Page 179 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“We can work out a schedule tomorrow if you’d like,” Hugo said as Vincent walked away. “Unless you’d like to tonight, over dinner?” He flashed a boyish grin.

“Oh... I... uh...” She bit her lip. Was he asking her out on a date or was he just being friendly? She reminded herself that she was a free woman now and could do as she pleased.

“I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, Katrina.” Hugo chuckled. “It’s just eating. You do eat, right?”

Anna shrugged. “More than I should apparently . . .”

Hugo arched one eyebrow. “Why do you say that?” He looked her up and down and smiled, but not in a way that made her uncomfortable.

“Dinner would be nice,” she said with a sharp nod. She could try this freedom out. She didn’t have to ask Aaron if she could go out with someone... did she?

“Great.” He smiled broadly. “I—‍” He stopped as Aaron approached. “Hey, Aaron.”

“Hey, Hugo.” Aaron looked at Anna. “You ready?”

Anna glanced at Hugo, who looked between the two of them with thoughtful eyes. “Aaron’s my roommate,” she said.

A hint of relief showed in Hugo’s face as he nodded. “What time’s good for you?”

“Um...” She glanced at her watch. “An hour?”

“Sounds good. I’ll pick you up.”

“Okay, I live at?—‍”

Hugo shook his head. “I know where Aaron lives. I’ll see you in an hour.” He grinned and then turned and walked away.

“You’re going out with him?” Aaron raised his eyebrows as Anna shifted her bag on her shoulder.

“It’s not a date.” She glanced at the doorway Hugo had walked through. “Vincent is having him work with me next week while you all are gone. Hugo said we could work out the schedule over dinner.” She paused. “Is he an okay guy?”

“Hugo? Yeah, he’s a great guy.” Aaron grimaced. “I guess I need to not assume you’re going to be home.”

“Oh, Aaron, did you want to do something tonight? I’m sorry.”

“I was thinking about doing something, but I didn’t ask, and you have no reason to feel bad. How about tomorrow night, though?” They made their way outside and headed to their apartment building.

“Sounds wonderful.”

Chapter 98

Anna stood in front of the mirror an hour later, smoothing her new blue dress over her hips. A knock sounded at the door and Anna went to answer it, but Aaron got there first. It wasn’t Hugo, though. It was Nate.

“Wow, Anna. You look great.”

“Thanks,” she said softly.

“Here,” Aaron said, handing Nate a beer. “Anna’s got a date already.”

Nate raised his eyebrows. “Really? Who?”

Anna frowned at Aaron. “Hugo, but it’s not a date. We’re going to work out when we’ll practice next week.”

Nate wagged his brows. “Sure.”

Someone knocked at the door before Anna could respond, and she opened the door to see Hugo standing in the doorway wearing a black button-down dress shirt and khaki dress pants. He smiled broadly when he saw her.

“Hi, Hugo,” she said, stepping aside to allow him room to enter.

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