‘Maybe I should plan an end-of-inspection party. We could all go out for drinks.’
‘Sounds great.’ Clara buttoned up her coat. ‘And it would give us all something positive to look forward to.’
They were halfway down the corridor when Clara spotted Sam heading towards them, chatting to some students and laughing. He didn’t have on his usual dark blazer but was wearing a blackshirt with the sleeves rolled up and the top button undone. Clara gave him the once over, blinking. Her insides gave her a weird little nudge. He looked kind of fine.
He smiled at the group, holding out his hands, gesticulating about something, and the pupils burst out laughing.
‘Oof.’ Lissa fanned her face. ‘He’s an absolute smoke-show. It’s those forearms. And his voice. Just as well I’m married, or I’d be done for.’
Clara slowly turned to her and stared. ‘Are you talking about Sam?’
‘Obviously.’ She picked at her top and flapped it around her large cleavage.
Clara let out a little laugh. She’d never really thought about him like that, but there was something about him.
‘Enjoy your lunch,’ he said to the students who were walking with him, and they hurried away. His focus landed on Clara and Lissa. ‘Hey.’ He smiled at them.
‘Hi. We’re just heading out for some air and to grab some chocolate,’ Clara said. ‘Do you want us to pick you up anything?’
‘Um.’ He ran his fingers through his hair. ‘Actually, I’ll come with you, if you don’t mind. I’ve got a few things I need to get myself.’
‘Yay.’ Clara clapped her hands. ‘Of course we don’t mind.’
‘Not at all.’ Lissa winked, and he raised his eyebrows at her, like he wasn’t quite following her train of thought. And after what she’d just said, it was probably just as well. Clara was quite sure he’d be mortified at the thought of being labelled a smoke-show by a colleague… or anyone.
They headed outside, and the bright February sunshine hit them immediately. Clara tucked her hair behind her ear as they walked to the exit. Some pupils were also heading out as third year and above were allowed to leave the grounds at lunchtime.
‘I hope it’s this nice for the Easter holidays,’ Clara said.
‘You doing anything nice?’ Lissa asked.
‘I’m not going away, but I’m looking forward to doing more exploring in the woods. I’ve always been a town girl up until now, but I’m really enjoying living in the countryside, and Skye is loving it too.’
Sam smiled down at her like she’d said something funny, and she caught his eye and gave a little giggle.
‘If either of you are about, I’d be happy to meet up. You could join me on a walk. Polly or Mirren might come along too.’
‘I would,’ Lissa said. ‘But I’m away for the second week; we’re having a staycation at my parents’ place in Ayrshire.’
‘And I’m away the first week,’ Sam said.
‘Are you going somewhere nice with your boys?’ Clara tilted her head.
‘Not with the boys.’ He ran his hand around his bearded jaw. ‘I’m heading home to Somerset in the first week. My friend Dominic is getting married, and I’m going to his wedding. Then I’ll spend some time with my mum, my sister and my two nieces. I can’t wait to see them all again.’
‘A wedding? That sounds like fun,’ Lissa said.
‘Yeah. I’m sure it will be.’
Clara glanced up at him. Despite his words, he didn’t look overly thrilled at the prospect.
‘What made you move all the way up here?’ Lissa asked. ‘If you’re from Somerset.’
‘Because of my wife. Well, my ex-wife. Her job means she travels a lot, so she moves frequently. She was working down in Somerset when we met.’
‘Do you miss it?’ Lissa beamed at him, and although he smiled back, his eyes looked kind of sad.
‘I miss my mum and my family, but I made the choice to move with the boys.’
