When April’s knee brushed against Nick’s, the thudding of her heart was as loud as the music. She could feel a tingling sensation running through her veins, but the heat turned to one of embarrassment when Nick moved his leg away. The rejection was twofold when he glanced over his shoulder. He was looking for Faith.

How had April not seen it before? Faith was older than Nick, and her friend had made it clear she wasn’t interested in a relationship, but these were barriers Nick thought he could overcome. April consoled herself with the thought that she wasn’t the only idiot. Nick didn’t stand a chance.

She straightened up, needing to get away before Nick worked out why she was flustered. Had he noticed how she had turned her cheek for a kiss when he arrived, or registered the touch of her knee, not to mention the cleavage she flaunted? It was bad enough to realise her own foolishness without being found out. She was scrambling for an excuse to leave when Tara tapped her shoulder.

‘Come on you two, this is our song.’

‘This?’ asked Nick, giving her a puzzled look. The DJ was playing, ‘I Predict a Riot’, by the Kaiser Chiefs.

‘It’s our group song,’ she explained. ‘No soppy ballads or simpering love songs for us. This is three minutes of shaking your fists at life. Now get up before I drag you up.’

The last comment was directed at April and she found herself doing as she was told. Tossing her bag on the table, she let Tara take her hand. Other members of the group appeared from nowhere and they all began leaping across the dance floor. It was exhilarating and liberating and just what April needed. She caught a glimpse of Faith prising Nick from his seat, but she no longer cared if he joined them. She had had a lucky escape and decided there were less humiliating ways of exorcising Jason’s ghost. Creating new playlists and binge-watching the last season of Game of Thrones might be a good start.

STATEMENT

The Widows’ Club @thewidowsclub

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11

Tinsel twinkled around April’s screen as she read through comments on her audit report, which had been out for consultation. It was late on Wednesday and she had until the end of the week to make the final amendments. Once the report was issued, her unrestricted access to the attendance system would be revoked.