Chapter Seven #2
‘Coffee sounds like a perfect plan,’ Finlay said.
‘A couple of the inspectors were in the P.E. department today. It was stressful. A second year got a black eye from being hit by a basketball, and the inspector literally sat making notes on a clipboard while I dealt with it. Talk about old-fashioned. So much for all their talk about “supporting us”. How is that support?’
Clara patted his arm. ‘That sounds awful.’
‘We had the same person,’ Lissa said. ‘He screwed up his face every time someone hit the cymbals during our Carnival of the Animals session. So much for creativity and expression.’
The door opened, and Brenna came in with Adele. Clara waved them over.‘Ah, Brenna, just who I need to see.’
‘What have I done now?’ Brenna tucked a strand of cocoa-brown hair behind her ear, her bangles clinking softly as she did.
When Clara had first met her, she’d found her a bit intimidating – those perfectly lined dark eyes, that glossy mouth, the effortless glamour that made her look like she might be heading for cocktails rather than the staffroom.
Today she wore a sleeveless black jumpsuit cinched with a wide belt, her skin glowing a shade of tan that definitely wasn’t from a bottle.
Yet despite the runway polish, Brenna’s smile was easy and genuine – and Clara had long since learned there was no edge behind it.
‘You haven’t done anything,’ Clara said with a grin as Brenna came to join her.
‘Thank goodness for that.’ Brenna put a hand to her chest in mock relief. ‘These inspectors have got me so jumpy, I nearly saluted the cleaner this morning.’
Laughter bubbled around the room.
‘It’s just to say you’ll have Isabella in again tomorrow,’ Clara said once they’d settled. ‘She’s starting her full timetable now. Maybe just check in with her at the end of class – make sure she’s all right moving on to the next.’
‘Of course, I’ll do that. No worries.’
‘How’s she getting on?’ Lissa asked. ‘She didn’t take drama, so I never see her these days.’
‘She seems okay,’ Clara said with a small nod. ‘Easing her in was definitely the right call. It’s boosted her confidence a lot.’
‘She seemed fine in class,’ Brenna said, brushing a glossy strand from her face.
Her gaze flicked briefly to the door as a couple more teachers came in.
‘A little quiet, but then she always was. I feel for her. I brought up my son without a father, but that was my choice. I can’t imagine losing someone at that age. ’
‘I know. She’s a brave girl,’ Clara murmured, then felt a light tap on her shoulder. She turned to find Sam behind her.
‘Oh, hello, my lovely. What’s up?’
Sam’s cheeks coloured faintly as he rubbed the back of his neck.
‘I just wanted to apologise for earlier in the corridor. I didn’t realise you were there, or I wouldn’t have taken over like that.
I just saw Max looking like trouble and thought I’d better check, seeing as I had one of the inspectors with me. ’
Clara smiled, warmth creeping up her chest. ‘Honestly, it’s fine. In fact, perfect timing. The boys forgot what they were bickering about the second you showed up.’
‘Max.’ Brenna groaned. ‘That little charmer.’
‘The very same.’
‘He asked me to marry him yesterday,’ Brenna said.
‘What?’ Lissa almost spat out her juice.
‘Yes, I’m forty-one and he’s just three years older than my son. Apparently, I am, and I quote, “the hottest fucker in the school”.’
‘Oh, my god.’ Clara face-palmed. ‘I’m sure that was meant as a compliment, but seriously, what is he like?’
Adele leaned in from behind. ‘He’s a little shit, that’s what he is. He keeps accusing me of wanting to “screw his father”. Well, I can tell you there are several things I’d like to do to his father, and that certainly isn’t one of them.’
They all laughed.
Sam shook his head, and Clara caught his eye. For some reason that made her giggle even more, and so did he.
When she caught her breath, she took hold of his arm. It anchored her, and a sense of calm drifted over her.
‘Only two days until it’s all over,’ Lissa said. ‘What’s everyone wearing to the celebratory drinks night? Are we going all fancy or keeping it laid back? I seem to have the misfortune of working with the most glam staff in the world – plus the hottest fucker in the school.’
Brenna raised an eyebrow. ‘Yeah, whatever. I’m going full-on after that comment. And if we meet that little brat when we’re out, I’ll trample him with my heel.’
‘I’ll join you,’ Adele said, eyes gleaming. ‘I’d love to knee his dad somewhere it hurts.’
Clara burst out laughing. These women could turn any day around. ‘I’d like to wear a nice dress,’ she said once she’d caught her breath. ‘We should make the most of these occasions.’
‘Totally agree.’ Lissa patted her arm approvingly. ‘Oh, and by the way – it’s a plus-one event, in case anyone’s got a secret partner stashed away. My hubby’s desperate to meet you all.’
‘I’m on my own,’ Adele said, tossing her hair. ‘Independent woman here.’
‘Same,’ Brenna added.
Clara raised her hand with a grin. ‘And me.’
‘Me too,’ Sam said, mirroring her gesture. ‘Though not the woman part.’
That set everyone off again, laughter bouncing around the staffroom.
‘Aw, what a bunch you are.’ Lissa gave Clara a friendly clap on the back. ‘I should really be doing a bit of setting up.’
‘Not for me, thanks.’ Adele raised her hand.
‘Or me,’ Brenna chimed in.
‘Well, that just leaves you two.’ Lissa’s eyes sparkled as she looked between Sam and Clara. ‘I could save myself some time and set you up together.’
Sam coughed lightly. ‘Behave.’
‘Oh, don’t act innocent,’ Lissa teased, jabbing him playfully in the arm. ‘And I’m expecting a tux from you, ok?’
Sam rubbed his chin, a teasing smile pulling at his mouth. ‘No pressure, then. I thought about getting one for the wedding I’m going to, but I think it might be a bit much.’
‘Don’t you need a date for that too?’ Lissa winked, waving her hands dramatically in front of Clara. ‘Once again, I present Miss Morgan.’
‘Stop your nonsense,’ Clara said, but she was laughing too – and she didn’t miss the way Sam’s eyes flicked briefly to hers before he looked away, still smiling.
The door swung open, and Kerr came in looking at his phone.
‘Here’s another handsome bastard,’ Lissa muttered. ‘It should be illegal to look that good. Between him and Mr McHottie here’ – she jabbed her thumb in Sam’s direction – ‘I’ve got no hope.’
‘I can’t wait to meet your husband,’ Clara said with a smile. ‘And see what he makes of all this.’
‘Oh, he’s well used to my crazy crushes.’
Kerr came over, running his hand through his hair, and stood next to Clara. ‘How do, everyone? Still holding up with the inspectors?’
‘Just,’ Clara said, taking in his powerful scent again.
‘We were just talking about what we’re wearing to the night out on Friday,’ Lissa said. ‘I suppose you’ll be there looking like a Tom Ford model.’
‘What?’ Kerr burst out laughing and covered his face. ‘Are you serious? Me?’
Lissa waggled her eyebrows. ‘Yes, Mr Handsome and he knows it.’
He shook his head, his cheeks slightly pink under his dark stubble. Lissa wasn’t wrong. He was gorgeous and always would be. But knowing what she knew now, Clara was glad nothing had happened between them. No doubt Kerr would want kids one day. And he’d have beautiful ones with Georgie.
‘Look at this,’ he said, holding up his phone. ‘Georgie’s obsessed with wedding stuff already. We’re barely even engaged. Check this though.’ He handed her the phone.
Clara took it and looked at the picture, her heart giving a small, inconvenient squeeze. ‘Oh wow.’ A photo of Georgie in a long white dress smiled back at her.
‘This is what she wants to wear to the night out, but do you see what she’s doing?’
‘I do.’ Clara smiled but felt a pang. ‘She’s so beautiful.’ She handed the phone back. ‘She’s very lucky—’ She caught herself. ‘I mean, you’re very lucky. You both are.’
Kerr laughed. ‘Yeah, I definitely am.’
Clara glanced up, catching Sam’s eye. He was watching her with a faint smile, but his eyes told her he understood exactly how she felt.
Giving him the tiniest return smile and a little shrug of her shoulders, she held his gaze for a moment.
He was the only person in the room who really understood what was happening in her heart.
Though even he didn’t know the enormity of the pain threatening to crack open her ribcage.
‘I can’t wait to meet her properly on Friday,’ Clara said to Kerr. ‘Is she definitely coming?’
‘Yeah, yeah, she’ll be there.’ He checked his watch. ‘Right. Can’t hang about. I’ve got stuff to do.’
Everyone began drifting off – some back to their classrooms to prep, others slipping away early for appointments.
Clara gathered her things and joined the flow towards the door.
The corridor hummed with chatter and squeaking shoes.
Then she caught a faint trace of sandalwood and clean soap behind her – familiar, comforting.
She turned and met Sam’s eyes just as his hand brushed the small of her back.
It was so light she almost thought she’d imagined it.
He leaned in, his voice low near her ear. ‘How did your appointment go?’
Her heart gave an uninvited little skip. He’d remembered. Of everyone she’d spoken to today, he was the only one who’d asked. Warmth prickled behind her eyes. She hadn’t wanted to talk about it earlier, but a sudden rush of warmth surged through her at the thought that he’d remembered at all.
‘I can’t deny it wasn’t the best news,’ she said quietly, fingers catching on the strap of her bag.
His brow creased. ‘No?’
‘Nothing sinister. Just… not what I wanted to hear.’
He gave a small nod, his expression soft. His hand came to rest gently between her shoulder blades – not a hug, but close enough to feel the steadiness of him. ‘You can talk to me anytime – about anything. Remember that.’
Her throat tightened. She managed a wobbly smile. ‘You really know how to make a girl cry.’
His gaze held hers, calm and kind. ‘I didn’t mean to make you cry,’ he said softly. ‘But sometimes that helps too. And if you need a shoulder for it—’ he patted his lightly ‘—I’m here.’
A small laugh slipped out of her. ‘You’ve no idea how helpful that is. And I might take you up on it.’
‘Any time,’ he said.
Clara bit her lip, half tempted to tell him everything right there in the busy corridor. But a booming voice cut through the moment.
‘Miss Morgan!’
She turned to see Headteacher Gil striding towards her, his expression brisk.
‘Can we have a quick word?’ he said.
‘Sure.’ She glanced back at Sam, giving him a grateful smile. ‘Thank you again.’
As she followed the head down the corridor, the weight in her chest eased just a little. Sam really was a rare kind of man – one who made the world seem a touch lighter. And right now, she needed that.