‘Have we got another meeting?’ Lissa frowned at Clara. ‘Have I missed something – again?’
‘No.’ Clara set the kettle to boil. ‘I was just looking for Brenna, but I might as well have a coffee while I’m here.’
‘Coffee sounds like a perfect plan,’ Finlay said. ‘A couple of the inspectors were in the P.E. department today. It was stressful. Asecond 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 ourCarnival of the Animalssession. 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.’
