Page 85 of Love on the Run

“I want to be,” he said low.

“Then go for it. I think you could be good for Anna, but I also think she could be good for you.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean you seem happy too. I accept thank yous in the form of cash or gift certificates to Grady’s Feed and Seed.”

“I’m not thanking you yet. You could have just driven a wedge between your brother and your best friend. What if this is temporary and things are awkward between us from now on?”

“Not gonna happen. Best of luck to you. Don’t screw it up.”

“Olivia—”

“Gotta go, bro. Talk soon.”

Olivia disconnected the call, and Beau was leftstaring at his phone. Fear had a grip around his throat. He’d gotten a taste of life with Anna, and he had no idea how to talk to her about it.

Chapter 26

Anna

Dinner with Brittany had been tense, to say the least. They’d talked a lot, but Brittany drove the conversation.

Her questions about fashion revolved around what Anna planned to do about the pieces she’d intended to feature during her wedding. An already sore subject needed to be picked apart and studied, laying Anna’s biggest problems out on the table.

Still, she didn’t have a good course of action. TrueBlue had already cut ties with her, and there was a good chance the other boutiques would as well.

One well-known boutique in particular had been extremely understanding. Not only had they asked Anna to keep the dress, but they’d sent a care package filled with beauty products that Olivia had intercepted from Anna’s porch a few days ago.

Still, Brittany was only interested in knowing what Anna planned to do to make things right with the companies. Each working relationship was unique, and there wasn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to the problems.

Brittany hadn’t really made her mark in the fashion world yet, but it wasn’t because Anna hadn’t tried. Brittany had degrees in fashion and business, but her skill was in design. Anna had connected Brittany with a handful of boutiques, and despite her gorgeous designs, the jobs hadn’t worked out.

Then, there were Brittany’s questions about Beau. How could Anna really explain their relationship? A week ago, he would have been just her best friend’s brother. This week, he was the person she’d leaned on the most and thought about more than anyone else. That was really saying something, considering her ex and her mom were both hounding her, making it impossible to forget about them.

Anna paid the bill for dinner and stood from the table. Hopefully, a change of atmosphere would bring on a change in subject.

“What are you doing later?” Brittany asked.

“I’m not sure. Beau has something planned for us, but he said it was a surprise.”

“Oh. Well, I guess I’ll talk to you later. I’m heading back home tomorrow morning.”

“Thanks again for coming out here. It’s been great to hang out with you in person.”

Her earlier unease about Brittany was slowly fading. She just had an awkward way about her. It was their first time meeting in person. So what if it was a little different from an online friendship?

“Thanks for hanging out with me. Message me when you get back to the hotel and let me know you made it safely.”

There. She was just being a thoughtful friend. How many people really cared if someone else had a safe trip home?

“You too. I’ll be praying your trip home tomorrow is a smooth one too.”

“Thanks. Bye.”

Even the way Brittany said goodbye was stiff. Maybe she was still nervous about meeting in person.

Anna watched Brittany walk off toward her car and called Beau.

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