Page 99 of Love on the Run

Liv resumed their hug. “That’s my girl! I’m so proud of you.”

It wasn’t much to some people, but Anna’s first instinct was to either run from conflict or cower and submit. Standing up for herself was going to take practice.

Anna pulled Liv toward the door. “Come in. I’ll make us some baked chicken while we talk.”

“I can never turn down your food. Other than your unwelcome visitor, how was work?”

“Pretty good actually. I tried to focus on the things I needed to get done instead of the awful conversation with Mom.”

Olivia stopped and propped a hand on her hip. “Was it really a conversation, or did she yell at you and storm out?”

Anna gathered the ingredients she’d need while Olivia searched for a pen and paper. She always wrote down the recipe whenever Anna cooked dinner for them. “You’re right. Not much of a conversation if she didn’t hear or care about anything I said.”

Liv sat at the table and clicked her pen open. “Enough about her. Tell me about the trip.”

Reliving the trip only reinforced Anna’s feelings for Beau. He’d put himself and his wants aside for her multiple times, and the longing in her heart grew deeper.

Anna checked the potatoes in the oven and tossed the potholder aside. “Would you mind if I invited him to have dinner with us?”

Olivia smiled and propped her chin on her hand. “Not at all. Do I need to make myself scarce?”

“No way. Beau isn’t like Dean, and to be honest, I’m not the same as I was when I was with him.” Anna wrung her hands. “I’m sorry I wasn’t the best friend to you. I shouldn’t have let him come between us.”

Olivia stood and wrapped her arms around Anna. Hugs were so good for aching hearts.

“I forgive you, and I’ll always be here,” Olivia whispered.

Anna tightened her embrace. “I’m so glad you’re my friend.”

“Always and forever,” Liv confirmed. “Now, call Beau, and tell him to hurry because I’m starving.”

Anna didn’t have to be told twice. Beau had sent her a good morning text, but they hadn’t talked since. When the call rang the third time, she was sure he wouldn’t answer.

“Hello.”

“Hey!” Okay, maybe that was a little too peppy. Everything with Beau was new, and the last thing she wanted to do was scare him off by being too excited. At least, Dean had always been annoyed by her happiness. She’d been told to “chill out” more times than she wanted to admit.

“How was your day?” Beau asked.

“It was fine.” There. She hadn’t made a big deal over the encounter with her mom, but she also wasn’t giggling with excitement, though that was exactly what she wanted to do now that she was talking to Beau.

“That’s it? You don’t want to tell me about it?”

Anna glanced at Olivia, not sure how to answer Beau’s follow-up question.

“I doubt you want to hear about it.”

“Of course I do.”

There were plenty of noises in the background. It was almost seven thirty, but he was still in the garage and giving her his full attention.

“Oh, well would you like to come over for dinner? Liv is here too, and I’m making baked chicken.”

“I need to shower, and I’ll be on my way. Give me twenty minutes.”

“You don’t have to rush.”

“Anna, I’m on my way. I’ll see you soon.”

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