Not that it meant anything. He could appreciate a beautiful woman without reading more into it. Clara was a friend, and he wasn’t about to let his brain rewrite that. He’d learned his lesson the hard way.
His ex, Olive, had texted that morning. Again. Almost one hundred per cent certain she’d be moving that summer. Didn’t expect him to move because of her, of course, but she’d understand if he wanted to because of the boys. The phrasing alone made his teeth grind.
He’d do it, though. Of course he would. Those lads were his world. Maybe not his by blood, but in every other way that mattered. He’d been there for scraped knees, late-night homework, and to fix broken toys… and hearts. If anyone knew what it was like to lose a dad, it was him. He wasn’t letting them go through that while he still had a say.
But still – the injustice of it simmered under his skin. Olive got to call the shots, and he was supposed to smile and nod. It wasn’t about her anymore, but it still felt like she had a remote control for his life.
He exhaled sharply, forcing himself to roll his shoulders back. Not tonight. Tonight wasn’t about any of that.
He glanced towards the hotel again – towards Clara, still scrolling her phone, her lips curving in a tiny frown of concentration. Warmth stirred low in his chest.
Tonight was a celebration. And he was damn well going to act like it.
Clara looked up and caught sight of him. Her face lit up, and she waved.
‘Oh, thank goodness you’re here.’ She took hold of his arm as soon as he got to the top of the steps. ‘I don’t know if I’m early or late… or what, but—’ She shook her head, a little laugh escaping.‘I hate walking into places on my own, and I can’t see if anyone is already in.’
‘I think we’re a bit early.’ Sam moved his arm that she still had in a grip to check his watch. ‘As we usually are.’
‘Ah, true. We’re always first at school, aren’t we?’
‘We are.’ He eyed her over. ‘You look… good.’
‘Oh.’ She glanced at her feet, her cheeks going pink. ‘Just thought I’d make an effort.’ Her eyes rose again, and she took him in as she went. ‘You look pretty fine yourself.’
‘No tux, I’m afraid. Lissa will be disappointed.’
‘Can’t go wrong with the old white shirt and black jeans though.’ She grinned.
He peered in the door. ‘Let’s go in together, shall we?’
‘Yeah.’
Sam opened the door and waited for Clara to go in, then followed. As they stepped into the grand entrance hall and approached the restaurant door, a young server came over, glancing between them with a polite smile.
‘Table for two?’
Clara caught Sam’s eye, looking like she might burst into giggles. It made him smile too.
‘Er no, we’re here for the Glenbriar High School staff night out.’
‘Ah, right. Follow me, please.’ The server led them past the restaurant to another door. It opened onto a large private function room with two long tables set up with balloons and champagne coolers.
‘This looks amazing.’ Clara beamed.
‘Clara! Sam!’ a loud and unmistakable voice shouted from where they’d just come. Sam turned to see Lissa sweeping in, wearing a long, glittering gold dress that dazzled him. She was such an amazing advocate for being true to yourself. She wore what she liked, and the fact she was shorter and curvier thana traditionally beautiful woman didn’t bother her, and it was amazing to see; she looked stunning.
‘She’s so wonderful.’ Clara grinned at her.
Beside her was a short, stocky man with gingery hair and a huge grin. Lissa bounded over and grabbed Clara, pulling her into a huge hug.
‘You look bloody gorgeous.’ Lissa squeezed her, then turned to Sam and pounced on him. ‘And you are volcanic as always, Mr Addison. Didn’t I tell you he was a hotcake?’ She turned to her husband, and Sam glanced at Clara, barely holding back a laugh. Lissa was so wild.
‘Ah, so you’re the man I need to look out for.’ Lissa’s husband eyed Sam with fake annoyance through a huge grin.
‘Shut it!’ Lissa nudged him. ‘This is my husband, Duncan.’ She patted his arm. ‘Meet Sam and—’
Duncan gave Sam a hearty handshake. ‘Pleasure to meet you.’
