Page 30 of Tangled Trust

* * *

It’s nearly midnight when my phone wakes me up. I sit bolt upright, fearing the worst. It’s never good news at this time of night. It’s Anna.

"What’s wrong?" I blurt out, half asleep still.

"Nothing. Oh, crap, sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you."

"Ugh. I forgot about the time difference. I forgot where I was for a second," I say, yawning. "What’s up, Anna?"

"What’s up? Listen to you, Miss California," Anna giggles.

"Hey, when in Rome…"

"I miss you. That’s what’s up."

"I miss you too."

"Good news. I’m coming to visit."

"Really? When?"

"Yesterday, if I could. How about next week?"

"Amazing! Let me chat with Carter and check if it’s alright for you to stay here."

"Brilliant. Let me know as soon as you can."

* * *

Carter was more than accommodating when I called and asked if Anna could stay with me for two weeks. I’m at the airport, waiting for her flight to land. I’m so excited, I can hardly sit still. LA is amazing, but there’s nothing like having someone with you who gets you without any effort.

LAX is crawling with visitors. It isn’t Heathrow, but it’s busy all the same. I spot Anna immediately. Her face lights up when she sees me. I wave and wait for her to come closer before I rush up to her and throw my arms around her.

"Oh, damn it," she says, her voice muffled in my shirt, "I swore I wouldn’t bubble."

"I’m balling too," I sniff.

"Look at the two of us, for goodness sake. What a bunch of wet girls’ blouses."

"I’m knackered! It feels like I haven’t slept in days."

"How about a cuppa?"

"How about some wine?" Anna grins.

"Wine it is! I’m just chuffed to bits to have you here, Anna. I’ve missed you so much."

"Enough talk. Get me to a pub."

"You mean a bar," I grin.

"I don’t care what they call it. Just get me liquored up, woman."

It’s wonderful having Anna here.

"We don’t need a pub. Wait until you see the one we have at home."

"Oh, of course. My apologies. I forgot I’m in the presence of LA royalty. Okay, take me to your mansion, Your Ladyship."

---