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“Do you need another pep talk? You know we’ve already done this about twenty times. You impressed Steven Gherring enough to land this job. That man knows how to spot a winner. Everything he touches turns to gold. If he thinks you can do this job, you can do it.”
“Yes, but he didn’t sound really sure when he hired me. He’s giving me a three-month trial.”
“But you told me Katie said you’d really have to mess up badly to get fired, because she’s leaving for good in three months. If he fires you, he won’t have anyone at all. She said he’d interviewed over forty people before he chose you.”
“I know, I know. You’re right. I think I’ll feel better after my first week at work. Actually, I probably just need some dinner. I’m starving.”
“Yes, Mom. We all know how cranky you get when you’re hungry. And be sure to have some chocolate for dessert. You’ll feel better for sure.”
“You’ve got no room to talk, you know.”
“That’s true, but I inherited it from you.”
“Okay, I’m going to eat dinner and chocolate, take a long, hot shower, and climb in bed with a good book. Tomorrow, I’ll conquer New York City.”
“You go, girl! I almost feel sorry for New York.”
Anne laughed as she hung up the phone. Four o’clock. Too early for dinner. She sat down and glanced through the pamphlet Rayna had given her. She spotted an exercise facility listed under the amenities. Great. She would check out the gym before eating. She ate a piece of candy for some quick energy and changed into shorts and a tank top. Her kids had vetoed her old exercise clothes as too dated for New York, so she surveyed the more fashionable shorts in the mirror. Wow, these were a little shorter than she would usually wear. Her legs were probably her best feature, and these shorts showed them off—a little too much. The tank top was kind of tight, but it covered everything important. Anyway, she had no other option right now and knew she wouldn’t have to leave the building. Besides, the gym would likely be empty at four o’clock on a Friday afternoon.
She pulled her hair into a ponytail, grabbed a small purse with a big metal buckle and stuffed in her phone and key. The pamphlet said the gym was on floor eighteen. She headed out the door, found the elevator and pressed the button, while admiring the huge crown moldings and ornate furnishings that graced the waiting area. She was still studying the beautiful fresh flower arrangement when the elevator doors opened behind her.
“Ahem… Are you getting on?” asked a voice from the elevator.
Embarrassed, Anne swirled quickly around and rushed through the doorway, her bag swinging out to bump against the lone elevator occupant—Steven Gherring.
His eyes opened wide and he rubbed his arm. “Ms. Best, are you attempting to injure me?”
The buckle on her purse must’ve hit his elbow. He probably regretted his decision to hire her already.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Gherring. I didn’t even really see you there. Are you—”
“I’m fine, Ms. Best. I was only kidding.”
Her first impression had been that he was too uptight to kid around. Fortunately, she managed to keep that thought to herself. Barely.
“I thought you might need to go to the emergency room. You do seem a bit fragile.”
“Ouch!” he said in mock horror. “Now you’ve really cut me to the quick.”
He laughed and she joined in. Then she realized he was dressed in a suit and tie, while she was in shorts. As his eyes strayed to her legs, she was acutely aware of how short those shorts were. She felt her face flush.
“I’m surprised to see you here, Mr. Gherring. Are you checking on your property?”
“No, Ms. Best. In fact, I live here.”
“Here? Wow, I bet your apartment’s bigger than mine.” Heat rushed up her neck as he raised his eyebrows.
Why can’t I keep my mouth shut around this man?
“Is there something wrong with your apartment? Is it too small for your liking?”
“No, not at all. I just meant I expected you’d live some place really big and fancy since you’re so rich…” She paused, trying to think of something more diplomatic to say, but failed completely.
The corners of his mouth twitched up slightly, and his dimples peeked out. “I’m so glad I ran into you, Ms. Best. I need you to make some travel arrangements for me. It really can’t wait until Monday.”
“I thought Katie would be handling things until Monday.” She was suddenly terrified to be given an assignment so early without Katie’s help.
“Yes, I could call Ms. Carson, if that’s what you prefer, Ms. Best. I simply thought not to trouble her on the weekend since she’s so busy planning the wedding. But if you want, I’ll call her and ask her to come over tonight.”
