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“I can imagine,” said Nisha, who wore an excitable smile.

“What’s up with you?” asked Chrissie.

“Oh, nothing,” said Nisha, pretending to absorb herself in her sandwich.

“Nonsense,” said Chrissie, “I’ll make you tell me later.”

“Ladies, please,” said Dan. “I don’t want to hear anything about your bedtime adventures.”

Chrissie and Nisha laughed. “Prude,” said Nisha.

“That’s me,” said Dan, “all sweet and innocent.”

“Hmm,” said Chrissie. “I doubt that.”

“Good afternoon, everyone,” said Mrs Hemingway, strolling into the staffroom. “It’s been a really successful academic year, entirely thanks to all of you. Thank you.”

A round of applause went round the room, and Nisha and Chrissie locked eyes, knowing that they would remember this year for much more than what had happened at work.

“And before I send you off for the summer break, I have an announcement to make.” The teachers quietened down to hear what their boss had to say. “As you all know, Mr Smart has taken early retirement this term. We will miss him, and everything he has brought to the school, but this leaves us with a vacancy in the Senior Leadership Team. I am therefore delighted to announce that our new deputy head teacher as of next term will be Ms Rajan.”

The room erupted into applause, which was fortunate as Chrissie squealed, “Oh my God,” at Nisha at the top of her voice. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I was a bit superstitious,” said Nisha, “and I wasn’t sure I would get it. There were a couple of really good candidates up for the job. I only found out myself this morning.”

“That is incredible. Well done!” said Chrissie.

“But just so you know, I won’t be going easy on you next year, as I’ll be your boss now,” Nisha told her, waggling her eyebrows.

“Oh God,” said Dan, “yet more double entendres. Put your whip away, Ms Rajan, please.”

“In your dreams,” said Nisha, before turning back to Chrissie, who threw her arms around her.

“I knew this would work out,” said Chrissie.

“Me too,” Nisha agreed.

“So,” asked Dan, “do you two have plans for the summer?”

Nisha and Chrissie grinned at him and spoke at the same time. “Paris.”

He laughed. “Presumably without any children.”

“Exactly,” they said.