Sam let out a little laugh and gave her a tiny wink. ‘Thank you,’ he said quietly. ‘That’s very kind.’
He straightened up and went back to his desk. That was unexpected, but rather nice.
At the end of the day, Sam gathered his papers, tucking them into his backpack. He made his way through the now quiet corridors. The staffroom door creaked as he pushed it open. His eyes landed on Clara almost straight away, like he was drawn to her. She was deep in conversation with Adele.
‘I’ve had it up to here with that man,’ Adele was saying, her voice tight with frustration. ‘If he thinks he can bully me, he’s got another think coming.’
Clara nodded, her brow furrowed. ‘Honestly, I’m not sure who the bigger problem is right now, Max or his father.’
Adele huffed. ‘I’d take Max personally. At least I can get through to him. His father is a bull, who won’t listen to either me or his son.’
Clara smiled as Sam approached. ‘Oh, hello, my lovely. Are you ok?’
Sam nodded. ‘Yeah, all good. Just wondering if you were ready to leave.’
Adele gave Sam a pat on the arm. ‘She’s ready. It’s me who’s holding her up. I’m just moaning about my favourite person.’ She gritted her teeth. ‘The delightful Mr Lyndell.’
‘Oh dear. He sure likes to complain, doesn’t he?’
‘He just loves the sound of his own voice and doesn’t like anyone who disagrees with him. Anyway, I’ll leave you to it. Friday tomorrow.’ She held up her fists and silently cheered.
Sam put his arm around Clara as they headed out. ‘Guess what happened today?’ he said.
‘Tell me?’
‘Tommy Craig decided to ask me in class if you and I were dating.’
Clara giggled. ‘It’s going to get out sooner or later.’
‘Yeah, I know, and I’m not really bothered. But after that, you won’t believe this. Isabella Denby, bless her, said we were two of her favourite teachers, and congratulated us, saying she thought it was nice that we were together.’
Clara’s hand flew to her heart. ‘Aw. That’s just beautiful.’ Her eyes glistened slightly. ‘Isabella’s such a sweet girl.’
‘Yeah. She really is.’
As they crossed the car park, Clara linked her arm through Sam’s. ‘I’m glad she’s coming out of herself a bit again and has the confidence to say something like that to you.’
‘Yeah, I like that too.’ Sam squeezed her arm gently.
‘But you are very approachable and very easy to talk to. As I know very well.’
‘As long as you think so, that’s all that matters.’
‘You’re good at reading people and knowing the right thing to say. I mean, you were the only person who worked out my infatuation with—’
Sam nudged her, indicating ahead. Kerr was waving to Eddie and about to get into his own car. ‘Speak of the devil,’ Sam muttered.
‘Hey.’ Kerr raised his hand, keys jangling off his finger. ‘Look at you two. So cute.’
Sam chuckled, feeling Clara’s arm tighten around his. ‘Thanks, we aim for cuteness above all.’
Kerr chuckled. ‘Mission accomplished then. Thank God it’s nearly Friday, eh? I swear this week’s dragged on forever.’
Clara nodded. ‘Oh, I know. I’ve had back-to-back counselling sessions all week with so many kids traumatised about their new classes.’
‘I think I need one after my week with Max.’ Kerr chuckled, leaning against his car door. ‘But anyway, you got any exciting plans for the weekend?’
Sam and Clara exchanged a quick glance. Her eyes sparkled, and he rested his hand over hers as she clung to his arm.
