by Tamie Dearen
“So what do you think our next step should be?” asked Gram.
“You should keep him distracted until Monday. I mean, really distracted. You probably shouldn’t even give him enough time to call me. You know, so I won’t remind him of Henri and he won’t call Michelle and beg her to come back.”
“What happens on Monday?”
“That’s when I’m gonna introduce Steven to my friend, Ellen, the actress. Remember?”
“I don’t know this girl. I may not like her.”
“We’ll have to cross that bridge when we get to it. I’ll call you on Monday, okay?”
Anne hung up the phone with a sigh of relief. Charlie was staring with her mouth wide open. Emily was frowning as she drove.
Charlie started in. “What was that, Mom? You want Gram to keep Mr. Gherring from calling you?”
“Out with it,” said Emily. “We want the truth.”
Her phone began to ring again. Spying Steven's name on the caller ID, she rejected the call.
“Why didn’t you take the call, Mom?” questioned Charlie.
“It was no one important. I’ll call them back later. We’re almost to the hospital.”
“Mom, we’re on your side, you know. If you can’t talk to us, who can you talk to?” Charlie leaned forward, her face earnest.
“Yeah, Mom. I’ll start, okay? I’ve talked to Spencer on the phone a couple of times and on FaceTime a couple of times.”
Charlie started to squeal, but Emily held up a hand to silence her.
“The jury is still out. I don’t know if I like him or if I even trust him. But I’ll tell you as soon as I decide.” Emily paused, glancing back at her mother. “Now it’s your turn. Why don’t you want to talk to Mr. Gherring?”
Anne contemplated. Charlie was right—if she couldn’t talk to her girls, who could she talk to? No one. She couldn’t tell her girls what had happened. She didn’t even know herself what had happened or what it meant. And she had no one she could talk to.
“Can we just say I’m afraid to talk to him right now and leave it at that?”
“Hmmm,” said Charlie. “I don’t know. Sister, what do you think? Could we leave it at that?”
“No. Probably not. That doesn’t really sound like us.”
“If you’re afraid to talk to him now, and you don’t talk to him during the Thanksgiving holidays, what’s gonna happen when you go back to work on Monday?”
“I’ll act like nothing ever happened and go to work.”
“Which means, of course, something did happen,” smirked Emily. “And what would that something be?”
Her phone rang again. Her heart hammered until she realized Henri was calling. Grateful for the reprieve, she answered quickly.
“Henri… I’m so sorry I couldn’t come. How’s Anna-Laure?”
“She is okay. But I am calling for you. What happened? Gherring told me that there was a car accident. Your father? What happened?”
“He’s alive, but in intensive care. And I’m so sorry. The timing was awful, and you wasted all that money on a plane ticket for me.”
“The money is nothing. I am so glad your father is okay. And you? Are you okay? You must have been very afraid. If I were there I would give you a hug. Like you gave me a hug. You give very good hugs.” She could almost picture his smile over the phone.
“Yes, I was terrified, but I’m okay now. We’re on the way to the hospital, me and the girls. But tell me about Anna-Laure. Has she started chemotherapy?”
“She had a treatment today. She was très courageuse. Brave, she was brave. And it did not make her sick. Tomorrow may be worse.”
“I’m praying for her every day.”
“Me too,” said Charlie.
“And me,” said Emily.
Anne smiled. “Charlie and Emily want you to know they’re praying too.”
“We need all those prayers—every one. When will you go back to New York?”
“I hadn’t really thought about it. But if Dad is doing well, I guess I’ll go back on Sunday night. I really have a lot of work to do, especially with my new job and still having to do the other stuff. And I’ve got to work out the final details for the company Christmas party.”
“I think I will still come to New York. I have a ticket already for that weekend. If I think that Anna-Laure will be okay without me. I would like to see you.”
“That’d be great Henri. I’d love to see you, but I’ll understand if you can’t come because of Anna-Laure.”
“I hope I can come. I need you, mon bel ange.”
“My gosh, Mom,” said Charlie as they walked into the hospital, “Henri’s voice is so sexy, with that French accent. I don’t know how you can resist him.”
“A problem made easier by the fact there’s an ocean between us. But you may be right. Who knows what would’ve happened if I were in Paris right now?”
“You see, I told you we needed to have ‘The Talk.’” Emily waggled her eyebrows.
“Really though, Mom, you’re so strong. You’ve never even dated anyone since Dad died. You must be amazing at resisting temptation.”
“Or maybe she’s terrible at it, and that’s why she never dated.” Both girls chuckled at Emily’s comment. But Anne cringed at how close to the truth Emily had come.
She rushed to change the subject. “I’m so worried about Grandpa—I’ll feel a lot better when he’s awake and we can talk to him.”
“He’s conscious and he doesn’t like the tube in his nose. I hope you can help him calm down a bit.” The attending nurse frowned in obvious disapproval of his antics.
“Daddy?”
“Annie, baby,” he croaked. “I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t make it to the airport to get Charlie.”
“I’m here, Grandpa.” Charlie arrived on the other side of the bed.
“And me,” said Emily.
“Do you know what happened, Dad?”
“I remember the car sliding sideways, but nothing after that. What about Gandalf?”
“He’s at the animal hospital. He had surgery too,” said Charlie.
“Dr. Stephenson said it’s a miracle a Wolfhound his age survived the trauma. We’re going to visit him later today,” said Emily.
“I think I really messed up Thanksgiving for everyone. I don’t suppose my car survived?”
“I don’t know, Dad, but it was probably totaled. That was a huge accident. It started to rain, and the bridge iced over. Ten cars or maybe even more were involved. You’re lucky to be alive.”
“Does it hurt much?” asked Emily.
“I feel kind of like I got tossed into a dryer with some rocks and knives.” He chuckled. “Ow! It even hurts to laugh.”
“You had surgery. I bet your stomach is going to hurt for a while,” said Anne.
“Yep. Nurse Brume Hilda over there told me all about what they did to me.”
“Dad, be nice. She’s just trying to do her job and keep you alive. I heard you were fussing about that tube.”
“Oh and she’s a tattletale too.”
Charlie giggled. “Grandpa’s grouchy—he’s back to normal.”
The girls sat in the room with Grandpa and chatted until the nurse came in again. “He needs to rest now. You can come back this afternoon.”
“I don’t feel like resting.” His pouty attitude was heartening.
“You’re not going to give me any more trouble for a while.” She smiled as she injected into his IV tube. Before he could even protest, the medicine began to take effect.
“That does feel better.” He winked at the nurse before he fell asleep.
Anne asked, “Do we know when he’ll get to move to a room? Are we going to talk to a doctor?”
“The surgeon was in earlier to check his stats. He’s in surgery now, but he’ll be back to talk to the family this afternoon. I’m guessing your dad will be out of ICU by Thursday.”
On the way to see Gandalf, Anne noticed Steven had called twice while she was
in the hospital. She listened to her messages.
“Anne, I hope you’ll call soon. I’m worried about you. I hope your dad is okay and… and I hope you’ll call me.”
Then the second message. “Anne, I guess you can’t talk because you’re in the hospital. Please call me as soon as you can.”
Just as Anne was tucking her phone away, he called again. Her heart started pounding, she turned the ringer off and stashed her phone in her purse.
Charlie raised her eyebrows. “Who was that?”
“I don’t know. Probably a wrong number.”
Emily’s phone began to ring, and she answered it on the hands-free system of her car. “Hello?”
“Hi this is Steven Gherring.” His voice sounded relieved. “Is this Emily?”
Anne waved her hand in a desperate attempt for her daughters not to reveal her presence.
“We’re all in the car,” Emily said. “Mom’s here, too.”
“Anne, I’ve been trying to reach you.” His voice went husky.
“Hang on a minute.” Grinning, Charlie dug her sister’s phone out of her purse and pressed the button to transfer the call from the car speakers to the phone. “Now, you can talk to him.”
Charlie grinned as she handed her mom the phone. Anne gave Charlie the dirtiest look she could muster, while Emily giggled in the driver’s seat. Anne stared at the phone she held in trembling hands. She took a deep quaky breath and held it to her ear.
“Hello?”
“Hi Anne. How’re you doing? I’ve really been worried. You were so shaken up when I put you on the plane. I would’ve gone with you if it weren’t for Gram.”
“She needs you there. You didn’t need to come.”
“Gram keeps telling me to call you. I don’t know why she doesn’t just call you herself.” He paused for a breath. “Are you there?”
“Yes, I’m… I’m here.” She took deep breaths, trying to slow her heart rate. She could do this. Steven wouldn’t bring up the incident over the phone.
“How’s your dad?”
“He’s okay. He was awake today.” She tried to keep her voice light and even. The girls were listening closely. She didn’t want them to hear her nervousness.
“And Gandalf?”
“Alive, as far as we know. We’re going to see him now.”
“And you? How are you?”
“I’m fine.” She thought her voice sounded odd and squeaky.
His pitch dropped. “I mean, how are you, really? After we… I know you’re probably feeling awkward. But Anne, I don’t—”
“Oh we’re here. I’ve gotta go—I’ll talk to you later. Thanks, Mr. Gherring.”
She handed Emily’s cell phone back without looking up.
“That was certainly interesting,” said Emily. “Wasn’t it, Sis?”
“It certainly was… very interesting.”
“No time to talk.” Anne hopped out of the car and hurried into the vet clinic.
The girls were cheered to find Gandalf awake. His tail gave a weak wag in greeting. Dr. Stephenson’s report was good, and they made plans to visit the following day.
“Where to now?” asked Emily, as they left the animal clinic.
“Lunch first. Then back to the hospital, I guess,” said Anne.
“I don’t think you should be allowed to eat until you explain that little conversation with Mr. Gherring,” said Charlie.
“I said ‘later,’ and this is not later enough. And if I’m not allowed to eat, I don’t think I’ll be paying, either.”
“Fine, you can eat. But my curiosity is killing me,” Charlie complained.
“We don’t really need Mom. I could hear everything Mr. Gherring said. What would you like to know?”
“Emily!” Anne’s voice sounded a warning.
“I couldn’t hear what he said after Mom said she was fine,” said Charlie.
“Charlie, that’s enough—” said Anne.
“He asked her how she was really doing. And then he said, ‘You must feel awkward.’ And then Mom cut him off in mid-sentence,” said Emily.
She squeezed her eyes shut. How was she going to cover her uncomfortable conversation with Steven?
Emily began, “Mom, you can tell us the truth. Are you—”
“No, I’m not sleeping with Mr. Gherring! Why does everyone think that? I wouldn’t do that.”
“What are you talking about? I was going to ask if you were in love with him, not if you were sleeping with him. Who thinks you’ve been sleeping with Mr. Gherring? Is that what this is about?”
Tears welled up in her eyes. How could she possibly have any tears left?
“Mom, please don’t cry,” said Charlie.
“Yes, you know we’ll both cry too,” said Emily. “And I’m driving.”
Anne studied her hands for a moment and then snuffled. “People at the office were saying I slept with him. Sam told me Tuesday. It’s silly I care so much, but I can’t help it. They think that’s why I got the promotion.” She swiped angrily at a tear on her cheek.
“That’s awful.” Charlie sniffed a few times. “Does Mr. Gherring know?”
“Yes, but he wasn’t surprised. I, on the other hand, was totally shocked. How can I be forty-five and still be this naïve? Of course that’s what people would think. I just hope…”
“What, Mom?” urged Emily.
“I’m just afraid he… that he gave me the promotion because he wants to sleep with me.” Saying the words out loud was even more devastating than simply thinking about the possibility.
“Really… I mean, why else would he promote me? I’m just a mother from Weatherford, Texas. I don’t know anything about business or investments or mergers or acquisitions. It’s really the only reason that makes sense. Now do you see why I don’t want to talk to him?”
“Mom, I really think you’re selling yourself short here,” said Charlie.
“Yeah, Mom,” said Emily. “And Mr. Gherring too. He doesn’t seem like that type to me. I know what the magazines say about him. But after spending time with him, I don’t believe it.”
“And let’s face it. If Steven Gherring wanted sex, he’d never have to go to this much trouble to get it.”
“I hadn’t thought of it like that.” Of course, her girls weren’t aware of that kiss in the apartment. The one that made her doubt her own self-control. “But for now, can we please change the subject?”
I refuse to think about it until I have to.
Back in New York
Anne felt guilty about returning to New York on Sunday, leaving Emily with so much responsibility. But Minnie and Mr. Greenly had offered to keep Gandalf, and her father had promised to follow the doctor’s orders and take it easy while recovering at Emily’s apartment.
Meanwhile, she felt like she’d been squeezed through the wringer of an antique washer. The sole passenger on Gherring’s jet, she was so tired she could barely keep her eyes open. But she refused to go back and lay down in the master bedroom. She was determined to avoid the thoughts that would surely invade her mind if she were to lie down in Steven's bed.
Her plan was to grab a taxi and go straight home to sleep. Maybe she’d take just one Benadryl to make sure she got a good night’s sleep.
The plane landed smoothly, and she waited for it to taxi to a stop. She already had her suitcases in hand when the pilot came back to open the door. He exited down the ladder in front of her, carrying her large bag while she followed behind. When she reached the ground, someone took her carry-on from her hand.
“I’ve got the car warmed up, waiting for us,” said Steven.
A rock lodged itself somewhere in her chest. She’d hoped to avoid being alone with Steven Gherring before going to work on Monday morning. Now she had no choice but to follow him to the waiting limousine. Still, she was grateful for the expedited trip back to the apartment. Perhaps she could keep the topic of conversation on safe ground. Work… she had to talk about work.
She crawled int
o the car and sat down in the middle of the shorter side seat. He took a seat on the opposite side, per her plan.
“I’ll bet we’ve had some calls from Bern during the Thanksgiving holidays,” Anne said. “I plan to start on that first thing in the morning. I’ll be at work early.”
“That sounds like a good plan, if you feel up to it. Are you sure you’re ready to go back to work tomorrow?”
“I’m fine. I’m not tired at all.” She stifled a yawn. “That was just the power of suggestion. We’ve got the Christmas party this Saturday night. And I forgot to ask if I’m supposed to contact the publicist about an escort for that party.”
“I usually don’t take a date to the company Christmas party… unless I’m actually dating someone. Are you planning to take someone to the party?”
“Maybe. But I’m not sure. Henri may be coming to New York next weekend.”
His brows creased. “Henri? I thought he… Did he tell you he was coming next weekend?”
“He said he wanted to come when I talked to him on Wednesday. But with Anna-Laure’s chemo, who knows.”
“Wednesday? Have you talked to him since then?”
“No, but I’ll talk to him tomorrow. Why are you asking?”
He pulled out his cell phone and scrolled through his messages. “Just a business matter. It’s nothing. I’ll email him tomorrow.”
She struggled to get her heavy coat off. “It’s warm in here. Ow—my hair’s caught on something.”
He dropped his cell on the seat and sprang across the car to help her. “Wait, it’s caught on this button. There, I’ve got it.”
As he pulled the coat from her shoulders, he remained on the seat beside her. The knots in her stomach grew larger.
“How’s Gram doing?”
“I finally insisted she see a doctor and get checked out. They didn’t find anything wrong with her. And by Thursday, she said she was ‘hunky-dory.’”
“That’s great.”
“Anne…” His serious tone made her throat constrict. “I think we should talk about last Tuesday.”