‘It was indeed, wasn’t it,’ added Professor Binton, who was Head of Theology at the university. ‘Loneliness is an epidemic in students. We need to talk about it more.’
Everyone nodded their heads in full agreement.
Clara was proud of the fact that she somehow continually managed to pull off a sermon that could appeal to anyone; despite her initial apprehension each time she commenced a service. After all, it wasn’t easy trying to appeal to tourists, elderly members of the church, students, academics and university staff alike. But now that the service was over, she was able to relax a little, and Clara took a big mouthful of brownie when she noticed Tom making a beeline for her. She cursed herself for placing so much in her mouth and hoped she didn’t have any brownie stuck between her teeth as she nervously felt around with her tongue.
‘Thank you for yet another enjoyable service, Reverend,’ said Tom.
‘Please, call me Clara.’
‘Sorry, of course.’
She watched how he took a big swig from the water bottle he always carried around with him. She wondered if it was a nervous habit, or if it was something to do with his passion for singing.
‘Anyway, how are you settling in with the choir? I’ve noticed you have quite the voice as a tenor. You’re a credit to them.’
She wasn’t sure if she should admit how she had stood in the background listening to them a few times. They were all a talented bunch but Tom had the voice of an angel. She would go so far as to say that he was even gifted.
‘I’m settling in well... And thank you very much. Coming from someone like you, that’s a big compliment. That’s made my day.’
He flashed a cheeky grin that made Clara’s cheeks flush and her heart flutter.
Something about how he said it and the way he looked at her made her feel special. It was as though he saw who she was beneath the robes – something nobody ever did. She was well known for being the Reverend Clara Bennett, who was married to the church. As Tom looked at her, feelings of desire threatened to bubble back to the surface. She could remember the first time she had seen him when he was hanging around outside the church looking bewildered. He’d reminded her of a new boy at school. She’d asked him if he needed help and he had politely asked if he was in the right place for choir practice. Clara helped him find John, the choir leader, and then went off on her merry way. Although, even during that brief encounter, she thought how he looked like a chap who could sweep a woman off her feet with just the glint in his eye. Whilst she had always been wary of a handsome man, and most men actually, the appealing thing about Tom was that he didn’t seem to realise quite how good-looking he was. He wasn’t conceited or arrogant; he seemed normal and kind, which felt like rare qualities nowadays.
The lines around Tom’s eyes crinkled as he smiled and then he took another sip of water.
‘I do hope my brownies haven’t made you thirsty.’
‘No, not at all.’
‘Must be all that singing then. Got to keep those vocal cords lubricated,’ she said, and then accidently let out a honking laugh. Clara cringed. Why was she so nervous around him?
‘Indeed.’
‘So, anyway, I hope you’re enjoying being a member of the church. I’m here if you need anything.’
She noticed that her boss, Lawrence, had just finished talking to a new member and she needed to discuss a fundraising plan with him.
‘Ooh, sorry, it’s been lovely talking to you but I just need to have a word with the big boss.’
‘God?’ asked Tom.
‘Ha. No, Lawrence.’
‘Oh.’ Tom looked crestfallen, which bemused Clara.
‘You can come and meet Lawrence with me, if you like. Shall I introduce you?’
‘No, it’s okay. Actually, it was you I needed to speak to. I wanted to ask you something.’
He stopped as he waited for her response.
‘What is it? Please, go ahead.’
‘It’s just that your sermon was so inspiring. What you said about seizing every opportunity for love and happiness. Did you mean that?’
‘Yes, of course. I don’t say things I don’t mean. That would be rather irresponsible of me.’
‘Right. That’s what I thought. I need to say something but... Oh, this is harder than I thought.’
