by Ciara Knight
“Thanks so much,” Cynthia said. “I’m afraid I can’t eat right now, but I’m sure I’ll nibble some in a little while.”
“I understand, but as your boss, I order you to eat something today.” Liam offered one to Cathy and Devon then settled into a chair in the corner next to Anna who picked at her fruit.
“Don’t worry. Everything will work out. Trust me.” Liam squeezed her hand then opened his own sandwich and took a bite.
“I do,” Anna mumbled under her breath.
Liam wasn’t sure he heard correctly. “What did you say?”
Anna forked a piece of watermelon then set the cup of fruit on the side table. She wiped her hands with a napkin then, with a smile, she faced Liam. “I said I do trust you.”
Liam fumbled with the paper wrapper around his sandwich, trying to prevent the meat from smacking on the linoleum, but he didn’t care. “Do you mean that? But before, you said—”
Anna played with her napkin in her lap. “I know what I said, but so far everything leads to you being as much a victim in all this as I’ve been. We once loved each other and promised to never love another. As far as I can tell, we both kept that promise in our own way, despite the lies that led us astray. If you say you tried to find me, I have no reason to doubt you. If you say you never loved another, then I believe you.” Anna bit her bottom lip. “It’s hard for me to open my heart, and I’m not sure how this will work, but if Andrew’s accident has taught me something, it’s that I have to take a chance before it’s too late. Liam, I still care for you deeply and want to stick around Riverbend for a while, if you want that.”
If they weren’t in a hospital, he’d pull a Tom Cruise and dance on the chairs. “Yes, I want that. I want that more than anything.” He kissed each of Anna’s delicate knuckles. “When Andrew’s out of the hospital and the wedding is behind us, I want to spend all the time I can with you.”
Anna lowered her head and toed the floor.
Liam’s lungs tightened. Was there more? What could be troubling her now? “Please, Anna, you can trust me. If something is bothering you, tell me what you’re thinking.”
Anna kept her eyes focused on the floor for another moment before she looked at him with a fearful gaze. “Liam, please don’t break my trust. I couldn’t handle you lying to me,” she said, with a warning tone.
“I understand, but you can’t make a half-hearted commitment here. You’re either all in and ready to trust me and be with me, or it won’t work. I’m not willing to trust either only to lose you again. You’re too important to me.
Anna nodded, tears pooling at the corners of her eyes. “If I open my heart like that again, you can’t crush it. I would never recover. Please, Liam. No matter what happens, be honest with me. Never lie to me. I don’t want to end up like my mother.”
His heart went into cardiac failure at the thought of Anna bedridden from emotional pain. “I promise.”
Chapter Nine
Dr. Hester, the pediatric surgeon, greeted them each with a nod. Cynthia and Mitchem presented a brave front, but Anna could see their joined hands trembling.
“Please, Dr. Hester. Can you tell us how our son is doing?” Mitchem asked, his tone higher than normal.
“I’m pleased to say that the surgery went extremely well. The damage to the superficial muscles and tendons was more than I’d anticipated, but the deeper flexors and extensors are all intact. Whoever administered first aid had kept the bleeding down, so he was lucky. There was a slight nick to his radial artery. We’ll know more when he wakes up and after the swelling goes down in a few days, but I’m confident he’ll have fully-functioning fingers again.”
Anna caught the hitch in his voice. “What aren’t you saying, Dr. Hester?”
He glanced at Anna. “As I said, I believe he’ll regain full use of his fingers and wrist, but there was extensive damage to his extensor pollicis longus.”
“In English, please,” Liam said from the other side of the waiting area.
“It means he could have some difficulty with his thumb," Mitchem translated. "However minimal, it could cause him to have difficulty with fine motor skills, like playing the violin.” Being the dean of a nursing school had its advantages. Assuming his professional composure, he shook Dr. Hester’s hand. “Thank you, Doctor. I’m happy you were able to do so much for our son.”
“It was my pleasure. You’ll be able to visit with him shortly.” Dr. Hester left through the double doors into the surgery area once more.
Anna hugged Cynthia tightly to her. “I told you Andrew would be fine.” She released her friend and swiped the tears from Cynthia's eyes. “Trust me, some little old thumb tendon won’t cause Andrew to skip a note. He’s too amazing to let that stop him.”
Liam joined them. “You’re right.”
Cathy gave them each a hug. “Well, it sounds like you’ve got this under control, so we’re heading out now. I’ve got some things to take care of this evening. Now listen, Cynthia. Don’t you worry about a thing. I’ll have your dress ready, and I’ll handle the flowers and the cake for you. Karen Wanke, the Cupcake Lady, is a good friend of mine. Not to mention she owes me." She winked then turned to Anna. "Anna, I’m sure you already handled the caterer. Now you just focus on that boy. The wedding will go off without a hitch, and Andrew will be at the altar by his dad’s side.”
“Thank you, Cathy. You’re amazing,” Cynthia choked. “But this is the second time, you don’t think—”
“Don’t even go there.” Cathy cut her off. “All this means is that God’s making you appreciate that family of yours before you get married. That way after five or so years, you won’t want to kill your husband for leaving the toilet seat up, or your son for using your makeup brushes to paint.”
Devon grabbed hold of her hand and tugged her toward the door. “Let’s go. I need to go make sure I put the toilet seat down.”
They all roared with laughter. Leave it to Cathy West to lighten even a hospital waiting room.
“We should head out, too,” Liam said. “Mitchem, I’ll take care of getting your schedule covered and handle anything else at the university I can for you. Cynthia, don’t worry about your classes. I’ll get those covered, too. Even if I need to teach them myself. Right now, you just stay here and help Andrew get well.”
Mitchem accepted Liam’s hand and men hugged with a one-handed back pat.
“Anna, you ready? I’ll drop you at home before I head to the university. I’m sure you’re exhausted.”
Anna nodded. She was more than ready to leave behind the disinfectant odor, obnoxious clock ticking, and florescent lighting and breathe in some fresh evening air. She hugged Cynthia one last time. “I’ll bring you guys some dinner in a few hours. Call me and let me know when I can come visit Andrew, okay?”
“Thanks for everything. Remember what we talked about.” Cynthia winked.
Liam held the elevator door for her. “I don’t know why, but all of the sudden I’m awake.”
“Me, too. I guess it’s the good news. I feel like celebrating. You want to do something?”
“Sure, if you don’t mind stopping by the university first. I need to take care of a few things.” Liam paused at the hospital’s front entrance. “I’ll be right back.” He turned toward the garage, but she snagged his hand and tugged him back to her side. He was always the gentleman.
“I’ll walk with you.” She shuffled up the hill to the parking garage by his side and settled into the passenger seat, the firm leather and back support a gift after sitting in the hospital chairs for so long.
Liam started the car and pulled out of the parking space. “I just noticed you haven’t even looked at your phone since last night.”
A shock wave jolted her body. “Oh my goodness, you’re right. Lilith must be going insane. She’s my assistant. Not to mention the call I was supposed to have with China. I should have—”
“Breathe.” Liam retrieved a tin from the center console and popped a mint
into his mouth then held it out to her. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”
She popped one in her mouth and inhaled the peppermint, forcing her shoulders to relax. “I’m fine. I’ll simply send Lilith a message to clear my schedule and send my apologies to my factory contact in China.” She retrieved her phone and texted Lilith, ignoring the twenty-eight messages waiting on her phone.
A moment later, her phone vibrated with a response from Lilith. Did someone kidnap the real Anna Baker?
She laughed, an epic, stress-relieving laugh.
Liam cocked an eyebrow at her. “You okay over there?”
Her muscles relaxed even more and her insides didn’t feel like they were going to explode from the constant worry for the first time in forever. “Yes, actually, I’m better than fine. I’ve done nothing but work on my company for the last five years. My assistant thinks I’ve been kidnapped and held at gun point or something.”
Liam turned at the river and headed toward the university. “Ah, I see. Ms. Workaholic is playing hooky and freaking everyone out. Tell her you’re with Ferris Bueller for the day.”
Anna couldn’t help but snicker, but decided it was best not to text that or her assistant really would call the FBI insisting she was under duress.
Liam pulled into a faculty spot, a small sign post with Professor Harrow on the name plate marking the spot as his. “Oh, look at you, Mr. Professor.”
Students milled about despite the snow and sun fading into the evening sky. Several young men tossed a football back and forth on a large open area in front of the building.
“This shouldn’t take long. You want to wait here or come inside?”
Anna reached for her purse. “Oh, I’m going in. I think it’s time I met all these women who have a thing for you.”
“Behave.” Liam hopped out and opened her door before they headed up the front steps. The female students were dressed in ill-fitting attire, ridiculous considering the freezing temperatures outside, but they likely didn't care. Anything in the name of fashion. Was she like that?
Inside the building, she discovered that the faculty weren’t dressed any better. A young woman passed them in the hallway with her boobs nearly breaking free of her tank top. Apparently, she thought it didn’t matter that the outline of her bra could be seen so long as she wore a jacket over the top of it. She walked with someone and maintained deep conversation, but waved at Liam and snarled at Anna, her skirt so short she should be working on the boulevard, not at the university.
“Hey, Rachel,” Liam said.
They passed, but not before a wave of jealousy hit Anna. She quickly tamped it down.
“You’re quiet.”
Anna shrugged. “I’m behaving, remember?”
Liam led her into a group of offices, the walls lined with dark wood paneling. It definitely had a collegiate feel, the interior design warm yet scholarly. She’d been in Cynthia’s office before, but never in Liam’s.
“Hi, Liam. Who’s this?” A lady, with ombre hair color that made her look more like her head was greasy at the top than edgy, walked by the secretary’s desk and glowered at her.
“This is Ms. Anna Baker. She’s an old friend of mine and a world famous fashion buyer. Anna this is Ms. Varrow.”
“Welcome, Ms. Baker. Will you be in town long?”
Liam wrapped his arm around Anna, resting his hand on her shoulder. “Yes, Ms. Baker. Will you be staying in Riverbend long?”
Anna elbowed him in the stomach. “It’s undetermined at this time.”
Ms. Varrow straightened her skirt and slid her purse from one shoulder to the next. “I see. Liam, I left files for more potential students on your desk. If you need anything, please feel free to call me any time. I heard about Dean Taylor.” She placed one delicate hand on Liam’s chest, and Anna wanted to smack it like an invading insect.
“It’s okay. That’s why I’m here,” Anna said coolly. “Cynthia’s my oldest and dearest friend. Liam and I are helping with their wedding. Oh, we had the most amazing dinner at the club yesterday, didn’t we?”
“The club? That’s…romantic.” Ms. Varrow’s hand slipped from his chest.
Anna thought the red tips of the woman’s hair would ignite and catch her scalp on fire.
“I better go.” The woman stomped through the outer reception area on her clunky platforms.
Liam turned Anna to face him. “Jealous much?”
“Me? Jealous? Not possible.”
He snagged her hand, yanked her into his office then closed the door. He pinned her to the wall. “Really? Well, then that means you’re just rude.”
He placed his palm on the wall next to her face and leaned closer, so close she could smell the mint on his breath.
“No, I just think she needs to learn how to behave like a professional. Not to mention dress like one.”
“Now you sound snooty,” Liam accused.
“I’m not snooty. I live in the fashion world, so I can’t help but judge everyone’s attire.” She lowered her head in shame. “Okay, maybe I am judging and being a little snooty, but that’s been my entire life for the past few years. I can’t help it if fashion is important to me. It might sound superficial to the great Indiana Jones, but it’s who I am.”
“I’m not judging… What? Indiana Jones?”
She shrugged. “Yeah, you know, hot professor with all the girls drooling over you in class. Don’t tell me no one’s ever called you that before.”
He chuckled and moved to his desk, allowing her some space to breathe and her heart to calm. “No, I can’t say they have.”
Voices sounded in the hall outside. “I thought most everyone would be gone by now. It’s got to be close to five.”
“Contrary to popular belief, we don’t work bank hours around here. Many of us work long hours and then go home and work some more.” Liam sat in an oversized leather swivel chair and typed something before the blue light from his computer screen illuminated the room.
“I know you work long hours, but so do I. Listen, I do judge, but not because I want to put people down. I want to lift them up, give them clothes that make them feel good. Clothes that inspire them to hold their heads high, to do that extra lap in the gym, to feel like they matter. These women around here are dressed like they’re trying to be something they’re not. But that’s not the answer. When I dress celebrities, I don’t try to make them look twenty years younger, or a size two when they’re really a six. I dress them in what fits their body type, their attitude, their skin color, hair color, bone structure. It all matters.”
Liam stopped typing. “I love your passion for your job. You always did have a love of fashion. And I’m not saying you're a bad person.”
Anna sunk into a chair across the desk from him. “I know it sounds stupid, but fashion comforts me. When my mother was down all that time, I couldn’t afford new clothes, so I’d make my own and put pretend labels on them. I started trends in my school then ended up selling some of the clothes I made. It was crazy, but every time I saw someone wearing something I made, I felt…happy. For a while, it was the only joy in my life.”
“That’s the old Anna I knew. You weren’t into the money or putting people down. You always wanted to design, and to give back to the people around you.”
“I wish I could help the women who work here. Some of them are beautiful, but those clothes are all wrong. Men would take them more seriously if they weren’t showing everything off all the time. And the ones in pantsuits are trying to over compensate.” Anna’s head spun with ideas, with possibilities. For the first time in five years, that spark of excitement to create glowed bright inside her. “Hey, do you still have access to Historic Hall?”
“Yeah, sure. Why?”
“I’d like to go there again. I’m not sure what I hope to find, but I need to see the space again. My mind can’t stop racing with images of what you mentioned. Then again, it’s crazy.”
“I thought you said there was no room for
high fashion here in Riverbend,” Liam said.
Anna smiled. “Not runway or Parisian fashion, but there’s a desperate need for corporate, Riverbend fashion. I think it’s time to invent a new label for academia sake.”
Chapter Ten
The cold front finally tapered off, leaving the evening temperature cool, but once the sun dipped beneath the horizon the night would be frigid. Liam gathered the bag of bread, cheese, wine, and a blanket from the trunk of his car and found Anna already retrieving the key to Historic Hall from under the brick. The excitement sparkling in her eyes reminded him of the Anna he once knew, but the way she carried herself with pride and sophistication intrigued him with new interest. He couldn’t wait to get to know the Anna in front of him.
“The door sticks, but that’s minor.” She stepped out of the way and motioned Liam inside.
Crack, crack. Boom. Crack.
“Ow.”
Liam dropped the bag on the single chair in the room and darted back out the door. Anna stood in front of the old Historic Hall sign, blood trickling down one of her perfect fingers. “What happened?”
“I tried to straighten the sign but it bit back.” She pushed on her finger, forcing more blood to ooze out.
“Here, let me see that.” Liam cupped her hands and angled them toward the setting sun and eyed the splinter protruding from her porcelain white skin. “Hold still.” He managed to get a hold of the end and pull it out then guided her inside. He retrieved a napkin from their bag and wrapped it around her finger.
They stood close, yet she didn’t back away. Not the way she had earlier. He brushed her hair behind her shoulder, admiring her long neck and the gleam of the star charm hanging from the chain around it. “Wait here.”
She held tight to his hand and caught his gaze. For a moment, she stood unwavering, as if searching for answers inside of him. The touch of her skin, the beauty of her emerald eyes, the aroma of her lilac perfume, it all swaddled him in happiness. A happiness that filled him with warmth and made his heart beat a little faster.