Page 29 of Two Hearts Reunited

Maybe he should bid on a few things today since the money would be used for a great cause. If he saw anything that might fit in the house, he would pick up a few things for them as a Christmas gift. They needed a lot to furnish this place, and there were still a lot of empty bedrooms upstairs. Since he’d taken note of the type of antiques and furniture that Ashley and Brian seemed to like, Eric would see what was available at the auction later today.

Eric glanced at the towering Christmas tree that they’d placed in front of the large bow window yesterday afternoon. It was only half decorated—not because they hadn’t wanted to continue, but because Brian and Ashley didn’t have enoughornaments. Apparently, they’d had a much smaller tree last year because this room had been in the process of being renovated. Coincidentally, Eric had picked up a few ornaments yesterday along with a beautiful handmade Christmas frame, apparently one of many fundraising projects contributed by the kids with disabilities.

He'd make another trip to the store tomorrow, he decided, and maybe pick up some ornaments and a few more gifts—even additional groceries if they were needed for Christmas Eve and the following day’s dinner.

Another hour had gone by, so it was time for the auction to resume, and as Eric watched the television, a beautiful dark-haired woman appeared, looking glamourous in a clinging velvety blue and purple gown.

Sipping coffee at the time, he started coughing, standing quickly to avoid staining Brian and Ashley’s brand-new couch.

It was Anya. He watched for a while, amazed at her composure as she began running through descriptions of the assorted paintings and drawings displayed on the table and behind her on the wall. For someone who was more than likely reading from some kind of prompter, she didn’t seem to be taking a whole lot of time to read the words. It was almost like she knew the history behind each piece of artwork she focused on.

And then Eric noticed one of the specific paintings on the wall behind her and realized it would be a fantastic gift for Ashley and Brian. Sitting behind his laptop, he began bidding. If he was recalling correctly, the auction would close tonight at midnight, so he’d be sure to keep an eye on the highest bids.

Returning to the couch, he watched the segment Anya hosted all the way through, just grinning. He couldn’t believe that she didn’t seem nervous at all.

Chapter Fifteen

By the time her final segment before the camera was finished, Anya was beginning to feel like an old pro at hosting. It’s funny how she hadn’t been nervous at all. Maybe it was because she didn’t have much of a live audience, but then again she had all the other hosts, including the Loughlins, along with the camera crew watching, so there were still quite a few people who were observing her chatting about the items on hand.

As she was dressing back into her street clothes, her cell phone rang.

She grinned, checking out the caller ID. “Hello?”

“I can’t believe how comfortable you looked on television,” Eric observed. “How did that end up happening? You didn’t mention anything about it last night.”

“I got a call this morning from my boss asking if I could help out. For some reason, I didn’t feel nervous at all,” she admitted, laughing.

“You looked like you’ve been doing it for years, that’s for sure,” Eric said. “Do you have to go into your shop?”

“I’m going to stop by and drop off some food for them, but I’m not working tonight because I have to go in there early tomorrow so we can get everyone off work before three in the afternoon for the holidays.”

“How about coming over here? We could order a pizza or something. Brian and Ashley just gave me a call and asked if I minded watching Arielle for a few more hours because they have some extra work to do regarding the auction, and I said sure, because I’ve got nothing else to do anyway.”

“I’d like that. I’ve been hanging out with Ashley and Brian today and they’ve both been great. And actually, I can bring food from here. Danny said to take some back to the shop, so I already have a bunch of to go cartons packed up in a box, but I can grab a couple more. There’s everything from chicken wings to prime rib, and even shrimp cocktail. They’re serving dinner here for the crew.”

“Brian told me that they had lunch with you and made sure you’re invited for Christmas,” he replied. “Food from there sounds fantastic. I’ll see you in a little while then.”

“Give me about forty-five minutes at the most,” Anya replied.

After he disconnected, she grinned, hanging the gown back into its clothing bag. She’d really enjoyed herself today.

Danielle was watching one of the bands performing for the camera when Anya went back to grab more food.

“I wasn’t sure where to put the gown, so I left it in the salon, Danny,” Anya said.

“Oh no, you don’t,” Danielle muttered, turning to Anya and resting her hands over her shoulders. “Did I forget to tell you? The gown and shoes are yours to keep in appreciation for your help here today.”

Anya blinked. “You’re kidding.”

Danielle laughed. “Not at all. Like I said, it looks like it was made for you.”

“Thank you so much,” Anya said, her eyes tearing up as Danielle gave her a quick hug before stepping back.

“There’s something else I’d like to talk with you about sometime too. I’ve already discussed it with Penny, but I think you’re wasted working at the counter of the flower shop. She definitely agreed. I have an idea, but we’ll talk about it after the holidays. Okay?”

“Sure,” Anya answered, taken aback.

“Did you grab some food?”

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