Spencer glanced her way and smiled, then started chatting about the Hub as they passed it by. He had such a way of making everything feel normal again, and Beth wished she could stay by his side forever.
Chapter 27
Spencer
Spencer headed over to the coffee machine in Debra’s office to grab a cup. The children’s progress meeting was about to start, and he figured Ryan’s mum was going to want to speak first.
‘Ryan is still saying he doesn’t want to swim,’ said Annette to Debra. ‘So I already know what his progress is here.’
Debra spoke next. ‘The boys have so much fun here. That’s good for Ryan.’
Annette frowned at her. ‘I’m glad my son has a stress-free time here, when he’s not having accidents, but it’s not making any difference when it comes to how he is at the poolside. And Spencer shouldn’t have told him he doesn’t have to swim.’
Debra showed gratitude towards Spencer for handing her a coffee. ‘That’s not what Spencer said.’
‘I told him to speak to you about what he wants,’ said Spencer, sitting down.
‘My Ryan has a talent,’ said Annette.
Debra looked at the reports in front of her. ‘And Ryan shows great strengths here. He’s thoughtful and helpful, and exceeds in all group activities.’
Annette sat a little higher. ‘He’s very smart.’
Spencer offered a friendly smile. ‘Please don’t punish the centre for Ryan still not swimming.’
Annette raised her eyebrows. ‘Who says I’m trying to punish anyone?’
Debra smiled softly. ‘Let’s talk about how Ryan is—’
Annette rolled her eyes. ‘I don’t expect you to understand. I have a gifted child. This is bigger than a bruise or irresponsible staff.’ She gestured at Spencer.
Spencer took a calming breath. He really had given up all hope of her accepting an apology. Debra had assured everyone before Annette turned up that she wouldn’t be able to close the centre. Word had got out, and some of the members were already stressed, others angry. Annette didn’t have the power she thought she had, but her words the previous week were still causing quite a stir.
The door opened and in walked a tall man, who Spencer could clearly see was Ryan’s dad, judging by his features.
‘Sorry I’m late,’ he said, rushing to a chair by his wife’s side. ‘I’ve literally just came straight from the airport.’
‘About time,’ snapped Annette.
Her husband kissed her head, then smiled around the room. ‘I’m Harry.’ He noticed the coffee machine. ‘Ooh, is it okay if I—’
‘I’ll do it,’ said Spencer, seeing Annette nudge her husband.
‘Am I late for our Ryan’s progress report?’ asked Harry. ‘Netty said coming here hasn’t helped with his swimming issue.’
Annette frowned at him. ‘How many times have I told you not to call me that in public,’ she whispered through clenched teeth, but everyone heard.
Spencer handed a coffee to Harry. ‘Do you want milk?’
‘No, ta. Black is fine.’
‘We were just discussing Ryan,’ Annette told her husband.
Debra slid some papers Harry’s way. ‘These are the incident reports from here and the rock-climbing centre. As you will see, Ryan slipped on a flat rock poking out of the ground and was thoroughly checked on-site.’
Harry’s hazel eyes held a gentleness as he turned to Spencer. ‘Kids, eh!’
‘Really, that’s all you’re going to say?’ Annette sat back, folding her arms in a strop.
