Ben yawned and stretched. It was nearly midnight and as much as he wanted their Seinfeld marathon to continue, he knew he had to call it quits. He glanced over at Anna and her eyes were half-shut, too. He smiled. It had been a perfect night as far as he was concerned. They’d had Chinese food delivered and enjoyed it with a few beers while they watched back-to-back episodes of Seinfeld and laughed all night.

Anna was on her side of the sofa and he was on his and it was just really comfortable. He frowned as he thought about his plans for Saturday night, which he was dreading. He knew it was the polite thing to do, to show Sierra around, but he wasn’t looking forward to it. He almost invited Anna to join them, but sensed that neither woman would have been keen on that idea.

“Do you have any fun plans for the rest of the weekend?” he asked as he shut off the TV.

Anna yawned too before answering. “Tammy and I are doing something tomorrow night. I’m not sure what, maybe grabbing a bite to eat or seeing a movie. What about you?”

“I told Sierra I’d take her out. Any ideas on where we should go?”

Was he imagining it or did Anna not like the idea of him taking Sierra out, either?

“Well, it depends. Do you want a lot of attention or would you rather go somewhere out of the way?”

“I’m sure Sierra would love the attention. But I’d prefer to go to somewhere no one will notice us. I’m trying to keep a low profile here.”

“You could try the Belfry. It’s more upscale and much smaller. A special occasion kind of place.”

“That’s not a bad idea. Is the food good?”

Anna laughed. “I’ve never been there. Like I said, it’s a special occasion restaurant and a bit out of my price range.”

“Got it. Thanks for the suggestion, then. And we’re on for Sunday, though? The play with Adiel?”

Anna smiled. “I’m looking forward to it.”

* * *

Anna walked into the kitchen Saturday night just as Ben was saying goodbye to Taylor and Betty.

“You look great for your big date,” she teased him.

“Trust me, it’s not a big date,” he said. But he did look great. He was wearing a hunter green sweater over a white t-shirt and well-made pants. The green brought out the green flecks in his eyes. She looked away, hating that she was feeling jealous about his night out with Sierra. She had no right to feel that way.

“Have fun with Tammy,” he said as they reached their cars.

She followed him out of the driveway as she headed to Tammy’s house. They saw a romantic comedy they’d both been dying to see, and then went to the Mexican restaurant in the middle of Main Street to share an order of loaded nachos and have some margaritas.

“You like this guy,” Tammy announced when Anna finished telling her about Ben’s date with Sierra.

“I may have a crush on him. I know it’s stupid.” Anna took a sip of her margarita and savored the sweet tartness of it.

“I don’t think it’s stupid. He’s single, too. I know he’s your boss, but if the two of you get along as well as it seems—well, maybe it could be more?”

Anna sighed. “I can’t risk doing anything to screw up this job. The money is too important.”

Tammy frowned. “What’s going on with that? Have you applied for financial aid yet?”

“I looked into it. I’m pretty much screwed. Elise said she won’t help me and I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t qualify for much anyway based on what my father made.”

“But I thought you said Elise told you there wasn’t much left? Maybe you could qualify for some aid.”

“I hate the thought of asking her for anything.” Although it had crossed her mind to at least talk to Elise and see if she would fill out her part of the financial aid application.

“Speak of the devil. She’s coming this way. You can ask her.”

Anna looked up and sure enough, Elise was walking toward them, no doubt on her way to the restroom that was just beyond where they were sitting. Elise stopped in surprise when she saw Anna.

“I thought you’d left town.”

“No, I’m still here. I just got a job and started working.”

“What kind of a job?”

Anna hesitated, knowing her answer wouldn’t go over well. “I’m a live-in nanny, actually.”

Elise raised her eyebrows. “You? That’s rich. Must be someone new to town?”

Anna just nodded. She had no intention of telling Elise who she worked for.

“I’m glad I ran into you, though. Would it be possible for me to drop off my financial aid application sometime this week? There’s a section that you need to fill out.”

“You’re still planning on law school? I told you before, there’s no point to my filling that out because you won’t qualify for aid.”

“But, I thought you said Dad didn’t leave you with much?”

A strange look crossed her face, and she hurriedly said, “That’s right, he didn’t. But he still has that Amazon stock. I promised him I wouldn’t sell it, but it’s probably worth enough that you won’t qualify for aid. I’m sorry to say. I have to go now…take care.”

Anna watched her totter away on her high heels and shook her head.

Tammy was livid. “What an utter bitch! She should just give you that money for law school. You really should fight her for it.”

Anna was angry, too, but more deflated than anything. She’d hoped that maybe Elise would want to help her. But instead, she just reinforced how much she hated her.

“Forget about her. The nachos are here…let’s dig in.”

* * *

Anna got home a few minutes past eleven and relieved Betty. Taylor was fast asleep and Anna was wide awake. She didn’t expect Ben home anytime soon. She knew they were going to that fancy restaurant, and she was pretty sure Sierra would want to go somewhere fun afterwards, maybe to hear some music at a local bar where she would be sure to be recognized. Though she knew Ben didn’t want that, but still, she couldn’t imagine Sierra being satisfied with just dinner. She’d made it clear that she wanted Ben to show her around the town.

Between running into Elise and picturing Sierra in Ben’s arms on the dance floor, Anna was feeling pretty down. Maybe a bit of chocolate chip ice cream would help. Not that she was hungry in the least. But eating was rarely about hunger for her. Anna had always been a stress eater and ice cream was considered comfort food for a reason.

She’d just settled herself at the island counter with a cup of hot herbal tea and a rather large bowl of ice cream, when the front door opened and Ben walked in.

“You’re still up.” He sounded both surprised and pleased. He glanced at her ice cream and then walked toward the freezer. “Did you save any for me?”

Anna nodded. “There’s enough for another good-sized bowl.”

Ben pulled out the carton and grabbed a spoon from a drawer. He didn’t even bother with a bowl. He settled into the seat next to her and took a big bite.

“I didn’t think you’d be home so early,” Anna said.

Ben smiled. “If it was up to Sierra, I wouldn’t be. She wanted to go to Figs and go dancing after we ate. That was the last thing I felt like doing.”

“How did you get out of it?” Anna was curious as Sierra seemed like the determined type.

“Well, I’m not proud to admit it, but I used Taylor. Having a baby comes in handy sometimes. I told her I had to get back to relieve her sitter.”

“Well done.”

“How about you? How was your night?”

“It was fun, until we ran into Elise at the Mexican restaurant.”

“Did she give you a hard time?”

“She did, but it was my fault. I made the mistake of thinking she might actually help me. I asked if she’d fill out her part of the financial aid form, and she said no.”

“Why?”

“She said there was no point to it, that I wouldn’t qualify for aid because of my Dad’s income or rather his stock account. But she promised she wouldn’t touch that money, so it is what it is.”

“That doesn’t sound right. I’m happy to look into this for you, as your attorney.”

Anna was tempted but didn’t want to make a fuss.

“I don’t want to do that to Hayley and Tommy. It could get ugly if we get lawyers involved, and it’s too soon after my father passed. I’ll find a way somehow.”

Ben looked like he wanted to push the matter, but just sighed and finished his ice-cream instead. Finally he said, “Well, if you change your mind, let me know.”

“I will.” Anna took the last bite of her ice cream, rinsed the bowl and put it in the sink. Suddenly she was bone tired and ready to fall into bed. “I’m heading to bed. Goodnight, Ben.”

Ben dropped his empty container into the trash and pulled Anna in for a comforting hug. He released her a moment later and brushed a wayward strand of hair off her face.

“Everything will work out, Anna. Don’t give that woman another thought. Sleep tight.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.” Anna padded off to bed still feeling the warmth of Ben’s hug. It had been comforting and something else, at the same time. And she only wished it had lasted longer.