Chapter 50
Chapter Fifty
A nna wasn’t sure if the rate at which she’d gotten used to waking up with Warren was a good thing or not, but she missed him when she rolled over the following morning to find the other side of her bed empty.
When she’d left Carla’s flat late in the evening, she’d been tempted to go to Warren’s place but had decided that a night apart wouldn’t do any harm.
When he called her an hour after she woke, she smiled at the sound of his voice and didn’t hesitate to agree when he invited himself over for breakfast. After that, he’d go with her to view the shop.
“How’s Carla?” he asked, peeling his coat off after greeting her with a kiss.
“She’s fine.”
He followed her into the kitchen and leaned against the counter. “What’s going on with her?”
Anna sank onto a chair at the table by the window. “She’s just been working a lot. She’s tired. And I feel kind of bad that I’ve been so caught up with my life that I didn’t check how she was doing. ”
“But she’s okay?”
Anna nodded. “Yeah. But let’s not talk about Carla.”
“Why not?”
She shrugged. “Mostly because every time we talk about my sister, it involves you saying how annoying she is, and I don’t really feel like listening to that today.” She’d meant to sound jokey, but the words came out full of bitterness. “Sorry,” she whispered.
He moved to sit on the other side of the small table. “I’m very fond of Carla,” he said slowly. “And I’d hate to think that I’ve done something to upset her.”
“Why would you think you’ve upset her?”
“I just got the impression that maybe whatever is going on with her is something to do with me. A while ago you accused me of flirting with her, so now I’m wondering if she also thought I was flirting with her…”
“No.”
“So I didn’t accidentally lead her on or anything like that? I always thought we were friends with good banter.”
“I think that’s exactly what you are. And I know you’re fond of her, but she’s upset, and that makes me upset.”
“But it’s nothing to do with me?”
She gave a one-shouldered shrug.
He swore under his breath. “That time she called me about the spider… was there more to that request, and it went completely over my head?”
“I’m not supposed to talk to you about it.”
“Right.” He nodded, looking thoughtful. “When she called, I’d just got home from work, and it had been a stressful shift. I was kind of mean to her.”
Anna nodded too. “I think you definitely killed any romantic notions she had towards you.”
“Well, now I feel terrible.” He scrubbed a hand down his face. “What should I do? ”
“Nothing.”
“Should I apologise?”
“No! I wasn’t supposed to tell you any of this.
Pretend you don’t know anything. Besides, I really don’t think it’s an issue now.
I guess she’s just been reflecting on the year and her life, and she’s stressing that she’s lacking direction.
She thinks Lewis and I have our lives all figured out, and she feels left behind or something.
I think it’s more about that than anything to do with you. ”
“Okay.” He reached over and took her hand. “Should I stop teasing her?”
“No. Don’t act differently around her or she’ll know I said something to you. She’ll be mortified… and then she’ll be furious with me. Just carry on as normal.”
“All right.” He squeezed her hand. “What do you want for breakfast? We should hurry up so we’re not late for the viewing.”
“Sit down,” she said when he got up. “I’m going to cook for you for a change.”
“Yeah?”
She hovered over him and kissed him softly. “Thank you for sending dinner over yesterday.”
“You’re welcome.”
If Warren hadn’t gone with her, she’d have backed out of viewing the shop premises. As soon as they met Greg Prince, the estate agent, she felt overwhelmed, and then completely out of her depth when he asked her questions about her interest in the building.
It wasn’t as though it mattered what the guy in the suit thought about her business ideas, but she felt oddly pressured to say the right things. Thankfully, as they wandered through the downstairs of the building, Warren did a great job of making small talk.
“The upstairs was previously a flat, which was also used as an art studio,” Mr Prince said as they followed him up the stairs. “It’s completely open plan, but could easily be modified.”
Anna walked around the large space. A bathroom and kitchenette were located at the back, and the large windows at the front let in copious amounts of light, which glinted off the polished wooden floor and brightened the white walls.
“What do you think?” Warren asked when she stood looking out onto the road.
“I’m not sure.”
“This would be perfect for holding workshops and classes, wouldn’t it?” He stood close beside her, his presence reassuringly calm. “And the downstairs is a good size for a flower shop. I realise I’m no expert, but it seems great.”
“Yeah, it does,” she said without enthusiasm.
Mr Prince looked at his phone, which lit up in his hand. “I’ll leave you to have a look around at your leisure. I’ll be downstairs if you have any more questions.” He was halfway down the stairs when he answered his phone, and his voice faded the further away he got.
“Do you like it?” Warren said, touching Anna’s elbow.
“It’s a lovely building. And it would work perfectly for what I’d need.”
He pursed his lips. “But?”
“I don’t know.” She scanned the room. “I guess I’ve had this idea of what I want to do for so long… and the reality of it is a little overwhelming.”
“That’s understandable. It’s not as though you need to decide now.”
“I couldn’t if I wanted to. I didn’t even make a business plan, and I don’t know if I’d be able to get a bank loan.”
“Would you want to get a bank loan? ”
Her shoulders sank. “You think I should ask Lewis for the money?”
“It would save you a heck of a lot of interest.”
“I suppose I would ask Lewis for the money.” He’d give it to her without question – she didn’t doubt that for a moment.
“I’d probably apply for a bank loan first, just to see if the bank thinks it’s a sound business plan.
I’d feel better knowing that I could theoretically get a bank loan, even if I borrow the money from Lewis. ”
He put a hand on her shoulder, and his fingers crept up to caress her neck. “I’m sure you would make a success of it if it’s what you want.”
“Thank you.” She leaned into him, taking comfort from his sturdy stature. “I need to think it all through.”
Downstairs, they thanked the estate agent and got back in Warren’s car.
“Have you got time to come in?” she asked outside her place.
Checking the time, he shook his head. “I need to get to the hotel.”
“Thank you for coming with me.”
“You’re welcome. What are your plans for the rest of the day?”
She sighed heavily. “I think I’ll make a start on a business plan.”
“Good luck,” he said with a small smile. “Will I see you later?”
“Do you want to come here after work?”
“I’d love to.” He leaned across the console to kiss her.
Anna had her fingers on the door handle when she paused and turned back. “Have you been in touch with Lewis at all?”
“Yeah. I messaged him this morning to ask when he’d be back.”
“And? ”
“Tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully, I can grab him for a chat before the New Year’s celebrations get into full swing.”
“You could also wait and speak to him later.”
He shook his head. “I want to get it out of the way. Then I can start the year with all that behind me.”
“He’ll be fine about it,” Anna said, giving his arm a squeeze.
“I hope so,” he replied, but didn’t look at all convinced.