‘That’s okay, Dad.’ She felt like she should tell him she was too old for such a babyish nickname, but she secretly loved it so she didn’t. ‘What’s the conference?’

‘Emerging Destinations for Retailers,’ he said grandly with a wink. ‘Four days of networking, events and information sessions.’

‘Sounds fun,’ replied Claire.

Her dad laughed, a nice sound that filled the car. ‘Well, let’s see. I’d rather be home with you but that’s life. What’s your plan this week?’

Claire thought about telling him about her initiation ceremony on Monday into the Queen Bees. Even though it was one of the most exhilarating things she’d ever done in high school – even more exciting than winning the Young Writers award or being selected as the President for the debate team – she had a sudden premonition that he might not understand. She knew he certainly wouldn’t approve of the challenge she’d just completed. Her mother, on the other hand, would certainly approve of the Queen Bees.

‘Not much – you know – schoolwork, homework.’

‘Well, you have your GCSE exams coming up in June.’

‘Yep.’ Claire felt dread at the mere mention of her exams. Her teachers had predicted mainly straight As on the basis of the mock exams and she worked hard enough but there was always the anxiety that she might fail. Her father must have sensed her worry because he leaned over and patted her on the knee.

‘You’ll be fine. You work hard and your mock results were fantastic.’

She looked over at him gratefully. ‘Thanks, Dad.’

‘You need me to help you with anything? Test you?’

The offer made Claire feel guilty about letting her dad assume she was going to the library to study. She decided on the spot to check out a few textbooks and bring them home and do some reading that evening.

‘No, I’m fine, thanks, maybe closer to the time though.’

‘Anytime.’

The library came into sight and her dad slowed down the car. She could already see Anne waiting inside the foyer.

‘Thanks!’ she said jumping out of the car.

‘Hey, Claire Bear!’ he called. She turned around, one hand already on the door handle ready to slam it shut. ‘You need a lift home?’

‘I don’t think so, but I’ll call you. I think Anne mentioned her mum coming to pick us up.’

‘Okay, well, call me from the payphone if you need picking up. Have you got some change for the phone box?’ Claire watched him scrabble in his pocket.

‘I do, Dad,’ she replied eager to get into the library.

‘Well, here’s another ten pence just in case.’

She took it, shut the door, waved to him and ran up the steps. At the top, she saw her dad drive off and she opened the door to join Anne.