“No, but it still shouldn’t be there. The swelling has gone down at least.”
“With a little makeup, no one will see it.”
“I’ll still know it’s there,” he stated clearly angry this time.
“As you said Lance, I’m tough.”
His eyes went to hers. “Yes you are. You are very surprising Tammy.”
There was no anger this time. His tone held something different. What did that mean?
“I’ve got to go. I have a couple of meetings, but when I get home, we’ll go for dinner and shop for a new dress if there’s time.”
Tammy didn’t have much of her savings left after she’d purchased the dress for dinner at her parents’ house. “I’ll just wear the black one.”
“No. Some of the people that were at your parents will be at the charity dinner. You can’t wear the same dress Tam. Just so you know, out of courtesy, I invited your parents. Also, as of yesterday afternoon, the event has sold out. It is the event of the year.”
She swallowed. No, she really couldn’t wear the same dress after that confession. She knew the ins and outs of that crowd. People bought clothes for those functions and wore them once, then usually they were given to charity.
“I’ll take you shopping.”
“Lance, you know how I feel about that.”
“I do. However, I’m one of the biggest benefactors of this charity and I can’t have my date wearing the same dress as two nights ago. This is a highly publicized event. Besides, I sprung it on you, or you probably would have packed for it.”
Gosh, she didn’t even think of that. Regardless, she didn’t have much in her closet at home except for nursing uniforms and some casual clothes besides the red dress.
“I’m sure you don’t need your mother to ridicule you over your lack of wardrobe again.”
Her eyes widened. No, she honestly didn’t. She already knew it would suck the enjoyment out of the evening, and she really wanted to enjoy herself with him. This would be a very public event, and she wanted to make a good impression for him.
“I’m paying for it—” he held up his hand to stop her protests. “Tammy, you are my date. I’m heavily involved in this charity. You need to stand out—make an impression. Don’t argue.”
He seemed irritated by her refusal, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t be as well. He was pushy. She narrowed her gaze.
“I know you don’t like it, but I assure you, this is for my benefit as much as yours. This means a lot to me.”
Her expression softened. She really couldn’t argue with him after those last words. She just didn’t have the money to buy the type of dress this function required, but understandably this was very important to him. No, she didn’t like it at all. She made a mental note that she’d pay him back no matter how long it took. “What charity is this?”
“It’s IVOC. Innocent Victims of Crime.”
“Oh, that’s the one where money is raised for families of public officials killed in the line of duty.”
“Yes.”
“I’m impressed Lance. You donate your time to this?” She knew why. It was for his close friend and his family that was lost through tragedy. It was because of that she would acquiesce.
“I actually chaired the charity until few years ago. I handed it off to a friend, but I’m still involved, free of charge on a consult basis, and I come to New York for the monthly meetings. This event is colossal. Everyone who’s anyone will be there; the mayor, the police commissioner, judges—everyone. So do you understand?”
After a slight hesitation, she nodded. “I do understand, especially why this means a lot to you. I just don’t like not paying my way.”
He took her hands in his. “Tammy, I know this is hard for you, but I wouldn’t offer if I thought you had selfish reasons.”
“I think it’s because my friends from here don’t hesitate. I mean, they’ve expected such things from their companions. I don’t want to fall into that category.”
“That’s absurd. Just being concerned about it sets you miles apart. You are a very uncomplicated woman.”
She screwed up her face like it was an insult.
