as he chops up cake and distributes it into printed napkins. ‘Can you give me a hand here?’
    Taking the knife from him, I slice up the remainder and proceed to hand it around the room. A dozen sticky fingers jump up at me, each one demanding to get the biggest slice. Within seconds the plate is empty and the kids scurry away to devour their sweet treat like a pack of hungry wolves. Glad of the peace and quiet, I abandon the plate and check if anyone needs a refill. Hosting really isn’t as easy as Nigella makes it look.
    ‘Anyone for a top-up?’ Popping my head into my circle of friends, I flash them a smile and squeeze onto the couch.
    ‘I’ll take another.’ Eve holds out her glass and winks, her blue eyes sparkling like the huge diamond on her finger.
    ‘Me too.’ My mother pipes up, downing the last of her Mimosa in one rather unladylike gulp.
    Collecting their glasses, I push myself to my feet and walk into the kitchen, not realising that Gina is behind me with birthday cake down her leopard print shirt.
    ‘What happened?’ I ask, handing her a tea towel.
    ‘Melrose…’ Rubbing at the stain furiously, Gina lets out a few curse words and slumps against the fridge with a sigh. ‘I need a holiday.’ She grumbles, running her fingers through her tangled black hair.
    ‘You guys have just had a holiday!’ Pouring out the bubbles, I push her out of the way to put the bottle back into the fridge.
    ‘I don’t think four nights in Cornwall with three hyper kids really counts as a holiday .’ Grabbing a glass before I have the chance to put any orange in, she takes a sip and scowls. ‘Plus it rained the entire time that we were there!’
    Not wanting to tell her about our last minute trip in case I put her nose out of joint, I decide to keep schtum