Page 105 of Serenity Falls

I raise a hand and half stand, unsure how to greet her. She smiles and walks over. I move to pull out a chair and manage to knock the table with my hip, almost sending the candle tipping over. I catch it, but hot wax drips on to my hand.

‘Oww, shit!’

‘Oh God!’ Lori’s face creases in concern. ‘Are you okay?’

‘Yes, fine.’ I shake my hand, face flushing. ‘Sorry. It’s nothing. Just clumsy.’

She smiles. ‘Me too. I’m usually the one walking into a chair or spilling a drink.’

‘Right. Good job we didn’t arrange to meet anywhere where there’s red wine.’

She laughs. ‘Or fragile glasses.’

We both smile at each other. Ice broken. I feel an odd warmth in my chest.

Lori holds out a hand. ‘Good to see you again, anyway.’

‘Yes.’ I shake her hand. It’s delicate and smooth. ‘Thanks for coming.’

She pulls out her seat and sits down. I do likewise.

‘Thanks for asking. Gave me an excuse to put off marking essays. Not that I’m just using you for procrastination.’

Ninja waiter re-emerges. ‘Good evening.’ His smile widens at the sight of Lori. ‘Ah, Miss Hegarty. So nice to see you again.’

‘You too, Carl.’

‘Can I get you both some wine?’

Lori glances at me. ‘I can recommend the Cloudy Bay.’

I swallow. Nat’s favourite. Of course, it’s a popular wine. But it still feels like a ghost has entered the room.

Lori frowns. ‘Or if you’d prefer something else?’

‘No, no. That sounds good,’ I say quickly.

‘Two glasses of Cloudy Bay, please.’

‘My pleasure.’ Carl glides away again.

Lori smiles a little awkwardly. ‘Does it look bad to be on first-name terms with the wine waiter?’

‘Absolutely not. In fact, I’m impressed.’

She laughs again, and a tiny piece of my heart breaks off and crumbles.

‘So,’ Lori says now. ‘What did you really think of the school? You can be honest.’

‘Actually, I really do think it’s fantastic. I’m not sure if you’ve had much experience of English schools.’

‘Can’t say I have.’

‘Well, it’s something of a step up.’

‘It’s good to hear you say that. Lockhart seems to think you’ll be a great addition. An English English teacher. It’s really puffed him right up.’

I chuckle. ‘Well, I’m hardly Hugh Grant.’