Her Best Match: A Romantic Comedy (The Best Girls Book 1) (45 page)

Steven sat in barely restrained rage, slicing Evan to pieces with his eyes.

“Steven, will you pass the rosemary potatoes, please?” asked Gram.

Anne slipped her hand away. She tried to ease the tense atmosphere. “So y’all were in school together?”

“Yes,” said Evan. “We went all the way through high school together. I was captain of the lacrosse team. That was the only sport Stevie didn’t play, so I had a fighting chance.” He winked at Anne.

“What about you, Mr. Gherring?” Anne asked. “What did you do in high school?”

He glared at Evan, who was laughing uncontrollably. “What’s so funny?” asked Anne.

Evan chuckled until he caught his breath. “I’m sorry. It’s just the way Stevie flinched when you called him ‘Mr. Gherring’. It was priceless!”

“Well, he’s my
boss
. I call him that out of respect. I doubt you’ll hear me call you
Mr. Sterling
.”

“Oh! You cut me to the core. I’ll only ever be ‘Evan’ to you. Still better than ‘Stevie’ I suppose.” He continued to chortle.

“I can come up with a name more suitable for you, if you like. But I won’t be able to say it in front of Gram!” declared Anne, sparks flying from her eyes like daggers.

Now Steven's dimples made an appearance, and Evan promptly stopped laughing to don his most contrite expression.

“Please, Anne. I’m sorry. I only tease Steven out of habit. I really do love him, and he knows that. Won’t you forgive me? I promise to stop.” His face was the picture of penitence.

“Well, if you stop teasing…” She gave Evan a taste of her mommy-disapproval glare. “But this dinner looks good, and I haven’t been able to eat a bite so far. And I get
testy
when something comes between me and my food.”

Evans eyebrows lifted in good humor. “I promise, I promise! Gram, you didn’t warn me about this temper. Had I known, I’d have been on my best behavior.”

“It doesn’t get any better,” Steven muttered.

Evan chatted through the rest of dinner, regaling Anne with stories of him and his sisters growing up. He pointedly avoided discussing Steven again, unwilling to risk Anne’s wrath. After dinner, he offered to give her a ride home.

“That won’t be necessary,
cousin
,” said Steven. “We live togeth—we live in the same building. I’ll make sure she gets home
safely
.”

“In that case, I’ll simply bid the lady
adieu
.” He took her hands in his and made as if to give her a peck on the cheek. But at the last moment, he brought his head around and brushed his lips against hers. Then he grinned. “Until next time, my fair lady!” And he dashed out the door while Anne stood in shock.

Steven muttered something about hating all his relatives, and Gram smiled as if nothing untoward had happened.

Friday morning Steven was in a bad mood. Perhaps he hadn’t recovered from spending the evening with his cousin. Whatever the reason, he snapped at Anne several times. She stood her ground and fussed back at him until he foolishly delved into the subject of Evan’s unforeseen kiss.

“You certainly seemed to enjoy Evan’s company last night—especially at the end. I guess you’ll just let
anyone
kiss you.”

Anger surged in Anne’s head, but it was quickly replaced by uncertainty and mortification. Had she led Evan on? Did she flirt too much? Henri had kissed her. Jeff had made a pass at her. Steven had kissed her. Maybe it was her fault Evan felt free to take that liberty. As all these conflicting emotions passed across her face, Steven watched with growing alarm.

“I didn’t mean—”

“Yes you did.” She blinked at sudden tears.

“No, I was just—”

“It’s okay, really. I need to be more careful.” She turned her face away. “Excuse me. I’m sorry—” She took a deep breath. Why did this bother her so much? Was it because she was insecure about how she interacted with men? Or was it because she’d disappointed Steven Gherring? Or was it just hormones? She certainly seemed to cry at the drop of a hat recently. She’d never been this emotional before. That’s it, it was
hormones
.

Feeling much better with that matter settled in her mind, Anne let her ire rise up again. How dare he complain Evan had kissed her! Hadn’t she seen Steven in his apartment with his shirt undone on his very first date with Ellen? She could only imagine what had happened after she left. And he hadn’t been embarrassed in the least.

“I think now might be a good time to talk about Tuesday night.” She raised her voice over the sound of blood pounding in her ears.

Steven, who’d been observing the visible manifestations of this thought process on Anne’s face, responded, “Nope! Not a good time! Maybe never…”

She arrived home from work with only an hour to spare before Henri was scheduled to pick her up. Rayna stopped her on the way to the elevator. “So, tonight’s the big date with Henri, right?”

“Yes, it’s tonight,” she said flatly.

“You don’t sound very excited. We
are
talking about that incredibly yummy guy with the French accent, right?”

“I think… I think I may need to break up with him. Which is silly to even say since we’ve never really even been together. Just a few dates and talking on the phone.” She thought for a moment. “Well, he did take a train from Paris to Switzerland just to see me…”

Rayna stared at her. “That’s so romantic. Why would you want to break up with a guy like him? Is he two-timing you?”

“No, he’s actually been great. He was probably that kind of guy in the past, but not now. It’s just that, I don’t think it’s
going anywhere
, and I really don’t want to lead him on. But he’s got a sick niece he’s really upset about, and he doesn’t deserve another emotional blow. So… I don’t know how to tell him. I may just not tell him at all.” Her stomach was heavy, like lead.

“Well why isn’t it going anywhere? Are you interested in someone else?”

“No… There definitely isn’t anyone else. Although Mr. Gherring’s grandmother is trying to find a husband for me now. She introduced me to another of her grandson’s last night. I have to admit, he’s handsome and very entertaining. He had me in stitches last night.”

“But?”

“But I don’t know. Maybe he’s too slick for me? To tell you the truth, I’m not sure I met the real Evan. He and Mr. Gherring don’t like each other, so there was a lot of verbal sparring.”

“I thought you maybe kind of liked Mr. Gherring a little.” Rayna’s question sounded casual enough, but Anne noticed she was watching her response with a keen eye. She bottled up her feelings and put the cork in tight.

“No. I mean, I like him as a boss and all that. But we could never be romantically involved. That’s why I set him up with Ellen. She’s more his type.”

“I guess you think you’ve got this figured out because you’re some kind of master matchmaker, but I think your calculations may be a bit off on this one.”

“You’ll see,” she said, with a confidence she didn’t quite feel.

Anne went downstairs ten minutes early. She didn’t want Henri to wait. Especially because she didn’t want him to accidentally run into Steven. Exiting the elevator, she spotted Ellen sitting on a couch in the lobby. Facing the inevitability of the awkward encounter, Anne moved to greet her.

“Hi Ellen? What are you doing here?”

“Hi Anne. To tell you the truth, I don’t know why I’m here. Steven picked me up at six thirty for our date, and then he told me he’d forgotten something at the apartment. So, here I am, waiting.” She rubbed her hands in worried circles. “Anne, about Tuesday night—”

“No Ellen, that’s none of my business—you don’t need to explain anything to me. I’m the one who set y’all up, remember? I’m just glad you’re hitting it off.” Anne managed to say the words in a way that sounded believable. At least she hoped so.

“But I don’t want you to think—”

“Hello, Ms. Best,” Steven approached from the elevator, scouring the lobby. “Where’s Henri? He didn’t come?”

“He’s not due here for another five minutes, so it looks like you missed him. I’m sure you’re terribly upset, since I know how much y’all like each other.”

“I like Henri just fine, as long as he stays in France,” he bantered.

“Well I like Henri more when he’s here,” she countered.

“
Absolument
!” cried Henri, sauntering from the lobby door. “I am so glad you like for me to be here.” He eased beside Anne, placing a possessive arm around her back and nuzzling her neck. “You smell divine,
mon ange
.”

Steven laid his arm around Ellen’s shoulder. “Ellen, darling… I should introduce you to Henri DuBois. Henri, this is Ellen Dean.”

Henri smiled at Ellen, but made no move to take her hand. “Ellen, you must be an amazing woman to put up with a man such as this one. My heart goes out to you.” He slid his hand up to Anne’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze, bending his head to kiss her hair.

Steven's smooth expression almost cracked, but he regained control. “I don’t think Ellen’s complaining too much so far.”

Ellen took this as her cue. “Oh no. Steven’s been wonderful. Tonight he’s taking me to the Essex House.” Anne almost gasped, knowing this to be one of the most expensive restaurants in New York City.

“And where are the two of you going tonight?” Steven’s hand was stroking up and down on Ellen’s arm, and Anne couldn’t pry her eyes away.

“I have reservations at Daniel tonight. But only because I flew in town too late to go to Masa.”

Steven scowled at Henri’s stated plans, so Anne assumed the restaurants he mentioned were also expensive. The competitive testosterone was clogging the air in the lobby.

Anne said, “You know Henri, I don’t care where we go. As long as we’re together.”

Henri smiled and kissed her ear in response.

Steven said, “So, Henri—will you be going with Anne to the Gherring Inc. Christmas party tomorrow night?”

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Really?” Steven frowned. “But—”

“And you must be going with Gherring, right?” Henri asked Ellen.

“I don’t know. Am I?” she asked Steven, with confusion in her eyes.

“Of course… I thought I mentioned it before.” Steven cast Henri an irritated glance. “In fact, I think you deserve a new dress for the occasion.”

“If you will pardon us, I have not seen
mon ange
for too long. I have not greeted her properly.”

Henri pulled Anne against him and kissed her full on the mouth. His tongue made its way gently between her shocked lips as he painted shivers up and down her spine with the fingers of one hand. Her arms locked automatically around his neck. Releasing her, he guided her out the door and spoke over his shoulder. “
Au revoir
!”

Henri’s limousine was waiting for them. Anne crawled in and he sat on the opposite side. He wore a sad smile. “It is over, is it not?”

“What? What do you mean?”

“I am a Frenchman. I know when there is no passion in a kiss.”

“I… I was shocked. I’m not used to public affection.”

“No, my angel. I felt you respond to me before. This time…”

Anne felt tears welling in her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Henri. I didn’t want to hurt you.”

He crossed the car to put his arm around her. “
Non
!
S'il vous plait!
Please don’t cry. I am okay.” He patted her shoulder and sighed. “There is this nurse. From the hospital. And maybe I like her. She is very good to Anna-Laure.”

She looked up through wet lashes. “Really?”

“Maybe. We will see. But I suspected already this might happen. From Switzerland. From our phone calls.”

“Then what was all that back there with Mr. Gherring?”

“The pig! He thinks he knows something. He tries to make me look like a fool. He has talked to Michelle.”

“Michelle?”

“Yes, Michelle came to see me last week. She told me she still loved me. And I realized…” he spoke with wonder on his face. “I realized I felt
nothing
for her. I do not trust her anymore. But she thinks it must be someone else—maybe you or the nurse. She cannot believe I would not come back to her, unless there was someone else.”

“Good riddance, Henri. I don’t trust her either. You can do better.”

“At least, you still believe in me.”

She sighed. “What a mess, Henri. What about tonight, the expensive restaurant? And tomorrow’s Christmas party?”

He gave her the old devilish grin she’d grown accustomed to. “I plan to take advantage of your guilt from the cost of the food. Perhaps you will let me kiss you one more time.” With her face turning red, she started to protest. But he put a finger on her lips to silence her. “I am teasing you. Well, unless it works…”

Saturday morning dawned. Anne saw it transpire from the rooftop patio where she’d been sitting for an hour before it happened. She’d awoken at three and lain in bed tossing and turning for several hours before surrendering to her sleepless state. Deciding she needed to get away from Steven's apartment building, she went for a walk to clear her mind. She’d lost several pounds this week due to stress. Even her fancy dinner with Henri hadn’t tempted her to eat in her normal fashion. Her stomach was definitely tied to her emotions. So she skipped breakfast again and didn’t even miss it. After two hours of listless meandering on the New York City streets, she headed back toward her apartment.

She knew she shouldn’t be depressed. She should be ecstatic. She’d finally found someone for Steven, someone who’d make him happy. He’d never have to be alone again. And Ellen was devoted to him—you could see it in how she looked at him.

Ellen was a great match for him. She 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. “Hey 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 his complete horror, she suddenly burst into tears. He was astonished, but quickly responded by wrapping her in his arms.

“Anne, honey, what’s wrong? What happened?”

He continued to hold her and pat her on the back. When the sobs subsided into gentle tears, he tenderly led her to the chairs behind the worktable. 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 was. 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?”

“Margaret?” Did his face turn red?

“Yes, well, I meant Mrs. Gherring. Are we discussing her grandson?”

Her mouth tugged up at the corners, even as the tears continued to fall. “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?”

“Yes, that’s it. I’m j-j-just s-s-so happy.” She sobbed anew, covering her face with her hands.

Mr. Hamilton shook his head in confusion. “And who’s 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.

“Well 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—a psychiatrist. There
is
something wrong—I’ve never felt like this before.”

“Okay, honey. I believe you, 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 in an enthusiastic voice. “That’s it—for weeks I’ve been obsessing about Steven Gherring and finding someone for him. I wanted so badly for him to be happy. I guess I’m miserable because I’ve lost my purpose.”

Mr. Hamilton tilted his head as he tugged on one ear. “Well, 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. “Yes 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 and sad.”

He bobbed his head in agreement. “And sobbing and pathetic.”

She stared at him. “Pathetic?” Her lips began to quiver. “I’m pathetic? Ohmygosh, I’m
pathetic
!”

She began to sob anew. Mr. Hamilton gaped at her and fumbled for a tissue, finally handing her the entire box.

Rayna spotted her 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. “So… I’m going upstairs and I’m going to take a shower. And I’ll probably take a nap, because I didn’t sleep well last night. Okay?”

Rayna returned a sheepish smile. “Don’t tease me. I’m just doing my j—, uhmm, duty. I’m doing my duty to society to watch out for you.”

Gram called before she made it all the way inside her apartment.

“I’ll get straight to the point, dear. Are you going to the Christmas party with Henri?”

“No, Gram. We broke up. I’m not going to the party at all.”

“Good. 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 think I’ll go home early. Okay?”

“That’s fine. Now let’s go shopping. I want a new dress.”

“Well, 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. What time?”

“I’m on my way now, dear.”

Anne waved at Rayna on her way out. She didn’t take time to stop and chat, because Gram was already waiting outside in the car. Gram took her to a small exclusive dress shop. It was nothing like the second hand 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 five thousand dollars. Most were between seven thousand and fifteen thousand. 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 check-out counter.

“Now find a dress for my friend here,” said Gram. “What size are you, dear? Four?”

She whispered to Gram, “I usually get my stuff from the second-hand store. It’s just as nice, and I don’t mind that someone else has worn it before.”

“Humph! Well today, you’re getting a dress from this store. Unless there isn’t anything here you like.”

“Gram, I can’t spend five thousand dollars on a dress.”

“No problem, dear. This is my treat. The short ones cost less, anyway. I figured on putting you in a cocktail dress.”

She started to object again, but Gram fixed her with her piercing blue eyes. “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. Not many people that tall and thin to pull it off. She will look stupendous!”

She 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-thru.” 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 entered in the 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. Stunned, she was powerless to stop him, not that she wanted to. Her hands still gripped tightly on the dress hanger and shoe bag. His tongue slid stealthily between her lips, and she welcomed the invasion. He pressed himself against her, forcing her back against the elevator wall. She felt his heart pounding against her own. He moaned as her tongue answered his invitation.

The bell rang, and the elevator opened on the tenth floor. Steven threw himself away from her and fell back against the elevator wall. Anne moved off the elevator in a daze.

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?”

“Nothing really. I just… Nothing makes sense anymore.”

“Does this have anything to do with Henri and the Christmas party tonight?”