The Happy Endings Book Club by Jane Tara

Author:Jane Tara [Jane Tara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: urn:ean:9781760080587
Publisher: Momentum Books
Published: 2013-09-20T04:00:00+00:00

CLEMENTINE

Christmas Eve

Clementine caught a cab from JFK into the city, which she absolutely could not afford, especially in midday traffic. But now that she’d arrived, her bravado had disappeared. New York suddenly seemed very alien and rather scary. She did mental math all the way to the hotel, first converting her pounds to dollars and then working out the dent the cab ride put in her spending money.

Fortunately her parents had agreed to pay for the hotel. They weren’t thrilled about her traipsing off to America to be with someone she’d met online. But Clementine assured them that she’d be in touch regularly, and was old enough to make these decisions herself.

She still let them pay for the hotel, though.

As it turned out, the hotel was very nice. Nothing too fancy, but certainly not one of those dodgy, dark hotels that she saw in some movies. She’d been imagining having to put a chair against her door, and finding syringes in her bed. But the Montana was a seven-story building in a lovely-looking area. The foyer was bright and neat, and she was greeted by a very polite man in a smart suit and tie.

“You’ve booked a double. Will it just be you staying with us?”

“My partner might be joining me, but I don’t know yet.” She didn’t know if Sam’s roommate was around. If so, they could come here for some privacy.

He tapped on the computer for a moment and then smiled, the epitome of charm. “Not a problem. Just let us know so room service can arrange more towels.”

“Great. Thanks.”

He handed her the room key. “There’s a special Christmas buffet in the breakfast room tomorrow, on the house.”

Clementine loved a good buffet. “Awesome. Thanks.”

She made her way to the lift. Fortunately the hotel wasn’t fancy enough for a porter. Clementine had been nervous for days about how much to tip. Her room was simple and small but nice. She felt much more secure once she was in it and had locked the door. She was suddenly very grateful for Debra. As annoyed as she’d been at the time, having this room was the right thing to do. She was already nervous about surprising Sam. She couldn’t imagine just rocking up there without coming here first to prepare.

And to gather her courage.

She got out her phone and messaged Debra.

I’m in New York. The hotel is nice. Thanks for always looking out for me. Miss you already. Wish you were here. Clem x

She did miss Deb. Being in New York with her would be a hoot. She sat down on the side of the bed, suddenly teary. What was she doing?

“What is it about this Sam that’s so fantastic?” Deb had once snapped.

“We communicate well,” Clementine said.

“Of course you communicate well, you idiot. It’s all emails and texts and messages. I could come across as the Duchess of fucking Cambridge if I wanted. You don’t see the real person that way.”

“Well, I think you do,” sniffed Clementine. “Long emails take time and energy and heart.

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