The Hector Clause by Clare Revell

Author:Clare Revell [Revell, Clare]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Briar Patch Press
Published: 2016-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

Brie looked up at the large suburban house as Hector pulled up on the side of the road and turned off the engine. Huge bay windows made up of small pieces of leaded glass blazed with light. An immaculate garden shone with fairy lights, which also adorned the guttering, front door, and lintel.

“Pretty.”

“It always is.”

She looked at him, not liking the edgy tone in his voice. “Are you okay?”

Hector cleared his throat. “The problem is, you never know who’s going to be there for dinner. When I said it was simply dinner, that wasn’t quite accurate. Nothing is simple with my mother.” He got out of the car and ran around, opening her door for her. “I came home once to find the Prime Minister drinking coffee and laughing at some awful joke Dad had made.”

“Oh.” Her stomach tensed as she swung her legs out of the car. What if the PM was there now? What on earth would she say to the most important politician in the country?

Hector locked the car, and then led her up the path. He took a deep breath and rang the doorbell.

Light poured from the hallway as a blonde woman opened the front door. She wore a long red satin dress, with matching pearl necklace and drop earrings. “Hector, you’re late.” She hugged him and kissed his cheek. “But it’s lovely to see you.”

Hector hugged her back. She always managed to make him feel as if he were five. “Sorry, Mum. The traffic was atrocious and we had to find another route. Brie saved the day though with her local road knowledge. Her grandparents used to live in Morden somewhere.” He grabbed Brie’s hand. “This is Brie Dalgleish—a work colleague.”

Brie held out a hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Clause.”

“And you.” The older woman’s touch was light but warm. “It’s the first time Hector has ever brought someone home. Do come in out of the cold, the both of you. You’ve missed pre-dinner drinks I’m afraid.” Her voice faded as she turned away, heading inside.

Hector leaned down to whisper. “Sorry. Maybe we should run now before she notices.”

Not sure if he were teasing or not, Brie shook her head. “We’re here now. How bad can it be?”

Hector shed his coat and hung it on the end of the bannisters along with Brie’s. “There speaks someone who’s never met my mother.”

“Hector. About time.” A booming male voice resonated from a doorway.

Hector fastened a smile on his face. “Hello, Dad. Sorry we’re late; we got caught in the traffic and had to take a detour. This is Brie, a friend from work. Brie, this is my father, Peter Clause.”

Brie shook his hand.

“Pretty name for a pretty girl. Come on in. Hector, I believe you know everyone.”

Brie hesitated as she heard laughter from the other room. How many people were there? What had she let herself in for?

Hector’s father pushed open the door. “You all know my youngest son, Hector, and this is his girlfriend, Brie.”

Brie shot Hector a dismayed look as the floor fell away from beneath her feet.

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