"Maybe it's people's perception of me that's changing," I said.
Stan chuckled, but there was no smile in his stern expression. "Well, either way, the GroGreen project is finished, and Tasha is moving on. Time for you to attach yourself to someone else."
"The media campaign might be over, but the application is still out there. The community garden idea is still out there, and I hear it's expanding," I said.
"Yes. I heard a private investor created a fund to help maintain community gardens all across the East Bay." Stan looked at me hard and then softened slightly. "I know Tasha would never be so frivolous, but she'll be happy to know someone did it."
I glanced out across the bay, irritated that Stan had seen through me so easily. "Someone who wants to remain anonymous."
"Good," Stan said. "Anonymous doesn't get in the way. Anonymous leaves Tasha alone because she deserves a chance to pursue her career without useless complications."
He flagged down a waiter, ordered two strong whiskeys, and then left me to wait at the railing until the yacht headed back to shore.
Chapter Fifteen
Tasha
I congratulated myself on getting to my office without breaking into a cold sweat. I expected to see Rainer around every corner, and, no matter what I told myself, I wasn't ready to face him. The rest of the weekend I had assured myself that I'd done the right thing. Now, maybe Rainer had gotten an idea of how his one-night stands felt, and I had gotten him out of my system.
I made it all the way to my temporary assistant's desk before my stomach dropped through the floor. On her computer was an entire photograph album from Berger's yacht party and Rainer was featured in many of the glamorous shots.
"Isn't he dreamy," Amy said. She noted that I was rooted to the floor next to her desk and jumped at the chance to give me her full opinion. "Ellison Ramsey has to be the most elegant woman I've ever seen. And she's going to marry Mr. Maxwell - that practically makes us family!"
"I'm not sure you should believe all the rumors," I said.
Amy shook her head. "No. They are definitely a power couple. Check this picture out."
I took a deep breath and held it before I faced my assistant's computer screen. Ellison did look glamorous, her perfect smile and stunning jewelry out-sparkling the San Francisco skyline behind her. Rainer was next to her, and I forced myself to look at his face. His public relations smile was set in place, but his gaze was far off camera. Was he searching the c
rowd for me?
My stomach did a funny little hop, and I bolted into my office. "Busy day for me," I told my assistant. "No calls this morning."
I dropped into my desk chair and stared at my blank computer screen. I only turned it on so I wouldn't see my own sullen face anymore. How was I supposed to convince Rainer was fine when I couldn't even smile?
I distracted myself by meticulously combing through my emails. It was cathartic to start at the bottom and delete all the old business that was already tied up. Then I got to the top of my inbox and saw the email from Stan about the community garden funding.
Someone had donated enough money to spread the campaign through the entire East Bay.
I snatched up my desk phone and dialed Ivy's number. "Are you the anonymous donor?" I asked as soon as my friend picked up.
"No, but it sounds intriguing. Tell me more," Ivy said.
My mind veered away from the obvious suspect, but I just had to ask, "Have you ever had sex with someone to get them out of your system? And did it work?"
"Oh, Tasha!" Ivy burst into laughter and gave herself a moment to calm down. Then she gave a rueful sigh and said, "Do you want my honest answer?"
"Yes, of course," I said.
"Fine. Then you're going to have to tell me who and what this is all about." Ivy's laugh bubbled through again. "The last time we talked you were going on a date with that hunky landscaper."
I groaned and leaned as far back as my creaky office chair would allow. "Yeah, that didn't really work out so well. He told me he didn't think I was over Rainer, and we left as friends."
"Yikes," Ivy said. "So, let me guess: this is about your dashing co-worker?"
"We're not even on the same project anymore. I mean, maybe we are now that someone funded community gardens for the entire East Bay," I said.
"So, you thought you'd sleep with him and that would be the end of it?" Ivy asked.