Page 29 of Lost in Love

Anna pushed her lips out and slowly nodded. “Good to know our friendship is being built on pity.”

Katherine appeared instantly remorseful at what she had said. “To be honest, it’s not. Not on my part anyway. In that way it’s built on envy.”

“You envy me?”

Whatever lay beneath Katherine’s surface must be tragic if she envied Anna’s life.

“You have someone to care about.”

Anna knew she was right. When life was boiled down to its component parts, that was the backbone of it. She was about to respond, but Katherine got there first and changed the subject.

“How are you doing? Medically, I mean.”

“I feel fine. It certainly helps knowing I have someone reliable to fall back on if I need it. Literally, in some cases.”

Katherine smiled. “This new tour must have taken a lot of work. You must have written it in, what, a week?”

“Pretty much, but I had a lot prepared from when I created the tour originally. It was more a case of making everything I had cohesive.”

They reached the bench by the abbey entrance, and Katherine lifted her bag onto it.

Anna eyed it suspiciously.

“I know this isn’t exactly professional, but do you mind if I just check your blood pressure?”

Anna knew it wasn’t worth the effort to put up a fight and so she sat, placing her arm on the bench.

Katherine extracted a box from her bag and proceeded to strap the machine onto Anna’s arm. “Thanks, if only to put my mind at rest that it hasn’t gone up.”

The machine whirred away until it finally hissed.

Katherine pulled her lips straight. “Okay.”

“Just okay?” Anna raised her eyebrows.

“Yes, just okay. It hasn’t gone up at least.” Katherine put the machine back in her bag. “I was chatting to your dad, and he asked if I could take him to the library in future. He says he always feels a little rushed, and as it’s one of the few times he gets out of the house, he’d like to spend more time there.”

Anna shrugged and stared at her feet.

Katherine continued. “I also wondered if I could take him out a bit more. Maybe for a walk down the high street or to the tearoom?”

“He’s a grown man. If he wants you to take him, then… that’s fine.” She knew it was a positive move. There would be less for her to deal with, and he would be happier. A sadness swept through her.

“Anna, I got this.” Katherine placed a hand on her shoulder. “He still needs you and will very much continue to.”

“I know.” Anna nodded. “Thanks for being there for him, for us.”

Katherine squeezed her shoulder before letting go. “Right. If you’re done with me?”

“Yes, thanks for coming.”

“No problem, I enjoyed it.”

“I’ll see you soon, maybe?” Anna raised her eyebrows hopefully.

“No doubt.” Katherine stood still for a moment as if deep in thought, then flashed Anna a smile before walking away.

Anna watched her, feeling deflated they hadn’t made any arrangements to spend time together again. Katherine was so difficult to read it was infuriating.