We're not a thing yet

Chapter one and hundred and fifty-five

Anna and Mr Hart talked about how the company was faring for a while before Anna indirectly changed the topic intentionally. 

"The position of BrooksWill and Sons Company now says a lot about Mr Williams I," Anna said, in a bid to get Mr Hart to talk about Xander's father. 

"Right, Mr Williams did put a lot of effort in making the company what it is now. He was such a hardworking businessman, yet a doting father. I doubt if there's anyone in Brookswill and Sons who didn't know the kind of bond that father and son shared. Xander loved his father just as much as Mr Williams loved him." Mr Hart looked into the space all through. 

"They were pretty close?" Anna asked in surprise. She'd always thought that the only person that Xander was close to was Kathryn. She had no idea that he was close to his father, especially since he went silent on the day she'd asked him about his father.

Mr Hart shot her a glance before looking into the space again. She knew that look, it was the "can I trust you?" kind of look. He'd always seemed like the kind that didn't like to talk too much, but somehow he was telling her what no one has ever told her and she wanted him to continue. That was one of the reasons why she'd been looking for him, wasn't it?

"You know, Xander was his dad's favourite. It was just natural that they bonded so well, especially since he was the only parent available for him." 

"Mr Williams has siblings?" Anna asked, feigning surprise. She didn't want Mr Hart to find out that she knew that much about him. She felt that he'd keep some information about him from her, which would have otherwise been very useful to her if he finds out that she knew certain things about him. 

His eyes peered at hers this time, scrutinizing her. He went silent for a while before speaking again.

"A sibling. An elder brother. He's not in the city, though." Anna nodded her head and her mouth opened slightly. 

"What happened to Mr Williams' mother?" Anna asked, curiosity killing her. That was what she wanted to find out about. That was her main reason for wanting to see Mr Hart. 

He looked warily at her for the umpteenth time. 

"She- vanished into thin air." Mr Hart said, shrugging.  

"Why would she suddenly leave her family just like that?" 

Mr Hart glanced at his wristwatch before saying, "Oh, it's past lunchtime now. I'll see you around, Miss Houston." He smiled at her and bowed courteously at her and Anna returned the gesture by bowing her head also. 

She'd need to have more conversations with Mr Hart.

Mr Hart found his way to Xander's office. He'd returned from his short break today. He'd barely spoken to Xander, who had been waiting patiently for his arrival. When he reached his office, Xander welcomed him properly and filled him on the happenings in the company.

"I've missed you, Mr Hart, so has your work, and they're sitting pretty waiting for you," Xander said, embracing him and patting him on the back. 

Anna dropped by at the hospital to see her mother before going home. She looked better than she was the last time Anna saw her, but she was asleep as usual. She left the hospital and headed home. When Anna reached home after the day's work, she didn't meet Vanessa, and she found it quite strange. This was the first time such would happen. She'd missed her friend, it seemed as though they hadn't seen in forever. She waited for her for a while and soon drifted to sleep from tiredness. When Vanessa arrived, she screamed at the sight of Anna, who was slumped on the sofa, not minding that she was asleep.

Anna's eyes immediately flew open. She hugged her tightly and a drowsy Anna looked up at Vanessa who was still looking stunning. 

"Vanessa! Is this you? You look-" 

"Yeah, I know," Vanessa said, as Anna tried to find the right word to describe how she looks.

Anna shot Vanessa a knowing look before saying, "I smell something." 

"Alright, miss. I had a date with Greg. Well, a friendly date, nothing too serious, you know? Like a get-to-know-each-other kind of date. Well, that's just it, before you say 'I told you so'." Vanessa blurted out.

"I can see the extra effort you put in looking good, Nes. And see who came just now." Anna teased. 

"We're not a thing, at least not yet," Vanessa said, trying to clear any misconception Anna might be having.

"Spotted that." 

"Well, maybe I wouldn't mind," Vanessa replied, shrugging. "Now that's enough for now. I've missed you so much, Anna."