Chapter Twenty
‘Someone looks happy,’ Daisy said as she joined Anna at their regular table in the Angel.
‘Do I?’ Anna could barely keep the smile off her face. She felt like she’d been grinning like a fool since the night of the exhibition.
‘I’ve seen that look before,’ Daisy said darkly. ‘And this time you can’t deny it.’
‘Deny what?’ Anna took a sip of her wine.
‘You know what. You and Daniel.’
‘Maybe.’ Anna’s smile widened even further.
Daisy groaned. ‘What is it with you and your bosses? Haven’t you learned anything from last time?’
‘This time it’s different.’
‘How is it different? He’s still your boss.’
‘Technically, yes, but things are changing.’
‘How so?’
Judging by the frown on Daisy’s face, Anna knew that she’d take some convincing. ‘I’m still working for Daniel, but he’s setting up a new project in Cheshire, so he’s going to be spending more time up there. Which will give me time to concentrate on my own photography.’
‘So it’s going to be a long-distance relationship? How’s that going to work?’
‘It doesn’t have to be long-distance, not initially anyway.’
‘How come?’
‘I’m thinking that when Daniel goes up to Cheshire, I can go with him, at least some of the time.’
Daisy had been about to take a sip of her wine but she banged her glass back on the table, causing some of the wine to spill over the top. ‘And how exactly does that further your own career? This is just typical of you, going in all guns blazing.’
‘I’m not,’ Anna protested. ‘And I have thought this through, I’m just not explaining it very well.’
‘Go on then,’ Daisy said, her face still sceptical.
‘Okay, well, the exhibition was a huge success, and Charlotte has done a brilliant job on my PR. So I’ve got to work hard on getting my next exhibition together while people still remember my name.’
‘And?’
‘And, when I first went to Cheshire with Daniel I took some pictures in Chester. It’s a fascinating city, so I’m going to contrast the buildings in that landscape to those here.’
‘And conveniently your work will take you to where he is when he’s there.’
‘Yes.’ Anna beamed. ‘It’s brilliant, isn’t it?’
‘Just be careful.’
Anna frowned. ‘What do you mean?’ She’d hoped her best friend would be happy for her, not critical of her.
‘Just that you’re pinning all your hopes on one person, and he does have a bit of a reputation, you said so yourself.’
‘He was very lonely for a long time after his wife left, but he’s not been like that recently.’
‘Since he met you, you mean?’
Anna could clearly hear the sarcasm in Daisy’s voice. She chose to ignore it, smiling instead. ‘Maybe. And he absolutely adores his son. Surely that’s a good reflection on his character?’
‘Maybe, but doesn’t that mean his son will always come first?’
‘That’s as it should be.’
‘What about his ex-wife? Will she always come first?’
‘No, of course she won’t. There’s a reason why she’s his ex, you know?’
‘Okay, have it your way.’ Daisy sighed.
‘Honestly, Daise, I thought you’d be pleased for me.’
‘I am. I just don’t want you to get hurt, that’s all.’
‘I won’t.’ Anna smiled at her. ‘I know what I’m doing.’
Daisy’s returning smile was rather more hesitant. ‘I hope so Anna, I really do.’
* * *
The following weekend saw Anna heading back up to Cheshire with Daniel. She was looking forward to spending the weekend with both Daniel and Ben, as well as getting on with her project. They’d set off late, so instead of picking Ben up from school, Daniel drove straight to Lucinda’s. Anna sat in the car while Daniel rang the doorbell to Lucinda’s impressive home.
Anna thought about the wealth this family must have amassed between them, and she remembered the conversation she’d had with Daisy. She knew Daisy thought she was getting in too deep too soon, and she had to admit, albeit only to herself, sometimes she was afraid Daisy was right. Not that she doubted Daniel’s feelings for her. Ever since the night of the exhibition they’d spent almost all their spare time together. They still had a good working relationship, but now that had been extended. She enjoyed cooking for him and enjoyed it even more when he cooked for her. After their meal they’d curl up on the sofa together to watch television, but they rarely managed to watch anything to the end because they soon became engrossed in each other. She couldn’t get enough of their lovemaking — Daniel seemed to know exactly which buttons to press to send her to heights of passion she’d never known before.
And while they were in their little cocoon, she was content and at peace, confident in his love for her. It was only when they ventured out into the world that the doubts crept in. Watching Lucinda, her head bent close to Daniel’s as they spoke on the doorstep, Anna’s anxiety edged up a notch. Ex-model Lucinda was completely at ease in Daniel’s world, as she was in this massive house in the country. She, Anna, was an East End girl, brought up in a small terraced house, who’d never experienced the wealth or lifestyle that came so naturally for these two. It made her wonder if she and Daniel had a long-term future or whether this was a happy dalliance that wouldn’t last. Lucinda looked up and stared at her, frowning, and then turned back to Daniel, gesticulating as she spoke. She noted that Daniel’s hands were clenched and his shoulders looked tense. He shook his head and she wondered what they were arguing about. Was it her? Then Ben appeared in the doorway and suddenly they were all smiles again. He was carrying a small weekend bag and kissed his mother goodbye, before heading confidently over to the car. He flung his bag onto the back seat.
‘Hi, Anna,’ he called out cheerily as he clambered in and did his seatbelt.
‘Hi, Ben, how are you?’
‘Good, thanks. Are you and Dad working this weekend?’
She knew that Daniel hadn’t told Ben about them yet, so she was careful in her answer. ‘Not your dad, no. But I’ve got some work to do in Chester, so your dad offered to put me up.’
‘That’s great. Will you be working all weekend?’
‘No, just Saturday, I think,’ she replied, keeping a careful eye on Daniel and Lucinda who had returned to their arguing stances. ‘It depends on how it goes really.’
‘Oh, that’s good. Do you think we might be able to go out together on Sunday, like we did before? I really enjoyed that.’
Anna smiled. Lucinda might not like her, but her son was a different matter. ‘I enjoyed it too. Maybe we can ask your dad. I don’t know what his plans are.’
‘Maybe we can ask him together? He won’t be able to say no if we both ask him.’
Anna laughed. ‘I think that’s a great idea.’
* * *
Anna spent a lovely day on Saturday wandering around Chester city centre. Whereas last time she’d taken in the sights that were iconic to the city, today she wandered round the back streets, focussing on the lesser-known architecture. She was fascinated by the city and thought it had been a day well spent. She was exhausted by the time she returned to Daniel’s house and was more than happy to play board games with Ben while Daniel cooked dinner. She found it hard not to touch Daniel while she was here, used to the familiarity of each other when they were in London, but she knew he wasn’t ready to reveal their relationship to Ben. Not being able to touch him during the day was a price she was willing to pay just to be here.
‘So, the weather forecast looks good for tomorrow,’ Daniel said as he served up dinner. ‘Who fancies going to the zoo?’
‘Yeah!’ Ben shouted. ‘I love going there!’
‘I haven’t been to a zoo for ages,’ Anna said. ‘So that’s good for me too. Might get some photo opportunities as well.’
‘I’m going to take my camera!’ Ben said enthusiastically.
‘So you’re a photographer too?’ Anna asked, surprised.
‘Yes, I love it. Dad bought me a camera and showed me how to use it properly.’
Daniel grinned. ‘And he’s pretty good.’
‘Must be in the genes.’ Anna smiled at them both.
‘Must be,’ Daniel replied.
‘Why don’t you take some photos as well, Dad? Then we can have a competition to see who takes the best.’
Anna nodded. ‘That sounds like a really good idea.’
Daniel groaned. ‘Sounds more like a busman’s holiday to me, but yes, count me in.’
* * *
As predicted, the weather was sunny the next morning. Daniel and Anna were up bright and early to pack a picnic before they left. She was so happy that she felt like singing as she worked. She liked spending time with Daniel on her own, but she realised that time with him and Ben was just as special. Although she didn’t feel she had any right to it, she thought they made a proper family unit.
* * *
Daniel watched with pride as Anna and Ben oohed and ahhed at the animals in competition with each other. He hung back, letting them get the best shots, happy to watch how well they got on together. Anna’s enthusiasm was incredible — the fact that they both seemed at ease in each other’s company was extremely important to him. The only real fly in the ointment was Lucinda. She’d been pretty scathing about Anna when he’d gone to pick up Ben, had instantly guessed their relationship was a lot deeper than he’d been letting on. And judging by the catty remarks she’d made about Anna, he wouldn’t be surprised if she was the tiniest bit jealous. Not that she had any right to be, as she had Axel. But he suspected that, while she didn’t want him for herself, she didn’t want anyone else to have him either. She’d just have to get used to the idea. Anna was in his life and that was the way it was going to stay.
Later that afternoon, as a roast chicken cooked in the oven, they judged the photographs they’d all taken that day. Ben won of course, as he’d taken some amazing photographs, which made Daniel incredibly proud. Ben had many hobbies, but it gave Daniel a special buzz to think that he was following in his own footsteps. He would never dictate what Ben should do with his future — Daniel would always encourage his son to follow his heart — but he was glad they had a shared interest. They spent so little time together.
* * *
Back in London, having returned from their time in Cheshire, Anna’s phone rang with an unknown number.
‘Hi, is that Anna?’
‘Yes,’ she answered cautiously.
‘I’m Eva, I don’t know if you remember me?’
‘Eva, from the fashion show?’
‘That’s right.’
‘Of course I remember you. How are you?’
Eva gave a small laugh. ‘Well, let’s just say I’ve been better.’
‘Are you still in hospital?’
‘Yes, I’m going to be here for a while.’ Her voice cracked. ‘They had to amputate my leg.’
‘Oh!’ Anna cried out. ‘I’m so sorry. I could see that it was in a bad way. I put a tourniquet around the top of your leg — you were losing a lot of blood.’
‘You did that?’ Eva’s voice was quiet.
‘Yes, I’m sorry it didn’t work.’
‘But it did. I may have lost my leg but I’m still here, and that’s thanks to you.’
‘Oh, I see.’ Anna was humbled. ‘I’m glad I could help.’ Once more she was thankful that she’d gone on that first aid course for The Whigmore. Some kind of instinct or retained learning must have kicked in, and it meant Eva was still alive.
‘You did more than help.’
‘I did come to see you at the hospital.’
‘I know, that’s where I got your number from. You left a note.’
‘Yes, of course I did. Sorry, I’m not thinking straight.’
‘It’s probably a shock to hear from me.’
‘Yes, it is a bit.’
‘Well, the thing is, I wonder if you can come and see me? I’ve got a favour to ask.’
‘Of course, whenever you like.’
‘How about tomorrow?’
‘Tomorrow?’ Tomorrow Daniel was heading back up to Cheshire to do some research on his photography school project, and she’d been planning to go with him . . . but this seemed more important. She could always get the train up afterwards. ‘Tomorrow’s fine. What time?’
* * *
Anna sat next to Eva’s bed, feeling humbled by the young woman. She was obviously in a lot of pain, had lost her leg and probably her livelihood, all from being in the wrong place at the wrong time. And yet here she was, looking positively upbeat.
‘I can’t believe that after everything that’s happened to you, you’ve still got a smile on your face.’
‘Oh, don’t get me wrong, I have my bad days. I’ve lost so much, and life will never be the same again. But then I think about the people who didn’t survive and I give myself a stern talking to. Which is why I asked you to come and see me today.’
‘You wanted to ask me a favour?’
‘Yes, that’s right. I’ve been reading a lot about you recently. Since your exhibition. I’d have loved to have come and seen it, but obviously . . .’ She looked towards her leg.
‘I’m working on another one — maybe next time?’
‘I’ll definitely be there if I can. I’ve seen some of the photos online and they look incredible.’
‘Thank you.’ Anna felt the heat rise in her face. She didn’t know if she’d ever get used to hearing praise about her work.
‘And you work for Daniel Redfern, is that right?’
‘Yes. That’s why we were at the fashion show. I’m his assistant.’
‘And he took the photos that have been in Fashionista .’
Eva handed her the magazine and Anna saw the model’s face staring out at her. She couldn’t believe the difference between the woman in the glossy pages to the diminutive person in the hospital bed, with no make-up and her blonde hair scraped back into a ponytail. Not that she wasn’t still beautiful, she just looked very different.
‘We weren’t sure what to do with the photos at first. We sent the unedited versions over to the magazine so the police could see them, but then they asked us to edit the ones of people who either died or who were injured, as they wanted to do a tribute to them. They did ask for your permission, didn’t they?’
‘Oh yes, of course they did.’
‘I wasn’t sure whether people would think it distasteful. But it wasn’t my decision to make.’
Eva took the magazine back from her and focused on the pictures in front of her. ‘I think they handled it really well. It’s not distasteful at all. At least I don’t think so, and it’s wonderful to have a record of what life was like the moment before it all changed.’
‘Oh!’ Anna said. ‘I’m not sure whether to be happy or sad about that.’
‘It is what it is.’ Eva forced a smile. ‘I didn’t mean to make you maudlin. I like the pictures. In fact, I think they’re brilliant, which is why I asked you here.’
‘Go on.’
‘I want to document my recovery on Instagram. I want people to know that, as devastating as losing a limb is, it’s not the end. I will recover from this and I will go on to do bigger and better things.’
Anna was speechless. She was astounded by Eva’s bravery and determination. Eventually she found the words. ‘I have absolutely no doubt that you will.’
‘And the favour I’m asking, is will you photograph it for me? I’ll pay you of course.’
‘No!’ Anna said, and then realising Eva could take her response the wrong way, hastily added, ‘I mean, yes, of course I’ll photograph you, but I wouldn’t dream of taking any payment.’
‘But you must.’
‘No. I want to do this for you and I’ll be offended if you even mention money again.’
Eva nodded. ‘Fair enough.’
‘So, when do we start?’
‘How about tomorrow? I’ve got a physio session to help me develop strength in my upper body. That should be a laugh.’
Anna smiled at Eva’s self-deprecating humour. It would mean putting her Cheshire plans on hold, but she really wanted to do this. More so, she needed to do it.
‘Tell me when and where, and I’ll be there.’