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—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 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?”