Page 238 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

Max chuckled. “I’m glad you came. We have an exhibition that I wanted to make sure you saw.”

Anna smiled brightly as she looked up at him. “What of?”

“Old photographs of dancers from Cambodia. The exhibit closed this weekend, but the photos are still here, if you’re interested.”

“Oh, yes!” Anna leaped up and carefully slid the book back into its place before following Max to the back rooms where the photographs awaited.

Chapter 122

Alex had been waiting for more than a day to hear from Tom that Anna was awake. They’d finally arrived in the city yesterday morning, and he was certain he was driving his friends crazy. Greg and Tony had gone out to get groceries while Seth stayed with Alex, watching him pace the wooden floor that ran the length of the condo, amused and shaking his head.

“You’re going to wear out the floor before Anna even gets to see it,” Seth said, rolling his eyes.

“Once I know she’s better, I’ll be able to calm down.”

Seth snickered.

Alex glared at him and Seth threw up his hands and disappeared up the stairs to the roof garden.

Alex knew his temper was short these days, though he didn’t lose control like he used to. He was just irritable. The guys were sympathetic, but even they had their limits.

His phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out. It was a text from Tom.

Anna’s awake and all better. I’ll call you later.

Alex grinned at his phone. His move to New York City had worked. Anna was safe. He sighed and walked into the master bedroom to unpack.

About an hour later, Seth called to him from the roof. “Alex! Come here! I think I see Anna.”

Alex’s heart leaped in his chest and he tore down the hallway and up the stairs. Seth had his binoculars at his eyes and was looking down at the street.

“Are you sure?”

“I swear that’s Anna.”

Alex took the binoculars and focused in on where Seth pointed. She was walking toward the park on the sidewalk opposite his building. Her long brown hair hung down her back and glimmered in the morning sunlight. He remembered the silky feel of those sable strands in his fingers. She wore a pink tank top and denim shorts and was eating some sort of pastry.

His heart swelled at seeing his beloved for the first time since that terrible day in San Francisco, when she was holding back her tears as they said goodbye.

“Schatzi . . .”

She froze and his heart skipped a beat when she looked around, almost as if she’d heard him. He willed her to look up, but she just stood there for a long moment, then shook her head and continued walking down the street.

Alex shoved Seth toward the staircase. “Go. Follow her. See where she’s going.”

“I—‍” Seth grunted. “Why?”

“Because I want to know what she’s been doing. What she likes to do. She’s been sick for weeks and she wakes up and goes for a walk? Where does she go?” He glared at his friend. “You still know how to be stealthy, don’t you?”

Seth shot him a dirty look and then ran down the stairs that led to the main floor of the condo. His voice traveled back to Alex. “I’ll call you when I’m downstairs. Keep an eye on her until I catch up.”

“With pleasure.” Alex turned back to watch the beautiful love of his life. He grinned at himself, spying on a girl like a teenage boy with his first crush.

Seth would forgive him for his insistence. He cared about Anna, too. At least he could be near her. Alex couldn’t risk going out. Seth was good at blending into crowds.

She walked across the street and disappeared into the park. His phone rang moments later. “Where is she?”

“Still on the same street, I think.”

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