Page 58 of Clara's Secret Garden
‘Okay. Easy.’ I take a deep breath and smile, slipping intoteaching mode and trying desperately to remain professional – as all the while,tiny sparks of electricity are leaping through my veins, my body’s reaction atfinding myself suddenly so unbearably close to Rory.
I guide him so that in one easy movement, he’s positionedbehind me, and then after a hip-swing to the right and left, he unwinds me as Itwirl and end up back in position.
‘You dip me now,’ I smile, leaning back as he drops me tothe side.
I feel perfectly safe in his arms. And every time I twirland he clasps me in front of him, my heart beats faster in response to thecontact.
We practice this for a while and Rory’s a quick learner. Carmenwas right. He has natural rhythm, as opposed to poor Lois who’s clearly havinga hard time keeping pace with her expert partner and currently has a face likethunder.
But Rory’s doing well. We even start chatting as we move.
‘Elsie’s been over for tea at her new friend’s house, and mysister’s taking them both to the cinema tomorrow,’ he tells me.
‘Oh, that’s brilliant. I’m so glad she’s made a friend.’
‘I’ll take her along to Zumba from now on. She knows whatshe’s doing and she’s not scared any more. She’s even started going with Laurento dance classes, would you believe?’
I stare at him. ‘And she’s not just watching? She’s takingpart?’
He nods. ‘I know. It’s a miracle. The dance school’s puttingon a show to raise funds for the village hall and I’m trying to persuade Elsieto take part.’
‘Sounds good. If Lauren’s doing it, maybe Elsie will want toas well. But don’t push her. Let her decide for herself.’
‘Very wise advice.’ He smiles into my eyes and my knees goweak, which isn’t really what you want to happen at a salsa night...
‘Flatterer.’ I shake my head at him. But in my chest, acarousel of horses is flying around, up and down, making me feel quitebreathless at his touch.
Clasping me in front of him as we sway together, he murmurs,‘Elsie’s so much happier and it’s all thanks to you. You’re pretty brilliant onthe sly, aren’t you?’
I laugh as he dips me. ‘I wouldn’t say that.’
‘Well, I would.’
With a twirl, I’m back in position, and the feeling of beingheld close in his arms is almost too much to bear.
Oh, hell, I love you, Rory!
‘I haven’t told you.’ He murmurs in my ear, making me shiverwith longing. ‘I’m applying for jobs in London.’
‘In London?’ I look at him in surprise. ‘But I thought...’
He smiles ruefully. ‘I know. But that was just a dream...all that stuff about moving out to the country. I have to be practical. I needto earn a living.’
‘But you can earn a living in the country.’
‘I know, but... well, it seems daftstudying law and then not using all that knowledge.’
‘What about a country practice?’
He shrugs and I let it go, feeling beyond sad. Lois musthave been putting pressure on him to go down the solicitor route. And yet heseemed so adamant, when I spoke to him, that the lifestyle of a solicitor wasn’tfor him. But I guess he’ll need the cash to keep Lois in the style to whichshe’d like to become accustomed... all those fancyrestaurants she loves going to...
A heaviness is suddenly weighing me down. A realisationthat’s impossible to ignore.
Rory loves Lois. He wouldn’t be thinking of compromisinghis dreams if he didn’t really want to be with her. Their relationship isn’tjust a flash in the pan, as I guess I’ve been secretly hoping ever since theygot together.
It’s time I faced up to the fact that they’re actually seriousabout each other.
‘Rory?’ Suddenly, Lois herself is there, looking sulky. ‘Canwe go? I really want to go.’
