Page 27 of Two Hearts Reunited

“With any luck, you’ll be able to cling onto that hopefulness I hear in your voice.” Penny cleared her throat. “I actually have a favor to ask of you.”

“You need me to come in early?”

“Well, kind of,” Penny replied, sounding sheepish.

Anya stopped sifting through her clothes. “What’s up?”

“Danielle Loughlin said something about how stunning you looked yesterday when she dropped by the shop. As you’re aware, they’re hosting that online charity auction today at the Dragonfly Pointe Inn. She wondered if you would be willing to introduce some of the items available for auction online and be one of the hosts on live TV.”

“Me?”Anya squeaked, dropping onto the kitchen chair. “I’d probably be so nervous, I’d screw it up. Besides, what would I evenwear?”

Penny started laughing. “I can’t even imagine you losing your cool. No matter how crazy some of our customers are, or however busy we get at the shop, you respond with more composure than anyone I’ve ever known. Even Danielle goes a little off the deep end at times.” She finally quit laughing. “But you wouldn’t have to worry about anything, Anya. You’d just have to meet Danny in the salon. They’ll do your hair and makeup and give you something that you’re probably going to love to wear. Anyway, she said they need you over there right away.”

Anya laughed, finally giving in. “Alright. I guess I’m not going to have time to be nervous when you put it like that.”

“That’s my girl,” Penny replied. “Your mom would have loved seeing you do this, you know. She was always so proud of you.”

Anya blinked. “She was?”

“Sure. She talked about you all the time. I guess that sometimes we forget to actually tell our kids how much we love them, no matter what other trouble is going on in our lives.”

“Thank you, Penny.”

“I can manage the shop this afternoon, although I imagine Jaynie has everything in hand. Anyway, don’t bother with makeup, just get over there as quickly as you can,” she urged, disconnecting.

Anya took a moment to laugh before downing another cup of coffee. She couldn’t believe she’d been talked into doing this. It was going to be a long day, so she’d better mentally prepare herself.

* * *

When Anya arrived at the Dragonfly Pointe Inn, which was bustling with activity and being surveyed by several armed guards, she was whisked immediately away by Danielle Loughlin herself, who led her into the salon located with the other shops strung through the annex attached to the Inn.

There were several gowns resting over one of the chairs, apparently meant for her to try on.

First Danielle held each one of them against her, eventually deciding on one that was a beautiful combination shade of purple and blue.

“Let’s see if this looks as good on you as I think it will. It’s nearly the same color as your eyes, so they should pop. You’ll look fabulous, I’m sure.”

Anya nodded mutely, overwhelmed by everything that was going on around her as she entered a room at the back of the shop and quickly dressed into the gown.

Glancing in the mirror, she was in shock. “Is that reallyme?”

Danielle peeked inside the room. “Anya. It looks like it was made for you. Why don’t you slip back out of it while Emma does your hair and makeup? What size shoe do you wear? I’ll go grab a few pairs so we can do a short rehearsal before we put you on TV.” Her look was definitely quizzical. “You haven’t said a word. Are you okay with doing this?”

Much to everyone’s surprise, Anya started laughing. “I think so. I’m just a little in shock. I can’t believe how beautiful this gown is. I wear a size seven shoe.”

Time seemed to go by in a blur, and before Anya knew it, she was standing before a camera, describing a beautiful painting that she’d come across in the past. Coincidentally, there was an artist’s gallery set up inside the mall that was stocked with artwork sold on consignment from artists who were mainly located throughout the north and central Midwest. She’d particularly admired the artist who’d painted these dated homes on canvas. Many had been built as far back as one-hundred and fifty years earlier and had since been restored.

When she finished with her segment, Danielle held her hands up in the air, clapping as she smiled widely. “You were fabulous, Anya. Hang in there. I think we’ll have you handle some of the antique furnishings we’re auctioning off in a couple hours. I’m sure you haven’t eaten much. Go help yourself to some breakfast or lunch at the buffet.”

“Thank you, Danny. I think I will,” she replied.

Just as she was making her way from the ballroom, she heard someone calling her name.

“Anya?”

When she turned, the woman who’d just called her name smiled.

“Ashley?”Anya muttered, somewhat surprised. She didn’t realize that Ashley even knew who she was.

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