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“No thanks. I’m watching the lobby tonight. And Antonio’s bringing me dinner.”
“Then I won’t interfere with your tryst.” Anne winked at her.
Just as she entered her apartment, her cell rang. “Hey Gram. What’s up?”
“You’re having dinner out here tonight. Sorry for the late notice, dear. Emergency session, you see.”
“But—”
“Dress nice for dinner, dear. The car’s coming for you in forty-five minutes.”
“But—”
“I’ll see you soon, dear.” And Gram was gone.
Anne was unsure what it meant to “dress nice” for dinner. She didn’t have that many nice things to choose from, so she opted for a straight wool skirt with a soft cream-colored sweater, and boots. She hoped wearing a skirt instead of pants would suffice as “nice.”
When Gram greeted her at the door of the mansion, she grabbed her hand and pulled her along. “Come, dear. Let’s warm you up by the fire.”
“I’m okay, Gram. I was only outside for a second. Is this outfit okay? I hope it’s dressy enough.” She took in Gram’s silk dress, with a lovely contrasting scarf.
“You look wonderful, dear.”
“So, what’s the emergency?”
“Michelle is back. I thought she was gone for good. But she’s back.”
“Gram, I saw her at the office yesterday. She was crying over someone else, I think. So, surely she’s not really after Steven.”
Gram raised her eyebrows. “And how do you think Steven responds when there’s a woman in distress?”
Anne considered her question. She knew exactly how he would respond—he’d do anything to help her. “But isn’t she gone now?”
“No, she came here to see me last night. And she was sweet and considerate, fawning all over me. I think she wanted me to invite her to stay here while she’s in New York. She’s not planning to leave until next week.”
“Oh.” Anne considered the problem. She’d once thought it might be all right for Steven to marry Michelle. But now she’d changed her opinion of the woman. She might be a problem.
“Gram, he started dating my friend, Ellen. He wouldn’t be with Michelle, while he’s dating Ellen. Would he?”
“I don’t think this Ellen girl is a good match.”
“But Gram, you haven’t even met her.”
“She might be okay as a distraction to keep Michelle out of the way. But then we’ll need to get rid of her.” She grabbed Anne’s arm. “Come, dear. I need your help before dinner.”
Gram led Anne into the dining room. Anne surveyed the ornate place settings on the antique table. “Gram, there are three place settings. Who else is coming?”
Steven came through from the kitchen with a crystal salad bowl. Gram said, “My chef, of course.”
Anne’s eyes bored into Steven's. “You could have given me a little warning.”
He laughed. “I only got the call at five o’clock myself. I’m merely the dutiful grandson-slash-chef.” He returned to the kitchen.
Anne attempted to pin Gram with a stern look, but she urged her toward the china cabinet. “Quick, quick. Help me put out another place setting before Steven comes back. We have a surprise guest.”
She rushed to assist. “Who else is coming, Gram? Is it Michelle?”
The doorbell rang, and Gram disappeared toward the front door. Steven came in from the kitchen, still wearing his apron. “Who’s at the door?”
