Page 39 of Don't Fall in Love (and how to break the rules)

Philippa looked over at the children gathered around a long table on the other side of the room. “They look like they’re muddling through ok.”

“Yes,” said Dan. “We had a few shenanigans about spreading margarine on toast, with several of the kids asking me to do it, but then Dottie and Hardev said they could do it and would willingly spread butter and jam on toast in exchange for sweets.” He shrugged. “I’m not sure if they’re taking advantage of their classmates or being enterprising, but I’m here for it.”

Chrissie was laughing as Nisha returned. Chrissie was relieved the attention was no longer on them, and on how sleep-deprived she was sure they must look. That said, Nisha seemed to be glowing, her cheeks pink and her eyes wide and smiley. That dimple was doing its thing, and Chrissie was struggling to hide her own smile every time she saw it. She didn’t know what was next for them, but she knew she felt good in a way she hadn’t in such a long time. Rules or no rules, this was the right thing for them to do. She was sure of it.

Chrissie started on the pile of croissants Nisha had plonked in front of them. “Who knew school trips were so energy-sapping?” asked Nisha, her face the picture of innocence.

“They are the worst,” said Dan, sighing. “But carbs will see us through. They always do.”

Chrissie stifled a laugh before patting Dan’s arm. “You’ll be fine once you’ve had a coffee, sweetie. Besides, fruit and yoghurt is probably your best bet to perk you up. Carbs are good, but some healthy fat and plant matter will sort you right out as well.”

“I see you’ve unleashed your inner hippy, then,” said Nisha, giving Chrissie the side eye and squeezing her knee under the table where no one could see. Chrissie felt herself flush bright red and hoped no one had noticed.

“Yes,” said Philippa, removing her cardigan, “it is a little hot in here. I’m quite pink myself.” She looked at Chrissie sympathetically.

Chrissie hurriedly removed her own hoodie, nodding towards Philippa, who was clearly more observant than Dan. She felt Nisha’s fingers on her knee again, and faked a coughing fit.

“You are terrible,” said Chrissie, once she and Nisha were back in their room. “It’s like you want everyone to know what we’ve been up to!”

Nisha laughed. “Is that such a bad thing?”

“No, of course not,” said Chrissie, “not that we are, well,” she struggled to describe what it was they were doing, “spending time together. But doing so on a school trip might not be ideal for our professional reputations.”

“Fair,” said Nisha. “Although I think I’d give it a stronger description than ‘spending time together’.” Nisha walked over to where Chrissie stood and pressed her against the door to their room.

“Also fair,” agreed Chrissie. She looked at her watch. “But perhaps we can discuss that when we’re not due at one of Europe’s top locations with twenty-five children.” She looked into Nisha’s eyes, and found herself caring a little less about the children. When Nisha put her hand on Chrissie’s waist, she breathed out and allowed Nisha to come in for a kiss.

“Ok,” said Nisha, pulling away. “To be continued. But itwillbe continued.”

Chapter Thirty-Four

The Eiffel Tower stood proud above the buildings and trees of its city, a remarkable feat of engineering from 1889 that was only ever meant to be temporary. Chrissie found it strange to imagine this landmark had watched over a city that had seen such turmoil and change in the last 135 years.

Their group was stood in a line across one of the bridges over the Seine, pausing so that anyone who wanted to could take a picture. Chrissie preferred just to look and take it in, while Nisha took about forty-seven photos and Dan made a short film for the school’s Instagram channel.

“It’s pretty impressive, isn’t it?” said Philippa.

“It really is,” said Chrissie.

“I’ve seen it countless times – my company has a sister branch here in Paris – but I am always taken aback every time.”

“Your career sounds very glamorous,” said Chrissie. “Not like ours.” She gave a little laugh.

“No,” said Philippa, “don’t laugh. What you do is essential. Honestly, I cannot tell you how much you have given Dottie this year.” Philippa looked over at her daughter, who was pointing out a blue boat to her friends. “She had terrible anxiety lastyear, but somehow between you and Ms Rajan, you seem to have helped her find some calm.” She sighed. “I know she seems confident and chatty, but we had some really tough times last year. Her father is away a lot on business, for weeks at a time, and she struggles when he’s not there, worrying about him being ok. The irony is that he’s almost always in a first class lounge or five star hotel somewhere, so he’s more than ok…” Her voice trailed off, making Chrissie wonder how Philippa felt about her husband being absent so much of the time.

“It must be hard for you both,” said Chrissie, carefully.

“Oh, not for me,” replied Philippa with a laugh. “To be honest, I’m not sure what I’ll do when he retires. He’s been working like this for the last seventeen years.” She gazed along the Seine. “We’ve always lived separate lives, to be honest.”

Chrissie thought back to her own marriage. She could relate. But she knew that for some people, that sort of relationship worked.

“But back to you,” said Philippa. “Have you ever thought about training to be a teacher? You seem eminently capable, and I’m sure you’d be accepted onto a course.”

“Oh, I’m not sure really,” replied Chrissie, shrugging it off. “I need to work to pay my rent. Taking time out of work to train would be tricky.” Working at the school had been part of her desire to give something back. She’d never thought about what it might give to her.

“Perhaps you should consider it,” said Philippa, giving Chrissie a hard stare.

“Mmm,” replied Chrissie, not sure where to put herself. “Ms Rajan, I think perhaps it’s time to move onto the tower?” she said, raising her voice and changing the subject.

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