she drove home, Anna’s tummy was performing all sorts of gymnastics at the thought of a date with Tex. She hoped he would ring. He hadn’t seemed too bothered about her ex, Mark, or the fact that she had a son, so that was a good sign.
Not that Mark should be a problem; he was over five thousand miles away building a new life for himself. Her and Mark were very much separated, her marital status a mere technicality.
Anna was thankful that the last group of foreign exchange students hadn't wanted to ask any questions at the end of their guided tour of Chichester Cathedral. Spurred on by the thought of a chilled glass of wine at the Fish and Fly tonight with her sister-in-law, she picked up her bag and headed towards the main entrance.
It was then that she saw him. He was just standing there, grinning at her obvious shock. For a moment she thought her legs would give way.
‘Hey,’ Mark murmured, as if stroking her with the word.
Anna stared back, went to speak but her mouth and throat had completely dried up. What the hell was he doing here? He was still as good looking as the day he had left, all six foot of him. His blonde hair, the tips now white from the LA sun, tanned complexion and Wedgwood blue eyes. The teeth, however, weren't quite as Anna remembered. Now they seemed whiter, and possibly straighter.
‘Hi,’ she finally managed to say.
‘You're looking well. You cut your hair.’
Anna's hand automatically went to her now short hair. Her break-up haircut. Of course, Mark hadn't seen it. She knew he preferred long hair, that was part of the satisfaction of getting it cut.
‘It's nice,’ he continued as he took a step closer, his arms slightly open.
Anna stiffened. How do you greet your estranged husband? A full-on embrace? Definitely not. Handshaking? Too formal. Maybe a quick hug and an air kiss. Before she could decide, Mark was upon her. Hands holding hers, moving in closer for a kiss on the cheek, a quick hug, before looking directly into her eyes.
‘It's good to see you,’ he said.
For a moment neither spoke. It was Anna who broke the gaze first and took not only a physical step back, but a mental one too. She didn't like the way Mark could almost put a spell on her, even after everything that had happened. She needed to pull herself together. He may still be able to melt her with his looks but she needed to remember what was underneath.
‘What are you doing here?’ She hoped she sounded more confident than she felt.
‘Came to see you, of course.’
‘No, here. How did you know I'd be here? Why didn't you phone? Does Luke know you're back?’ Her mind was on overload. As the questions came tumbling out like an upended jar of marbles, she was barely able to keep up with her thoughts.
‘Hey, hey, slow down,’ Mark gave her a small grin. ‘One question at a time.’
‘Well?’
‘I called at the house. Spoke to Luke.’
‘Oh God, Mark, why didn't you wait for me before you saw him? I could have warned him in advance.’
‘I don't think you have to warn my own son about me.’
She ignored the edge in his voice. ‘You know what I mean.’
‘Yeah, I do. Anyway, he was delighted to see me, as it happens. He told me where to find you.’
‘And your reason for coming back?’
‘Didn't know I needed one. But seeing as you asked, I thought I'd come over and see you and Luke. I thought I could spend some time with him.’ He flashed a boyish grin at her. ‘Thought I would surprise you.’
‘You thought a lot of things,’ said Anna before walking out through the glass doors. Like a pit pony coming out into daylight, she squinted as she was momentarily struck by the brightness. She popped her sunglasses on. She could hear Mark's footsteps quicken to catch up with her, falling in next to her as she hurried across the flagstones, up the steps, past the statue of St Richard, around the bell tower and down the path that ran along the side of the cathedral.
‘Where are you staying?’ she asked, without breaking her stride or looking at him.
‘Err, well, there's a bit of a problem there. Everywhere's really busy. I didn't decide to come until the last minute so didn't make any arrangements.’
‘Unfortunate.’
‘I thought I could stay with you. At the house,’ he said casually.
‘Stay with me?’ echoed Anna, stopping dead. They were at the Market Cross in the centre of Chichester, where the four pedestrian roads met. A great meeting spot, a favourite with teenagers, and today foreign exchange students in particular. Anna could hear the gabble of French and Spanish, mixed in with the English voices of other tourists and shoppers. She took off her sunglasses and looked at Mark. Was he being serious?
‘It will give me a chance to spend some quality time with Luke,’ said Mark, a defensive tone creeping in. ‘I haven't seen him in ages.’
Anna bristled. ‘A whole year.’
‘I do my best,’ said Mark lamely, ‘but let's not get into all that now. I'm here to try and make up for lost time. Come on, it'll be fine.’
‘I don't think it's a good idea. I haven't got enough room anyway.’
‘I can kip on the sofa, not a problem,’ replied Mark Then winking, said, ‘Failing that, I'm sure we could both still share the same bed, in a purely platonic way of course.’
‘There must be a B&B somewhere, or what about a Travelodge?’ said Anna, choosing to ignore the last comment. Replacing her sunglasses, relieved that her feet responded, she headed down East Street towards home.
‘Come on, Anna. What's the big deal? Besides, you know Luke will be really pleased if I stay with you and him.’
‘You can't just waltz back into our lives, acting like everything is hunky-dory,’ said Anna, looking straight ahead, still walking. ‘You haven't exactly been the greatest advertisement for fatherhood. The occasional phone call or sometimes an email.’
‘I was hoping you'd be a bit more understanding.’ There was a coolness in his voice. ‘I didn't want to have to force you to agree but you seem to be forgetting one tiny detail. It is actually my house. I don't think you've got a lot of choice. I am entitled to stay in my own home, you know.’
‘Your house, but my home. It’s never been your home. You bought it for me and Luke. No, you’re not staying. In fact, let’s go back into town and find you a B&B.’
‘You’ll have to pay then. I can’t afford it. Money’s a bit tight.’
‘Money’s a bit tight yet you’ve managed to afford a flight here! Don’t
