She shook her head and blew her nose. “I’m so much in love with that man, that I think I’m going to ruin my happiness by not being what he wants.”
“Well, if he was with you, youarewhat he wants. Youknowhow particular he is. I also know you are what you portray Tammy. You are as good on the inside as you show others on the outside. Lance has had some pretty shallow relationships, but he’s not been serious about them.” She lowered her voice in case someone was listening at the door. “Colton told me something last night.”
That got her attention.
“He said Lance was really angry when they left your place yesterday. I assume it’s because you broke things off, but he said you needed a spanking.”
Her eyes popped wide. “Awhat?”
“And he told Colt to butt out of his business in a not so nice way.”
Was Lance wounded? Did he really care about her? Well, she knew he did as a friend, but was there something more? “I had an amazing time with him.”
Elaina nodded. “You should really talk to him. I think you’d be surprised.”
“I’m so brave until it comes to that man. He shakes my reality up.”
“I knowexactlyhow you feel. Colt did me too, but you gave me that push Tammy, and I laid my heart out for him. It was the hardest thing for me to do. Now I’m telling you to do it.”
“I can’t Elaina. He told me he does not give second chances.”
“That can’t be—”
There was a knock on the door then. It was Rita. She peeked in and saw Tammy’s swollen eyes. “Clean yourself up Tammy. If I’m not wrong, the man that made you so distressed is out front.”
“Lance is here?”
“He looks very worried. He says it’s urgent.”
Alarm bells went off in her head. Lance was calm in any emergency. She exchanged a panicked look with Elaina and then rushed by her out the door.
Lance was already coming down the hall looking for her. His stride was fast and purposeful which was unconventional for him. Rita was right he looked worried. He stopped when he saw her face all puffy and red. “What’s wrong? Did Royce call here?”
“It’s just been a rough day—wait, why would Royce call?”
“I’ve booked two seats out for New York tonight. You need to be there as soon as possible.”
“Why?”
“Tammy, your father had a heart attack at work this morning. Royce phoned me from Spain. He’s on his way back, but they didn’t have a way to reach you because you don’t own a cell phone and he didn’t want to leave a message on your home phone. He called me.”
She paled. No! “Myfather?” There’s no way!This can’t be real.She was dreaming. This was all a bad dream. “H—how—I mean—he—”
“—I don’t know how he is, Tam, or the extent of damage. Royce was just boarding the plane. He had to go. I’ve already tried to get a hold of your mother and sister. They must be with him. The hospital wouldn’t give me any information either, no matter how much I threatened them.”
He already took the initiative to find out what was happening so he had something to tell her. It was very considerate. “So, there’s nothing?”
He shook his head looking contrite. “Sorry Tammy, you know as much as I do.”
Down the hall, Jacob and Colt came out of his office hearing the commotion.
Lance gathered her in his arms. “Look, I’ll go with you. You shouldn’t be alone.”
She started trembling. Oh, why didn’t she spend more time with her father?Whydid she always insist on shutting everyone out?
Elaina told her husband and brother in law the news.
“It’s not your burden to bear.” He spoke softly in her ear. “Stop blaming yourself. You can let go now, I’m here for you.”
