Page 35 of Clara's Secret Garden
We laugh and the atmosphere magically relaxes.
Rory fills our glasses and holds his up. ‘A toast. To...what?’ He frowns, thinking. ‘The garden?’
‘How about our hopes and dreams?’
He nods slowly. ‘Nice one. To our hopes and dreams for thefuture.’
We chink glasses and drink, and he murmurs, ‘So, Clara, tellme – whatareyour hopes and dreams?’ He grins. ‘Keep it clean.’
‘Oh, that’s a big question.’
‘So give me a big answer.’
I relax back onto the rug, staring up at the moon andthinking. ‘I suppose my main hope is for Bertie to have a happy life, and I’mprepared to do anything to make sure that happens.’
‘You’ve already proved that. Giving up college because heneeded you here. I think you’re brilliant, Clara. He’s a very lucky boy.’
‘Notthatlucky.’ I twist my lips sadly. ‘Losing hisdad when he was so little and not having... well, I just feelit’s my job to make it up to him if I can.’
‘You should get back to the dancing if you can.’
‘I’d love to. I’m quite excited about going to a class withElsie, actually.’ I take another sip of wine, feeling it relaxing me and makingmy cheeks glow. ‘It’ll be just like old times.’ I look at Rory with a sigh.‘I’ve never told anyone what my real dream is. Well, Dad knew.’
‘What’s that, then?’ Rory shifts position on the rug so thathe’s lying on his side, propped up on his elbow, directly mirroring me.
‘I’ve always wanted to open a dance school for youngsters.’
He nods. ‘Makes sense. What sort of dance?’
‘Everything. Ballroom, Latin, modern. Dance is such a greatway of bringing shy kids out of their shell and giving them confidence.’ I smilesheepishly. ‘I was painfully shy when I was little. I guess you remember.’
He shrugs. ‘I knew you were quiet. I used to tease you and Isometimes wonder if I shouldn’t have done that. If I embarrassed you...’
‘No! No, I liked it.’ I swallow. ‘I mean, I didn’t mind youteasing me at all because you were never nasty with it like some of the kids.In fact, you rescued me that time... when Hannah Akers andher mates were after me... and I was so grateful to you.’
‘Did I?’ He looks surprised. ‘I don’t remember that. But I’mvery glad I was there to help.’
My heart sinks a little at that. Ofcoursehewouldn’t remember. Why would he? I was just another girl at his school. WhereasI – the saddo that I am – can recall every little thing Rory Angel ever said tome!
We’re silent for a while. Then he raises his glass andsmiles at me. ‘Here’s to you running that dance school and helping kids torealise their potential. What a brilliant thing to do. I think you’ll be great,Clara Bear.’
My heart leaps at his lovely toast. ‘It probably won’thappen. But it’s nice to dream about.’
‘It is.’
‘What about you? I expect you dream of becoming a successfulsolicitor and maybe having a practice of your own one day?’
He smiles wistfully. ‘You know what? No, I don’t.’
‘Really? But... you studied law for allthose years. I thought...’
‘I know. That’s what everyone expects me to do. But...I don’t know, Clara. The more I think about it, the more I’m starting torealise that I’m not really interested in being a cog in the wheel of thejudicial system for the rest of my life. It’s far from perfect, the Law. Butit’s not just that. I don’t think I’m cut out for spending all my days in anoffice or at court. I want to be out in the fresh air, doing something with myhands.’ He grins. ‘I guess I’m just a country boy at heart.’
‘Wow.’ I sit up, crossing my legs, facing him. I’d alwayspictured Rory in court, defending clients and doing a brilliant job. But itsounds as if he might be harbouring a different dream altogether. ‘So if youcould do anything you want, what would it be?’
He laughs. ‘That’s a big question.’
‘So give me a big answer.’
