“You're not an idiot. I just told you that I had to practice and I happen to know quite a few people who can't whistle.” Lars said firmly, opening the cab door for her. “You are one of the finest Englishwomen I have ever known. Being able to whistle or call a cab doesn't change that.” he assured.
Anna sighed quietly. "I know. Sometimes, I just feel rather impatient." It was odd for her to say that because in court, she was one of the most patient barristers at their firm.
She blushed as he opened the door for her and complimented her again. "Thank you," she murmured, slipping into the cab and across the seat so Lars would have room.
This cab driver, a woman, looked over her shoulder at them and smiled. "Where to?" she asked.
"Seven Saints," Anna answered, clipping her seat buckle into place.
Lars nodded, understanding that some things were easier to wait for than others. And she could listen to a legal argument better than anyone he knew while he got nervous waiting for the jury to make a decision. Even though he tried not to let it show.
“Of course. Anytime.” he smiled as he climbed into the cab beside her. He nodded politely to the driver and sat back as they drove off.
Anna tried to make out her reflection in the window and smooth her hair. Exchanges with Harry were always… tense, to say the least. And just like that, her phone chimed with a call from the contact Harry Clayton. Her eyes widened for a moment, but she scooped her phone out of her lap to answer it. "Harry?"
"Anna," Harry's voice said immediately back. There was even a relieved edge to his tone, proving just how hesitant he'd been that she would pick up.
Anna inhaled and looked at the headrest in front of her with a sharp gaze. She imagined that it was Harry. “What do you want?” she asked quietly but firmly.
“Just wondering if I can still have Daisy this weekend, if that's okay,” Harry answered.
“Yeah, that's great," Anna replied. She paused for a moment, then pressed, "But you could have called later or messaged to tell me that, so what do you really want?”
There was a few seconds of dead air between them, and Anna knew she'd been right. “Well, I just wondered if you fancied a drink or a bite to eat tonight," Harry finally admitted.
A soft look of shock came over Anna's face. Wait, what was the date? She checked her phone quickly before realizing what day it was. “I can't,” she answered finally after a too-long pause. “I'm having dinner with someone.”
“Okay, cool, yeah,” Harry replied. His tone implied shrugging it off even though he was disappointed. Was he really that disappointed they wouldn't have dinner tonight? “Have a good afternoon.”
The tone of his voice made Anna sigh quietly. “Happy anniversary, Harry,” she said plainly.
“You, too," Harry said before hanging up.
Anna placed her phone back in her lap and looked out the window. Shit.
Lars almost chuckled when he saw Anna trying to fix herself up in the window but politely looked away as her phone rang. He tried not to eavesdrop. It was none of his business who was calling or what the call was about… But when he heard her mention her uncouth ex-husband’s name, he couldn't help but raise a brow. He really tried not to listen to her side of the conversation but in such a small space as the back of a cab, it was almost impossible. Especially when he heard her last three words. He winced sympathetically and let out a sigh as the call ended.
After an uncomfortable moment of silence, Lars reached over and gently placed his hand on hers. “Are you alright?” he asked softly, almost worried that she wouldn't appreciate his question.
Anna felt the unspoken tension settle between her and her coworker. They were in the backseat of a cab for Christ's sake. He'd obviously heard everything she'd said. Anna looked over at him quickly as his hand settled gently on hers. Almost like he thought she'd break if he touched her too firmly. But Anna wouldn't break. She refused to, as much as the world seemed to want it to happen, Anna Clayton wouldn't break.
But his question did weaken her. No one in her adult life had really cared for her the way Lars did. And with Harry consistently causing her problems, it was nice to have someone who was worried about her. "No," she answered softly, gazing into his eyes. "He wanted to have dinner. I forgot what day it was until now."
Lars nodded a little, not denying that he had overheard the conversation, and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m sorry.” he said in the same tone of voice as he met her gaze. “Is there anything I can do?” he asked sympathetically, genuinely wanting to help. Anna was such a good friend to him and he really didn't like seeing her like this. She deserved better.
As Lars squeezed her hand, a sort of shock ran down Anna's spine. She dismissed it as nothing, full well knowing it likely wasn't, and kept eye contact with him. "Don't be," she said quietly. "It's not your fault."
His sympathy was like a warm blanket that Anna hadn't felt in so long. She was haunted by the feel of it. "Just…" she began, but she hesitated. After a moment, she finished, "Just be my friend."
Lars nodded softly and managed to give Anna a gentle smile at her simple reply. “Of course. I will always be your friend.” he assured. Though he didn't know why it felt like a strange weight settled on him at his words. Anna was his friend and he was happy to be hers. Besides, she clearly was still having issues with Harry and likely wasn't ready for anything more in her relationships.
Anna immediately smiled back at him. She slipped her hands free and shifted slightly to wrap her arms around his neck and hug him. “I don’t know what I’d do without you,” she whispered.
Just then, the cab slowed to a stop, and the woman glanced back at them. “Seven Saints,” she said kindly.
Lars was surprised by the hug but returned it happily. “Don't worry about it. I'm here for you.” he assured just as quietly.
He nodded his thanks to the driver but waited for Anna to let go before even moving.
Anna blinked as she realized the taxi had come to a stop, and she pulled back quickly, a pink tinge blossoming all over her face. "Let's go," she said quietly to Lars, glancing at the driver. She was pretending not to watch, but Anna caught her sneaking a peek at them.
“Right.” Lars nodded, a little less embarrassed by their situation than Anna was. Obviously, he could understand how it looked from the outside but… It wasn't like that. He knew that.
Anna paid the driver and inched across the seat. “Let’s go, I’m starved,” she said, not looking back at the female driver again.
“Me too.” he smiled, putting on a casual air as they left the cab. “Remember, I’m buying.” he chuckled.
Anna rose to her feet, shut the door behind her, and stepped onto the sidewalk beside Lars. “You don’t have to,” she quipped while leading the way in. The place was refined and exquisite, yet also relaxing and inviting. Anna loved it.
“Nonsense. I insist.” Lars smiled. “Do you still want to go to my place after lunch? I did promise to show you those… embarrassing pictures.” he blushed, rubbing the back of his neck.
Anna knew it would be pointless to argue, but she still pursed her lips slightly. She didn't need Larson thinking she was destitute. But his question brought a smile back to her face. "Sure," she agreed with a giggle. Then she noticed the blush on his face and his body language. "Only if you don't mind," she added quickly. "I don't want to invade your privacy."
“No, no. I brought it up.” he shook his head. “I can handle a friend like you looking at those pictures.” Lars assured, still blushing a little. “Besides, everyone has something like that that they are embarrassed by.”
Anna giggled shyly. “Alright. If you’re sure you’ll be able to handle incessant teasing at work when Nathan isn’t around,” she quipped. Though he was definitely right. Everyone had something to be embarrassed by…
A waitress showed them to their seats, and Anna moved to take off her coat and sit down. “Don’t you love this place?” she remarked while draping her jacket over the back of her chair. Then she lowered herself into her seat and looked around at the atmosphere. “I think it’s perfect.”
“Coming from you? I think I can handle it. As long as you keep it under your hat.” Lars smirked, trusting Anna not to bring it up in front of anyone at the office.
He nodded, taking off his overcoat and sitting across from her. “Oh, yes. I can't think of a more favorite place.” he agreed heartily since he loved this restaurant as much as she did. The ambiance was perfect, the food was always delicious, and the staff was very friendly.
Anna grinned at his words and his smirk. "Obviously," she cooed. "I wouldn't dare. If these photos are as… edgy as you lead me to believe they are, I won't say a word."
Once their orders were placed, Anna sighed and propped her head up on her fist. "I'm sorry," she apologized quietly. "For earlier, with Harry. He always blows things out of proportion, and he shouldn't have even been there. I'm surprised he didn't know I am working on this case. And I can't believe Nathan didn't tell me about it either. He normally does. It's just odd, and I wanted to apologize."
“Thank you.” Lars sighed in dramatic relief, obviously joking. He trusted her and she was his closest friend. Of course, she would keep his “dark” secret.
“Oh, don't apologize.” he assured. “I agree that either he shouldn't have been there or Nathan should have at least given you a warning but it's not your fault, Anna. Besides, he and I have never gotten along anyway.” he shrugged. “If anything, I should apologize for egging him on.”
Anna giggled. "You're so dramatic!" she teased. "Keep that act up, and I may just rat you out." A glint of mischief flickered through her eyes, one that very few people got to see.
She bit her lip to keep from protesting. Before she said anything stupid, she sipped on the wine they'd brought out a few minutes ago. "Oh, I wonder why," she mused. "Why, oh, why have you and my former husband never gotten along?" She arched her eyebrows and tilted her head in a playful motion. "I can't imagine the reason."
“No, you won’t.” Lars laughed, matching the look in her eyes with equal teasing.
He chuckled again at Anna’s tone and shrugged. “Do you really want me to answer that? Because I think you know why.” he smirked. “But if you want me to say it, I will.”