Anna’s eyes widened and she pressed her hand to her chest in an exaggerated gesture of shock. “You don’t mean—a relationship?”
Erica accepted the teasing. “I enjoy his company, which is the very reason I’ve been reluctant to see more of him.”
“That only makes sense to me because it’s coming from you.”Anna slid her arm through Erica’s. “You’re scared that you might end up needing him.”
“Relationships are scary.” Erica turned to her and shrugged. “I don’t expect you to understand. You make romance look easy.”
Anna’s smile faltered. “I do understand. There are so many things that can go wrong, and when you love someone the stakes are so much higher. And romance—love—is never easy.”
It wasn’t the response she’d expected.
Erica stared at her friend. “Is everything all right?”
“Fine.” She waved at Delphi again, who was positioning herself to attack the slope again. “You struck the jackpot with this place. The views are incredible.”
Romance—love—is never easy.
In all the years she’d known Anna, she’d never heard her say anything like that before.
When it came to relationships, Anna was everyone’s role model.
Erica peered closer and noticed how tired Anna looked. Why hadn’t she noticed it before?
“Are you sleeping okay?”
“Me?” Anna turned. “Fine. You?”
Erica floundered. Anna was usually so open. “Great. Comfy bed.” She knew something was wrong but didn’t know how to encourage Anna to talk about it. Was this how her friends felt about her? She made an instant promise to herself to try to be more forthcoming. But as for Anna, she’d just have to wait and hope that eventually she’d tell them. “It’s a pretty place, although I might need to rethink my clothing if these outdoor activities are going to be the norm. How long does it take for frostbite to form?”
“What you need is a hot bath, and fortunately, you have time for one before dinner.”
Erica liberated another chunk of snow from the neck of her jacket. “A hot bath sounds good. Claudia won’t be joining us for dinner because she’s cooking, but we could meet in the library for a drink before we eat? I know you’ll want to call Pete first.”
Anna said nothing and when Erica glanced at her she saw she had tears in her eyes.
“Anna?” Concerned, she took Anna’s arm. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
“With me?” Anna rummaged in her pocket for a tissue. “I’m not the one that managed to fall off a sled on a baby slope.” She pulled her hand out and her shoulders sagged. “I don’t have a tissue.”
Erica dug into her own pocket and pulled out a packet. “Here. Take the lot.”
Anna sniffed and pulled one out. “You never carry tissues.”
“I thought I might need them as I’m looking after a five-year-old. I’m following your example of being prepared for all things. Tell me what’s going on. You were quiet at dinner last night, and again at breakfast this morning. And you went for a long walk on your own this morning.”
“Well, you had to make work calls, and Claudia was in the kitchen so I thought I might as well get some fresh air.” Anna blew her nose hard.
“Aunt Erica! Anna!” Delphi’s voice carried through the cold air. “Watch me!”
Anna immediately beamed and waved her arms. “We’re watching!” She brushed away the tears and whooped as Delphi shot down the slope toward them.
Erica marveled at her ability to always set aside her own feelings and put on a bright smile for the child.
“Are you missing home? Thinking of Christmas?” She started in the obvious place, a wild stab in the dark, but Anna shook her head.
“No, not at all.” She kept her eyes on Delphi. “This place is so festive and being with you two, my best friends—” she cleared her throat “—it’s perfect.”
Now she was sure something was wrong.
