“I realize that, but I can also see how your credibility could be undercut if you’re seen visiting a marriage counselor. I thought you might like to keep it in-house.”

Daniel studied his business partner in admiration. She understood him.

Anna’s eyebrow raised. “I’ve known you for years, so I know you can’t help fixing things. Plus, you’re a guy.”

“Thanks for noticing.”

Anna smirked. “And a proud one at that. You realize marriage counselors aren’t immune from relationship problems? Maybe you need to take some time to talk things through.”

Time. A rare commodity. “I can’t take time off. I’m under pressure to finish this book, which will take a whole heap of pressure off. I need to put my head down and get through it. Taking a break now will just make it look like I can’t cope.”

Still Anna’s eyebrow stayed aloft. “Now you sound like the men who sit in my office. You might be a bestselling author and hotshot counselor, but you’re still a guy.”

Their laughs interlaced across the table, and Anna slurped up another noodle. “I’m excited to see that group photo. It just felt right to capture that moment when everyone who has contributed to our success was there.”

A short Chinese man with a food-smeared black apron wandered to their table. “Is everything to your satisfaction?”

Daniel patted a full stomach. “As always, Mr. Ming, your food is incredible. But we’ll take the check now.”

“Must be a working lunch today? No time for partners?” Their chef offered a saucy wink, laid the check on the table, and then, after a deep bow, continued his stroll around the empty tables in his restaurant.

Anna wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Interesting timing that a film processing shop opens just as you’re given that camera.”

“Just lucky, I guess.”

Anna leaned across the table. “I know you want to put the counseling to one side, but I had a chat with Milly last night.”

Daniel stopped pulling his wallet out of his trousers. “Did she say anything about what’s bothering her?”

“Yes.”

Thank goodness. “It’s school, isn’t it?”

“No, home. She told me a few things that she asked me not to share, but I’d be happy to talk with her further.”

Daniel’s nod grew with his relief. “I can’t get through to her, so anybody talking to Milly would be great.”

*  *  *

Simon’s comment bounced around Daniel’s head as he walked back to the car.

The dinner looked like it was the start of something special.