“For now,” I say, grinning. He puts his arm around me and we follow Jamie and Millie out of the dining hall and into the corridor.
In the distance we can see Kara, Jade and Zach waiting outside the Head’s office.
Jamie lets out a small snigger, which is all it takes to set us all off. We laugh so hard we’re bent practically double.
“Did you see Jade’s face when that smoothie went over her?” Danny says.
“And the stuff about snogging like an Alsatian. That was genius,” Millie says.
“It was true,” I giggle. “He was disgusting.”
“Can we not talk about you kissing Zach?” Danny says, sounding slightly pained.
“Sorry. I’ll never mention it again,” I promise, nestling into Danny’s side.
“That was amazing,” Jamie says, as he and Millie put their arms around each other. “I never imagined they’d turn on each other like that.”
And he’s right. It was amazing.
Right now, I couldn’t be happier. I’m with my fabulous boyfriend. I have the best friends on the planet, and justice has been served. All is good in the world.
“Star Wars tomorrow night at Jamie’s, then?” Danny asks, grabbing hold of my hand tightly. “You up for that, guys?”
“Sounds good,” Millie says.
“Deffo,” Jamie adds.
I roll my eyes. I guess some things will never change.
But deep down, I wouldn’t really want them to.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Hurrah, hurrah, this is as close to an Oscar acceptance speech moment that I’m ever likely to get, so I fully intend to make the most of it. There are heaps of people I need to thank who have helped in various ways over the years, so I hope I don’t forget anyone. I’m sorry if it’s you.
First of all, a million thank yous to Adrian Hughes, because I honestly couldn’t have done this without you. You’re the world’s greatest husband, supporter and ego booster, and always have an enormous amount of faith in everything I do.
Mum and Dad, for being fantastic parents and always ensuring there were stacks of books around while I was growing up. One of the greatest gifts you gave me was the love of reading. Mum, I wish you could see this, you would be so excited. I miss you, and your unfailing support, every single day.
Oliver, who has the best laugh in the world and always makes me smile.
The rest of my family, (Saunders, Wood and Griffiths alike), especially Rob, Laurie and Grace.
My lovely editor, Sara Starbuck, and the fantastic team at Templar, with shout outs to Helen Boyle, Emma Goldhawk and Will Steele.
Marie-Louise Jensen, Kelley Townley, Karen Priest, Gemma Green and Eleanor Hawken, who always had genius suggestions on how to improve things.
Gill and John McLay, for their friendship, encouragement and support.
Julia Green, for helping in so many ways during my time on the MA in Writing for Young People.
Ali Hill, Catherine & Ian Sparrowhawk, Jo Nadin, Moira Bowler, Kay Woodward and Vicki Shepherdson, for providing laughter, encouragement and kicks up the backside when needed.
Sarah Henley for the science advice, although the science scenes eventually got cut out. Sorry, Sarah.
Evan Green, who wasn’t at all fazed when I randomly asked him to translate ‘I’ve lost my sausage’ into German.
And last, but by no means least, Lindsey Fraser, who has always been there with her pom-poms, cheering for Suzy the loudest of them all.
A TEMPLAR BOOK
First published in the UK in 2013 by Templar Publishing,
an imprint of The Templar Company Limited,
Deepdene Lodge, Deepdene Avenue, Dorking, Surrey,
RH5 4AT, UK
www.templarco.co.uk
This ebook edition first published in 2013 by Templar Publishing
All rights reserved
Copyright © 2013 by Karen Saunders
The right of Karen Saunders to be identified as author of this work has been asserted in accordance with Section 77 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
Cover illustration by AT Rock
This ebook is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any way except as specifically permitted in writing by the publishers, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorised distribution or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author’s and publisher’s rights, and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly.
ISBN (ePub) 978–1–84877–812–2
ISBN (Mobi) 978–1–84877–813–9
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