‘Have a good one,’ Eddie said.
Kerr ran his fingers through his dark hair and faked sleeping by resting his head on Eddie’s shoulder. ‘I can’t wait to get out of here, but I still need to tidy my room,’ he groaned.
Eddie chuckled and patted him on the back. ‘I told you to do it during the week, but you didn’t listen.’
‘Argh.’ Kerr made a growling sound. ‘I know. I just couldn’t be bothered.’
‘And you still can’t.’ Eddie caught Clara’s eye, and they laughed.
Lissa stumbled in behind Kerr and Eddie and threw herself dramatically across a row of seats. ‘It’s finally the holidays. Thank the lord.’ She placed the back of her hand to her forehead, pretending to faint, and let out an exaggerated groan.
The entire room burst into laughter.
‘You’re sacked,’ Gil said, smirking.
‘Yay!’ Lissa threw up her arms and cheered.
‘Like you’d survive without the drama.’ Gil peered over, grinning at her.
‘I’m sure I could create more wherever I go.’ Lissa closed her eyes and stretched like she was sunbathing.
The door opened again, and Sam and Isaac came in, both looking over at Lissa and exchanging a glance.
‘Hello, stranger.’ Clara approached and gave Isaac a hug. ‘Look who’s in the staffroom. I feel like this is a sighting of an endangered species.’
‘I would lend you my binoculars so you can see him clearer,’ Sam said, ‘but my good pair broke the last time I moved, and I’ve never replaced them.’
‘Stop it.’ Isaac chuckled, shifting a little. ‘You know me… I like my own company. At least that way I always have someone intelligent to talk to.’ He gave them a cheeky grin, and Clara clapped his upper arms.
She turned to Sam, wrapping her arms around him briefly. He let out one of his uncertain little laughs and patted her on the back momentarily. It was quick, but something about the firmness of his chest caught her attention. Brushing away the thought, she moved on before her brain could linger.
‘So, what’s on the agenda for the holidays, Isaac?’
Isaac gave a noncommittal shrug. ‘Ah, you know. A bit of this, bit of that. Maybe do a bit of fishing. That kind of thing.’
‘Nice,’ she replied with a grin, realising he was giving nothing away – as always.
Mirren and Polly came in, squeezing past Isaac and Sam, who were still near the door.
‘Sorry, ladies.’ Sam moved out of the way.
‘Happy holidays, everyone!’ Mirren sang out, waving a hand in the air.
‘We made it,’ Polly added.
‘We did.’ Clara went to hug them both.
‘I didn’t,’ Kerr said, coming over. ‘I have to go back and tidy my room. It’s a tip.’
‘Yeah, I noticed that on the way past,’ Polly said. ‘Why didn’t you get the kids to do it this morning?’
Kerr shrugged.
‘Because he’s an idiot.’ Eddie patted his back.
‘Yeah, but you’re worse.’ Kerr smirked at him. ‘Because you’ve just agreed to help me tidy it.’
‘Touché.’ Eddie raised an eyebrow.
