Her Best Match: A Romantic Comedy (The Best Girls Book 1) (44 page)

“If that were true, he’d be angry with himself. I’ve never seen anyone more stubborn in my life.”

“Ah-hem!” Johanna cleared her throat loudly. “Anne, how do you like your soup?”

Thursday was uneventful at work. Anne finalized the plans for the Christmas party for Saturday night. Emily called to tell her Grandpa was out of the hospital, at her apartment and doing well. Anne tried Charlie’s cell phone several times, but she never got an answer.

Henri called when she was in Steven's office. Anne answered, but tried to keep her conversation generic. “Hi, how are you?”

“Hello
, ma jolie fille
. I will be in town tomorrow as I thought. We can have dinner together? Seven o’clock?”

“Seven. That sounds great. Uhmm, how shall we…”

“I will pick you up at your apartment lobby at seven.
Oui
? I think I have much to tell you. Anna-Laure is through her first chemotherapy session. She has two weeks off before she begins another session. You are still praying?”

“Yes. Every single day.”

“I will see you tomorrow.”

“Okay, bye.”

Steven was observing her with interest. “Hot date tonight?”

“Yes. I plan to get very hot with my treadmill tonight. Or to be more precise, I’m getting hot with
your
treadmill.”

A grin appeared on his face. “That conjures some very interesting images.”

“Well, stop looking at them, please.”

“I can’t help it. When I close my eyes, the images are still there.” He clenched his eyes shut to demonstrate. “Wait, I can see even better with my eyes closed. Wow! I didn’t even know that was possible. You’re more flexible than I realized.” He flinched when Anne’s ink pen flew across the desk and hit him in the head.

“You can’t blame a guy for watching when he gets a chance like that,” he chuckled.

“Stop it!” she ordered, but the corners of her mouth twitched as she suppressed a smile. “So… you’ve really hit it off with Ellen, huh?”

“Oh, yeah. She’s a great girl. Very talented. Beautiful. Sophisticated. She’s pretty perfect, I guess.”

Her heart turned over at his words. But she was glad, wasn’t she? Yes, of course. She was glad she’d brought them together. She’d done a great job of matchmaking.

“But… I might wish she was a bit older,” he added.

“Older? Why would you want her to be older?”

“Well, you know, she hasn’t had a lot of life experience. There’s not as much to talk about with younger women. But then again, if they’re beautiful, I guess you don’t need to talk. Still, age has some advantages… But other than that, she’s really perfect.”

Anne worried a little. She’d thought Ellen was just the right age. Had she been off on her calculations? But he still seemed to like her.

“And it’s too bad she hasn’t had children.”

“What? I thought you’d want someone who hasn’t been married before.”

“Oh, I guess that’d be nice—divorce can be so messy. But women who haven’t had children usually want to start a family after they get married. I just don’t know if I want to do that at my age. I could change my mind I guess, or maybe Ellen might change her mind. Maybe she’d be happy without children. But really, other than that, she’s perfect.”

Anne racked her brain. Had Ellen said whether she wanted children? Probably not right away, but surely she would want children someday. How old would Steven be by that time? Or would he insist she never have children?

“And I’m sure she won’t mind giving up her career.”

“What?”

“Well, you know, if we were to stay together, I’d want her to be available to travel with me. I travel all over the world. I wouldn’t want a wife who has a job that ties her to the city. In fact, I might not want her to work at all. I mean, I’ve got plenty of money, so why would she want to work? But Ellen’s pretty perfect. I really underestimated you. I’m sorry I gave you and Gram such a hard time.”

“Sure. No problem…” Ohmygosh. Would Ellen want to give up acting? She’d barely even gotten started. If she agreed to give up her career now, would she resent Steven for it someday in the future? Maybe she should consult with Gram. Perhaps they needed to start over with this new information.

“… Anne. Did you hear me?”

“Huh? No, I’m sorry. What did you say?”

“I asked you where you’re going with Henri on Friday.”

“What? How did you—did I say I was going out with Henri on Friday?”

“Uhmm, yes. You must’ve mentioned it. But you didn’t say where you were going.”

“I… I don’t know. Just dinner, I guess.”

“Dinner and then
coffee
upstairs?”

The blood rushed to her face. “Just dinner.”

“No
coffee
?” he teased. She’d had quite enough of his mocking. “Well, as a matter of fact. I think we might have
coffee
after all. I’ve got some new flavors I’d like to try. Some of them sound sooooo delicious. You know, the kind that makes your mouth water just thinking about them. Mmmmm! I just love experimenting with something new. I’ll bet Henri has a lot I’ve never sampled before. I’m glad you suggested it. I’m sure Henri will be grateful as well.”

Steven's smile was gone. “Stop. You win.” His face was sullen. “I don’t really want you to have
coffee
with Henri. Or dinner either for that matter. I was only trying to be a good sport about it.” His brows crumpled together. “And it turns out I’m not a very good sport after all.”

Rayna called her over when she came home from work. “Hey, Anne. How was work today?”

“Just routine. How about you? You and Antonio seem to be doing well.”

“I’ve always heard Italians were hot-tempered, but Antonio is hot-blooded instead.” She giggled. “But he’s also really romantic. He took me on a great picnic in Central Park. And he’s nothing like Eddie.”

“I’ve got the magic touch,” Anne bragged. “I’ve got a great track record. Maybe I should start a match-making website.”

“Maybe so. What are you up to tonight? Big plans?”

“I think I’m going for a run right now. I’m just planning to eat in the apartment. You could join me if you want.”

“No thanks. I’m watching the lobby tonight. And Antonio’s bringing me dinner.”

“Then I won’t interfere with your tryst.” Anne winked at her.

Just as she entered her apartment, her cell rang. “Hey Gram. What’s up?”

“You’re having dinner out here tonight. Sorry for the late notice, dear. Emergency session, you see.”

“But—”

“Dress nice for dinner, dear. The car’s coming for you in forty-five minutes.”

“But—”

“I’ll see you soon, dear.” And Gram was gone.

Anne was unsure what it meant to “dress nice” for dinner. She didn’t have that many nice things to choose from, so she opted for a straight wool skirt with a soft cream-colored sweater, and boots. She hoped wearing a skirt instead of pants would suffice as “nice”.

When Gram greeted her at the door of the mansion, she grabbed her hand and pulled her along. “Come, dear. Let’s warm you up by the fire.”

“I’m okay, Gram. I was only outside for a second. Is this outfit okay? I hope it’s dressy enough.” She took in Gram’s silk dress, with a lovely contrasting scarf.

“You look wonderful, dear.”

“So, what’s the emergency?”

“Michelle is back. I thought she was gone for good. But she’s back.”

“Gram, I saw her at the office yesterday. She was crying over someone else, I think. So, surely she’s not really after Steven.”

Gram raised her eyebrows. “And how do you think Steven responds when there’s a woman in distress?”

Anne considered her question. She knew exactly how he would respond—he’d do anything to help her. “But isn’t she gone now?”

“No, she came here to see me last night. And she was all sweet and considerate, fawning all over me. I think she wanted me to invite her to stay here while she’s in New York. She’s not planning to leave until next week.”

“Oh.” She considered the problem. She’d once thought it might be all right for Steven to marry Michelle. But now she’d changed her opinion of the woman. She might be a problem. But he was dating Ellen now. Was he the kind of man who would be with more than one woman at a time?

“Gram, he started dating my friend, Ellen. Surely he wouldn’t… I mean, he wouldn’t
be
with Michelle, while he’s dating Ellen. Would he?”

“He’s dating Ellen? He didn’t mention her when I was grilling him.” She was quiet for a minute. “Humph. I don’t think this Ellen girl is a good match.”

“But Gram, you haven’t even met her.”

“Well… She might be okay as a distraction to keep Michelle out of the way. But then we’ll need to get rid of her.” She grabbed Anne’s arm. “Come dear. I need your help before dinner.”

Gram led Anne into the dining room. Anne surveyed the ornate place settings on the antique table. “Gram, there are three place settings. Who else is coming?”

Steven came through from the kitchen with a crystal salad bowl. Gram said, “My chef, of course.”

Anne’s eyes bored into Steven's. “You could have given me a little warning.”

He laughed. “I only got the call at five o’clock myself. I’m merely the dutiful grandson slash chef.” He returned to the kitchen.

Anne attempted to pin Gram with a stern look, but she urged her to the china cabinet. “Quick, quick. Help me put out another place setting before Steven comes back.”

She rushed to assist. “Who else is coming, Gram? Michelle?”

The doorbell rang, and Gram disappeared toward the front door. Steven came in from the kitchen, still wearing his apron. “Who’s that?”

They both trained their eyes on the dining room door until Gram reappeared, followed by a tall, handsome man with sandy blond hair, wearing an expensive-looking suit.

“Hello,
cousin
.” The man stressed the word, smiling while his eyes twinkled with merriment. “Great to see you.”

“Evan,” said Steven, his voice conveying disdain.

“Play nice, boys. I won’t have a fight at my table tonight.” Gram led him toward Anne. “Anne, this is my grandson, Evan Sterling. Evan, this is Anne Best.”

“Grandson? I guess I didn’t think you had…”

“You didn’t think she had any other grandchildren, did you?” asked Evan. “That’s because Steven is the favorite grandchild. His father and my mother were siblings. And I have two sisters, as well.”

“Enough,” said Gram. “I practically raised Steven as a son. Your mother moved with her husband to the West Coast until you were in high school. And I’ll not be criticized in my own home.”

Evan grabbed her in a bear hug and swung her around in a circle. “I’m sorry Gram. You know I love you. It’s not your fault—I know that. But I’ve always been a little jealous of Steven, growing up in this house with you. And I promise not to spoil your dinner for you.”

“You’ve already spoiled mine,” muttered Steven.

Gram said, “Anne, you’re sitting there. And Evan, you’re next to Anne. Steven, you’ll sit on this side next to me.”

Evan grinned. “There’s an advantage to not being the favorite. I get to sit next to this beautiful woman. You were right, Gram. She’s gorgeous.”

Anne blushed furiously. “I… I’m not…”

Evan’s eyebrows arched high. “And not conceited either. How incredibly rare.” He took Anne’s hand and led her to her place at the table. “Come. Tell me about yourself, Anne.”

Steven's fury was palpable. Gram said, “Steven, dear. We’re ready to eat now, if dinner is served.”

“Cousin,” said Evan with a sly smile, when he tasted his first bite of seared tuna. “You’re an amazing cook. I can see why you never bothered to marry. So self-sufficient.” He leaned his head toward Anne, speaking in low tones. “
Stevie
has always been the best at everything. If he couldn’t be number one, he didn’t bother to do it.”

He flinched at the nickname. “I wasn’t that great at everything, cousin, but you were always around to make me look good in comparison.”

“Quite right. Stevie made it a personal goal to show everyone he was better than me.” He made a martyred face. “I’ve learned to accept I’d always have to live in Stevie’s shadow. Everyone loved Stevie best, you know. Even my own mother was disappointed I wasn’t more like him. Whenever he bested me in school, she’d not speak to me for weeks at a time.” His voice cracked. “I used to cry every night…”

Tears welled in Anne’s eyes and she put her arm on Evan’s. “That’s terrible—children need their mother’s approval. I’m so sorry…”

“He’s lying, Anne,” said Steven with irritation.

“I’m not lying,” he declared, putting his hand on top of Anne’s to hold it in place. At Steven's violent expression, he relented. “Okay… perhaps I’m exaggerating a bit. But it’s the sort of thing I’ve always had to do to get attention when Stevie’s around. I’m sorry. It does feel awfully nice to have your sympathy, even if I don’t quite deserve it.” His fingers caressed Anne’s.