Anna giggled and gripped the strap of her tote bag. “I’ll think about it. First, I need to make some tea and rest.”
“If you change your mind, you know where I’m at.”
Anna bade her goodbye and made her way toward the door with footsteps a bit lighter than before. Perhaps she’d misjudged Matthew. She wasn’t sure. But how would she know if she never even talked to him about what happened? With both Brittany and her manuscript.
The thought of approaching him made her mouth go dry. But it wasn’t fair to keep ignoring him. Maybe it’s time to let down my walls. He deserves the chance to explain himself. And then, at least I’ll know if it’s right to move on.
As she passed the romance section, she spotted a purple cover in the corner of her eye. She stopped to look at it. The author’s name was scrawled across the bottom in ornate lettering. Celia Saint James. Where do I know that name? She frowned, then the memory of Matthew’s sheepish smile when he explained his love for romance books came back to her.
Anna looked over her shoulder at the front counter. Christine was bent over the clackety till, replacing the receipt tape. “Christine?”
“Yes, dear?”
“How well do you know the works of Celia Saint James?”
When Anna pushed open the door to her apartment, Monty came shuffling from his bed to greet her. She rubbed his ears, then slipped off her jacket and hung it and her tote bag on the hook next to the door.
“Well, Monty.” She put her hands on her hips. “Should I check my phone and reconnect with the world?”
The dog let out a low woof, and she made her way to her bedroom with him padding softly behind her. She reached her dresser, but hesitated with her hand on the handle of the top drawer. Monty sat at her feet, watching her intently.
“I can do this. Right, buddy?” Between her mom and Kelsey alone, she was sure she’d missed at least a dozen calls over the last few days. She’d sent her sister a quick email on Monday, letting her know she was too busy with the dance preparations to talk this week. But Kelsey probably didn’t buy it.
And Matthew . . . her heart hitched. She took a deep breath, then pulled open the drawer and snatched her phone from the pile of neatly folded socks. I wonder if this thing is even still charged? She hit the home button, and the screen lit up with a glaring red five-percent battery sign.
Well, it’s not completely dead. She made her way to her nightstand and plugged the charge cable next to it into the cell. She sat on the edge of her bed, then tapped in her PIN. Her home screen appeared with dozens of notifications for missed calls, texts, and emails. She scanned the messages, which were mostly from her mother and sister as she’d assumed. Only one missed call from Matthew the day after their disastrous date. That was it.
She chewed her lip, thinking of the way he’d approached her this morning, still with a hopeful look on his face despite her terrible behaviour. He’s been trying to talk to me in person. I can’t blame him for not calling.
The bright red dot on her email icon caught her attention, and she tapped it to see what she’d missed. Nothing important, that’s for sure. Clarissa’s already ditched me. What else could be in there other than marketing newsletters?
But among the familiar senders like Kelsey and the provincial writing guild, a new name stood out. Dana Turner. Subject: Women’s Fiction manuscript. She stared at the phone, not sure if she was reading correctly. Dana? As in the agent Matthew sent my chapters to?
Anna opened the email with trembling fingers and scanned the page.
. . . You have a great hook here, Miss Simone. I have to say I’m really impressed. I would be interested in seeing a synopsis and working with you further to develop this story. This is something women’s fiction publishers are hungry for right now . . .
Anna let out a choked sob, happy tears brimming her eyes. Monty leapt onto the bed next to her and bumped her with his nose, his eyes bright with curiosity. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, letting all her pent-up emotions wash over her.
I should have known he wouldn’t have sent my chapters if he didn’t think they were ready. She closed her eyes, and she thought of his strong hands around her waist. Her heart twinged with longing. I need to talk to him. We have to sort this all out.
Chapter Nineteen
Anna crossed her legs beneath the skirt of her black cocktail dress, only half-listening to Laura as she regaled her fellow Page Turner, Sue, with an overview of the latest mystery novel that came in to Steeped in Books. The white lights strung from the barn rafters cast a warm glow over the mingling guests, including the Talbot family, who sat a few tables away.
Anna watched Matthew’s back as he chatted with his parents. He was in fine form again tonight, with that now-familiar swoop of his chestnut hair and wearing a blue sports coat and tie. She had been trying to get the courage to approach him all evening, but he was constantly surrounded by his family or other townspeople she didn’t recognize. But even if she caught him alone, what was she going to say? Hey, Matthew. I was a royal jerk about my manuscript. Let’s go talk about our relationship? Or lack there-of.
She propped her elbow on the table and rested her chin in her hand. To think, she’d even straightened her hair again. And she was going to chicken out. Just to avoid facing Matthew, who was the only reason she’d decided to come. She bit back a groan. What am I doing? Walk by him. Give him a wave. If he sees me, he’s sure to come say hello. Right? She bit her lip, considering it. But what if she’d blown her chances after being so rude to him all week?
Laura’s voice jerked her to attention. “Anna? You okay?”
Anna shot her gaze to the pretty bookstore clerk and tilted her head. “I’m alright. I think I’ll go for a walk, though. I need to stretch my legs.”
“Would you like me to come? We could hit the dancefloor—”
Anna waved her off. She couldn’t think of anything she’d rather do less than dancing in a crowd of people she barely knew. “I might step out for some fresh air to clear my head. Thanks, though.”
Sue set down her glass, then shimmied in her seat. “Are you sure? When they play something more upbeat, meet us out there. It’ll be fun.”
Laura jerked her head toward the DJ stand. “Let’s go ask them to switch it up. They’ve played three country songs in a row. Not that I’m complaining, but I don’t exactly have a two-stepping partner.”
Sue agreed, then the two women were off on their mission to liven up the music.
Anna pushed back her chair and got to her feet. She smoothed the skirt of her dress, then gathered her purse and began to make her way toward Matthew’s table.
Before she could reach it, Marshal and Sophie rushed by her hand-in-hand. Giggling to each other like lovesick teenagers, they didn’t even notice her. Anna hesitated as they made their way toward the Talbots. From their table, Matthew’s father beckoned at the couple to sit with them.
Heat rushed to Anna’s face, and she spun on her heel and strode toward the coat room. I can’t do this. Not here. Not with his family and everybody watching.
Matthew tapped his fingers on the table in time with the country song pouring from the speakers on the dancefloor. His parents sat next to him, visiting with the couple at the table behind them. He scanned the room, looking for Anna. He hadn’t seen her yet tonight.
Marshal and Sophie plopped down in the chairs across from him, laughing and out of breath. Marshal nodded at him, then took a sip of his wine.
Paula leaned in their direction. “Well, you two are sure having fun. Where are Madison and Dylan?”
“Still dancing,” Marshal replied. “You know how Madison is. She’s going to wear the poor man out.”
Matthew glanced at his watch, then looked around the room again. Still no sign of Anna.
Sophie took a breath, her cheeks pink. “She’s just about worn me out already.” She poured herself a glass of water from the jug on the table. “You’re quiet tonight, Matthew.”
“He always is,” Marshal said with a grin. “Social gatherings have never been his thing.”
“They aren’t yours, either,” Matthew replied. “Or at least, they weren’t until Sophie came back on the scene.”
Marshal glared at him and opened his mouth to retort, but Matthew beat him to it. “Hey, I’m just glad you’re in a good mood.” He tipped his glass toward Sophie. “You’re good for him. Please stick around. For all our sakes.”
Sophie laughed again, then squeezed Marshal’s arm and his scowl softened. She took a drink of her water, then pointed to the pine centerpiece laced with white roses and baby’s breath. A white candle stuck out from the middle of it. “Paula, these decorations are gorgeous. You and your team did a fantastic job.”
Paula beamed at her. “Oh, thank you, Sophie. That’s sweet of you to say.”
Bill nodded and ran his hand through his wavy salt-and-pepper hair, then put his arm around the back of her chair. “You sure did, hon. And that tree lighting—I think it was the best one Cedar Lake has had yet.”
Paula sidled her chair closer to her husband. “It was wonderful, wasn’t it? Shelley came up with the idea for those candy canes with the notes from Santa for the kids. We hung them on the lower branches of the tree so they could pick their own.”
“I’m sorry I missed it,” Matthew replied. “I was bogged down here getting everything ready for the dance.”
“It sounds like it was a good thing you were here.” Marshal glanced up at the overhead heaters Rodger and Matthew had installed in the barn rafters. “I heard the shipment for the heaters came in late.”
Matthew took a sip of his wine. “They didn’t come in until this morning. We had to scramble to get them up in time. Luckily, we had a lot of help today.”
Most of the Starlight Inn staff had pitched in that afternoon with the last-minute details. Sophie, Tad, and Anna had been busy in the kitchen, getting the food and buffet ready. Dane and Ethan had stocked the bar and drink area. Even Madison had come to take over the decorating after their mom left for the ceremony.
And it was all worth it. The whole town must be here. Matthew gazed around the room, recognizing so many faces, from his old high school teachers to the guys from Boy Scouts. Even some of the Page Turners from Christine’s book club had shown up. The country tune ended, and a fast-beat pop song pulsed through the air. The dance floor was filled with couples and singles alike.
Marshal’s right. I would rather saw off my left leg than get dragged out into that mass of bodies. Anna would agree.
As though the thought were a summoning spell, Anna appeared in the crowd. For a moment, he was taken aback by the slim-fitting black dress she wore. He’d never seen her in anything fancier than jeans and a blouse. He tried to catch her eye, but she turned on her heel and headed toward the coat room.
He set down his glass, then slid back his chair and got to his feet.
Bill gave him a questioning look. “Where are you going, son?”
“I need to check something.” Matthew tugged at the collar of his shirt and loosened the top button. “I’ll be back in a bit.”
Marshal followed his gaze, then gave him a quick nod and a thumbs up.
Matthew took off in the direction she’d gone, hoping she wasn’t leaving. He’d been thinking about what to say to her all day, how to apologize and explain what happened with both Brittany and the manuscript. To thank her for helping him land his first freelance editing client. To tell her how he really felt about her. Now that the dance was here, he wouldn’t see her again at the inn. The job was over, and he wanted to make things right before she drifted from his life.
He slipped past a couple of teens giggling next to the doorway, then entered the coat room. Anna stood alone in the back corner, buttoning her wool jacket.
She looked at him, her eyes wide, and he swallowed. “Anna, hey. I just—are you leaving?”
She gave him a weak smile. “Hey. Yeah. I don’t really know many people here, and I’m tired—”
“Wait,” he said, taking a step toward her. “Please. I’d like to talk.”
“Here?” She raised her brow, then pulled a scarf from the hanger behind her and wrapped it around her neck. “It’s not really private. I’m sure one of the Page Turners is going to waltz in any minute. Laura and Sue are determined to make me dance with them.”
“Dancing isn’t your thing, is it?”
She shrugged. “Maybe not tonight.”
Matthew’s stomach churned. She can’t leave. Not yet. Not before— he strode to Anna’s side. “Please, give me a few minutes.”
Anna’s face softened, and it took every ounce of Matthew’s strength to refrain from wrapping his arm around her. She gently touched his forearm. “Matthew, I’m sorry for ignoring you all week. I really am. But maybe we should talk over coffee. Tomorrow, after we clean up here—”
Footsteps sounded behind them. Matthew glanced over his shoulder. Ethan, the stable hand at the inn, stood in the doorway. Relief flooded through him. Finally!
Ethan slid his gaze between them, then cleared his throat. “Er—Dane’s ready. He’s waiting outside for you two.”
“Dane?” Anna cocked her head.
Matthew held out his hand to her. “I know you have every right not to trust me, but please? Come with me.”
She bit her lip, giving him a questioning look, but then took his hand. “Okay. I’m curious to see what’s up your sleeve.”
The tension eased from his neck, and he gave her a wide grin. “Okay. Let me grab my jacket. I’m going to need it.”
Anna let Matthew lead her around the tables toward the main entrance of the barn, trying to avoid the glances cast in their direction. What does he have planned? And what does this have to do with Dane?
As they strode past the Talbot table, she didn’t miss the way Paula and Madison turned their heads, following them with curious gazes. The two women turned to each other and began to whisper, and Anna’s heart raked against her ribs. They must know something’s going on with Matthew and I. Do they know about our fight? About what a jerk I was to him this week? She paused for a moment, battling the desire to race back to the coat room.
Matthew looked over his shoulder at her and winked, and her stomach filled with butterflies. It’s okay. He doesn’t care if they see us together, why should I? She reached in her pocket and slipped on her gloves, then gave him a slight smile and continued to follow him toward the door.
As they rounded the table nearest the door, she bumped into Tad’s shoulder.
“Hey!” He steadied her with his hands, then a mischievous grin crossed his face. “Oh, Anna. Don’t let me make you late for your—”
“Hey, Tad.” Matthew darted a warning glance at him.
Anna straightened her purse strap over her shoulder and shifted her gaze between them, confused. “Late? For what?”
Tad’s grin grew wider, and he bobbed his head. “Right. It’s nothing. Just stick with Matthew.” He leaned closer to her and wiggled his eyebrows. “Enjoy the ride.”
Matthew let out a huff. “Tad!”
Anna shook her head incredulously. “You’re both being weird.”
“Go on.” Tad shooed her toward Matthew, then took off through the crowd of people.
When she stepped outside the stifling barn with Matthew, the frigid air cooled her warm cheeks. A dappled grey gelding pulling a two-person carriage trotted up the lantern-lined walkway and came a stop in front of them. Dane sat in the driver’s seat, holding the reins with his shoulders hunched against the cold in his canvas jacket. He tipped his cowboy hat in their direction.
Anna’s throat thickened, and she grabbed Matthew’s hand. “You—did you set this up?”
He grinned down at her. “I did. I took a lesson from Madison’s romance books. And let me tell you, Dane wasn’t easy to convince.”
Dane chuckled and twisted to look at them. “I only refused until I heard it was for you, Anna. Now, you two getting in or what?�
�
Anna practically bounced toward the carriage, memories of Christmas sleigh rides at the stable in Alberta washing over her. Sure, they were in BC and there was no snow on the ground—but this was just as magical.
Matthew helped her up the steps, then slid in next to her and pulled a wool blanket from beneath the seat and set it across their laps. “Warm enough?”
“Definitely.” Anna couldn’t stop smiling. “I can’t believe you’re bribing me to talk to you with a carriage ride.” She paused, thinking of their chat in the field behind the barn, with the horses snoozing beneath the trees. “You remembered.”
“I did. Is my bribe working?”
A slow grin crept over her face. “What do you think? Let’s go!”
Dane clucked to the horse, and they started toward the trail in the wooded pastures the inn used for wagon and horseback rides for the guests. The moon was almost full, illuminating the hills and the trees around them.
After a few minutes of listening to the soothing sound of the horse’s hoofbeats, Matthew craned his neck to give her a serious look. “I owe you an apology, Anna. I should have explained to you what was going on when Brittany showed up like that. I can’t imagine how you felt.”
Anna’s back stiffened, but she gave him a nod. “I’m not going to lie to you, it was terrible.”
He cringed. “I know. And I’m sorry. But she didn’t come to reconcile. She has a new job for a publisher in Vancouver, and they’re looking for an editor. She was trying to get me on board.” He paused. “Apparently, there’s an employee referral bonus. And she wants it.”
Anna’s mouth went dry. “A job? In Vancouver?” Her stomach knotted at the thought of him moving away. Calm down. It’s not like you’re even dating him. Right? Or is this a date now?
“Yeah,” he said. “It sounds like a great job, but I can’t work with her. And the thought of her using me for a referral bonus doesn’t sit right. Not after she dumped me by text message.”
Novel Dreams Page 15