17. Saturday
As the streets came to life Saturday morning, Anne was already up, strolling along the sidewalks. After lying awake in bed from three a.m. to five, she’d finally given up trying to sleep. She’d made it to her favorite coffee shop so early the doors were still locked, so she’d walked the streets trying to clear her head.
She’d finally found someone for Steven, someone who might actually make him happy. He’d never have to be alone again.
Ellen was sweet and selfless. And her association with Steven was already helping her career. It was ideal. Everything was perfect. And Anne was the one responsible for making it all happen. Another matchmaking success story.
So why did she feel so miserable?
She heard a voice call from behind her. “Anne! Where are you going? Aren’t you coming in for coffee?”
Mr. Hamilton was leaning out the door of his shop and motioning for her to come back. She hesitated a moment, not really feeling up to socializing but couldn’t bring herself to disappoint him.
“I can’t stay long today, Mr. Hamilton.”
“Oh?” he asked with a broad smile. “Do you have a hot date?”
To her complete horror, she suddenly burst into tears. He gasped, but quickly responded, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
“Anne, honey, what’s wrong? What happened?”
He continued to hold her and pat her on the back. As she caught her breath, she let him lead her to a chair. Seated in front of her, he handed her a tissue and waited patiently for her to look up from her hands as she wrung them together in her lap.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I should be happy everything worked out so well. You know, I think maybe he’s really in love.” She paused to take a deep shuddering breath.
“He’s been so miserable and alone, and no one understood him before. He hides himself in his business and never lets anyone get close. He thought he was so self-sufficient, but I knew he needed someone who could break through all those barriers. Someone who could really love him. Someone who could understand who he really is. Someone who would love him for himself and not for his money or his power.”
She stopped to wipe her tear-streaked cheeks. “I’m so happy for him.”
“Are we talking about Margaret’s grandson, Steven?”
“Who’s Margaret?” Did his face turn red?
“I meant to say Mrs. Gherring. Are we discussing her grandson?”
Curious at his awkwardness discussing Gram, she almost forgot how miserable she was. “Yes, I’m talking about Margaret’s grandson. My boss.”
“So, are you saying Steven Gherring is in love, now? And this is why you’re crying… because you’re so happy?”
Steven Gherring is in love. Why do those words make me want to crawl in a hole?
“That’s it. I’m j-j-just s-s-so happy.” She sobbed anew, covering her face and peeking between her fingers. Mr. Hamilton must think I’m crazy.
He shook his head like he was waking from a daydream. “And who is he in love with?”
“Ellen. And sh-sh-she’s wonderful. What’s wrong with me? I love Ellen, I really do. And I’m so happy for them.”
She attempted to make a proud face. “And I did it!”
“You did what?” He peered at Anne as if she might confess to murder.
“I matched them. I brought them together. I did it. I’m responsible for their love. That’s why I’m so happy.” She reached for another tissue to wipe her face and blow her nose.
“Sweetie, I know I haven’t known you for a real long time. But is this what you usually do when you’re extra happy?” He waited quietly while she sniffed a few more times and took another deep quaky breath.
“Not usually,” she admitted in a small voice.
“So, that means… Maybe you aren’t so happy after all?”
She should be happy, but she felt awful. “No, I’m not happy. I’m not happy at all. What’s wrong with me? I don’t understand. I’m miserable. I feel like all the air has been sucked out of the world. Maybe I need to see a doctor. That’s it—I need a psychiatrist.”
“I believe you, honey, because I’ve never seen you like this before. Everything will be fine, I’m sure.” He scratched his head. “I thought… well, that is… Margaret mentioned she thought Steven was in love. She didn’t ever actually mention this Ellen girl.”
“Yes, well it all happened so fast. Monday, I was trying to introduce them, and he was really rude to Ellen. Then he sat down and had lunch with us and asked her all kinds of questions.” She paused to recount the events in her mind.
“Then the next thing I knew, he was flirting with her. And he asked her out. And he was showing her off to the social reporters. And they were in his apartment together.” She felt herself blushing at this last memory.
“And they’re going to the Christmas party together. And he’s bought her two new dresses.”
She put her hand on his arm. “That means something, you know. He said he doesn’t do anything that doesn’t mean something.” She saw him flinch and realized she was gripping his arm tightly. Removing her hand, she saw the imprints of her fingernails remained behind.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Hamilton. But he looked so comfortable with her last night. So content. I can tell he doesn’t need me anymore. Wait… maybe that’s the problem.” She blinked a few times, suddenly excited. “Maybe it’s like when your child grows up and leaves home and you realize you aren’t needed anymore.”
She went on, her enthusiasm growing. “That’s it! For weeks I’ve been obsessing about Steven Gherring and finding someone for him to make him happy. Now that that’s happened, I guess I’m miserable because I’ve lost my purpose.”
Mr. Hamilton twisted his mouth to one side. “I guess that could explain it. You’d certainly have a right to be miserable after losing your purpose.”
She nodded vigorously and felt her spirits lift a little. “I would, wouldn’t I? I’d be depressed and gloomy.” She allowed herself a small smile as she watched him for confirmation. “And confused.”
He bobbed his head in agreement. “And sad and pathetic.”
She stared at him. “Pathetic?” Her lips began to quiver. “I’m pathetic?”
Tears fell like a waterfall. Mr. Hamilton gaped at her and fumbled for a tissue, finally handing her the entire box.
* * *
Rayna spottedher the moment she entered the lobby. “Anne! Where have you been? I didn’t see you leave.”
“I just went for an early morning walk. Why? Did you need me for something?”
“No. It’s just… you know… I feel like someone should keep an eye on you.”
“Okay, Rayna.” Anne eyed her friend curiously. She’d certainly been attentive lately. As if she were constantly keeping track of Anne’s whereabouts. “First, I’m going upstairs to take a shower. And then I’ll probably take a nap, because I didn’t sleep well last night. I’ll eat lunch around noon. Sound okay?”
Rayna returned a sheepish smile. “Don’t tease me. I’m just doing my j—” She choked. “I meant to say duty. I’m doing my duty to society to watch out for you.”
Anne’s cell phone rang.
“Hi, Gram. Did you call to get a report on Steven’s date last night?”
“I’ll get straight to the point, dear. Are you going to the Christmas party with Henri?”
“You’ll be happy to know we broke up. And I’ve decided I’m not going to the party at all.”
“You can go with me.”
“Thanks Gram, but I don’t really feel like a party.”
“You’d make an old lady go by herself?”
“You could go with Steven,” she suggested.
“He’s going with that Ellen girl.”
Arguing with Gram was futile—she might as well give in. “Okay Gram, I’ll go with you. But I’m only staying for a little while.”
“That’s fine. Now let’s go shopping. I want a new dress.”
“I was going to take a nap…”
“Plenty of time for that after you take me shopping for a new dress. I don’t want to wear the same one I wore last year.”
“Okay, Gram.” Anne stifled a huge yawn. “What time?”
“I’m on my way now, dear.”
* * *
Gram tookher to a small exclusive dress shop. It was nothing like the secondhand store Johanna had shown her. Gram rifled through the dress rack in the petite section, piling dresses into her arms. Not one dress had a price tag under $5,000. Most were between $7,000 and $15,000. The owner of the store spotted Gram and came quickly to take the selected dresses and set Gram up in a dressing room.
She chose a red brocade dress with a fitted bodice and a pleated A-line ball skirt whose hem swept the floor. The dress had a matching long-sleeved bolero jacket.
“At ninety-five, I don’t really like those sleeveless gowns that are so popular. And I think this bolero jacket makes me look taller. Don’t you?”
Anne stared down at the tiny dynamo of a woman. “Gram, I don’t think you need to look taller. You’re intimidating enough already.”
The saleslady offered to bring out shoes, but Gram turned up her nose. “Your shoes hurt my feet. I have to get my shoes special-ordered for them to be comfortable.”
Anne moved to follow Gram to the checkout counter.
“Now find a dress for my friend here,” said Gram. “What size are you, dear?”
She whispered to Gram, “I usually get my stuff from the secondhand store. It’s just as nice, and I don’t mind that someone else has worn it before.”
“Humph! Today, you’re getting a dress from this store. Unless there isn’t anything here you like.”
“Gram, I can’t spend $5,000 on a dress.”
“No problem, dear. This is my treat. The short ones cost less, anyway. I plan to put you in a cocktail dress.”
She started to object again, but Gram fixed her with her piercing blue eyes so much like Steven’s. “Don’t pretend you don’t know how much money I have. I want to buy you a dress. I can afford it, and it’ll make me happy.”
“Okay,” she agreed meekly.
“Alphonzo!” she called. “I want something special!”
“Yes, Mrs. Gherring! I have just the right thing for your friend. She will look stupendous!”
Anne was soon encased in a black dress with a sheer sequin-embellished silk yolk and long sleeves. The sheer silk continued downward, supporting a bustier paneled bodice, so the sides and back of the dress were also sheer. The formfitting jacquard skirt fell to her knees.
“Stunning!” declared Alphonzo, as the salesladies exclaimed.
“I don’t know. An awful lot of this material is kind of see-through.” Anne crossed her arms over her chest.
“There’s nothing hanging out that shouldn’t be,” declared Gram.
“Only because I don’t really have much to hang out.”
“We’ll take it,” said Gram. “And she’ll take a pair of your uncomfortable shoes.”
* * *
Anne enteredthe lobby and strode toward the elevator, wrestling with her new dress and shoes. Before the doors closed, Steven somehow materialized beside her.
“New dress? For tonight I assume?”
“Yes.” Anne refused to meet his gaze.
“Did you have a good time with Henri last night?”
“Yes, I did. And did you have a good time with Ellen?”
“Yes.”
They rode for a few moments in silence. Then he moved in front of her, forcing her to look at him. “I just want to know something… When Henri kissed you…” His sky-blue eyes penetrated her with an intensity that burned into her soul. “When he kissed you, did it affect you like this?”
He reached out to take her face between his hands, capturing her lips with his. With her hands still gripping the dress hanger and shoe bag, she was powerless to stop him. Not that she wanted to. Somehow both forceful and gentle at the same time, his lips claimed hers, and she relished the feeling. For a moment, she forgot all about her responsibilities and obligations and the fact that she ought not to be kissing Steven Gherring. All her good sense must’ve gone down the drain, along with her loyalty and integrity. But in that moment, there were no decisions to be made. There was only Steven Gherring and the kiss that rocked her world.
As the bell rang and the elevator came to a stop, Anne jerked away.
I can’t believe I did that!
Shaking her head to clear it, she pressed a hand against her racing heart. “Why did you kiss me? What about Ellen?”
Her respect for him dropped a few notches. He’d put her in a compromising position. For all practical purposes, she’d just betrayed her friendship with Ellen.
“You’ve obviously made your choice.” He gestured toward the open door, a scowl on his face. “Go. Have fun with your Frenchman.”
Still stunned, she stumbled off the elevator with her clothes. Before the doors closed, she heard him say, “I don’t dislike Henri anymore—I hate him.”
* * *
Sitting on her couch,lost in confusion, her phone interrupted her reverie.
“Hi, Johanna,” she said without enthusiasm.
“What is wrong, dear? You don’t sound like yourself?”
“I don’t know. It’s like nothing makes sense anymore.”
“Does this have anything to do with Henri and the Christmas party tonight?”
“Maybe. We broke up last night. So I’m not going with him.”
“You’re going with Mr. Gherring?”
“He’s going with Ellen.”
“He told you that?” Johanna made a tsk-tsk sound. “I believe Mr. Gherring is toying with you.”
“He’s definitely playing some kind of game I don’t understand. He kissed me again. Today, on the elevator. He kissed me, even though he’s dating Ellen. I feel like I cheated with him!”
“I think we must teach Mr. Gherring a lesson.”
“I don’t know. I’m not good at playing games. And I don’t want to mess up his relationship with Ellen. I’m not that sort of person.”
“I understand, dear, but he needs to learn he can’t play with women’s emotions. Ellen would want him to learn this lesson, right?”
“I guess so. But I’m not very good at this sort of thing.”
“It will be easy. Do you have a sexy dress?”
Anne chuckled. “As a matter of fact, I do.”
“Wonderful! Now you need to do exactly as I tell you…”
* * *
Anne was concentratingon steeling her nerves. She barely heard Gram chatting on the way to the party. She’d managed to delay their departure so she could make a grand entrance. That’s what Johanna had said—to make a grand entrance. But she wouldn’t look very grand if she were shaking like a leaf.
She went over the plan in her head. She had to find someone to flirt with, since Henri wouldn’t be there. Johanna said Steven wouldn’t learn his lesson if she stood on the side, alone like a forlorn rejected potted plant. She wasn’t sure how, but she definitely had to avoid looking like a potted plant.
Approaching the door, Gram said, “Let me go in first, dear. I want to make a grand entrance.”
Anne thought maybe she should watch to see how it was done. But then someone might see her. No, she’d just have to wing it. She waited for what seemed like an hour, but was actually only about two minutes.
Her spiked heels were four inches high. She hoped she’d acquired some grace during her time in New York City or this grand entrance might be a magnificent fall.
She stood inside the doorway and surveyed the crowd, as Johanna had directed her. “You are a princess, surveying your kingdom,” Johanna had said. “Find your mark! Any handsome man without an escort.”
Wouldn’t you know the first person she saw was Steven. She quickly shifted her gaze, but panic had already set in, making her head swim. Not a good thing, when combined with four-inch heels in an already-clumsy package.
She rested her hand on the doorframe to keep her balance. Maybe she should turn around and escape before she made a fool of herself.
“Wow, Anne! You look amazing!” Evan Sterling materialized beside her and offered his elbow. “Can I get you a drink?”
Anne smiled, grasping onto his arm with relief. “You don’t know how glad I am to see you. I could really use your arm to make sure I don’t trip and fall in these heels.”
Evan laughed. “Anne, you’re like a breath of fresh air. I don’t remember meeting another woman so unaffected.”
“I’m not very princess-like—that’s for sure. I don’t know what Johanna was thinking.”
“Who’s Johanna?”
“Never mind. She’s just a friend.” Her ankle started to turn and she had to lean into him for balance. “Sorry. I think I’ll get better after I walk a little bit? Why are you at the party? Do you work for Gherring Inc.?”
“Gram invited me.” Evan gave a low chuckle. “Steven will probably be livid when he discovers me. But it’s so going to be worth it.” His eyes widened as he peered over her shoulder. “Speak of the devil. Here he comes.”
“What are you doing here, Evan?” said Steven, with unveiled anger.
“Hello, cousin. Great party you have here.”
Anne swirled around to face him, tucking her hand around Evan’s elbow. “He’s my date. I’m allowed to bring a date, right?”
His expression was stormy. “Where’s Henri?”
“Change of plans. By the way, where’s your date? You’re still dating Ellen, aren’t you? After our little ‘talk’ on the elevator, I wasn’t sure.”
But he wasn’t listening. He was staring… at her dress. Or at the missing parts of it. “What… what did you say?” With great difficulty Anne resisted the urge to cover the sheer parts with her hands. He tore his gaze away from the silk beaded panels and locked eyes with her.
Evan laughed. “Yes, cousin. She does look extraordinary tonight, doesn’t she? Seems it’s my lucky day.”
Steven scowled. “No one asked you.”
“Hi, Anne.” Ellen arrived at Steven’s side. “I love your dress.”
“Thanks. I like yours too. That cobalt blue is one of my favorite colors.” Anne scrunched her shoulders in discomfort, unable to shake the feeling that she’d betrayed her friend. Ellen would’ve been heartbroken to know Steven had kissed her in the elevator a few hours earlier.
“Shall we get that drink now?” Evan led Anne away, throwing a smile over his shoulder. “See you later, Stevie.”
As she walked she could feel Steven”s eyes throwing ice daggers at her bare back. “Thanks, Evan. I really needed to get away.”
“I wanted to get away from Stevie as well. And we really can get a drink if you like.”
“I’m not really thirsty yet. But you can get something.”
“Why don’t we dance, instead?”
Anne remembered another of Johanna’s instructions. Dance as much as you can. But don’t dance with Steven.
“Thanks, Evan. I’d love to.”
The band was playing a slow song, and numerous couples were on the dance floor. Evan and Anne moved smoothly into the undulating group. From a distance she could see Steven in an intense conversation with Gram. He didn’t appear very happy, but Gram seemed unmoved.
“You really do look great, tonight. This dress is… quite enticing.” Anne blushed as his gaze fell down to the sheer silk panels on the side.
“Fortunately, there’s practically nothing to show through that lace. Otherwise, this dress would be way too enticing.’”
Evan chuckled. “I can’t believe how funny you are. Stevie’s an idiot to be with that other girl, when he could be with you.”
“Mr. Gherring’s my boss and that’s all. I’m not his type.”
“Is that so? I’m glad to hear it because you’re certainly my type.” He pulled her a little closer to him, his hands on her lower back, fingering the beading on the sheer silk.
His ministrations felt a bit intrusive. Had she given him the wrong impression? “Actually, Evan, you need to know I’m not anyone’s type. I don’t sleep around.”
“I hear you saying that, but this dress says something else.” He slipped his hands to the sides of her dress, his thumbs brushing the peek-a-boo material.
“Stop it!” She clamped her arms down on his hands. “Or I’ll jam these four-inch spike heels into your foot.”
“Sorry, sorry!” He lifted his palms in a defensive posture. “I promise to be good.”
Though his hands slid back to their proper place on her back, Anne was uneasy in his arms. Yet after her scolding, he acted the perfect gentleman. As they continued to dance and chat, she began to relax, and almost forgot all about her boss.
Then Evan’s eyes focused behind her. He released a groan of annoyance.
“What a bother. Stevie’s coming to the dance floor. Let’s get that drink now.” He led her off to the side. “What would you like?”
“I don’t know, I don’t drink much. Just something where I can’t taste the alcohol.”
He returned with two drinks and handed her one.
“What is this?”
“It’s a Lemon Drop Martini,” he said. “I think you’ll like it.”
She took a sip. “Wow, this is good.”
She spotted Steven on the dance floor with Ellen, but his gaze was focused in Anne’s direction. His eyes seemed to reach past her carefully constructed defenses. Could he read her mind? Did he realize how much he affected her? How much he’d confused her? She took another gulp of her drink. As her stomach growled, she realized she hadn’t had anything to eat all day.
“I need some food—I just realized I’m starving.”
“Right this way.” Evan guided her to the buffet table.
“Where can I put this?” She held out her empty glass.
“You’ve already finished it?” He chuckled as he handed the glass to a passing waiter.
“It was light and tasty—good choice. I don’t usually like alcohol,” she said, piling some carrots, cherry tomatoes, and cheese cubes on her plate.
“The good stuff is over here,” said Evan, indicating a table with various meats, including boiled shrimp and roast beef.
“Ughh! I don’t think I can eat anything that heavy.” She popped a piece of cheese into her mouth.
Evan ate a few boiled shrimps while Anne munched on her veggies. But her appetite was quickly assuaged, and she found a waiter to take the plate from her hands.
“I think my stomach’s shrunken. I haven’t eaten much this week. Oh… I can feel that drink already.”
“We should dance again. Some exercise to clear your head. Besides, Stevie’s in the buffet line now.”
She was a little wobbly walking back to the dance floor. But he held her close as they danced, and she felt pretty stable. Feeling drowsy, she laid her head on Evan’s shoulder and relaxed in his arms. She thought Johanna had mentioned something about dance with your head on his shoulder, but she couldn’t remember for sure. His hands traveled slowly up and down her back, and they swayed gently to the music. When it changed to an upbeat song, they ignored the new tempo and continued to rock in a slow circle. Soon she was floating in a tranquil Zen state.
She could almost imagine she was in Steven”s arms again. She remembered how it had felt to dance with him at the gala. But he’d held her lightly, not tight and close like this. She would’ve liked Steven to hold her more closely. And his hands were not on her back like this. Wait! Evan’s hands were not on her back—they were back under her arms, toying with the beading on the sheer side panels. His thumbs were… Anne pushed out of Evan’s arms abruptly.
“Stop it!” she cried, looking at him with a horrified expression. The room began to spin and she stumbled a little. He reached out to steady her, but she stepped back, out of his reach.
“I think the lady doesn’t want you to touch her again,” said Steven, somehow appearing at her side, his expression dark and threatening.
Anne was grateful for the reprieve, but fairly certain this hadn’t been in Johanna’s instructions. Fortunately, she spied Katie and Gary and headed in their direction. She’d just reached them when Steven caught up with her.
“Anne, could you spare me a second? I’d like to discuss something concerning work.”
She panicked—Johanna hadn’t told her what to do if Steven asked to talk to her alone. “I don’t know…”
“Please. Just for a moment. It’s important.” His pleading expression was too hard to resist.
“Just for a moment.”
She followed him to a relatively empty area near the doorway. “Why are you here with Evan? Do you purposely date men I detest simply to irritate me?”
“Gram introduced me to Evan and… wait, you said you wanted to talk about work.”
“I wanted to straighten out some misunderstandings. I’d argue that these affect our work relationship.”
“Are you going to explain what happened on the elevator today?” She remembered what Johanna had said. Make him explain why he kissed you when he’s supposedly dating Ellen.
“Yes. Yes, that’s part of it. Anne, I—”
“Because I really want to know why you kissed me when you’re dating Ellen.”
“But Ellen doesn’t mind. She’s—”
“Give me a break! I’m not that na?ve! Did you tell her? Does she know you kissed me?” She was starting to get really angry. Perhaps the alcohol had made her lose her inhibitions.
“No, but—”
“Obviously you kissed me because you thought I was still dating Henri. So… News flash! We’ve broken up, okay?”
“I’m glad, but Anne I need to—”
“But I can’t handle it anymore. Maybe it’s easy for you to kiss me and stir me up like that. But it’s not easy to be on the receiving end—I haven’t slept in days!”
“I haven’t slept—”
“I don’t want to hear about your sleeping arrangements because here’s another news flash… I”m sleeping alone!” She felt her lower lip quivering.
“I am too. I’m sleeping alone.” He grabbed her shoulders. “Look at me. I’m telling the truth.”
She squeezed her eyes shut as tears rolled down her cheeks. “I’m tired, Mr. Gherring. I’m going home. Please don’t do this. Ellen deserves better.”
“Wait just a minute.” He held a finger in front of her face. “Right here. Don’t move. Okay? I’m going to get Ellen.” He left her standing by the door. Alone. Crying. People were staring. This wasn’t anywhere in the instructions Johanna had given.
Anne walked out the door, out of the party, out of the hotel. And out of Steven Gherring’s life.