Chapter 33
Chapter Thirty-Three
“ S o sorry about last night,” said Dan at breakfast. He looked slightly blearily at Nisha and Chrissie, who’d sat down opposite him, each studiously avoiding the other’s gaze. “In the end Francis wasn’t sick again, so it was all good. I didn’t need to disturb you at all.”
“Oh,” said Nisha, “no, it’s fine.” Chrissie focused on her croissant.
“Obviously you can have your room back tonight,” he continued.
“No!” said Chrissie, a little too quickly. “I mean, that’s really not necessary.”
“Er yes,” added Nisha. “And you’re a stinky boy and you’ve been a stinky boy in that bedroom now, so I don’t want to get into your bed.”
“Yes,” agreed Chrissie, warming to the theme. “And I definitely don’t want to get into Francis’ sick bed.”
“Good point,” said Dan. “Sorry again,” he said. “I know it’s probably a bit weird for the two of you, sharing a bed.”
“So weird,” replied Nisha. “Just going to get another coffee.” Chrissie glared at her back as she swiftly escaped the conversation.
“We made the best of it,” said Chrissie, only very briefly allowing her eyes to meet Dan’s. “Now, what’s the plan for today?”
“Ah yes,” replied Dan, as he picked apart a pain au chocolat. “Today is the Eiffel Tower. An absolute must-do, and I have the tickets all sorted already. God bless Philippa.”
“Sorry, did I hear my name?” said Philippa from the doorway, her red lipstick by far the brightest thing in the room.
“Come and join us,” said Chrissie, smiling at the woman who had become her class’s unexpected hero.
“We were just talking about today’s activities,” Dan told her.
Philippa looked over at the children gathered around a long table on the other side of the room. “They look like they’re muddling through ok.”
“Yes,” said Dan. “We had a few shenanigans about spreading margarine on toast, with several of the kids asking me to do it, but then Dottie and Hardev said they could do it and would willingly spread butter and jam on toast in exchange for sweets.” He shrugged. “I’m not sure if they’re taking advantage of their classmates or being enterprising, but I’m here for it.”
Chrissie was laughing as Nisha returned. Chrissie was relieved the attention was no longer on them, and on how sleep-deprived she was sure they must look. That said, Nisha seemed to be glowing, her cheeks pink and her eyes wide and smiley. That dimple was doing its thing, and Chrissie was struggling to hide her own smile every time she saw it. She didn’t know what was next for them, but she knew she felt good in a way she hadn’t in such a long time. Rules or no rules, this was the right thing for them to do. She was sure of it.
Chrissie started on the pile of croissants Nisha had plonked in front of them. “Who knew school trips were so energy-sapping?” asked Nisha, her face the picture of innocence.
“They are the worst,” said Dan, sighing. “But carbs will see us through. They always do.”
Chrissie stifled a laugh before patting Dan’s arm. “You’ll be fine once you’ve had a coffee, sweetie. Besides, fruit and yoghurt is probably your best bet to perk you up. Carbs are good, but some healthy fat and plant matter will sort you right out as well.”
“I see you’ve unleashed your inner hippy, then,” said Nisha, giving Chrissie the side eye and squeezing her knee under the table where no one could see. Chrissie felt herself flush bright red and hoped no one had noticed.
“Yes,” said Philippa, removing her cardigan, “it is a little hot in here. I’m quite pink myself.” She looked at Chrissie sympathetically.
Chrissie hurriedly removed her own hoodie, nodding towards Philippa, who was clearly more observant than Dan. She felt Nisha’s fingers on her knee again, and faked a coughing fit.
“You are terrible,” said Chrissie, once she and Nisha were back in their room. “It’s like you want everyone to know what we’ve been up to!”
Nisha laughed. “Is that such a bad thing?”
“No, of course not,” said Chrissie, “not that we are, well,” she struggled to describe what it was they were doing, “spending time together. But doing so on a school trip might not be ideal for our professional reputations.”
“Fair,” said Nisha. “Although I think I’d give it a stronger description than ‘spending time together’.” Nisha walked over to where Chrissie stood and pressed her against the door to their room.
“Also fair,” agreed Chrissie. She looked at her watch. “But perhaps we can discuss that when we’re not due at one of Europe’s top locations with twenty-five children.” She looked into Nisha’s eyes, and found herself caring a little less about the children. When Nisha put her hand on Chrissie’s waist, she breathed out and allowed Nisha to come in for a kiss.
“Ok,” said Nisha, pulling away. “To be continued. But it will be continued.”