“Now you lookreallyincredible, Ms Hill.”
“Thank you. It looks great.”
“No problem.”
“Are you ready?”
“I think so.”
“I’ll go and let them know you’re coming down.”
I leave her in her room and head quickly downstairs, where a pale, nervous Carter is waiting, ghost-like, next to Niall – who looks equally as pale and nervous.
“She’s just coming,” I announce as I join them. “Please, don’t do anything stupid. And I’m talking to both of you.”
“Us? Stupid?” Niall asks, offended.
“You know exactly what I’m talking about.”
“Luckily you’re here to help us avoid disaster.” He wraps his arms around my waist and leans his chin on my shoulder. “Thank you for being here with me, and for helping out.”
I smile as Skylar finally makes her appearance at the top of the stairs. Niall straightens up, ready to say something embarrassing, as Carter leans against the banister, trying to keep his knees from giving way.
“Don’t even think about it,” I hiss to Niall.
“You seriously think I’m going to let her go out like that?” he asks, making me laugh.
“What are you all staring at?” Skylar asks, stopping just before the final step.
Carter reaches out towards her, and she takes his hand, nervously.
“You’re… You’re… You’re…”
“Watch your words, Carter,” Niall warns. I elbow him in the ribs to keep him quiet.
“Red really suits you,” he says, making her smile.
“He got away with it this time,” Niall whispers into my ear. “But he won’t be able to save himself all night.”
I’m worried that this is going to be an extremely long evening; instead of chaperoning a group of over-excited, hormonal teenagers, I’m going to end up babysitting my boyfriend, in case he tries to murder Carter in a dark corner of the gym.
Once the obligatoryphoto shoot with Niall’s parents and their digital camera is over, we finally jump into the car and head towards the school. The winter dance is a tradition for us, and I can never get out of it. This will be the first year that I’ve brought a new date. Last year I went on my own – it was shortly after my separation – but before that, I would always take my husband. I’m a little nervous at the idea of making my entrance with Niall, even though people around here are getting used to the idea of us being together, now. But it’s still strange for me to flaunt our relationship so openly – especially because he’s the father of one of my students. Niall is pretty well-known in town; and not just for his sporting achievements.
“I’m watching you, kid,” Niall says threateningly to Carter, before letting them into the hall. “Keep your hands where I can see them.”
“Are you done?” Skylar moans.
“I’ll take care of it,” I say, interrupting their argument. “You guys go ahead. We’ll see you inside.”
Skylar drags Carter into the gym as I stop outside the entrance, my hands against Niall’s chest. His eyes are still glued to the door.
“Can you please calm down?”
He finally looks at me.
“I have to concentrate on something else, you see.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
