“Yes, I am, and I’ve found my inside source.”
Standing at her desk in terrified silence, Anne winced as Mrs. Gherring’s sharp gaze came to rest on her and Gherring’s smile disappeared.
“Anne and I are going to lunch.” Gram marched to Anne’s side, her surprisingly strong fingers grasping her elbow.
“But Gram, we always do lunch together when you come to the city.” Gherring’s hands were on his hips.
“I’ll be yours for the entire afternoon and evening, Steven dear. But Anne and I have a lot to discuss.”
With that pronouncement, Gram tugged Anne toward the elevator. “Come along, dear. I promise I won’t bite.”
Anne didn’t turn to look back at Gherring, but she felt his glare burning into her back. Inside the elevator, Anne ventured a sidelong glance at the small woman with the commanding presence. “Mr. Gherring seemed upset. Are you sure this is a good idea?”
Gram ignored the question. “Tell me about yourself. Where are you from? I know that’s a southern accent I heard.”
Anne took a deep breath to calm her nerves. She had to control herself when talking to Mrs. Gherring. Everything would be reported to her grandson. Her job was on the line. “Mrs. Gherring…”
“Call me Gram. Mrs. Gherring is the name of my grandson’s wife.” Her tone discouraged Anne from disagreeing.
“But I thought Mr. Gherring wasn’t married. He has a wife?”
“Not yet, but I certainly intend for him to have one. He’s been dragging his heels way too long. He needs a wife.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” The words slipped out before she could stop them.
Gram’s eyebrows flew up. “Really?”
“I don’t mean me.” Anne felt the blood rushing to her cheeks. “I’ve been trying to find someone for him. He seems so lonely, and I know he’d be so much happier if he shared his life with the right woman. I know, because I had a wonderful, happy marriage myself until my husband died.”
“And you’re not the right woman?”
“Of course not!” If her face got any hotter it would catch on fire. “I know his preferences. Young, smart, sophisticated. Not me, for sure. But he also needs someone who’s sensitive and caring and not self-centered.”
“And you’ve found the right woman for Steven?”
“I’m trying, but he’s not very cooperative. He seems determined to keep everyone at arm’s length. I introduced him to one woman with the right traits, but he didn’t seem the least bit interested.”
“Hmmm…” Gram was silent for several thoughtful moments. The elevator opened and she strode so quickly toward the street doors Anne had trouble keeping up in high heels. Gram led the way to the diner next door where, to Anne’s surprise, she exchanged hugs with Papa and May. The two of them were quickly led to a private booth in the back of the restaurant.
As soon as they were seated, Gram fixed Anne with an intense gaze. “I must say we seem to be mostly in agreement about what my grandson needs. Perhaps we can work together to help Steven find his true love.”
“Maybe, but I can’t let him find out or I might lose my job.”
“It’ll be our little secret.”
Anne tried vainly to stop her hands from trembling as she took a drink of water.
“You were telling me about your daughters?”
“Did I say I had daughters?”
“Humph! I thought you said that. So you don’t have daughters?”
“No, I do. I just—”
“So why don?
??t you want to talk about them? Are you ashamed of them?”