Page 205 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

She turned to Nate. “I need to get ready. I’ll talk to you later.”

Devin stepped inside and closed the door after Nate left. “You’re not letting your boyfriend get in the way of your duties, are you?

“He’s not my boyfriend. We’re just friends. We were just hanging out before we had to get ready.” Anna watched him warily. He hadn’t told her he was coming to the performance.

“You didn’t think I would come to your debut, Baby?”

She stared at him. Had he read her mind?

“Jack’s here, too. We’re looking forward to seeing if all these classes have been worth it.”

Anna bit her lip. “I hope I don’t disappoint you.”

“This is your chance to show me if it’s worth letting you continue to dance.” He noticed the roses on her vanity. “Who are those from?”

“I-I don’t know. A messenger brought them.”

Devin turned and stared hard at her, then raised his eyebrows. “Don’t forget, we leave Monday to go to D.C. for our trip.”

Her heart fell in her chest. The trip with Devin to the big Gathering in the nation’s capital.

“You acquired the appropriate clothing I emailed you about, correct?”

Anna’s eyes widened. She’d completely forgotten. How was she going to get everything in time? “Devin, I?—‍”

Devin’s eyes flashed. “You didn’t, did you?”

She backed away, her heart pounding with fear. “I-I’m sorry, Devin. I’ll go out tomorrow and?—‍”

“You don’t have time this weekend, Anna. You’re spending the weekend with the Kunzbergs, remember?”

Anna’s mouth moved, but no words came out.

Devin frowned down at her, his jaw tight, eyes narrowed. “Since you are incapable of following directions, I will have your things purchased for you. We leave first thing Monday morning.” He inhaled deeply and blew it out again. “I will see you after the show.” He left, closing the door behind him, and Anna collapsed onto the couch, trembling.

Nate knocked on the door a few minutes later and she answered, still trembling. “Anna! Are you okay?”

She gave him a small smile. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Who was that man?”

“Devin Andersen. He’s . . . a family friend.”

Nate frowned. “What happened?”

“Nothing, I’m fine. I just... forgot to do something and upset him.”

He walked into the dressing room and hugged her close. She closed her eyes, relishing the warmth that radiated from him. “Anything I can help with?”

“No, he’s going to take care of it.”

He leaned back and smiled at her. “That’s good.”

She shrugged. She wasn’t sure if it was good or not.

“You sure you’re okay?” He cupped her cheek.

She nodded, knowing she should step away from him, but she couldn’t make herself to do it.

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