* * *
There was no doubt that Mark had unnerved her. But while there were still people in the gallery, Anna knew that she had to put a brave face on and pretend she couldn’t be happier. In reality, all she wanted to do was to go home and climb into bed. Success was not the delight she had imagined it would be.
An hour later and the rest of the stragglers were getting ready to leave. Charlotte bustled over.
‘Well, Anna, I think that’s what you’d call an unmitigated success. You’re going to be the talk of the town.’
Anna smiled but didn’t mention that she didn’t want to be the talk of the town. Yes, she wanted her work to be successful, but she’d rather keep everything else private. After tonight, though, she wondered if that would be possible.
‘Thank you, Charlotte, for everything you’ve done.’
‘Although next time, maybe choose a different gallery,’ Daniel added. He’d stuck by her for the rest of the evening and Anna was grateful. She liked to think of herself as a strong, independent woman, but with Mark still in the room, glowering at her whenever she caught sight of him, it was comforting to have Daniel by her side.
Charlotte frowned. ‘Why?’
‘Let’s just say it ruffled a few feathers and not in a good way.’ He glanced towards Mark — Charlotte followed his gaze.
‘He’s my ex,’ Anna added.
Charlotte clapped her hand to her mouth. ‘Oh my God! Why didn’t you say? I thought it was just your job you were moving on from.’
‘Because by the time you told us it was too late,’ Daniel answered for her.
Charlotte looked contrite. ‘I’m really sorry, I’ll make sure you don’t have to have anything to do with him for the rest of the exhibition. I’ll deal with everything.’
‘Thanks, Charlotte. That means a lot,’ Anna said.
‘Good, well, now that’s over and done with, who fancies going somewhere for a little celebration?’
‘Not for me,’ Anna said. ‘I think I’d rather just go home.’
‘Oh, but you must celebrate!’ Charlotte said.
‘Another time maybe.’ She knew she was disappointing Charlotte, and that Charlotte was obviously on a high, but she suddenly felt drained, with no energy whatsoever. ‘I think I’ll just get a taxi home.’
‘I’ll come with you,’ Daniel said. ‘You can drop me off on the way.’
Charlotte shook her head. ‘You are a pair of killjoys! Never mind, I’ll finish up here, deal with his lordship over there. You two get off.’
* * *
Outside, the air hit Anna in a refreshing wave and she gulped it in, glad to be out of the gallery and its confines.
‘It’s a shame he ruined your big night,’ Daniel said, standing close behind her on the pavement.
‘What’s done is done.’ She sighed wearily.
‘But whatever he did, everyone else loved you. Hang on to that.’
‘I will,’ she said, and yawned.
‘You’re tired. Why don’t you stay at mine tonight? It’s a much shorter journey and you’re welcome to my spare room.’
Her instinct was to go home, sleep in her own bed, but Daniel’s was much closer. His spare room was also much more comfortable than her single bed at home. It might be nice to have some company. His company. She knew she was treading on dangerous ground, but tonight she had enjoyed him standing beside her. The thought of leaving him filled her with sadness. ‘Okay, I’ll just message my dad to let him know I’m with you and I’ll be back tomorrow.’
‘Have you eaten anything today?’
She shook her head. ‘No, I’ve been far too nervous.’
