‘Wasn’t she worried that you’d be in competition with each other?’
‘No, it’s a completely different market. She’s catering for the hobbyist who can afford it. It was interesting to see what courses she runs, although I think mine will have to be more structured, maybe even leading to a qualification.’
‘That could mean a lot of red tape.’
‘Yes, it would. So I went around a couple of colleges to see what they’re offering. I’m still not sure I know which way I want to go with this, but the research is good. I don’t want to commit to anything before I’m good and ready.’
‘So it looks like we’re going to be spending more time apart then?’
‘Unless you come with me?’ He reached for her hand.
‘Well, I still need to do some more work on my Chester exhibition, but after that I don’t know what I’ll be doing.’
He squeezed her hand. ‘I don’t like being away from you any more than you do, but whatever happens we’ll make it work.’
‘We’ll just have to, won’t we?’ She’d realised that being apart from him for a while was better than not having him at all.
‘You know why I’m doing this, don’t you?’
‘Of course. I know how much you miss seeing Ben, and I’d never begrudge you spending more time with him. How is he?’
‘Great.’ The way Daniel’s face lit up when he spoke about his son made her realise the joy he’d miss out on if he didn’t see more of him. She could never stand in the way of that. ‘In fact, he breaks up for the summer on Wednesday, and Lucinda was talking about bringing him down here for a week during the holidays.’
Anna nearly choked on a mouthful of food. ‘Really? I thought she hated London.’
‘She hated living here. But Axel’s going to be down here recording, so she’s coming with him. She thought it might be nice for me to see more of Ben without me doing the travelling.’
‘That’s nice of her.’ Anna could barely keep the scepticism out of her voice. From what Daniel had said, however much they tried to make it work for Ben, it had largely been on her terms.
‘She was a bit frosty when I first told her about us, but maybe she’s coming round to the idea.’
‘Maybe.’ Anna didn’t believe that for a second.
Daniel leaned back in his chair. ‘Enough about my ex-wife. Tell me all about your meeting with Eva.’
‘Oh, she’s so amazing. I can’t believe how upbeat she is.’
‘It’s good that you’re helping her.’
‘How could I not? And I’m enjoying it. She’s great to be around and I think it’s important people realise the long-term effects these things have.’
‘Yes. Once the headlines disappear, it’s easy to forget about it, but not for those who were there or lost someone.’
‘No, it’s not.’
‘Still having nightmares?’
She nodded. ‘Although I think I’ll sleep better tonight with you by my side.’
‘I think I will too.’ He smiled.
* * *
It was great to have Daniel back — they soon fell into a routine of working together and separately on their individual projects. Eva’s Instagram posts were getting great engagement and she’d even been asked to do some magazine articles, for which she had insisted that Anna provide the photographs. It felt strange going out on shoots where she was the lead photographer rather than the assistant. But Daniel was on hand to give her all the advice she needed, and plenty of moral support. Sometimes she wanted to pinch herself — she could barely believe she’d been catapulted into the career she’d always dreamed of, with a handsome and loving partner who supported her all the way. When she compared it to the life she had had only a few months ago, which had consisted of drudgery, conflict and heartache, she was amazed to realise how far she’d come in such a short time. She just hoped that nothing would come along to burst the bubble.
* * *
Anna was just packing up in the studio late the following Wednesday when her phone rang. She picked it up from the desk, startled to see Jack’s name flash up on the screen. No one had heard from him since he’d left, though she’d tried to contact him several times.
