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“Actually, if you and Henri aren’t dating seriously, I was hoping you might put in a good word for me with him.”
“I don’t know, Michelle. Henri’s going through a lot right now. I don’t think he could handle it if you broke his heart again.”
“But I wouldn’t… not this time!”
Anne grimaced. “Maybe. But I can’t make promises.”
Anne worked alone in the conference room until lunchtime. She was about to order take-out from Papa’s when the door opened abruptly, and Gram marched into the room.
“It’s time for lunch.”
Anne thought about arguing, but she knew it would be fruitless. “I’m coming, Gram. But I need to get back quickly. I have a lot of work to do.”
“I’ve already spoken to Steven and informed him he’s been giving you too much work. The very idea of you working here alone until nine thirty last night. You can take all the time you need for lunch, and Steven can and will take some of this workload.”
“It’s not his fault.” Anne grabbed her purse. “In fact, it’s kind of my fault.”
“How’s that?”
“He had to fire this guy who was being fresh with me, and it left us with a crisis right before the big Switzerland presentation. And they’re leaving tomorrow evening.”
“Humph! I don’t believe it was your fault Steven fired someone. He’s not a rash man. He’s infuriatingly deliberate about his decisions… well, usually.”
“I know you didn’t invite me to lunch to talk about work. Have you made some progress on our project?” Anne asked as they got on the elevator with several other passengers.
“Progress and setbacks. I’ll explain while we eat.”
May chatted happily with Gram, leading them to the private room in the back. They ordered quickly, with Anne trying the new special—crab-stuffed whitefish.
“So what’s up?” asked Anne.
“I had a long talk with my grandson Sunday night, and I believe some of my advice is finally sinking in. He admits, at least, he doesn’t want to be alone for the rest of his life. But he says he’ll find the right person his own way in his own time.” Gram screwed up her face. “If I let him do it in his own time, I’ll be long gone before he finds someone.”
“At least it sounds like he’s open to the possibility. What about Michelle?”
Gram looked surprised. “Michelle? What about her?”
“She’s in town. She was with Steven last night, and she was here this morning.”
“That’s great information. I’ll give her a call. She owes me a visit anyway.”
“And after Mr. Gherring comes back from Switzerland, I’m going to introduce him to my friend, Ellen. I think she’d make a good match.”
“I’d still like to know why you’re doing all that work by yourself in the conference room. Why isn’t Steven helping you?”
“Partly because he’s just swamped. But I also think it’s partly because he doesn’t want to work with me. We had a misunderstanding. I’m sure he’s uncomfortable.”
“Sunday night?”
“Yes.”
“What happened?”
“Let’s just say I get my feelings hurt too easily.”
“That answer is pure hooey. Steven wouldn’t explain it to me either.”
“It doesn’t matter. I can be professional, and I’ve proven I can get the work done.”
