“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.
Chapter Fifty-One
It was probably the first time that Anna had arrived early to a party – but after spending a day and a half battling with her business plan, she just wanted to get out of the house.
Carla always claimed New Year’s Eve was her favourite night of the year, so Anna had fully expected to find her at the hotel bar when she got there, but she was nowhere to be seen. After giving her a glass of wine, Ivy told her she should finish her shift soon, before moving away to serve more customers.
A quick glance around the dining room told Anna that most people were on dessert. That meant Warren should also finish work before long. She glanced at her watch and fought the urge to go into the kitchen looking for him – she’d already messaged him to say she was on her way, so he’d join her when he could.
The worst thing about sitting at the bar on her own was the speed at which her wine went down. At the rate she was going, she’d be drunk by the time anyone joined her.
Thankfully, it wasn’t long before Warren appeared.
“You look good,” she said, running a hand down the front of his dark shirt.
“Thanks.” He gave her a kiss, but failed to focus on her. “Have you seen Lewis?”
“No.”
“I’m going to check and see if he’s in the office.”
Anna clenched her teeth. “Nice to see you, too.”
“Sorry. I just really want to talk to him before the evening gets into full swing.”
“Fine. I’ll just continue sitting here on my own.”
“Where’s Carla?”
“I don’t know. I’ll message her.” She fumbled in her bag, then let out a low groan. “I think I forgot my phone.”
She’d messaged Warren just before she was about to set off, and vaguely remembered setting her phone aside to put her coat on.
“You don’t need your phone. Everyone you want to hang out with will be here soon.”
He was right, but it did nothing to make her feel better. “Why do I feel as though this night is going to be a disaster? I was fed up with being at home, but now I’m wishing I hadn’t left my couch.”
“What’s wrong?” he asked with a frown.
