Page 59 of Clara's Secret Garden
He smiles at her. ‘Not enjoying yourself?’
‘No. Butyouobviously were.’ She glares at me.
‘Okay.’ He shrugs good-humouredly and grins at me. ‘I guessI’d better return you to Shaun, then, Clara.’
I nod and escape, glad to be away from Lois’s bad temper.
Shaun’s sitting at a table with a drink, looking on. Andwhen I join him, having witnessed Lois marching out of the village hall infront of Rory, I sink down with a resigned but grateful sigh, and Shaun smilesand asks me what I’d like to drink.
‘I’m sorry,’ he says ruefully, as I sip a reviving lime andsoda. ‘I fibbed and said I could dance because I knew it was the only way you’dagree to go out with me.’
I laugh. ‘Well, you certainly had me fooled. I was expectingFred Astaire. Or at least Anton Du Beke.’
‘Who?’ He looks genuinely puzzled.
‘Never mind. Anyway, you’re forgiven. Did you enjoy it justa little bit?’
‘I did, actually. I love the music. As you can tell from theway I play it all the time. But I’d rather have been dancing with you.’ Helifts his glass and chinks mine, looking a little bashful. Not his usualconfident self at all.
‘Well, maybe we could do it again some time.’
‘Yeah?’
He looks so hopeful that I can’t help smiling. ‘Of course. I...I like your company, Shaun.’
It’s true. He’s so easy to be with. And he’s quitehandsome, too, with those lovely green eyes and that attractive smile. Plus, hemakes me laugh, which is always sexy...
‘You’re a brilliant dancer,’ he says. ‘I was watching youteaching Rory there.’
‘That’s my dream. To have my own dance studio.’
‘Wow. Really?’ He studies me. ‘You’d make a great dance teacher.’
‘I doubt it’ll ever happen, but it’s nice to dream.’ I smilewistfully. ‘Actually, I’ve just recently witnessed for myself the real powerthat movement and dance can give a child lacking in confidence.’
I tell him about all about Elsie and the Zumba classes. Andhow she’s now planning on joining her friend at other dance classes.
‘If that’s your dream, you should do it,’ he says. ‘Don’twaste time making excuses. People ought to be doing something they love – ifit’s possible, of course.’
I smile at him. ‘Are you doing something you love, Shaun?’
He takes a swallow of his lager. ‘I am, actually. I used tolove building houses with Lego as a kid. And I guess I always knew that waswhat I wanted to do. Be a builder.’
‘And now you have your own company. That’s so brilliant.’
‘Do you think so?’ He studies me with a little smile.
‘I do.’
‘Good. Because what you think matters to me.’
I smile into his lovely green eyes and I feel my heart flipover at the expression in them.
‘Right.’ He slaps his thighs. ‘One more attempt before wego? Always believe in getting my money’s worth.’
‘Yes. Why not?’
We get to our feet and make our way to a clear spot on thefloor. And when he pulls me into hold and ducks me, it takes me by surprise andI burst out laughing.
