“You could just say I’m a friend,” he suggested. “But I’ll flirt with you all night to annoy your ex.”
“It’s not even about annoying him. I just don’t want everyone to see me as an object of pity.”
He lifted an eyebrow as his gaze bored into her. “I really can’t imagine that.”
“They think I can’t move on from Hayden.”
“You’re not over him?” he asked, his voice tinged with surprise.
“I am,” she said, but didn’t sound convincing even to her own ears. “I just didn’t meet anyone else like he did, so I guess they think I’m not really over it.”
“Did you already tell your friends that you’re bringing someone?”
“Yes. I messaged Frannie last night. But I was vague about our relationship.” She glanced at the door, keeping an eye out for Frannie. “Let’s get back to your parents. I can figure out a plan for the party later.”
The crowd had thinned in the large hall, but it still took them a few minutes to reach her table at the back of the room. Warren’s dad was deep in conversation with the woman selling knitted baby clothes on the next table, while his mum straightened out the wreaths.
“There you are! I sold a wreath. I’m very proud of myself.Not that I should be. They’re so pretty they practically sell themselves.”
“Thanks so much,” Anna said. “I really appreciate it.”
“Did you get something to eat?” Jen asked.
“Yes. That should keep me going for the rest of the afternoon.” Anna was about to slip around the table when movement in her peripheral vision caught her attention.
“Hi!” Frannie said, waving enthusiastically as she approached. “I’ve been looking for you.” She kissed Anna’s cheek and gave her a quick squeeze. When her eyes went to Warren, Anna’s cheeks heated.
“Sorry,” Frannie said. “I’ll come back later when you don’t have customers.”
As much as Anna wanted to let her go, that would make things pretty weird when Frannie met Warren next weekend.
“Actually, this is Warren.” She waved her hand towards him in a weird flourish.
Frannie sucked in a gasp. “The mystery man!” An approving smile flittered onto her lips as she looked Warren over. “It’s so great that you can come to the party.” She gave a small shake of the head and extended her hand. “Sorry, I’m Frannie. Lovely to meet you.”
“I’m looking forward to the party,” Warren said with a genuine smile.
“It’s going to be great.” She put a hand on Anna’s arm. “I look forward to the Christmas ball all year, don’t I? It’s always a fantastic atmosphere.” Her gaze shot back to Warren. “Anna didn’t mention if you’d be staying the night?”
Internally, Anna grimaced. She hadn’t mentioned to Warren that it was an overnight event – or even considered that. Not that she needed him to stay; just having him there for the party would be enough.
“Unfortunately, I have to work on Sunday morning, so I’llprobably have to drive back after the party.” He gave Anna a look, apparently unsure whether he was saying the right thing.
“You’re still staying, though, Anna? You can’t miss out on Sunday brunch.” She beamed at Warren. “Most people will be nursing hangovers. It’s quite entertaining.”
Anna nodded. “I’ll stay. I was going to ask Kylie for a lift home on Sunday.” She’d be going her way anyway, so she couldn’t imagine it being a problem.
“It’s a shame you have to work,” Frannie said to Warren. “What is it you do?”
“I’m a chef,” he said, looking oddly nervous as his eyes darted to his mum.
“And you have to work on Sunday morning?” Frannie asked.
“Breakfast at the hotel restaurant,” he explained.
“Oh, right, of course. That makes sense.”
“He was lucky to get Saturday evening off,” Anna put in. “His working hours are fairly antisocial.” An excuse that would come in handy if she was going to keep up the pretence of their relationship. No doubt any invitations from her friends would include him in the future.
