Her Best Match: A Romantic Comedy (The Best Girls Book 1) (7 page)

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. Y’all will have to meet 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. Well, that’s great—you can go now.”

Anne walked out of Gherring’s office, giving him a wide berth. She noticed the conference room door was open, but 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. Uhmm… It’s getting rather late. Would you like a lift home?”

“No, but thank you,
sir
.” He was treating her like a child, so she would address him like a father.

“I think
sir
is a bit much—I’m not that much older than you.” At Anne’s silence, he retorted, “That man’s not safe; he’s not to be trusted.”

“Who?” asked Anne, deliberately obtuse, as she tied on her running shoes, pulling a little too vigorously on the strings.

“
Henri
. You can’t trust him—he’s a scoundrel. 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.

“Yes, he’s a player.” He followed her toward the elevator, and she stopped, returning his glare.

“Well, 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 found Anne 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?”

Although her tone was without rancor, Gherring winced at her verbiage. “So I must assume you’re still angry with me?”

“I have no idea what you’re referring to. Why would you think I was angry? Did you do something I should be angry about?”

“You know very well what I’m talking about. And no, I didn’t do anything you should be angry about. All I did was prevent Henri from hurting you. He would just use you. You’re too naïve to realize, but I did the right thing.”

“Let’s see… How did you put it?” She paused as if trying to recall. “I think I’m old enough to make my own decisions about my
personal
life
and
whom
I’ll date and whether I’ll date
anyone
. But I suppose it’s impossible for you to believe a man might actually be interested in having a relationship with me. And I’m sure you’re right—he probably just wanted to use me. Why else would he talk to someone like me?” Anne wiped furiously at the tears that began to spill from her eyes.

“That’s not what I meant.”

“It really doesn’t matter—it’s a moot point, now.”

“Well, for what it’s worth,” Gherring said quietly, “I’m sorry I hurt your feelings. But” he continued quickly, “I still believe 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?”

Gherring’s lips pressed in a straight line. “No, Ms. Best. That’s all for now. Thank you.” He disappeared into the conference room.

Anne had never been in 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 blond 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 y’all 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. I can 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.”

“Oh, 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. “You never know. Maybe someday…”

Johanna glanced at Gherring who was casually eavesdropping. “So Mr. Gherring, however did you find your secretary? 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.” Anne stole a terrified look at Gherring. She knew he wouldn’t want to be seen in public with her. He was only seen in the company of beautiful young women. His escorts had to be intelligent and composed. He’d be mortified to be seen with his secretary, 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 he hid his emotions well.

“Nonsense,” Johanna smiled. “I would love to have some female company. It’s settled.”

“Gherring, will you be joining us?” asked Alexander.

He was quiet for a moment and then opened his mouth to respond. But Anne interrupted. “Actually, Mr. Gherring, uh… don’t you have an engagement tonight? I can check the calendar when we get back to the office.”

She thought he looked 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—those are gorgeous. 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 zipped through 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 y’all?”

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.”

“Well, 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?”

“No, 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?”

“No, 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 perplexity. “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.”