Anna leant back against the bar, held so deep in concentration that she started a little when she felt the cool chrome at her back. Clamping her hands to her hips, she tilted her head just a touch to the side and squinted her eyes slightly, hoping to see something as yet undiscovered from this new angle. She was quite certain she had never studied an arrangement of flowers so hard in all her life. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but they didn't look right anywhere, although the options hadn't exactly been exhausted, even if she felt like she already was. Then, there was the balloons to think about. Touching a hand to her temple and letting the other extend out the length of the bar, she sighed to herself. She had debated long and hard about the presence of balloons, believing they were highly unnecessary, but Robert had insisted that it just wouldn't feel like a party without them. That was despite Anna saying that it was a launch, not a party, but even as she thought the words, she bristled. Being out of the job for a while didn't give her the excuse to turn into a PR nightmare, something she insisted she'd never be. Letting her hands fall to her sides, she closed her eyes, counted slowly to ten and took a meditative breath. All thoughts of flowers and balloons flitted from her head for a blissful moment and already she was feeling much calmer.

Her peace was interrupted by the crash of the door dead ahead. Anna's eyes flew open to see Robert clattering through the entrance, his reddened face almost hidden by the stacks of crates he was cradling in his arms. He was teetering more precariously from side to side with each faltering step he took. His wheezes of exertion couldn't go unnoticed and Anna skipped a little to reach his side with waiting arms for anything that might topple to the gleaming polished hardwood floors.

"I've got it, I've got it," he chattered breathlessly, suddenly hurrying up as he approached his welcome destination, banging down the load onto the counter. "Christ," he could be heard muttering as he swiped a hand across his brow and then planted both at his waist, straightening out his back with some effort. "That was worse than the bloody gym."

Anna chuckled seeing Robert trying valiantly to regulate his breathing, the process taking a while. Before she could see whether he'd been entirely successful, a rush of air entered the restaurant again, making her hair swish about her as she pulled it into a ponytail. She smiled as John walked through, carrying the same amount of cumbersome crates with relative ease compared to Robert. His fingers wavered a little upon the criss-crossed plastic and she could see the muscles in his arms strain with the weight, getting tauter by the second. The lock of hair that was prone to breaking away from the rest was dangling over his eyebrow, bobbing up and down, and while she was rather sadistically enjoying its movement she also had the strongest urge to get up on her tiptoes and tuck it back between her fingers. As he curved to carefully place down the cargo, Anna touched her hand lightly to his back, feeling the ripple of his spine as he eased upwards. Her breath caught a little as he glanced over his shoulder to meet her eyes, his hands still firm on the top crate.

"I can manage," he said with a smile in his voice, turning slightly at the waist.

"Of course you can," she replied softly, her hand lingering upon him before she let it drift away, fiddling with a strand of her own hair that had become loose. "I just wanted to be there, just in case."

Having ascertained that everything was fine, he turned around fluidly, scooping his still warm hands around her. Anna yelped in surprise as he lifted her for a moment from the floor, her hands braced against his forearms. Grinning, he dipped to kiss her, the loose lock of hair tickling against her forehead as his mouth was pliable against hers.

"Put her down, John," Robert's voice bellowed from the back room, and they were both a little shocked to be caught apparently out of sight. "Pick those up instead and bring them through."

They stood for a few seconds, looking at each other in surprise, still caught up in the aftermath of the thrilling kiss. John stuttered a laugh, clearing his throat to shout back his response.

"Yes, m'lord," he yelled, and Anna had to giggle at the look on his face while she gathered herself. "I thought I was taking orders from you," he whispered to her, leaning closer than she'd bargained on, wrapping one arm about her waist again.

"You'd better do as he says," Anna answered, her fingers dancing over his jacket while she fixed her eyes upon him. "I suspect he could blow a gasket at any second with all the stress. We shouldn't run the risk and toy with him, not today."

John smirked a roguish grin and she felt her reserve slipping. "It's so much fun, though."

Anna shook her head towards him, the smirk painted over her own face undermining her vastly. "John Bates, you are terrible sometimes."

He jumped on his toes, moving away from her just long enough to avoid being swatted by her hand. She managed to grab onto his forearm and he let himself be won, drawing himself close to her again.

"Is there anything else I can do for you before I surrender myself to my captain?"

Anna smiled into his hazel eyes. "I don't think so. Just turn up tonight, looking your handsome self."

John circled his strong arms around her, smiling as he did so. "I don't know about handsome, but I'll try. And I know I wouldn't miss it for the world." He stole a glance over his shoulder, across the restaurant floor. "Rob would never let me live it down if I did."

Anna bit softly on her lip when he swivelled back to her, her shoulders raising as he brought her deeper to his embrace.

"But you know who I'll really be there for."

His voice was low, rich surrounding her. A thrill raced through her head to toe as she kept her hold on him, reluctant to let go.

"You know," his head had lowered further and his breath was brushing against her earlobe, "I'm looking forward to tonight being over, when I can have you to myself for a little bit."

She smiled at the thought, his words rushing over her and ringing in her ears. She couldn't resist playing with him, just a little.

"Well, we'll see," she uttered coquettishly, a finger trailing up and down the row of buttons studding his chest. "I'm sure I'll have a lot of demands on my time."

She heard him fail to suppress a sigh in his throat and glowed, craning onto her toes to brush a kiss against his stubbled cheek, letting her breath linger on him as he had done to her.

"I'm looking forward to it too," she breathed, leaving another sweet kiss upon him. He was wearing the warmest, widest smile as she lowered her heels back to the floor. She playfully tapped at his arm where he had rolled up his sleeves, marvelling at the bare skin. "Now, shoo. We both need to be getting on."

He nodded his head in a 'yes, ma'am' fashion and made his way to the back room where Robert was waiting for his service, glancing over his shoulder at her as he got further away. Folding her arms against her, Anna smiled. She had a million and one things to do before tonight, but she couldn't for the life of her think what they were.

Some swift hours later, all was well underway and the place was packed, buzzing with bodies. There wasn't an inch of floor that Anna hadn't covered as she dashed about to and fro, the quiet and reliable centre of everything, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and to plan. Now, she had taken up residence at front-of-house, shaking hands with and greeting the last few guests as they arrived through the doors, a natural and warm smile pinned to her face. Any niggling stress she had felt earlier in the day had left her completely, and she felt absolutely at home and at ease in her role, the whirlwind of activity settling to a mere lull at her feet. Until now, she had forgotten how much she had missed doing all of this – had forgotten how good she was at it. In the past hours, it had been like she had slipped her hand effortlessly into a glove that fit her perfectly and it had all come back to her instinctively, like second nature.

As she listened to the chat of those excited to see the restaurant, she touched her fingers briefly to her hair, set into 1920's style waves with a small decorative pin keeping it in place. She let the guests go with a smile and smiled to herself as she got the long overdue chance to take a breath. That seemed to be the last of the arrivals. She stayed hovering for a moment by the door, glancing across the crowd to the bar. She hadn't caught up with Robert all night, and smiled as she saw him clutching a champagne glass tightly, Edith standing near his side. Sandwiched in-between the two of them was a younger woman with a wild head of dark curls, dressed in tight trousers and a crop top that bared a little of her midriff. It was fair to say that she rather stuck out against the backdrop, and if she hadn't already known that she would be here tonight, Anna would be fairly positive that this was Sybil. As she made her way over towards the three of them, she could hear their talk getting more discernible.

"Couldn't you have worn something a little more fitting?" Robert questioned his youngest daughter with raised eyebrows, "And by that, I'm referring to the theme of the evening, not fabric. Of course."

He raked his eyes disapprovingly over Sybil's outfit, but she only tossed her head, her hair bouncing out around her.

"I only got back this morning, Papa," she shrugged. "This is all I had to hand that was clean."

Robert rolled his eyes, taking a cautious sip of his champagne. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Edith giggling, her hands covering her mouth.

"Show Papa your holiday souvenir, Sybil."

On her sister's command, Sybil promptly but a little shyly stuck her tongue out. The colour drained from Robert's face on the sight.

"What in God's name is that?"

"It's a tongue stud, Papa," Sybil chimed cheerfully, her words a little muffled as she removed her teeth from behind the silver-plated ball. "It didn't hurt."

"That's not my main concern."

The horror started to fade just a little from his expression as he leaned forward for a closer inspection. He was quite sure he would never be able to fathom his youngest girl, her streak of rebellion lasting for years now with no signs of abating. Edith was still chortling and Robert was faintly heartened by her amusement at the whole matter. He supposed that Sybil's prolonged defiance made up for the absolute lack that Edith displayed.

Edith's brows rose as she looked at her sister. "That's not all she came back with," she teased, her little finger in the air as she sipped from her glass.

"Oh heavens, don't say you got a tattoo as well," Robert began aghast, his voice trailing off as he noticed Sybil turning a distinct shade of crimson, and a thought that was even more fearful occurred to him. "Oh God, no. Not another one. Sybil…" He huffed in despair, watching his daughter smirk a little and shuffle her feet distractedly, placing a gentle hand upon his arm.

"Papa, let's not talk about it now."

Sybil smiled sweetly, shutting her eyes and raising her head to kiss his cheek. Robert looked mildly perturbed but at the same time quite happily resigned. A warm glow came over Anna, who found the scene incredibly sweet but tinged with sadness on her own behalf. She gave a little, aimless wave of her hand as she arrived in front of the trio, not wanting to intrude. Robert beamed a smile at her, placing his glass down on the bar.

"There she is, the trooper! Anna, have a glass of champagne." He scrambled around while his daughters laughed at his fussing.

"Oh no, I'm fine, honestly."

"Come on, you of all people should have the whole bottle. I won't take no for an answer."

She smiled graciously as Robert held out a glass by its stem, a strawberry perched on its rim. He was practically fizzing with enthusiasm, totally swept up in the atmosphere. "You know Edith," he jabbered, champagne nearly swilling out of his glass as he gestured.

"Yes," Anna responded, smiling and leaning to give Edith a kiss on the cheek, balancing her champagne flute and clutch bag in her grasp.

"And this is…"

"I'm Sybil!"

She interrupted her father with bags of her own enthusiasm, bounding forward and throwing her arms around Anna. All Anna could do was smile into her shoulder; Sybil was most definitely her mother's daughter, greeting her in much the same excited way as she recalled Cora doing the first time they had met. When she relinquished her embrace, she spied the slightly startled look in Anna's eyes and giggled, dark ringlets jumping.

"Sorry, Mama and Papa always say I'm a bit much first thing. But I'm so excited to be here and to see you, the person behind it all. Wow, you're so pretty."

Anna had to smile at how almost childishly sweet Sybil was.

"And I love your hair," she went on, pointing to the jewelled clip. "It's very vintage."

Anna touched her hand to her head once more. "Thank you. I love yours. I always wanted curly hair more than anything when I was little. I even ate all mine and my brothers' and sister's worth of crusts, but it didn't help."

Sybil grinned at her. "Oh, it's more trouble than it's worth. I wanted to shave it all off before I went away but Papa wouldn't let me."

"It was for your mother's sake," Robert piped up. "You know she would have never recovered."

Sybil rolled her saucer eyes and Anna let out a laugh, a little distracted. She turned at the waist, glancing at the crowds that had formed rapidly around.

"Where is Cora?"

"Oh, she shouldn't be too long," Robert affirmed. "She had a few things to take care of at home. Actually, I think she might have mentioned that John called, and said he was running a little late at work, so she planned to meet with him and come along."

Anna swallowed her sip of drink, the bubbles catching and causing her to rasp briefly. She had wondered why she hadn't seen him so far, and had found the time to worry about it amongst the haze of meeting and greeting all the guests that had arrived. Now that she knew, she felt a little better but still couldn't stop the anxiety from gnawing away. It was going to be a busy night and she only had a little window of time before she had get back to moving things along; if she didn't get the chance to see him now, then she wasn't sure when she would.

As if on cue, Cora came running out of the throng from the back door, waving her hands in the air, John trailing far more reservedly at her back, his head dipping up rather cautiously. Anna lit up immediately, the smile easing up onto her lips.

"I'm so sorry we're late," Cora shrieked, clasping Robert's hand and kissing both of her daughters and then Anna in turn. "The traffic was an absolute nightmare. I said to John that I hoped most of it would be coming here. And it looks as if I was right." She smiled a smile that showed all of her teeth, grasping onto Anna's arm. "Anna, this is wonderful. There are so many people here! You must be so pleased."

"I am, for you and Robert," she smiled modestly. "It's your night, after all. I'm just orchestrating it."

"You're such a darling." Cora leaned forward to give Anna another peck on the cheek before pulling back and smiling warmly towards her. "Well Robert, aren't you going to get me some champagne?"

"Certainly, darling." He reached to the tray to find it empty, and rolled his eyes. "Looks like I'll have to go into the back."

Cora grinned, her eyes twinkling. "Come on girls, go and mingle." She gestured with her hands for Edith and Sybil to move into the room and join the crowds. "While I go and help your father in the back."

Sybil let out a whine of mock-disgust as Cora grabbed onto Robert's hand, winking at Anna as she tottered away. Anna chuckled, watching the girls go off in one direction and Robert and Cora in the other, more than a little relieved that she had the chance to be alone with John; at least alone as they could be in a restaurant full to the brim with people. She glanced up at him, wearing a dark suit and maroon shirt, a tuft of chest hair peeking out of the open top button. Anna smirked at the sight, seeing his eyes fixed downwards upon her. He hadn't said a word yet, not that he'd had much of a chance. It felt like she had waited a while for him to say something, and she was going to move to break the silence when he finally did, a little hesitatingly.

"You're matching the theme," he said, his gaze focused upon her replica beaded dress, in a rich dark red.

Anna smiled, her hips twirling just a little in response.

"And so are you."

She leaned in, letting her fingers land on his shirt collar, incredibly close to where the patch of his skin was exposed. She felt him shiver slightly and was happy at the reaction she had produced, until she noticed that his whole demeanour seemed shaken. Frowning, she curled her hand around to the back of his neck, the presence of her touch making his head bob up towards her. Her other hand grazed his cheek lightly.

"What's up?" she said in a voice so soft, even though they were cocooned in a corner away from the rest of the room.

She saw the corner of his mouth quirk up while his eyes remained lowered, and felt a touch reassured.

"It's nothing," he uttered, shaking his head. He let out the smallest laugh. "It's just…we were on the way here, in Cora's car, sitting in traffic. Done it a million times before. And all of a sudden, I felt absolutely racked with nerves."

Anna's face softened, and she felt her heart melting inside her chest. This man never failed to surprise her. He gazed up at her after what seemed an age, and she was overwhelmed by the earnest look set deep within his eyes. Even though she found it unbearably cute, she couldn't stifle the soft laughter that rose from her.

"Nervous? Whatever for?" she enquired, genuinely puzzled but definitely endeared. Her hand rested in its natural place upon his forearm. "You've no call to be nervous."

He continued to stare longingly at her, making up for lost time. "I'm not so sure that's completely true." He fiddled with the cufflinks under the sleeves of his jacket and fixed her with a smile that nearly took her breath away. "This is a big night for the two people who mean the most in the world to me."

A shiver went up her spine, her mouth hanging open slightly at the words he had said.

"If that doesn't give me justified cause to be an absolute wreck, then I'm not sure what will."

He planted a tentative hand on her hip, not wanting to crease her dress. His smile grew wider as she fixed her own hand firmly over it.

"Look at you, though," he exclaimed, his voice still gentle. "You're fine. Complete picture of calm and grace." He reclined to take a proper look at her, but couldn't last long before her arms pulled him back. "You don't even need my luck."

Anna grinned, wrapping herself around him. "But I do. I'm glad you're here. I wouldn't want it any other way."

She heard the seductive note in her voice, swallowing it with a giggle before covering it completely with a kiss upon his lips. She had to sigh a little; she'd been crying out for him all evening and found herself sinking into the kiss, sinking against him, feeling for a few moments as though the whole world and all its expectations had disappeared with no trace. His hands were strong against her hips, fingertips running over the beads of her dress, and she was a little annoyed when she had to push away and return back to earth.

"That'll have to do for now," she sighed. "I have to get back. Unfortunately."

"Your public awaits." He smiled, leaving a kiss on her forehead while he released her fingers from his own, one by one. Anna returned the grin as she made to go, turning back on her heels just before she disappeared completely, flitting close as she could to his ear.

"Later," she breathed huskily. "We need to celebrate. Your place or mine?"

John's eyes widened and a smirk flew up on his lips as he watched her delightedly. "I'll leave it entirely up to you."

He could only stand staring in amazement as she went into the room, her form like a beacon that would be seen from miles away. He felt like he'd been here a thousand times before, but every time he felt the jump in his heart, his head lose grip and was left completely astounded. Nothing and nobody had ever affected him in this way, and he already knew it was past the danger point, yet in these moments, and so many more, he couldn't care.

"Alright, mate?" Robert was there suddenly, clutching a bottle of champagne with his collar ruffled and lipstick on his cheek. "Need a glass?"

"No, I'm alright," John said, his eyes still seeking Anna out in the crowd. He smiled satisfied when he saw her, and turned slowly towards his friend, immediately amused by his appearance. "You look like you've been having quite the time of it."

Robert grinned, nudging his arm. "You know Cora finds me irresistible in a tux. You should try it yourself for Anna. Although I suspect you don't need to."

He winked at John, his eyes a little wonky, and John simply shook his head. The last thing Anna needed was a tipsy Robert on her hands. He made a note to himself to keep an eye on him, and let out a contented sigh.

"I don't know, Rob," he heaved, his chest expanding with the breath exhaled, "I feel a bit lost suddenly. Well, it's not sudden, I suppose. But it may as well be, the way I've been." He turned to look at his friend, who was leaning heavily against him. "Is this what it's like, when it finally happens; that it takes you unawares, so completely?"

Robert narrowed his eyes at John, a flash of concern coming up from within them. He wondered if he'd said anything to her. He decided it wasn't his place to ask. Instead, he tapped John heartily on the arm, directing both their gazes back into the room, back towards Anna.

"Look at all this, John. It's bloody brilliant," Robert slurred slightly, casting his free arm out into the air. "And it's because of her. She's a gem, she is."

John sighed again, a smile creeping back onto his face. "Don't I know it."

"You better had know it." Robert hiccupped, taking himself by surprise. There was silence as he recovered himself, and John went deep in contemplation. Something had to give, he knew that much, but he prayed it wouldn't be this.

As Robert tried to pour out more champagne from the empty bottle, John managed to hear him repeat one word to himself.

"Marvellous. Marvellous."

John smiled.

Yes, he thought. She is marvellous.

"It's official. I love you."

Robert bounded back over to Anna after dinner and the musical entertainment, when everyone had gone back to milling around the restaurant and chatting amongst themselves. He grasped her by both arms, landing a sloppy kiss on her cheek.

"Steady on," John's voice came from her side, his hand touched to the small of her back. His tone was still light even though his words were firm, and she could tell he was jesting with his oldest friend if there was a tiny hint of warning in there.

"You are a genius. I'm ecstatic!"

Anna beamed with unassuming pride. "I'm just happy to have been a part of it all. I actually won't know what to do with myself now."

Robert took a quick breath, smiling. "Well, it's funny you should say that. Mary's been looking to start a business for a while, she wants to go into events but really, she has a head for numbers. She needs someone with creative vision to compliment her. A few people have approached her, and Cora suggested some friends of friends, but none have worked out, for one thing and another. Mary's quite fussy…"

"Quite fussy?" John piped up, straining to keep his laughter in check, suggesting that perhaps this was an understatement.

"But I know you'd get on like a house on fire," Robert went on, undeterred. "Hang on, let me see if I can find her…"

In a flash, Robert had vanished, off to track down his elusive eldest daughter who Anna had actually yet to encounter. Turning around, Anna arched her eyebrows, laughing when she saw John doing the very same. The hand that was splayed in the dip of her spine now brought her into his arms and she went willingly, heart speeding up as she brushed against his body. She looked into his eyes and felt herself glow with all the promise she saw held there.

"Alone at last," he whispered in a hushed, husky tone and while she felt tingles rip through her at those three words, Anna had to giggle. She was happy that he did the same.

"I'm sorry I haven't been with you much tonight," she said, smoothing a tiny crease from the arm of his jacket.

"Hey, it's fine. You need to do your thing. And you do it so well." Even in the low light, she could discover new, unknown colours in his eyes, piercing into her. His lips came closer to her cheek, and she shuddered despite herself. "Would you be very embarrassed if I kissed you, in front of everyone?"

Anna giggled, holding onto his neck, looking around briefly. Anybody who was around them seemed to be completely oblivious, wrapped up in their own conversations, but she couldn't have cared if they had nothing else to do but stare. She answered his question by pressing her frame intently to him and in the next second his lips were upon hers; delicious, feverish, warm, slow, sweet. She had experienced a whole myriad of sensations in this one kiss, and she would be happy for the journey to last for the remainder of the night.

When they finally let go, she was smiling wide. "John Bates, you are wonderful."

Anna was lost in his eyes, his smile that radiated. It was a curt cough at her back that snapped her out of it, and John chuckled briefly at the jump of her shoulders and her stunned face, still holding on to her as she turned herself round to see where it had come from.

Her expression couldn't be more different from the blissful one she had worn but seconds previously. Now, her face had fallen as she took in the positively Amazonian woman in front of her, immaculately and beautifully dressed in an ornate silk gown, which made her own feel rather shabby. Her plump lips were pursed tightly in an expression that was impossible to read and though her eyes were chocolate brown, somehow there was still an icy glare buried deep within them. Anna was at once incredibly intimidated.

John broke the silence that had fell in the space between the two women. "Mary," he nodded towards her, an acknowledging smile in his voice.

"Bates." Her face remained impenetrable for a long moment, before her lips cracked and she burst into a welcome smile. Anna was relieved to let out the breath she had been holding. "It's been a while. Good to see you."

"Likewise."

"And you must be Anna."

She was holding out a graceful hand towards her, and after a second of uncertainty, Anna took it.

"Charmed," Mary uttered, the steely edge falling away from her tone and her gaze warming significantly. "I've heard a lot about you. I have to say, I'm impressed with tonight." The way in which she pronounced her words indicated that perhaps that wasn't an easy thing to achieve. "I'm certainly interested to discover more."

"Well, I'm happy to tell you as much as I can."

Anna relaxed as Mary smiled wider, and they fell rapidly into interested conversation, that was less about event planning and business and more about everything else that two women almost the same age had as shared interests. Anna complimented Mary on her dress, and it turned out that it was an authentic piece from the era, having been passed down from her grandmother who had worn it in high society when she was Mary's age. Already, she felt quite in awe of Mary but in a good way, having gotten over the initial awkwardness. Daresay she thought that the more they talked, the more at ease she felt. From all she had heard about Mary, she had expected them to be worlds apart and to have very little in common. Now that she had met her in person, she was happy to have dismissed that notion quite swiftly.

As they chatted away, John had tapped her lightly on the shoulder, pointing over to the far end of the room where Robert stood. Anna gave him a smile as he walked away, watching the stride of his long legs and teething her lip before she returned to talking to Mary. For a few moments at least, she couldn't prevent her mind from wandering elsewhere.

Anna had done another couple of circles around the restaurant and was now standing by the bar, talking animatedly to guests who still remained. The hour was late and her energy was waning, but after a few seconds and a sip of sparkling water she was revived. She smiled as she received compliments, rebuffing them onto Robert, and happily chatted. Even if she was approaching the point of exhaustion, she was feeling good about how everything had gone. In particular, she was feeling very good about the moments she had managed to spend with John. She hadn't seen him since she had been with Mary but she wasn't worried. He wasn't far away, and after all she had his unreserved company to enjoy afterwards. She allowed herself a secret little smirk at the thought.

A glare of light flashed into her eyes, leaving her disorientated for a moment. As the couple she had been talking to moved away, her line of vision was unobscured. She thought she must have been seeing things. It couldn't have possibly been. Anna blinked furiously. The figure standing just a little way in from the doorway was still there, hands in pockets, staring towards her.

It was.

How on earth…?

A cold chill washed over her as she made her way across to where Jeremy was rooted, her stomach somersaulting sickeningly. His lips quirked into a smile when she arrived before him, and he used his hand to tuft his hair up when it was clear that she wasn't going to take it.

"God, Anna. This is fantastic. You look fantastic."

"What the hell are you doing here?" she barked in a low tone, the annoyance and pure shock unmissable. Nothing for months, and now this, tonight of all nights. He was simply smiling, no idea of the chaos he had unleashed in her internally. "You can't just turn up like this, it's a private party. It's a really important night for me." Her hand had begun to tremble against her arm.

"Yes I can, Anna. I can just turn up. It's the most important turn up I've ever done."

He still looked calm, unbothered, but his voice was insistent. She'd never heard him speak in such a way before. The look in his eyes made it obvious he wasn't going to leave, and she sighed heavily, rolling her eyes upwards.

"We can't talk in here."

Hoping they couldn't be seen, she gave him a quick shove on the arm. His face had brightened considerably as she ushered them out onto the street and she felt deflated at once, thinking she might have unintentionally given him something to latch onto.

"Five minutes. No, that's being too generous."

She tried not to meet his gaze, fixing her eyes onto the faint spark of a streetlight in the distance.

"Anna, please, look at me."

She huffed, having to relent. His face was open, far too hopeful, smiling as she turned her gaze towards him.

"I mean it, you look amazing."

"How did you get in?" She shot back, not taking the bait, needing to know.

"That guy you used to work with, Thomas, he told me about it. Said he could get me a ticket if I paid him enough."

"Sounds about right," she sighed into the night. This was just unbelievable, but somehow wasn't at all. She stared down at her feet. She really couldn't look at him right now, though she felt his eyes burning into her skin.

"Look, I know I've been an idiot, not getting in touch. And I didn't mean to just turn up out of the blue like this."

Anna couldn't stop herself from snorting derisively. That was Jeremy all over, he never meant to do anything, but he did it all the same. She couldn't help thinking he wasn't being entirely honest.

"But it was just the way it went. And I couldn't not." He paused for a moment, and the silence echoed like a tunnel in her ears. "It's over with Claudia. A couple of weeks ago now, I swear. She got fed up of me talking about you all the time."

"So you didn't even have the balls to be the one to call it off?" Anna laughed. "Of course you didn't."

She was puzzled. It was only a few days ago that Claudia had confronted her, bold as brass, insisting that everything with her and Jeremy was all hearts and flowers. Not that it made a difference to her whether they had eloped and then it had all fallen apart an hour later.

"It doesn't matter how it ended," Jeremy replied firmly. "The fact is it has. Honestly, Anna." His voice lowered to a squeak. "I'm sorry. Really sorry. You have no idea how sorry I am."

God, he was like a broken record. She chanced a glance at him.

"We've been through too much just to drop this, haven't we? Surely."

"I've been the one who's been going through it all, Jez."

He sighed, shifting on his soles. "I'm ridiculous for not realising it until now, I know. But you're too good not to fight for."

She stamped her heel hard on the pavement, seeing him jump.

"Don't, Jeremy. Don't dare talk about fighting. I've been doing it for months, years, and I am tired. I can't do it anymore." Her voice caught, and she was surprised that she had to choke back a cry. She recovered herself, smoothing her dress while his eyes followed her movements. "I thought the fight had left you long ago."

He went silent, shrinking back from where he stood. Anna was relieved beyond belief, feeling able to breathe again despite the fact that they were in the open air. She felt woozy, and had to lean her hand against the wall, feeling the scrape of the stone against her palm jab into her. She didn't want to look to see whether she had been cut.

"Good looking bloke," Jeremy said suddenly, his face turned into the window. "Are you seeing him? I'm sorry, it's not my place to ask."

Anna's heart was pounding against her chest. Please say that he hadn't seen.

"You're right, it isn't."

She stared at the ground for a while, too scared to look in either direction. Jeremy was quiet too, and she found herself wishing surprisingly that he would say something, the feeling around them so unsettling.

"I have to go back inside," she managed to say, quietly.

Jeremy nodded his head. "Of course."

Anna looked at him for what felt like too long, expecting him to make some kind of move towards her, to try and kiss her on the cheek. Instead, he had clasped his hands behind his back.

"Will you come and see me, Anna? Please, there's so much more I have to say. Just an hour, that's all I ask of you."

She inhaled slowly, her eyes flickering into the large glass pane consciously. Jeremy was awaiting her answer with wide eyes, looking like a puppy who'd been rescued from a puddle and was waiting to be lavished with its master's love and attention.

"Soon? Please?"

"I…I don't know." Her voice was so small in her throat.

He looked at the ground, nodding apologetically as he stepped away. "Sorry. I'll go now. Thanks for listening, Anna. I know you didn't have to."

You didn't very well leave me much choice.

"You know where I am when you decide. Have a good night. I'm really proud of you."

It took a few moments for her to remember where she was and what she was supposed to be doing, the warm night not quite reaching her. She smiled shakily at a passer-by who looked at her, concerned, and with a deep breath and an effort, she pushed the door of the restaurant back open. A rush of warmth hit her, a swirl of chatter and the refrain of jazz music heavy in her ears. She felt incredibly disillusioned suddenly. A waiter was at her side, shunting a tray towards her, offering her another glass of champagne which she politely refused.

Her mind flooded with confusion and worry, her eyes frantic across the room. She hoped and prayed that he had been tucked up somewhere, occupied; that he hadn't even noticed her leaving for a few moments. The only thing she wanted now was to see his face, reassuring as he looked back at her across the room, making everything alright again. It was dangerous to rely on one person for so much comfort. The only thing she wanted was not to see him and have her eyes give herself away.

When she caught sight of him at the bar in the spot she had previously been, at a vantage point right opposite the window, she was utterly crestfallen.

John came over, a smile that she thought was a touch uneasy on his face. Anna fought to keep herself composed, digging deep for her own smile to show itself as uncompromised as it could be.

"Are you alright?" he said, his voice laced with quiet concern, his hand reaching out to touch her shoulder. She didn't know why she inched away.

"Yeah…yeah." Anna shook her head, a few strands falling free from the tight waves. "I just needed to step out for some air."

She knew he must have seen her with Jeremy. He couldn't have missed it. Her chest began to tighten uncomfortably.

He frowned at her, his forehead wrinkling lightly, his eyes underneath soft and seeming a bit sorrowful. He took a breath, looking at his watch and then back at her.

"It's getting late."

"Yeah."

"We can make a move if you want."

Anna braced her head against her temples, rubbing lightly and subconsciously.

"Um, you know, I just want to go back home. On my own." She felt a stab of guilty pain wrack her as she glanced up briefly, seeing the look in his eyes change on the instant. "It's been a long day, I'm just wiped out." She managed a weak half-smile. "I'm no use to anyone in this state."

"Of course," he barely whispered, and Anna had to screw her eyes shut. She could hear it in his voice. How strange that everything could change in a second, and still she did nothing to help matters. She screamed at herself for it.

"I can see you back in a cab."

"I'm fine by myself." She blanched at how cold she sounded. She didn't dare look up at him, but let his hand rest upon her like the fall of a feather.

"Let me at least walk you out."

Anna kept her gaze ahead of her as they went out into the street, John a few cautious steps behind, ready to catch her if she stumbled or take her fast into his arms if she changed her mind, but she didn't. Instead, she climbed into the cab that he had hailed, fixing on the seatbelt with stumbling fingers and shutting the door with a loud bang that made her recoil. She closed her eyes for a few seconds, unexpected tears prickling and pressing against the lids. She took a breath, counted to ten. There was just enough time before the vehicle pulled completely out of sight, and she swivelled round on the seat, eyes staring out the bubble of glass. He was still standing on the pavement, hands planted in his pockets, looking far off but not failing to find her.

She sniffed loudly, swiped a hand over her nose and then her mouth to prevent a silent scream of despair from coming forth.

Her head was lost. She just hoped that what they had wasn't, but for now, she didn't know.

A/N: If you thought Claudia turning up last time was bad...there has to be a little bit of drama, right, otherwise it wouldn't be A/B...

Reviews are welcome, as always.