5. Monsieur
Monday morning, Anne breathed a sigh of relief as she made it to her work desk without incident. No slips or falls on the way to work. This time, she wore her running shoes until she made it to her desk to change into her shiny spike-heeled pumps. She had a few strange looks on the elevator because of her footwear, but she knew she was really protecting those critics from imminent disaster by postponing the change to her awkward dress shoes.
Slipping into her heels and stashing her running shoes in her oversized handbag, Anne glanced at the clock on her computer. Only seven fifteen. She was really proud of herself. She started checking messages and emails, knowing she needed to finalize the plans for the gala on Friday night. Her first big event. She was glad Katie was still helping her. She felt the pressure to make everything perfect.
Not only did she have to prepare for the party, but she also had to make travel and hotel arrangements for all the company’s internationally stationed executives. The first ones were due to arrive in New York on Monday morning. Steven Gherring would be holding meetings with international clients all week, but the huge formal party would happen on Friday night. Katie was only working Thursday and Friday this week, so Anne had to handle all the crises in the early part of the week by herself.
This would be a hectic week for all the employees at Gherring Inc. In evidence of the impending increase in workload, employees poured out of the elevators, hurrying off to get an early start.
Although she’d only been at Gherring Inc. for a week, but she’d met a lot of the employees. She liked pretty much everyone, unless they were purposefully rude. She’d always been taught to give people the benefit of the doubt and not to take offense unless she was certain the offending person meant to be offensive. She tried especially hard to be nice to folks who seemed not to have many friends, describing them as “hidden treasures.”
There were other elevators that serviced the top floor of Town Center Economic Tower, where Gherring Inc. was located, but most employees took the central elevator in hopes of seeing and being seen by Steven Gherring. Unless they happened to be late in arriving.
“Hey,” said a quiet male voice from the edge of her desk. Anne looked up to see Tanner West, a thirty-something financial consultant who had moved from Dallas six months ago to join Gherring Inc. “Are you and Sam still having lunch next door today?”
Anne had invited Tanner to join her and Sam at Papa’s Place after she was forced to admit Mr. Gherring was not going to be Sam’s match-made-in-heaven. Tanner was definitely a treasure, with his quick smile, beautiful eyes, and respectful disposition. Extremely shy, he hadn’t agreed to join the lunch pair immediately. Obviously, he’d gained courage over the weekend.
“Actually, Tanner, I’m going to be working through lunch every day this week.”
Tanner looked disappointed, but nodded and turned to go. Anne stopped him.
“Wait. I was going to ask if you could go with Sam and bring something for me when you come back?”
“Um, sure… if you think she would want to go with me… without you… I mean, I don’t know if she’ll want to go.”
“I’ll ask her and let you know. I really appreciate it. You’ll be doing me a great favor.”
“I’ll bring you lunch even if she doesn’t want to go with me.”
“You’re so sweet, Tanner! I’ll call you later in the morning.” She hoped Sam would agree to go to lunch with him. She’d hate to dash his ego now that he’d gotten the courage to meet Sam.
Anne returned to her work, so absorbed she didn’t notice anyone approaching her desk.
“Bon jour, Mademoiselle. Vous êtes très jolie!”
She looked up in surprise at the tall man in the well-tailored suit that emphasized his broad shoulders. Handsome was not an adequate word. He was mouth-watering, smokin’-hot! And he was French. How exotic was that?
“Merci beaucoup!” She couldn’t help being flattered by the attention.
He flashed a warm smile with even white teeth. “Parlez-vous francais?”
“Non! No! I’ve just exhausted my memory of college French. Please don’t test me anymore.”
He leaned closer and declared, “Charmante!” He continued in slightly accented English. “Yes, you are charming. I love your accent.”
“Wait.” Anne laughed. “Isn’t that my line?”
“I am Henri,” he said, pronouncing it ahn-ree, and reaching out to catch her hand. He pressed his lips lightly on her fingers. “You are new, oui? Katie is not here?”
“Katie’s out for three days doing wedding planning, but she’ll be back on Thursday.”
“Wedding! My Katie is with another man?” At Anne’s shocked look, Henri laughed aloud, his green eyes sparkling. “No, I am teasing you. She was never mine. But you… maybe you could be mine. Oui?”
“Monsieur, I have a feeling I’d just be one of many. I bet you have plenty of women to keep you company.”
“Non! No! There have been others before, but they are all gone.” His mouth turned down, but there was a twinkle in his eyes. “I am all alone.”
“I seriously doubt that. I bet few women can resist that face.”
“And you? Can you resist me?” He lifted her hand again and turned it over to kiss her wrist gently.
Anne pulled her hand away slowly.
“Yes, I can resist you. At least I hope I can. You seem pretty dangerous to me.”
“I am not dangerous. I am a pussy cat.”
“I’ve always been a dog-person,” Anne replied. “You can trust your dog. But a cat can be purring in your lap one minute and digging his claws into your leg the next.”
“Do not worry,” he countered. “This cat has no claws. Very safe.”
Anne laughed. “I don’t think I believe you!”
“I can show you how safe I am. You will like this cat. Will you give me a chance?”
“I don’t know.”
“Earlier I was thinking that this week would be boring. A boring week of business, a long boring time. But now I am thinking that a week is too short. I am thinking a week is not enough time to spend with such a beautiful woman.”
“Beautiful woman… Now I know I’m getting a line.”
Henri’s eyes widened. “You do not know? You do not know you are beautiful? Your eyes are so dark that I could get lost in them. I’ve never seen such eyes.”
“Henri, you’re a smooth-talker. But I’ve been warned about French men. You’ll lead me on and break my heart.”
Henri put his hand over his heart. “Never! For you I would give up my wandering ways. For you—”
“Henri!” a stern voice spoke from across the room. Steven Gherring was glaring from his office doorway. “I see you’ve met my PA. Now if you’re ready to get to work…”
Henri turned toward Gherring’s office, then leaned back and whispered urgently. “I do not know your name.”
“It’s Anne,” she whispered back, despite her boss’ glower.
“Perhaps we could have lunch together,” Henri said over his shoulder as he walked away.
Gherring’s voice was scolding. “We’ll be meeting through lunch today, Henri. If you worked as hard on your business negotiations as you do on your flirtations, you’d probably have a much better report for me.” They disappeared behind the heavy wooden doors.
Anne realized her face was warm. She’d enjoyed the playful exchange with the handsome French stranger. He wasn’t really her type. Did she even have a type anymore? Anyway, it was a harmless exchange. Like he’d said, he was only in the country for a week. Nothing serious would ever come of it. But hadn’t she come to New York for a bit of adventure?
The morning flew by as Anne wrestled with all the travel plans. Three more men and two women had arrived to join Gherring in the conference room adjacent to his office. When Anne entered the conference room to set up the PowerPoint, she noticed Henri trying to catch her eye. But Gherring blocked her view as he asked her to review the location of various presentations on the laptop. She repeated the instructions, thinking they’d just discussed those details on Friday.
“And can I get anything else for you? Would you like for me to bring everyone a bottle of water?” she asked Gherring.
“No, they can get their own waters.”
“What about lunch? Do you want me to order in for the entire group?”
“Yes, yes… That’ll be fine.” He attempted to shoo her from the room.
“I’ll just ask everyone what they want to order,” she started to skirt around Gherring, heading toward the smiling Henri.
Gherring stepped in front of her, effectively blocking her way. “That won’t be necessary, Ms. Best. Just order some of the specials from Papa’s.”
Anne returned to her desk to order lunch from Papa’s. May answered the phone and took the lunch orders, arranging delivery at twelve thirty. “So you aren’t coming down for lunch today?” May asked with a bit of a pout in her voice.
“No, I’ll be working through lunch every day this week, May. Tell Papa I’ll stop by on my way home, if the door’s open.”
“But you need to eat,” May protested with motherly concern.
“Don’t worry. I won’t miss my daily Papa’s special lunch. My friends are bringing lunch up to me after they eat. You remember my friend, Sam?” She lowered her voice. “Today, she’s eating lunch with a sweet young man from the office named Tanner. Be sure you seat them at a romantic table.”
“But I thought you told me you were trying to set Sam up with your boss?”
“I don’t think that’s going to work out. I have high hopes for this new match, but I need to keep working on my boss.” Anne stopped, remembering what Katie had said about gossiping. “Listen, that has to be our secret. You can’t tell anyone I’m trying to find a match for Mr. Gherring.”
“No worries, honey. My lips are sealed. They couldn’t drag that information outta me even if they tortured me. I won’t tell a soul… unless someone offers to give me a good neck massage. Then my lips will go all loosey-goosey.” May started laughing.
“I’m serious. Katie says I’m never supposed to get involved in Mr. Gherring’s private life. I could lose my job.”
“Really dear, I won’t tell anybody.”
* * *
Lunch arrivedat precisely twelve thirty. Anne attempted to help serve the food in the conference room to speed things up, but Gherring took the food bags from the delivery boy and shut the door before she could even peek inside. The smell of the food was mouth-watering, and Anne waited impatiently for her lunch to arrive, drinking water to quiet her growling stomach. Sam appeared at one fifteen with her lunch—chicken smothered in some kind of wonderful mushroom cream sauce.
Anne attacked her food with a vengeance while interrogating Sam about her lunch date. “Did you like him? Did y’all have anything to talk about? He’s so shy, but you’ve got to admit he’s really cute.”
Sam chuckled. “Yes, yes, and yes. He is so shy I thought we weren’t going to be able to carry on a conversation. That is, he was so shy, until he found out I like the Beatles. Turns out he’s a nut for the Beatles just like me, and he has a great collection of vinyls. He pulled out my chair for me, waited for me to go through every door first, and insisted on buying lunch. So, yes, he’s really sweet and we’re going out Wednesday night to hear a Beatles cover band.”
“I knew it!”
“Don’t look so smug. We’re not engaged. We’re just listening to music together. And anyway, last week you were trying to set me up with—”
“Shhhh!” warned Anne, glancing toward the conference room. “I admit I messed up on that one, but don’t tell anyone. I don’t want to get in trouble.”
“Okay, I won’t tell anyone.” Sam rolled her eyes. “They wouldn’t believe it anyway.”
“But if things work out with Tanner, I want full credit.”
* * *
Anne waiteduntil five forty-five for the meeting to end, hoping to have a chance to see Henri. The door opened and Gherring peered out. When he spotted Anne at her desk, he looked decidedly irritated. “You’re still here?”
“I thought you might need me for something before you go home.”
“No, I don’t. Wait, I do need something.” He closed the conference room door and stepped toward his office. “I need for you to check something on my calendar.” She followed him into his office, and he motioned for her to sit behind his desk. “Would you mind pulling up my calendar for the week? I’ll be right back.”
He stepped out, shutting the door behind him. Anne pulled up his calendar, puzzling over what his problem might be. They’d been working on the week’s schedule, squeezing in meetings at every possible moment with little wasted time. Gherring didn’t believe in frivolity and only engaged in social functions when absolutely necessary. Hence, the single formal gala at the end of an exhausting week of meeting, planning, and negotiating. Gherring returned, looking happier and relaxed.
“What did you want me to check on your calendar? Do you need to change something? I hope you don’t need to add another appointment. I’ll have to schedule it at midnight.”
“No, I just want to make sure our calendars match.”
Anne stared at him in confusion. “Of course, they match—they’re synced automatically.”
“Oh yes, that’s right.” Gherring straightened a few items on his desk, not even looking at his computer. “That’s great, Ms. Best. You can go now.”
Anne walked out of Gherring’s office, giving him a wide berth. She noticed the conference room door was open, and as she approached she saw the room was dark and empty. Realizing he’d purposely hidden her until Henri was gone, she fumed inwardly.
She turned to find Gherring smiling from his office door. “Goodnight, Ms. Best. I’ll see you in the morning. It’s getting rather late. Would you like a lift home?”
“No, but thank you. Sir.” She retrieved her comfy shoes from under her desk and changed into them.
“I think sir is a bit much.” Tall and imposing, Gherring stood in front of her desk. But Anne refused to be intimidated. “I’m not that much older than you.”
“Yet you’re treating me like a child. I know you hid me in here to keep Henri away from me.”
“That man’s not safe. You can’t trust him.”
“You think he would hurt me?”
“Physically, no. Emotionally, yes. He flits from one woman to another. He’s a… he’s a…”
“Player?” Anne offered the term the media often used to describe Gherring. Did he not see the irony?
“Yes, he’s a player.” Gherring followed her to the elevator.
“I think that a player is simply a man who hasn’t found the right woman.” She turned and stepped into the elevator without looking back.
* * *
Tuesday morning foundAnne at her desk by seven fifteen. Gherring arrived at nine thirty with fifteen international account executives, fresh from a breakfast meeting. Anne scanned the crew as they filed into the conference room, but Henri wasn’t among the crowd. Gherring stopped by Anne’s desk.
“How was your evening, Ms. Best?”
“It was fine, sir. And yours?”
Though she kept her tone even, Gherring winced. “You’re still angry with me?”
“Did you do something I should be angry about?” She blinked her eyes in innocence.
“No, I didn’t do anything you should be angry about. All I did was prevent Henri from hurting you. You’re too na?ve to realize, but I did the right thing.”
“I’ll admit I’m naive. I haven’t been on a date since… I don’t know… prehistoric times, probably. But how can you ask me to stay out of your personal life if you’re going to meddle in mine?”
Not that she was actually planning to stay out of his personal life. She had every intention of finding a mate for him. But he didn’t know that.
“Henri would only use you. Like he’s done before.”
“I’m sure you’re right—he probably just wanted to use me. Why else would he talk to someone like me?” Her throat got a huge lump that made it hard to swallow.
“For what it’s worth,” Gherring said quietly, “I’m sorry I hurt your feelings. But, I did the right thing.”
Anne still refused to make eye contact. “Did you need help with anything else? Perhaps you’ve forgotten how to log in to your computer or make a phone call,” she suggested with a hint of sarcasm.
“Actually, I do need your help today.” He hesitated. “We have an important client from Germany, and he brought his wife on the trip. We have a lunch meeting planned, and I thought you might come along so his wife would feel more comfortable. It would really be a great help, and it might help us land a big account.”
Anne didn’t look up from her computer. “Of course, Mr. Gherring. I’ll be glad to help in any way.” Gherring was still standing at her desk. “Is there anything else, sir?”
From the corner of her eye she saw his hand come up and push through his hair. “No, Ms. Best. That’s all for now. Thank you.” He disappeared into the conference room.
All night, she’d nursed her fury at his interference, but already her anger was slipping away. And a tiny voice in the back of her head whispered it was kind of sweet that he wanted to protect her.
Don’t be stupid, Anne. You don’t want protection from a caveman.
* * *
Anne had never beenin a limousine before. She tried to act nonchalant, but she couldn’t hide her excitement and curiosity. There was even a bar inside. The others were obviously accustomed to the fancy ride. The four men, including the client, Alexander Klein, were already intently discussing business. Johanna Klein was an attractive blonde in her fifties with an engaging smile. She chatted comfortably with Anne, apparently fascinated by her life in Texas.
“I can’t believe how well you both speak English. I’ve always wished I was fluent in another language,” Anne confessed to Johanna. “How many languages can you speak?”
“I can speak German, English and French fluently and I speak enough Italian and Spanish to communicate. We start language training at an early age in Germany, and I have traveled extensively.” Johanna glanced at her husband. “Alexander is a wonderful and unusual man—he has always invited me on all his travels. Most businessmen would think having their wives along was a bother.”
“I’m so jealous. I haven’t really been anywhere. I’ve never even been out of the country, except one time across the border to Mexico for an hour. Even New York City is a big adventure for me, although I haven’t really done anything but work since I’ve been here. But I’ve got my passport. I got one fifteen years ago, just in case I ever got a chance to go somewhere. I even had it renewed.” She peered wistfully out the window. “Maybe someday…”
Johanna glanced at Gherring who was casually eavesdropping. “So Mr. Gherring, however did you find your assistant? She is delightful!” She turned to her husband. “Alexander, can’t you get an extra ticket to the musical tonight? Anne needs to experience New York.”
“Yes, of course you can bring her along. I acquired two extra tickets in case we needed them. And Mr. Gherring could come also. I’m sure we will still have business to discuss.”
“Oh no—I couldn’t impose.” Heart thumping in her chest, Anne stole a glance at Gherring. He was usually in the company of beautiful young women. He’d be mortified to be seen in public with his PA, especially an unsophisticated forty-five-year-old woman from Texas.
“I’m sure Mr. Gherring and Mr. Alexander know an account executive who’d be much more helpful.” She glanced at Gherring again, but his expression gave nothing away.
“Nonsense,” Johanna smiled. “I would love to have some female company. It’s settled.”
“Gherring, will you be joining us?” asked Alexander.
Anne jumped in to help him save face. “Actually, Mr. Gherring, don’t you have an engagement tonight? I can check the calendar when we get back to the office.”
He seemed to look relieved. “Yes, I think you’re right, Ms. Best. I may have a prior commitment.”
Alexander seemed disappointed, but Johanna said, “That’s fine, Anne. If Mr. Gherring can’t use the ticket, you can bring a date along.”
Anne began a frantic search inside her purse for nothing whatsoever in an attempt to hide the flush she felt on her face.
Johanna continued. “Perhaps you could get off early, and we could go shopping.”
Gherring was clenching his jaw and Anne thought he might object, but Alexander said, “I’m so glad you are having fun, darling. If we sign a contract today with Gherring Inc., we will probably be coming to New York often.”
At this encouraging pronouncement, Gherring smiled broadly and turned the conversation back to business.
Lunch was long but productive. Alexander Klein appeared to be ready to make a commitment once a few details were ironed out back at Gherring Inc. Johanna Klein returned with her husband to the top floor, once again suggesting Anne be allowed to leave work early for a shopping trip. On the trip up the elevator, Gherring, feeling very generous because of the successful negotiations, agreed Ms. Best should accompany Mrs. Klein.
“Anything to keep our clients happy,” Gherring smiled as the group departed the elevator.
Suddenly Johanna gasped. “What beautiful roses! Are they yours, Anne?”
Gherring’s smile turned to a scowl as he eyed the flowers.
“I don’t know.” Anne stared agape at the enormous bouquet of red roses on her desk. Her body froze in place as the rest of the group filed past.
Johanna gently moved her toward the desk. “Come, come. We have to see who sent the flowers to you. Look at the card.” Johanna peered over Anne’s shoulder as she opened the florist’s envelope with shaking hands. “Who is Henri?”
Anne felt her face burning as she read the card.
You have captured my heart with your beauty! I await your call. 212-882-8945
Your devoted,
Henri
Johanna smiled. “Why didn’t you tell me you had an admirer? Maybe he could come to the play.”
At that moment, Gherring emerged from his office, speaking to Alexander in a loud voice. “I have good news. My calendar is open tonight, so I can accompany you to the musical after all. Thanks so much for the invitation.”
* * *
As they zippedthrough traffic in the taxi, Johanna quizzed Anne about Henri. She demanded details about his appearance and how they met. She declared the whole thing to be very romantic. Then she told Anne how she’d met her husband.
“Someone introduced us at a party, and when I shook his hand, I felt sparks. I think he felt them too.”
“So it was love at first sight?”
“Not exactly. I was engaged to someone else when I met Alexander. I tried to forget about Alexander and go on with my marriage plans. But I kept running into him, and every time, those sparks were there. I finally started wondering why there were sparks with Alexander and no sparks with my fiancé.” Johanna chuckled and shrugged her shoulders.
“And now? Are there still sparks between you?”
Johanna answered with a soft smile. “Every time, there are sparks. But sometimes those sparks come from us hitting our heads together. Still, there are always sparks…”
To Anne’s surprise, Johanna led her into an upscale resale shop. “I love shopping here. My family did not have a lot of money when I was a child. I still hate wasting money. I love a bargain!”
Johanna was an expert huntress, quickly spotting several dresses for herself and grabbing potential outfits for Anne as well. In two hours, each woman had acquired a new dress for the musical, and Johanna had talked Anne into purchasing a number of cute casual ensembles.
They returned to Gherring Inc. and Anne rushed to tie up the loose ends from her afternoon hiatus. She decided to leave her roses at work rather than wrestle with carrying them home on the subway. She left work on time, hoping to have time for a quick shower before the musical. But noticing the door was unlocked at the diner, she stopped in to visit at Papa’s Place.
George came out of the kitchen to sit and chat for a moment with Anne. “We’ve missed you. Are you sure you’re getting enough to eat?”
“Yes, no worries. I never skip a meal. I miss you and May, and I need some advice.”
“About work or food?”
“No, I need advice about a man.”
George held up a hand. “Speak no more—I’m going to get May. I’m no good for dating advice, and May will kill me if she misses this, anyway.” George disappeared through the office door, calling May’s name.
May appeared with a clipboard in her hand. “I’ve been working on inventory. Whew! I need a break. Now, tell me all about your man troubles.”
“Long-story-short, there’s a Frenchman named Henri who’s been flirting with me, but Mr. Gherring says he has a reputation for using women. He sent me roses.”
“Mr. Gherring sent you roses?”
“Henri sent me roses and asked me to call him. But that’s not the only problem. Now I’m sort of going to a play with Mr. Gherring. Not really with him, but I will be with him and another couple.”
“Mr. Gherring asked you to a play?”
“Mrs. Klein asked me to go to the play, and Mr. Gherring decided to go. I think he just didn’t want me to go with Henri.”
“Henri invited you to the play too?”
Anne sighed at the confusion. “No, but Mr. Gherring was invited to the play and didn’t want to go if I was going, so he said he had a prior engagement. Then he suddenly decided to go to the play when Mrs. Klein suggested I invite Henri.”
May shook her head. “I’m a little confused. So the problem is you don’t want to go to the play with Mr. Gherring? You’d rather go with Henri?”
“It’s not that I don’t want to go to the play with the Kleins and Mr. Gherring. It’s just that I know Mr. Gherring doesn’t want to be seen with me in public.”
“And why wouldn’t he want to be seen in public with you?”
“I’m not young and beautiful like the women he usually dates. I’m just a hick from Texas. What if people thought we were, you know… together-together?”
“Then I guess that’s his problem isn’t it? He didn’t have to go. He had an excuse already.” May snuffed a bit. “And I think he’d be lucky to have you. There’s nothing wrong with you.”
“You’re right.” Anne tapped a finger on her arm. “It’s his own fault he’s stuck going to the play with me.”
“Anne, dear, you should just go to that play and have a good time. Gherring will just have to deal with the consequences of his attempt to control your life.” She smiled and winked. “And you can still call Henri.”
“You’re right. Thanks, May. Everything sounds better since I’ve talked to you. I’d better go and get ready for tonight.”
* * *
Charlie assessedher mom’s appearance on FaceTime as she twirled around in her newly acquired dress. “I’m so jealous, you’re going to a musical. And now you’re making friends from all over the world, although it sounds like Henri wants to be more than friends.”
“So, do you like the dress?”
“Yes, it’s adorable. But maybe you should wear Giselle.” Anne had a slinky black formal dress, with a deep v in the front and a really deep v in the back. Charlie and Emily had pitched in together to buy the expensive dress, which they nicknamed for its designer, and they’d each worn it for very special occasions. Both girls had agreed their mom should take Giselle to New York City.
“I’m not wasting Giselle on this outing. Anyway, I’d look silly wearing a formal.”
“I’m just kidding,” Charlie said. “Your new dress will be perfect. What shoes are you going to wear?”
“I’ve got these cute wedge heels.” She held up her shoes to the camera.
“Oh yes, those are perfect.”
“Yes, and I won’t lose my balance in wedges like I do in those spike heels.”
“So let’s get this straight—my mom is going to see a play in New York with Steven Gherring.”
“No,” Anne shot back quickly. “I am not going with Mr. Gherring. I’m going with Johanna and Alexander Klein, and Mr. Gherring is going also.”
“But aren’t you going to sit together?”
“No, I’ve thought about that. I think the Kleins will sit in the middle. I’ll sit by Johanna, and Mr. Gherring will sit by Alexander. That way the tabloids won’t think we’re together.”
“I don’t know, Mom. After what he did—trying to spoil your chances with Henri, trying to control your life—maybe you shouldn’t let him off so easy.”
“What do you mean?”
“Maybe you should hang all over him and act like his date. If that complicates his life, that’s his problem.”
“There’s no way I could ever do that. Anyway, a stunt like that could cost me my job.”
Charlie screwed up her face. “Yep, there is that little job problem. Okay. But maybe you should meet Henri for coffee after the play. You haven’t called him yet, have you?”
“You know what, Charlie? You’re a genius. I’ll call him right now. If he agrees, he can meet me at the theater and bring me home. Johanna won’t mind—she thinks the whole thing is romantic.”
Charlie clapped her hands. “This is better than Downton Abbey!”
* * *
Henri soundedecstatic when Anne called him. He quickly agreed to the late-night coffee date, unfazed by the fact he’d be picking her up from an outing that included Gherring. Feeling freshly confident after Henri’s charms were lathered upon her, Anne went downstairs to wait for the limousine, which would pick up the Kleins before stopping at their apartment building.
Gherring, who was already waiting downstairs, looked her way when she entered the lobby. At Gherring’s perusal, she was suddenly conscious of the side slit in the dress that revealed a bit more thigh than she was quite comfortable with. She quickly donned her leather dress coat before continuing into the room.
She heard a whistle from her left. “Oh baby—you look hot, Anne!” called Antonio. She laughed and walked over to share a hug with Antonio.
“How’re things with Rayna?” she asked quietly. “Are y’all still dating?”
He grinned broadly. “It’s great. She’s great. And I’m forever indebted to you. So, if you ever need a favor, just let me know.” He whispered, “What’s wrong with Mr. Gherring?”
She glanced over her shoulder at the furrowed brow of Steven Gherring. “Don’t pay any attention to him—he just has a bee in his bonnet over having to go to this musical tonight with some clients from Germany. And he’s trying to control my life.”
Then she giggled and whispered in his ear, “Let’s see if he dislikes Italian men as much as French men.” She gave Antonio another big hug.
“Yikes,” Antonio whispered. “Here he comes, and I think he might kill me.”
“Anne!” Gherring called as he walked toward the couple. “We should wait at the door. The limo will be here any time.”
She turned around, with her arm still around Antonio’s waist. “I’ll be right there.” She turned her back to Gherring and gave Antonio another hug and a big wink, although the young doorman looked rather terrified facing Gherring’s glare.
“I’m ready, now,” she said to Gherring as she turned and marched past him and out the front door.
Just then, the limousine arrived and she hopped in, hoping to sit next to Johanna. Unfortunately, the couple was seated together on the short side next to the bar, so she sat opposite Johanna. Gherring joined them but left a large space between, placing his coat in the space on the seat.
Johanna chatted excitedly about the play, while Gherring and Alexander began to talk business. After a short ride, the limo pulled in at the curb in front of the theatre. Although limousines were quite common in New York, the crowd still watched to see who might emerge. Anne jumped out ahead of Alexander, to avoid being seen with Gherring. As she made her way into the theatre, she heard people in the crowd exclaiming as they recognized Gherring.
When the usher led them to their seats, she found her seating strategy was impossible to execute. “I’m sorry,” said Johanna, “but we have two pairs of tickets, one directly behind the other. So I have a plan. Anne and I will sit in the front seats for the first half, and then Alexander and Anne can trade after intermission.”
As usual, Johanna had her way, so Anne found herself sitting in front of Gherring, relieved she could ignore him for at least half of the play. She noticed people were looking in her direction but quickly realized the attention was aimed at the man behind her. She was nervous and uncomfortable, but Johanna was talkative enough for the whole group. Then the lights dimmed and the musical began. She soon forgot everyone around her and all her worries as the story progressed. She was completely enthralled—caught up in the music and plot and emotions.
When the lights came up for intermission, Anne realized she was sitting forward in her seat, entranced.
“Hello?” Johanna tapped on Anne’s arm. She turned to Johanna, who was laughing with the men seated behind her, and heard her saying, “She’s in another world—”
“I’m sorry. Did I miss something?”
“You didn’t miss anything. I think you were actually in Oz. I’m so glad you are enjoying the play.”
“It’s so wonderful! I never imagined how great it could be. I’ve never seen anything like it. The actors are so good and their voices are amazing, and the sets, and the costumes…”
Johanna’s voice tinkled with laughter. “It’s more fun watching you than watching the play. I’ve seen it before, but it’s wonderful every time.” She patted Anne’s arm. “Would you like to visit the ladies’ room before we change seats?”
Anne nodded in agreement, abruptly feeling extremely tense about sitting next to Gherring. As they walked into the lobby, Anne told Johanna that Henri would be picking her up after the play. Johanna was delighted and promised to drop by Gherring Inc. the next day to hear about the first romantic date with her mysterious Frenchman.
As the lights flickered to signal the end of the intermission, Anne returned to the theater to take her place next to Gherring. She continued to talk with Johanna until the lights dimmed and the second half began. At first, she sat stiffly in her chair, but soon she was absorbed in the excitement of the musical production. Occasionally, she sensed Gherring looking at her, but when she glanced his direction, he seemed to be ignoring her presence.
Then the two lead characters began to sing the emotionally tugging duet. Anne couldn’t help herself as tears streamed down her face. She thought of all the people in her life that had loved her and effectively changed her life. Sniffling, she dug into her purse looking for a tissue, but Gherring handed her his handkerchief. She looked up, gratefully mouthing, “Thank you,” and he simply nodded, a slight smile on the face that had looked so grim the entire evening.
When the play ended, she clapped so hard she thought her hands would break. She even threw in a shrill wolf whistle, at which her three companions stared in amazement or perhaps mortification. But she didn’t care. She would’ve thrown flowers at the feet of the actors if she were able. Gherring must have enjoyed the evening despite having to go with her, because he actually smiled and talked pleasantly as they walked out of the theater into the lobby. Suddenly, his expression became a glower.
“Anne!” exclaimed Henri as he took her hand and raised it to his lips. “You look very beautiful tonight. And who is this lovely friend you have with you?” he asked, indicating Johanna.
“You must be Henri.” Johanna addressed the dashing man with twinkling green eyes. “You are just as charming as Anne described. But you are wasting your flattery on me—I am already taken,” she said as she took Alexander’s arm. For his part, Alexander seemed unfazed by Henri’s flirtations.
“That is sad for me, but lucky for him.” Henri smiled teasingly. “But this one beautiful woman is already too much for me.” He tucked Anne’s hand in the crook of his arm.
Gherring spoke between clenched teeth. “What are you doing here, Henri?”
“I am here to escort the beautiful woman home, with a little detour en route.” He winked at Anne. “And we should go now. I have so little time with ma jolie femme.” He led her quickly out the theatre doors. She didn’t look back, but she felt Gherring’s intense stare. She knew Johanna would report Gherring’s reaction when she came by the office the next day. They strolled along the street, teeming with people despite the late hour.
“Henri, maybe this was a bad idea. Mr. Gherring looked really angry. What if he fires you?”
“He cannot fire me. On paper I work for Gherring, but only by agreement—by contract with our company, La Porte. We have joint ventures with Gherring Inc. Mon père (my father) is chairman now, and I will be chairman in two years. Monsieur Gherring needs me.” He chuckled a bit. “But he does not like me, that is for certain.”
Then he stopped and his eyebrows drew together. “Mon dieu! He could fire you.Je suis désolé. I am sorry—I was not thinking. I should take you back?”
Anne considered for only a moment. “No. I’m not going back. I can’t let him think he can control my personal life. He’s only my boss at work. If he fires me, I’ll just go back to Texas.” She took Henri’s arm and started walking again. “Now tell me about Paris… Is it as beautiful as they say?”
* * *
Emily’s facelooked irritated as she FaceTimed with her mom. It was Wednesday night, and Anne was reporting in to her daughter. Unfortunately, Emily had learned of her mom’s date with Henri from her sister, and now she was demanding details. “I can’t believe you didn’t even call me.”
“There just wasn’t time…”
“But you called Charlie. You even showed her the dress before your date.”
“Okay, I’m sorry. I’m sorry. But you’re still my favorite.”
Emily knew this game well. “But didn’t you tell Charlie she was your favorite?”
“Yes, but of course I was lying to Charlie. You’re the real favorite.”
Emily chuckled. “Okay, just give me the details about the big date so I can tell Charlie I heard about it first.”
“As you know, first I went to a musical with the Kleins and Mr. Gherring.”
“How was it?”
“A-ma-zing! I can’t even tell you how much fun it was.”
“I knew you’d love it. But how did Mr. Gherring act? Was he weird about being seen with you, like you thought he would be?”
“No, he wasn’t too bad. He was uptight as usual until after the play, when Henri showed up.”
“So was he mad you were going somewhere with Henri?”
“Ohhhhh, yeah. He was furious. It turns out he can’t stand Henri. Something in their past. But Henri was a perfect gentleman. We walked to a coffee shop, and I got the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had in my life. And then we walked around a bit. I was getting cold, so he took off his long wool coat and put it over me. I thought he would freeze to death, but he swore he was used to the cold weather.
“He told me all about Paris, and the little town in the countryside where he grew up. Then we took a taxi back to the apartment, and he walked me inside. He kept the taxi outside, so I knew he wasn’t trying to get invited upstairs.”
“Did he kiss you goodnight?”
“He just said, ‘Vous êtes si parfaite.’ And then he hugged me. When he pulled away, he bent down, and I thought he was going to try to kiss me. I was so nervous. But he just bent down and lifted my hand up and kissed it.”
“Wow! That’s so romantic.” Emily held the back of her hand to her forehead in an exaggerated swoon. “What does that mean—what he said to you?”
“It means ‘you are so perfect.’ And today, he sent a box of candy to the office—dark chocolates.”
“The best. Did it have a note with it?”
“Yes, it said, ‘Vous avez gagné mon c?ur.’ That’s ‘You have captured my heart!’”
“Wow, Mom. So do you like him?”
Anne thought for a moment before she spoke. “Yes, I like him. No doubt, he’s pretty hot. I don’t even know why he’s interested in me. He makes me feel very special. Like I’m important. He seems to like everything about me, even my lack of sophistication.”
“But?”
“But I feel like… It’s hard to explain. I feel like he’d have to change for us to have a future together, and I think he knows it. And I feel like he wishes he could change, but he knows it’ll never happen.”
“That’s a lot of feelings, Mom. You know you can’t depend on your feelings. Did he actually say any of those things?”
“No, but he said it with his eyes and his actions. I know he’s a bit of a player, but he treated me like I was a lady. Like he was protecting me from himself.” Anne sighed. “And then there’s Mr. Gherring.”
“What about Mr. Gherring?”
“Johanna said he barely spoke on the way back to the apartment after I left with Henri. And then today, he literally didn’t speak to me. He just avoided me altogether. He must have been at work by six thirty, and he stayed in his office or in the conference room in meetings all day. There was no opportunity to talk to him.”
“So, do you think he’s really mad at you? For defying him and going out with Henri?”
“Or maybe because of the picture that came out in the social column.”
“What picture?”
“I’ll text you the link. Sam showed it to me at work today. It’s a picture of me and Gherring sitting together at the play. I had no idea anyone was taking pictures. It was really emotional, and you know how I am. I was watching the play and crying, and Gherring was staring at me. The caption read, ‘Steven Gherring breaks another heart!’”
“I can’t believe it. They really don’t give him a break, do they? I never realized how hard it is to be rich and famous.” Emily thought for a moment, and then smiled. “But I’d still like to give it a try.”
“I really do feel bad for him. I took my roses home today, so he wouldn’t feel like I’m flaunting Henri in his face. From the little I know of Henri, I have a feeling he does things on purpose to irritate Mr. Gherring. Everything is like a game for Henri, and Gherring takes everything so seriously. I wonder if he ever relaxes and lets loose.”
“So, are you and Henri going out again?”
“He told me he’d call me tonight, but he’s in Chicago until Friday.”
Emily looked smug. “Okay, I’m going to call Charlie and tell her everything, so don’t bother to call her yourself.”
“You’re so helpful.” Anne raised an eyebrow, but Emily didn’t look intimidated.
“Don’t mention it. That’s why I’m your favorite.”
* * *
Thursday,Katie was back at the office. Anne updated her on the plans for the big reception and briefed her on the new contracts she’d sent to the legal department. Then she casually mentioned Henri’s name.
“Henri was here? I love him—he’s so much fun. A little flirty, but he doesn’t mean anything by it. Gherring hates him, though.” Katie gave a furtive glance toward Gherring’s office doors.
“Why does Gherring dislike Henri?”
Katie kept her voice low. “This is just between us, right? But I think you need to know. About five years ago Steven was engaged to a Michelle Caravan. She was sweet and beautiful, and very rich—an heiress to the Caravan estate. But she wanted to have a family, have children, and Steven wouldn’t even discuss it. At least that was the gossip around the office. Steven and Michelle broke up very discreetly, kept everything out of the press.”
Katie stopped to check over her shoulder. “A few months later, Henri started dating her. They dated for six months or so, and she was pretty serious about him, but Henri broke it off. This time it was very public. The breakup happened in France, and the paparazzi took some candid pictures with them arguing and her crying. No one really knows what happened, but Gherring was convinced Henri was cheating on her. He’s hated Henri ever since but tolerated him because of business.”
“That makes sense now,” Anne said.
“What do you mean? Did Gherring have words with Henri?”
“No, Henri just flirted and asked me out and sent me some flowers. Nothing serious. But Mr. Gherring sort of flipped out and told me Henri was a player and he’d just use me.”
“So what did you do?”
“I sort of went out with him anyway, because it made me mad Gherring was trying to control who I dated.”
“I bet that really ticked off Mr. Gherring. Is he giving you the silent treatment?”
“Silence and avoidance,” agreed Anne. “I didn’t even see him yesterday.”
They both looked up when Gherring’s office door burst open. He scowled in the direction of Anne’s desk. When he spotted Katie, he smiled.
“Good morning, Katie. I’ve missed you. I have some contract changes to discuss, if you can spare a moment.” He gestured toward his office.
Katie rolled her eyes at Anne before turning back to follow Gherring into his office.
Anne murmured under her breath, “I guess I’m still getting the silent treatment.”
With Katie back, Anne decided to take her regular lunch at Papa’s Place. She tried to make plans with Sam so she could hear about her “Beatles” date with Tanner. But she and Tanner already had lunch plans together, so Anne headed down alone. Just as she was exiting the revolving door in the lobby, she spotted Henri on the other side.
He broke into a happy grin. “I found you just in time. I am here early! You are going to lunch? You can eat with me?”
He grabbed Anne’s hand, and she led him next door to her favorite lunch spot. May inspected Anne’s companion with unbridled curiosity as she led them back to Anne’s regular table. They both ordered one of the day’s lunch specials. Then, to Anne’s astonishment, Henri pulled a package from his coat pocket and handed it to her. “I have a surprise for you.”
She opened the package to discover a CD of the play she’d seen, sung by the original cast. “I love it. What made you decide to get this for me?”
Henri studied his napkin in his lap. “I saw the picture—you and Gherring in the theater. And I thought that it was the music that made you cry. Was I right? It was not Gherring? It was the music?”
“You were right, it was the music.” Anne chewed on her lower lip. “Henri, I have a question. What happened between you and the girl Mr. Gherring used to be engaged to? The girl you dated for a while?”
“Why are you asking me?”
“I hesitate to ask, but I want to know why Mr. Gherring doesn’t like you. You see, Mr. Gherring says you’re just a player and you’ll hurt me. But you don’t seem like that kind of man to me.” She looked into his green eyes as they peered earnestly at her. “You seem to be thoughtful and kind, and not the sort of guy who would use a girl or hurt someone.”
Henri studied the table as he responded. “I cannot tell you what happened, because telling would hurt her. I promise I did not want to hurt her. I loved her. I think she was the only woman I ever loved. But I did not deserve her. I did not deserve anyone that good. She found someone else, someone better than me.”
He pushed his chair back from the table and started to stand. “I do not deserve you either. I flirt too much. I should not be here.”
“No,” Anne put her hand on Henri’s to stop him. “Don’t go. I believe you. I think you’re a better man than you realize, Henri. Only the good in you can recognize the good in someone else. Give yourself a chance. I don’t know what you’ve done in your past, but you’ve got to learn to forgive yourself.” She squeezed his arm. “Thank you so much for the music. It’s the most thoughtful gift I’ve been given in a long time.”
His worried face transformed as his eyes crinkled in a relieved smile.
* * *
Anne jumpedas Gherring’s office door opened. Gherring and Henri had been in private conference for over an hour. As the two men stepped out, Anne looked for signs of a bloody battle. She was caught by surprise as Gherring smiled at Henri, shook his hand firmly, then patted him on the back as he turned to go. Gherring looked pointedly at Anne, and then returned to his office and shut the door.
As Henri approached Anne’s desk she asked, “What happened in there? I thought you almost hated each other. You almost looked like friends shaking hands just now.”
“I just did what I should have done long ago. I talked to Gherring. I told him the whole story, good and bad. I thought, assurément, he would be angry, mais non—he was less angry. What he thought was worse than the truth. He thought I did not love Michelle. He thought I slept with another woman. Now he knows the truth. We can be friends.” He laughed. “No, we cannot be friends, because I will always irritate him, always, toujours. But we can do business and he will not hate me quite so much.”
“I’m proud of you, Henri. I think you did the right thing.”
“That is good. I want you to be proud of me. And now I want you to do something for me. I want you to say yes. I am going to ask you a question, and I want you to say yes.”
“What are you going to ask me?”
“Mon dieu! It is not bad. I will not ask you to kill someone!” Henri smirked at Anne’s expression.
Laughing, Anne asked, “Okay, but what is it? I’m not saying yes until I know the question.”
“S’il vous pla?t, go to the gala with me. Voudriez-vous venir avec moi? You will go? Tomorrow night?”
Anne stared at Henri, with her mouth hanging open as she scrambled for a reply. Gherring would be furious if she went with Henri.
Henri grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “I will be good. I will not drink too much. If you desire, I will not drink at all. You will say yes, and make me happy?”
“Henri, you can’t go with me. Surely you know many women in the city who’d love to go.”
“Why do you say I should forgive myself and give myself a chance, but you will not give me a chance?”
“That’s not what I mean. I mean I’d love to go, but you shouldn’t go with me. You should go with one of your… sophisticated friends. Like Mr. Gherring—he’s going with a famous model, Margo Milan. I won’t fit in with you and your important friends. I’m just a simple Texas girl. I wouldn’t even know what to talk about in a party full of international business people.”
“I do not care about them. You are important. You are important to me. Vous êtes très importante.”
“Why me? You barely know me.”
“Because, mes amis importants, my important friends, they see à l”extérieur, the… outside. But you… you see the inside. Your eyes see deep, dans l”ame, in the soul. With you, I have hope that I will be a better man. I am better, I am good with you.” He paused to let his words sink in, watching for a sign of her relenting. “And… vous êtes très jolie, non…belle. Canon!”
Anne blushed at being called beautiful and hot, but Henri held her hand and gazed at her seriously, expectantly, waiting for a response.
“What about Gherring?” asked Anne.
“Gherring? You told me he is taking someone else. He has asked you to go with him?”
“No, but up until a few minutes ago, he seemed to dislike you a lot. And he didn’t want me to go out with you.”
“Is Gherring your father? You must ask permission?”
“That’s not fair. I just don’t want to appear spiteful. It is his event, and he’s my boss. I’m trying to be respectful, even though I’m not very good at it.”
“Pardonnez-moi. You are right to have respect. But he said all is well between us, I promise. He knows now, I am not as bad as my reputation. I think he has had a similar experience with reputation. And we will stay across the room and not even go near him. The party is big, énorme, infini, vaste. Gherring will never know you are there…”
“Okay, okay.”
“Okay? That means yes? Okay, yes?” His green eyes peered fervently at Anne’s.
“Yes, I’ll go with you.”