‘That’s very kind and I shall certainly bear it in mind closer to the time.’
‘You do that,’ she purred again, the leopard print was obviously having an effect. Pippa was quite surprised she managed not to rub up against his leg. ‘Now I shall leave you to get on with your teaching. I do hope Class One appreciate how very lucky they are to have such a talented new teacher. I shall be watching you with great interest, my dear.’
‘Ah, well, thank you very much.’
‘Oh, and one more thing: I’ll be organising the rota for mums to help you with the swimming classes this term. You should have a ratio of one to two and I can promise that I will make that happen. I expect they’ll all be very keen. Let me reassure you, though, that I shall be the one to go in the pool with you: I’m experienced,veryfit and highly flexible, so I know we’re going to work so well together.’ Pippa wasn’t at the right angle to see if Marion winked but she wouldn’t have been surprised. Meantime, it was taking all of her self-control not to gag at the thought of Marion’s flexibility.
‘Sounds fabulous, and thank you for coming to say hello, but really I should—’
‘Of course, you must, dear. We shall have such fun in the pool. Such fun. And you can come to dinner next week when you’re all settled.’
Chapter Nine
The day had flown past and Kam couldn’t believe the speed with which it had done so. Small children really didn’t ever stop so he hadn’t had time to breathe from the minute they had come flying in in the morning to when the school bell rang out at three.
He had handed the children over to their parents and carers at three o’clock, which had taken ages. Almost every parent stopped to introduce themselves and make friends, which was lovely and helped contribute to his picture of the children individually, but it did go on a bit and he was desperate for coffee.
Now finally free, he went to look over the planning for the next day before heading to get himself a cup. He had hoped to have a quick catch up with Pippa before she headed off for the day, but she seemed to have disappeared. Teaching Assistants were paid by the hour so he didn’t blame her at all for fleeing the minute the bell rang.
Just as he was staring at the plans on the wall, where they were placed so anyone accessing the classroom – parents, students, observers – could see how the day or week was going to shape up, he heard the door open and shut again.
‘Here, I thought you might need this.’ Pippa headed in with his cafetière, which he had stored in the staffroom. ‘That was a belter of a day – first day of term always is – and you smashed it. I thought Marion may overwhelm you. That outfit! But you did so well. I’ve seen other teachers cry over that woman.’
‘They cried over her inviting them to dinner?’
‘Oh, that was hilarious! Trust me when I say she doesn’t usually invite them over.’
‘Ah! Well, maybe they don’t have pretty, pretty eyes in a very handsome face.’
‘Hahaha, no I guess not. Sorry ’bout that. Anyway, coffee?’
‘Yes please, I thought you had gone home.’
‘Oh no, I always stay and just get everything tidied away before the cleaners come in a bit. I reckon that you should just sit, enjoy that and catch your breath, a first day survival treat. I’ll be done in a swizz.’
Kam smiled up at her. He had known she would be amazing in the classroom, and had been proved right. She had such a high-energy attitude that it was impossible not to be captivated by her as she swooshed around all day, livening up the classroom, singing as she went and engaging the children in every activity they undertook. He couldn’t imagine what life would be like for someone so positively chirpy all day, and was rather envious. He wasn’t convinced he would have been able to maintain the level of happy that she achieved on a constant basis.
He knocked back his coffee in four big gulps and went to help her wash all the paint trays and brushes.
‘Hey, you’re meant to be resting.’
‘This is restful.’ He answered as he stood next to her and filled the second sink with all the art paraphernalia.
‘Washing trays and brushes?’
‘Yeah, I like washing up. I’m a bit of a water babe so am quite happy. I spent a large part of my childhood washing up for my Mum. I come from a big family, and mum is food obsessed so I swear I spent as much time with my hands in the sink as she did constantly cooking.’
‘That sounds nice. Family is important.’
‘It is. Although mine are a little cross with me at the moment.’ Pippa turned to face him, her eyes alight with curiosity, but instead of prying into why his family may be cross she had another question on her mind.
‘Did I hear you tell Marion that you’re picking up your keys tonight? For a place in Treporth Bay?’
‘Yup. I’ve been staying with a friend in Newquay for the past few months. He runs a hostel so I’ve been helping out and living the surf dream but it’s such a trek from here and it was about time I got my own place. There wasn’t anywhere available in Penmenna, but I’ve got this place on a short-term let and it’s close enough. Walking distance if needs be.’
‘True. Is it dead swish? It’s not one of those flats on the marina, is it?’
‘It is. Do you know them?’
