Page 38 of Lost in Love

Katherine was surprised to see Harry answer the door when she arrived at Anna’s house later that day.

“Harry, I was expecting Anna to be home.”

“Come in, doc. She’s in the garden.” He shuffled himself backwards out of the way.

Katherine smirked at his address and entered.

“Go through, she’s in a bit of a state.”

Katherine made her way through the kitchen to the back door and poked her head out.

Anna was on the phone but, having spotted her, beckoned for Katherine to join her.

The garden was bigger than Katherine had imagined it would be. It would be a nice place to sit out with Harry when she read to him.

“Thank you, Margaret. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Anna hung up and let out a breath of relief. “I thought I lost my job there for a minute” — she looked to Katherine with her eyebrows raised — “but it seems someone spoke to Margaret and apologised for distracting me when I was locking up. You weren’t even there then.”

“No, but I did distract you. I feel responsible; I’m sorry.” Katherine moved closer to her.

“None of this is your fault, it’s all on me, but thank you for speaking up for me. It did the job. I’ve been stressing all afternoon trying to work out how we’d survive without my earnings.”

“Well, if you feel like celebrating, Carrie was saying something about the pub tonight. Why don’t you go? I can come back later and sit with Harry.”

“I’m not sure I can ask you to dad-sit two nights in a row.”

“Anna, I’m offering. Please go. It will put my mind at rest that you’re out enjoying yourself for once.”

Anna was silent for a moment, cogs whirring with logistics.

“If you’re sure? I do love a quiz. I’ll get him to bed, and he can manage to get to the toilet himself, so he shouldn’t be any trouble.”

“Great. What time do you want me?” Katherine asked.

“Just before eight? I should be back by ten.”

Katherine nodded and watched as Anna held on to the table and took a deep breath.

“Are you all right? Carrie said you were in a bit of a state after you found out.”

“I nearly had another panic attack.”

Katherine walked straight to her and hugged her.

“Honestly, I’m fine now, thanks to you saving my job.”

Katherine felt Anna’s tense body relax into hers. She could feel the tips of her fingers tensing, calling out to be run through Anna’s hair. She loosened her grip on Anna, hoping it would signal they should stop. Anna pulled away and flashed her a smile that made her legs tingle.

Katherine looked at her watch. Although she would see Anna later, if somewhat briefly, she had no desire to be separated until then. What if she wasn’t as okay as she made herself out to be? She should stay close for a while, just to make sure.

“It’s only four now. You sit here.” She manhandled Anna into a garden chair. “Give me ten minutes to go back home and grab some ingredients, and then I’ll be back to make dinner.”

Anna opened her mouth to speak but closed it again, nodding instead.

Katherine walked to the back door.

“You’ll be joining us, won’t you?” Anna called out.

“You try and stop me. Now don’t move. I’ll glue Harry to his chair on my way out.”