Chapter 7 Anna—Unexpected allies and fragile hope
Anna took a deep breath as she clued in Mel and Rosa over the phone that night.
Mason had texted some rubbish about workshops and schedules.
She’d just responded with “Okay, thanks xx.” It had killed her to add the kisses.
She’d typed and deleted them three times before hitting send.
Tears were still her go-to response to pretty much anything, but she felt herself becoming stronger.
Her feelings of heartbreak and her fears of not being enough brought on tears but feeling like a fool and thinking about his betrayal brought on pure anger.
Mel was appropriately sympathetic, but Anna could tell she was getting swept up in the adventure of it all.
Rosa was still stuck in rage mode. At some point, Anna was going to have to talk to Eliza and her dad, but she pushed the thought away.
Her dad would likely ring Mason to confront him, and she couldn’t risk that right now.
She’d just ended her call with Rosa and Mel when her phone buzzed.
Unknown number: Is this Anna? Mason’s partner?
She checked her contacts. Nope, it wasn’t Shane. His number had been programmed in.
Anna: Yes, who is this?
Unknown number: Consider me a friend. Or at least the enemy of your enemy.
Anna was intrigued. The phone rang. Unknown number. She answered.
“Hello?”
“Hi, um Anna?” a feminine voice asked.
“Yes.”
“We’ve met but you may not remember me, though I’m sure you’ve heard my name. This is Lilah, from Mason’s work.”
“Is everything okay Lilah?”
“Yes, at my end. Look, I don’t know how to say this. I think Mason is a dick. I don’t even really know you and I know you can do better. I’m ringing because he left our drinks tonight with someone and they went to the same floor, even though he’s on the floor above her in the room next to me.”
Anna’s eyes watered. It was one thing to know Mason was cheating, but another to know that full sex between the man she loved and some random work bitch was potentially happening now in real time.
Lilah spoke again, her voice gentle.
“Do you want me to hang up Anna?”
“No, I’m sorry. I’m just stunned but not stunned, if you know what I mean. I suspected. I mean, I feel like I knew but hearing it from someone else ...”
“Do you know who she is, Anna?” Lilah asked.
“Yes, I think so, but please tell me anyway.”
“Her name is April. She’s a snobby bitch from accounts. She’s married and not hugely popular here, except with a few select men, including Mason. I’m so sorry honey,” Lilah finished.
“Thanks. I’m beginning to think Mason was unfair about you,” Anna choked out. She was clearly crying but Lilah was being kind and didn’t press her on it.
“Is there anything you want to know? I mean, I have no solid proof, but they’ve been pretty close.
Lots of lunches. She has flowers on her desk sometimes, and I don’t get the impression they’re from her husband.
She always takes the card out and hides it in her purse after looking around like a sneaky rat to see if anyone saw the card. ”
“Thanks Lilah. I’m just gonna sit with it for a while. Don’t say anything to him. I’ll speak to him when he gets home on Sunday,” Anna said.
There was silence.
“Hello? Lilah?”
“I’m here. We get back Wednesday morning, honey. This is a two-day conference.”
Anna stilled and the tears began again. Of course it was a two-day conference. The other five days were the April–Mason Fuck Fest of 2025. Well, at least one of their 2025 fuck fests. Maybe fuck fests had happen in 2024. Who knew at this point?
Lilah filled the silence.
“If you want me to do something, I’ll do it. I’ll take pictures if I see anything worth capturing but I’m only here for the next two days. Call me if you need anything Anna. I’m so sorry. I can’t stand your weasel of a fiancé, but you seem nice. Too nice for him. I truly am sorry.”
“Thanks Lilah, I’ll manage.”
After exchanging a final thank you and goodbye, Anna ended the call. She wanted to call Rosa or Mel but found herself pulling up Shane’s contact.
Anna: I was waiting to hear from you but have something to tell you. The conference only runs for two days. The rest of the company are back Wednesday morning. Mason’s coworker texted me to tell me that they’re together right now.
Shane: Ok. Thanks for letting me know.
How blasé was this man about his wife’s affair? Even if he didn’t care, how was he so cold toward another human being who was being betrayed? Fatigue, frustration, sadness, anger, and feelings of hopelessness warred inside her. She moved her fingers furiously over the screen.
Anna: You may be used to a shitty relationship, but I’m not. If you don’t want to talk, just fuck off and lose my number. I’ll do this on my own. Best of luck with your wife.
Anna pushed her phone aside and felt satisfied.
This standing-up-for-yourself business felt good once you moved past the shakes and racing heart.
She stood and stretched. Maybe she’d actually get some sleep that night.
So much emotion over the last few days had exhausted her to her bones.
At some point, sleep surely would just take her. Her phone buzzed.
Shane: You free tomorrow night?
Anna: Are you going to be an asshole?
Shane: Maybe. I think it’s my default setting at the moment. I’ll try not to be, I promise. Dinner, 7pm? You know that Mexican place on High Street?
Anna: Yes. Tacos are my thing.
Shane: See you there.
His message, while not hugely comforting, gave Anna some hope. Hope of what, she had no idea. What did she expect him to do? Maybe it was just a “misery loves company” thing. At the very least, she had tacos to look forward to.