“Ms. Best,” said Steven, sticking his head out of his office door. “Would you double-check my tux is being delivered to the apartment tonight?”
“It’s that kind of benefit? Mr. Gherring, I’m not sure Ellen owns an appropriate dress for a formal event.”
“She does now. I bought her one.”
“I see.” Anne’s stomach churned. How could she be jealous of Ellen when she’d set her up with Steven in the first place? “And what time do you need the tux?”
“The dinner’s at seven, so five o’clock is fine. Thanks. Oh, and Ms. Best?”
“Yes sir, Mr. Gherring?”
“I want to apologize for getting so angry about lunch yesterday. I’m really glad you introduced me to Ellen.”
“You’re welcome, Mr. Gherring. I’m really happy for you.” Her words should have been true. Perhaps if she said it enough, she’d believe it.
The rest of the afternoon, Anne worked alone at her desk. Every time she thought about Steven and Ellen together she had a queasy feeling in her stomach. By the end of the day, her body felt drained. Standing to stretch her tired muscles, she heard her cell phone ring.
“Hi Johanna. What are you doing calling me? Especially at this time? Isn’t it pretty late at
night in Germany? Is something wrong?”
Johanna laughed. “If you slow down for a moment, I will actually answer you. Surprise! We are here in New York. We just got in town. I talked Alexander into bringing me to see the Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center. Would you like to come with us? They are lighting it tonight.”
Her fatigue vanished. “I’d love to go—I’m so excited. And I can’t wait to see you and talk to you. To tell you the truth, I was feeling a little glum before you called. And I’ve never even seen the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.”
“I am so pleased. You can come and eat with us, as well. Do not dress up. Just dress warmly.” She hesitated and then added, “Feel free to invite someone along. Mr. Gherring, perhaps?”
“He’s busy tonight. He’s going to a benefit dinner. It’ll probably just be me. Is that okay?”
“Absolutely, dear. It is you I wanted to see. Alexander can talk business another day.”
Anne was practically floating as she walked toward the elevator. There were several other employees leaving at the same time, and all of them greeted her cordially. No one was acting awkward, so she felt relieved. Perhaps everyone had forgotten the rumor about her and Steven. Just as the door was about to close, Steven came running to the elevator and slipped inside. At his appearance, the elevator became stiflingly quiet.
He turned to Anne. “What are your plans for the evening, Ms. Best?”
“I’m going to see the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Rockefeller Center.” She couldn’t hide her growing excitement. “I’ve never been before. I mean, I’ve never even seen the Rockefeller Christmas tree.”
“You’re going by yourself?”
“No sir. I’m going with Johanna and Alexander. They just flew in from Germany.”
“That’s nice. Sounds like you’ll have a good time. I’m glad you won’t be sitting at home alone.” His voice sounded as though that’s exactly what he wished would happen. Was he jealous of Johanna and Alexander?
“I think they would have invited you as well, sir. Except you have that important benefit dinner tonight.” She added, “With Ellen.”
“Right. We’ll have a fabulous time, I’m sure. Please give my regards to the Kleins.”
“I will, I promise.” At his glum expression she added, “Johanna mentioned something about Alexander wanting to talk business. You should call him tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Ms. Best.” Everyone else in the elevator remained quiet. They all seemed to be listening to their exchange. Surely once this conversation spread around Gherring Inc. it would quell all the rumors about their relationship.
Anne was waiting in the lobby for Johanna when Steven came downstairs in his tux. Her heart leaped in her chest. He was achingly handsome in a tuxedo. For a moment she tried to decide whether he was more handsome in a tuxedo or in a towel. But the pounding of her heart reminded her this was a dangerous thought pattern.
“You look very sharp, Mr. Gherring,” she said sincerely. “I hope you have a good time tonight. You know, I’m really glad you’re keeping an open mind about this. Ellen could be the one.” She wondered at the way her heart clenched when she said those words.
“And that would make you happy? You’d be happy if I was with Ellen?”
“Yes, I… I really, truly just want you to be happy. Whatever it takes. That’ll make me happy. So yes, I’d be happy if you and Ellen were together, if she’s the one who can do that for you.”