Page 181 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

Anna thought aloud. “Frankfurt... St. Petersburg... Washington, D.C...” Alex had never gotten to take her on that honeymoon he’d wanted to. Her hand went unconsciously to her wedding band.

“Katrina?”

Anna shook her head. “I’m sorry. I... got lost in a thought.”

He grinned. “It’s alright. You’re German, correct?”

“Why would you—oh, uh . . . yeah.” Her name.

“Were you born here or in Deutschland?”

“California. Your name sounds German, too.” She changed the subject before he had a chance to ask about her wedding ring. Explaining about Alex wasn’t something she was prepared to do yet. She hadn’t had a chance to consider that kind of depth to her fictional backstory.

“I was born outside of Dusseldorf, but came here as a teenager.”

“To dance?”

Hugo nodded and then smiled. “Your name suits you. Engel.” He nodded. “Unusual last name, though.”

“Is it?” She bit her lip.

Hugo smiled. “Like I said, it suits you.”

Their food arrived and the conversation turned to more basic topics, like movies and books. Hugo didn’t believe her when she said that she couldn’t remember the last movie she’d seen. They talked about their favorite ballets. Hugo’s was Swan Lake. Anna’s was Giselle.

Dessert was served before they got around to discussing a schedule for the following week. After a few minutes, they just decided to meet at the studio each morning at ten and go from there.

They took a cab back to Anna’s apartment, and Hugo walked her up to her apartment. She fidgeted with her keys, wondering what he expected... if he expected anything. “Did you want to come in?” My purpose in life—No! That’s not my purpose anymore. I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to do.

He grinned. “Thanks, but I should get home. I need to call my mom and make sure she took her medicine.”

Anna smiled. “I had a really nice time. Thank you for dinner.”

“Me too. I’m looking forward to working with you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Hugo waited until Anna had unlocked her door and opened it before turning back to the elevators. She waved and then went inside.

Aaron was sitting on the couch. “So, how was it?”

“Nice.” She nodded. “He seems like a great guy.”

Aaron grinned. “Yeah, he is. There’s talk of him taking Vincent’s place after he retires.”

“Really? Wow.”

“He’s a great choreographer. It’s good that you can work with him while we’re gone.”

Anna fidgeted with her wedding ring. “Is he safe?”

Aaron tilted his head and gave her a soft smile. “Yeah, hon. He’s safe.”

Anna blew out a breath.

“I think you know if someone’s safe or not. You just need to be brave enough to say no if they’re not.”

It was true; she knew men. Well, Anna knew men, and Katrina would use that knowledge to stay safe. The thought both pleased and depressed her. She sighed. “I’m gonna go to bed.”

“G’night Anna.”

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