Page 118 of Love on the Run

But Anna was thriving in her new independence. How much would it set her back if he barged in and took charge?

Camille watched as Anna and Lauren talked with Brittany. “I’m going to trust that Lauren is using everything she learned in those psychology classes right now.”

Just as quickly as she’d come, Brittany stood and walked out without looking back. She didn’t storm out angry. She just…left.

Beau met Anna and Lauren halfway between the two tables. “What did she say?”

Anna reached for his hand immediately, and he welcomed the connection. Hopefully, he was just overreacting about a long-distance friend.

“The last time I talked to her, I told her I quit my job at Mom and Dad’s law firm, but I haven’t replied to her messages since.”

“You’ve been busy. Changing jobs is a lot of work,” Camille said.

“Who is she? Tell me everything,” Lauren demanded.

Anna looked at Beau, and all of her casual calm from a moment ago was gone. “I met her online through the fashion vlog, and we’ve been friends for a few years. She lives in California, and since I’m afraid to get on an airplane, I figured we wouldn’t ever meet in person. Then she showed up in Freedom when Beau and I were there.”

“Out of the blue?” Lauren asked.

“Right. She was waiting at a bakery just assuming I would stop by because I had told her about how much I liked it when Beau and I went earlier in the week.”

Lauren’s eyes widened. “And she showed up in Blackwater unannounced too?”

Anna nodded. “She seems awkward in person, but she’s very relaxed when we talk online, even in video chats.”

Yeah, hearing about the ways Brittany had crossed lines only confirmed his reasons for sitting on high alert. “Where did she go?”

“I invited her to stay and hang out with us, but she said she was tired from traveling. She’s staying at the Kellerman Hotel in town.”

Camille shook her head. “Sounds like she’s obsessed with you. Has she ever asked you for anything? Money? Products?”

“No. Actually, I’ve helped her make connectionsin the industry because she’s an aspiring designer.” Anna glanced toward the crowd where Brittany had disappeared. “I can’t figure it out. She’s usually so casual, but tonight she seemed guarded.”

“What is she looking for?” Lauren asked. “She came all the way here, but she didn’t hug you, and she only talked for about three minutes before she left.”

Beau listened while the women worked through the conversation with Brittany. Was he missing something?

Camille rested a hand on Anna’s shoulder. “I know she’s your friend, but I would feel a lot better if we looked into her. It seems very sweet and thoughtful that she came all this way to check on you, but something is off.”

Anna’s chin fell with a sigh. “I know. It’s just…she’s never done anything like this. She has always been so kind and friendly. These few meetings don’t show who she truly is.”

Camille’s hand rested on Anna’s shoulder. “I believe you, but I think we’d all feel better with just a little more information on our side.”

Olivia bounced up between Anna and Lauren, draping her arms around both women. “Sup, ladies?”

Beau pointed a finger at his chest. “Not a lady.”

Olivia shrugged. “You’re over here girl-talking like one. What’s with all the whispering?”

Asher stepped to the microphone and strummed his guitar. The crowd went wild with hoots and cheers. “Anybody ready to get the party started?”

Dawson grabbed Olivia’s hand from Anna’s shoulder and pulled her toward the dance floor. “Dance now. Talk later.”

Lauren turned as Asher started singing and couples made their way to the open area. “He’s right. Let’s worry about Brittany later. Go dance with your man.”

Anna turned a wide smile toward Beau. Shoot. He should have known he couldn’t come here with Anna without being pressured to dance.

After making a show of a huge sigh, Beau slid a hand around Anna’s waist, pulling her in until her chin rested on his chest as she looked up at him.

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