Page 5 of The Life She Could Have Lived
When they were done, Anna went to the toilets and sprayed on fresh deodorant, retouched her makeup and brushed her hair. It would have to do.
She was about to disappear into the Tube station when her phone rang. Nia.
‘Anna, I’m sorry, I know it’s your anniversary. Are you out somewhere?’
‘I’m on my way to dinner, but it’s okay. Are you all right?’ Nia sounded like she was out of breath.
‘It’s Charlie. He came to my office and tried to follow me home. I ducked into a pub and I’m just waiting for him to leave.’
‘What?’ Anna was on her feet. ‘Where are you? I’ll come.’
‘But what about your dinner?’
‘It’s fine. Edward will understand.’
As she said it, Anna wondered whether that was true. Nia gave her an address, and Anna said she’d be there as soon as she could. While she walked, she called Edward.
‘Hey, I just came out of the Tube. Where are you?’
Anna hesitated. ‘I’m so sorry, Edward. Nia just called and she needs me.’
‘Needs you for what?’ His voice was light, like he was on the edge of laughter.
‘You know her mad ex, Charlie? He’s following her. She’s hiding in a pub.’
Edward snorted. ‘Convenient.’
‘Look, I’m sorry, okay, but I need to go and make sure she’s all right.’
There was a sigh. ‘I’ll cancel the booking and see you back at home.’
‘You’re the best, you know that? I’ll see you in a while.’
As Anna approached the pub, she saw Charlie pacing up and down outside. She slipped past him and in through the double doors.
Nia was sitting at the bar on a high stool with a glass of red in her hand. She had her head leaned in close to the barman and when he finished speaking, she threw it back in laughter.
‘Nia! You said you were cowering in the pub waiting for Charlie to leave!’
‘Well, I might as well have a drink while I’m waiting.’ She held out her hand. ‘Look, shaking. Is he still out there?’
‘Yes.’
‘I’m so sorry about your anniversary dinner.’
‘Yeah, whatever. Get me a drink, will you?’
‘Are you still off the booze?’
‘Yes,’ Anna said, sighing. ‘I’m pregnant. That’s how it works. You stay off the booze until the baby arrives.’
‘Another one of these,’ Nia said to the barman. ‘And a lime and soda for my friend here.’ She turned to Anna. ‘This is Josh, by the way.’ She put particular emphasis on his name.
Anna rolled her eyes. ‘Nia,’ she said, in a low voice, ‘I’m married and having a baby. When are you going to stop trying to find my perfect man?’
Nia shrugged. ‘Just letting you know, that’s all.’
‘So, about Charlie. Do you think he’s an actual threat?’
