Fashioned for Love (A Silver Script Novel Book 3) (6 page)

“They really ganged up on you there.” Lance closed his eyes, trying to force away the drowsiness. He wanted to talk to Debra while she was there. “David came by.”

“Oh, really? I knew he’d been planning to, but I thought he had meetings all day.”

Lance nodded toward the laptop. “He brought me that. It’s to help me draw while I can’t use my hand.”

Debra’s eyebrows raised. “That’s great. How does it work?”

Lance gestured for her to hand it to him, then opened it so he could show her. “It’s voice and motion controlled.”

Debra leaned closer, and Lance caught the scent of her lavender soap. “That’s amazing. How did he find something like this?”

“He said he had to bribe the company.” Lance chuckled. “I’m just glad I can get these designs out of my head. They haven’t left me alone even when I’m drugged. Although, maybe those aren’t the best ones to use.”

Debra laughed. “Maybe not. Although, they could make quite a splash on the runway.”

“I can just see it now … actually, I can.” Lance pulled the computer back toward him and tried to make the program see what he was seeing, but his mind was moving too fast to concentrate. “Ugh, never mind. Maybe I should sleep instead.”

Debra stood and hesitated before kissing Lance on his forehead. Her lips were soft and made him want to feel them on his, but sleep was beginning to overpower him.

“I’ll go get something to eat. You rest, and then we can go over the designs. I’m not the best at drawing, but I can get the basics down for now.” She squeezed his hand and left before he could respond.

Lance lay back against his pillow and allowed the sleep to swallow him up. Visions of the clothing line teased the back of his mind, and he promised himself he would draw it out as soon as he woke up.

Lance stretched and closed the laptop. He’d managed to get a few of the ideas done before he needed a break. It took a lot more work than just sketching them with his hands, and the frustration was almost overwhelming. A few of the designs had to be redone a few times, because they didn’t turn out like he’d wanted. He stared at the window that Debra had opened for him. The snow had partially melted, but the clouds still hung overhead.

“Should we take a walk?” Debra asked. She’d been watching him design and giving suggestions here and there.

Lanced looked down at his legs. “I can’t, remember?”

She sighed. “You know what I mean. You’ve gone between your bed and the therapy room and that’s it. Let’s see the rest of the hospital. Then you can see more of the outside world than that window has to offer.”

“Am I that boring?” He sighed and twisted so he could get his legs off the bed. He waited for Debra to pull his chair over and then she took his arm to help him sit. She put down the footrests so he could use them, then pushed him toward the door.

“Ready to run away?” she asked.

“Yes, please. Where should we go? Oh, wait. Can you grab me a blanket?” Lance hated being so helpless, but the fall had made him realize he’d better behave. The doctor had chewed him out for a solid ten minutes as he taped the areas where the stitches had popped. He also threatened to keep Lance for another week if he didn’t listen.

Debra grabbed the blanket from his bed and laid it over his legs, making sure that it wouldn’t tangle in the wheels. Her auburn hair fell over her shoulder as she bent over, and Lance reached up to move it out of her face.

“Thanks. Now we don’t have to have everyone staring at my bandages.” Lance’s face burned. He hadn’t meant to admit how embarrassed he was, but Debra seemed to frazzle him.

“They won’t even pay attention. Now, let’s go get a milkshake in the cafeteria. Then we can tour the rest of the hospital.”

“A milkshake sounds fantastic. As long as they have chocolate. I’ve been dying for some ice cream for days.” Lance smiled at a couple as they went past.

Debra stopped and pushed the button on the elevator. “You’re in luck, because this is the best ice cream in New York.”

“I’m sure it is.” Lance played with the loose end of the bandage on his hand. “Have you heard from Nikki or Ella lately?”

“No, and I’m surprised you haven’t. They promised to keep you updated on everything.” Debra’s tone of voice matched the frustration Lance felt.

He should be out there doing the shows and everything, but instead he was stuck here. “I need to get to the show this weekend. Even if you have to break me out.”

“If you keep behaving, maybe we can do that.” Debra pushed him out of the elevator and past the gift shop, then down the hallway to the cafeteria.

Windows lined the room, and Lance was happy to see more than just the square he’d stared at for so long. Debra ordered their shakes and paid for them, despite arguments from Lance.

“You paid for dinner. It’s my turn. Besides, it’s just a shake. I’ll let you pay for dinner next time.” She wheeled him over to table and then went back to get their order. “Okay, be ready to have your mind blown.”

Lance raised an eyebrow, but didn’t say anything. He tried some of the shake, and was surprised by the richness of the chocolate. “Okay, you’ve made a believer out of me.”

“See? They’re the best.” She stared out the window as she enjoyed her shake, giving Lance the opportunity to take in her beauty. The burgundy top she wore brought out her hazel eyes. She glanced over and smiled. “What?”

“Nothing. Just enjoying the view.” He reached over and took her hand in his. “You don’t have to stay here with me, but I have to say, I’ve enjoyed your company.”

“I don’t have to be here, but I’ve enjoyed it, too. Now, finish your shake. I want to keep walking.”  She threw her straw wrapper at Lance and laughed when it hit him on the nose. “Oh, man. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hit you. I mean, I did, but not there.”

Lance let go of her hand and grabbed the wrapper to throw back at her. It landed in her hair, which made her laugh even harder. “Hey, I have a handicap. You have to be nice to me.”

“Not a handicap. Just an inconvenience. Not the same.” Her eyes danced as Lance pulled the wrapper out of her hair.

“That’s a good word for it.” Lance dropped the wrapper on the table and stared at the bandage on his bad hand. “I just worry that it will never be the same.”

Debra studied him for a moment before standing and grabbing their cups. “No feeling sorry for yourself. It’s time to move on.”

Lance watched as she dropped the cups into the garbage and came back. He needed to pull himself out of this bad mood. It wasn’t fair to her, and it wasn’t helping him. “So where are we going now?”

“Back to your room. We need to get your coat.” Debra pushed him down the hall and back to the elevator.

When they got to his room, they found that it was occupied by two people. They turned and smiled when Lance entered. His parents had come earlier than he’d expected.

“Oh, Lance, you look terrible.” His mom rushed to him and crushed him into a hug, jostling his legs and hand. He cringed, but didn’t complain. Even if she did insult him. He was just happy to have his parents back.

“Dear, you can’t tell him that.” His dad bent down and hugged him tightly and this time, Lance couldn’t help groaning a little as his hand was smashed into the wheelchair. “Oh, I’m sorry, son.”

“I’m so glad to see you two. When did you get in?” Lance was conscious of Debra sneaking closer toward the door, and he reached out to take her hand with his good one.

“We came straight here.” His mom paused as she watched them. “Who is this?”

Lance looked up at Debra. “Mom, Dad, this is Debra. She’s been with me through this whole mess.”

“Oh. It’s so nice to meet you. Are you a nurse here?” His mom’s smile told Lance she wasn’t quite sure she was okay with him dating his nurse.

Debra laughed and shook her head. “No, I work for the ad agency who does advertising for Lance’s company.”

And there it was. His mom’s dazzling smile. She approved of Debra because her job obviously meant money.

His dad held out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. And you’re going out of your way to help your client.”

The shock was evident on Debra’s face. “We don’t … I came because I was called when the accident happened—”

“We’re dating, Dad. We’d finished a date when I was on my way home.”

Debra gathered up her coat and purse, her face red. She smiled nervously at his parents before turning to Lance. “You’re in good hands, so I better get going. I’ll be back tomorrow if you need me.”

Lance reached and squeezed her hand, sad to see her go.  “Thank you. I’ll call in the morning.”

She waved and left the room, leaving it just a little darker without her smile. Lance stared at the door until his mom made a noise.

“She’s beautiful.” His mom said, shifting uncomfortably. “We … didn’t chase her off, did we?”

“A little. I think that’s part of meeting the parents, though. I felt the same way on Saturday when I met hers.” Lance wheeled himself over to his bed and climbed in.

His mom helped cover him with blankets and got a drink for him. “I wish we could have been here sooner.”

“It’s okay, Mom. I can take care of myself. Besides, you two deserve a chance to see the world. Where were you anyway?” Lance leaned back onto his pillow. Now that he was in bed, he realized how tired he was.

“England. With a small trip to Ireland and Scotland. I wanted to see as many castles as possible.” His mom’s eyes lit up. “You should have seen them. You just walk around the corner and they’re right there.”

“That’s great. I’ll have to try to go next time I’m in Europe.” He closed his eyes. “Did you get to see Maria?”

“We went over to visit for Christmas. She has a new boyfriend. They seem pretty serious, but you know how long that lasts.” His mom laughed.

Lance smiled. Yes, he did. She’d been through several in the time she’d been in France. But then, she’d talked nonstop about this guy when he talked to her on the phone. Maybe this time would be different. “Hey, I hate to kick you out right after you got here, but I really need to sleep. The keys to the house should be over there with my clothes. There’s food in the fridge for you.”

“Oh, right. We’re sorry. We should have asked how you were feeling.” His mom kissed him on the forehead. “We’ll come by later.”

His dad pulled the keys out of Lance’s coat pocket. “It’s good to see you, son. I just wish it had been under better circumstances.”

“I’m glad you guys got back safely. I’ll see you later.” Lance waved as they left and lay back against his pillow. Now that he was alone, he could allow the disappointment that Debra had left to wash over him. He’d had a great time with her, and then his parents had shown up. It’s not that he wasn’t happy they were back. He’d just enjoyed getting past his injuries and spending time with her. He just hoped she’d come back to visit soon.

Debra stared up at the ceiling as she lay in bed. She needed to get up and head into work, but for now she wanted to enjoy her warm bed. After counting all of the tiles for the tenth time, she finally rolled out of bed and climbed into the shower. The hot water felt good on her tense muscles.

When she climbed out, she picked out a maroon blouse and black pencil skirt to wear to the office. She twisted her hair up into a bun and slipped on some mid-calf boots. After grabbing some breakfast, she made her way down to the street and onto the subway. Something she’d done every day for years now. Something to keep her mind off what she was missing in Staten Island.

As hard as Erin and David had fought to get her to take the day off, it was a bad time. There were too many accounts happening right now that she had to check up on. After work, she’d take the train out to see him. But for now, she needed to do her job.

The weather was still bitterly cold, but the snow had decided to stay away, which Debra was grateful for. More snow meant it would be harder to visit the hospital later.

Thanks to a breakdown in the subway, Debra was half an hour late by the time she got to work. She nodded to the receptionist as she passed through the office and hit the elevator button. Her phone buzzed just as the elevator door closed, so she wasn’t able to answer the call.

Once she was in her office, she turned on her computer and pulled up the files on the Smithson Jewelers account, then called Mr. Smith back. “Hello, this is Debra. Sorry I missed your call. I’d just stepped onto the elevator. What can I do for you?”

“Hey, we were just going over some of the ideas for the ads, and found one we really loved. Erin’s phone was busy, so I tried yours. Things must be pretty crazy over there.”

Debra laughed. “You could say that. Okay, so which commercial did you want to go over?”

“It’s the one with the puppy. I believe it was Erin’s suggestion, but it’s brilliant. I’d like to roll that ad out as soon as possible. Do you think it’s possible to have it out in the next week or two?”

Debra scrolled down to the ad he’d mentioned and smiled. “Of course. It looks like Erin already has some actors in mind, and Jake works for the shelter, so I’m sure he can get ahold of a puppy.”

“Excellent. Send me over the numbers, and get the studio booked. Oh, and I’m sending over our latest pieces for our newspaper and magazine ads.”

“Wonderful. Thank you. I’ll get back to you with details as soon as we have them.” Debra hung up and stood to go find Erin, just as she burst through the door.

“Please tell me that was Mr. Smith. I’ve been trying to get through to him.” She dropped a pile of papers on Debra’s desk.

Debra handed Erin the notebook she’d been taking notes on during the phone call. “Get started on calling around. He wants to get the ad going as soon as possible. Jake still works at the shelter, right?”

“Yes, and he has the puppy picked out already.” Erin bit her lip as she studied the notes. “This is great. Thanks. Oh, and Nikki from Walker Apparel is on line two. She’s pretty frazzled.”

Debra moved over to the phone. “Thanks. Let me know what you find out.”

Erin nodded and left the office. Debra sat and took a deep breath before pushing the button to talk to Nikki.

“Hello, this is Debra. Is this Nikki?” Debra minimized the Smithson account and pulled up the window with Lance’s company.

“Oh, there you are. Listen, do you have the copies you made the other day? Lance was supposed to get back with what he wanted to make, but we can’t find them anywhere. We need to have them ready by the end of the week, and we’re hitting panic mode.”

Debra turned and opened the filing cabinet. “Yes, I have them here. I’ll get them scanned and sent over right now. Is there anything else?”

“Yes, we have to get the ads out tomorrow for the show. Are they ready?”

“Those should be in Lance’s email. I sent them over last night. Do you have access to his files?”

There was a pause and some clicking on the other end of the line. “No. He has a lock on it, and his computer isn’t in the office.”

“Okay, give me your email address and I’ll send you a copy. And don’t worry, I made sure everything was on schedule to be released tomorrow. It will also be on the news on every local channel for the early morning news and the evening news. Then I have two agents running your social media campaigns.”

“Wow, you’re good. Thank you so much. Things have been so chaotic since Lance had his accident.” Nikki’s voice broke.

Debra grabbed the files and sorted out the pictures Lance had made notes on. “I’m here to help. I’ll get these sent over. Let me know if there’s anything else you need.”

“Thank you.” Nikki hung up, and Debra moved over to the scanner.

As soon as they were scanned, Debra sent them to Nikki, wishing there was more she could do. She put the files back in the cabinet and moved to the next campaign.

It was after three before Erin brought Debra a sandwich. Debra pulled off her reading glasses and leaned back in her chair, grateful for a break.

“I don’t suppose you got yourself some lunch.” Erin set down the food and sat down in the chair across from Debra’s. “So, why are you really here? I told you I had everything covered.”

“There were things I needed to do. And Lance’s parents are in town, so I figured he wouldn’t need me.” Debra knew it sounded lame. It’s not like his parents had treated her badly. She just didn’t want to overstep her bounds.

Erin narrowed her eyes. “Do you like him?”

“Yes. A lot. But I still have work that needs to get done.” Debra held up the file that had been sitting next to her elbow.

“Uh-huh. And those things are jobs you can’t do while you’re there with him?” Erin took the folder from Debra. “This commercial was shot earlier this morning. It’s not something I couldn’t have taken care of.”

“Yes, well, then there were the files Nikki needed for Walker Apparel. If I’d been gone, they’d still be running around in a panic. Besides, we just met. And while I like him, I can’t just leave work whenever I want.” Debra opened the container that held her sandwich. “Oh, man. Thanks. This is exactly what I needed.”

“Chicken club is good for the soul. Now, tell me what else needs to be done, and then I’m going to push you out the door. The fashion show is in just a couple of days, and I’m guessing Lance is probably stressing out right now. He needs you to be there for him.”

Debra took a bite as she thought about what else had to get done that day. She’d finished most of it. “If you could work on the jewelry commercial and make sure Nate is getting his done, I think we’ll be set for the night. Oh, and call Nikki to make sure she got the ads.”

Erin wrote down the instructions. “Most of this has already been done. Nate told me he sent you the files and sent them on to the client. He also asked if Jake needed a roommate, so that was awkward.”

Debra laughed. “Poor guy. You know he’s desperate if he’s asking that. I guess my old place was rented out already.”

“Well, it is New York. Thing is, Jake could probably use one for a bit. His acting is taking off, but it’d help out while we’re preparing for the wedding.” She stood. “Good luck. Tell Lance hi, and that we have everything under control.”

“Thank you.” Debra finished her sandwich and sent out a couple of emails she had left before switching off her computer. Just as she was pulling on her coat, her cell phone rang. It was Lance. Her heart raced a little as she answered. The last time she’d received a call from this phone, it had been bad news. “Hello?”

“Hey, are you busy?” Lance’s voice was quiet.

Debra slipped her purse over her shoulder. “I was just about to leave to come and visit. Is everything okay?”

“I want to get out of here, and I need you to help me. You have your license, right?” His voice went even quieter.

“Yes, but I don’t—”

“You don’t need a car. I just bought one and I need you to bring it to me.”

Debra stared at her phone for a second. He bought a car? “Are … you okay?”

Lance chuckled. “Yes. I promise. They just told me they want to keep me for a few more days, and I can’t take it. I’d have my parents do it, but they agree with the doctor. They think I work too hard and this is a good break.”

“So, the dealership is just going to let me walk in and pick up a car?” She couldn’t believe she was even playing with the idea. Lance had to be on too many painkillers to think they could pull this off.

“Yes, I took care of it over the phone. I’ve used them several times before, and they’d heard about my accident on the news, so they were more than happy to help me out. I told them you’d be coming in. Think you can handle driving a Porsche out to get me?”

Debra’s mouth went dry. The last car she’d owned was a beat up Honda that she sold when she moved to the city. “I guess so. Give me the address, and I’ll be there as soon as I can. And if I get arrested, you’re bailing me out.”

“Fair enough. Now I need to go. I just heard the doctor outside my room.” He gave her the address and hung up.

Debra stood there for a few minutes before she could force herself to move. She’d never so much as cheated on a school assignment, and now she was about to break a guy she’d just met a couple of weeks before out of the hospital. She hurried out of her office before she could change her mind.

“Oh, hey, Debra.” David called from behind her.

She turned to see him walking quickly toward her. “Hey, how are you doing?”

“I’m good. Here, Lance asked me to give you this.” He handed her a roll of hundred dollar bills. “It’s just in case they give you any trouble. Oh, and here’s the paperwork for the hospital discharge. Just leave it on his bed.”

Debra took the papers and the roll of cash, and looked up at him. “You knew about this?”

“Are you kidding? I’m the one who gave him the idea. Now hurry. The dealership should close in the next hour or so.” David grinned and turned to walk away.

“Remind me not to let the two of you around each other anymore,” she said.

David laughed. “That’s probably a good idea. See you tomorrow.”

“If I’m not in jail,” she muttered and hurried toward the elevator before anyone could make this worse than it already was.

Debra took a taxi to the address Lance had given her and climbed out. The driver smirked as he looked back at her.

“Thinking big, eh?” He took the cash from her.

“Time to live a little.” She smiled and climbed out. The door shut on his laughter. She took a deep breath and opened the door to the dealership. It was time to get this over with. It was time to turn on her business side. The new car smell welcomed her as she went inside.

One of the salesmen perked up when he saw Debra, and he walked quickly over to her. “Hello, how can we help you today?”

“I’m here to pick up a car for Lance Walker. He said you’d be expecting me.” Debra’s heart beat wildly as he studied her.

He turned and walked back to the computer he’d been working at. “Please give me your name.”

“It’s Debra Thomas.” She pulled out her ID and handed it to him.

“And you’re his wife? Why do you have different last names?” He narrowed his eyes.

Wife? Seriously? Lance would hear about this. “Yes, I go by my maiden name for professional reasons. We’re … married.”

“I see. Congratulations. I had no idea that he’s finally tied the knot. We’ve worked with him for years.”

Debra smiled to force down her irritation and leaned forward. “We’re trying to keep it quiet. The announcement will come later, so I’d appreciate it if you keep it between us.”

“Of course.” He smiled and typed a few more things into the computer. “Everything seems to be in order. I’ll have to have you sign a couple of papers and then I’ll get you the keys.”

“Wonderful.” Debra held in the sigh of relief. She wasn’t in the clear yet, and had to keep up appearances. Everything was fine. This wasn’t normal for her to be in a place like this, where Lamborghinis, Porsches, and Bentleys sat on display. Cars that she only ever dreamed of driving.

The man came out of the office a few minutes later. “Okay, let’s have you come in here so we can have you sign the paperwork. Your car is being detailed right now.”

“Wonderful.” She followed him into a small office and signed in the areas he told her to. Most of it had been filled out, and Lance’s name was filled out electronically, so she only had a couple of places to sign. The fact that her name was now associated with the paperwork of a Porsche left her breathless. And what was she thinking driving the thing all the way to Staten Island?

“All right, let’s go get your new car, Mrs. Walker.” He let Debra out of the office and smiled as she was handed the keys. “Enjoy, and tell your husband to be a little more careful this time.”

Debra laughed with him. “I’ll do that. Thank you.”

A sleek black Porsche sat parked outside of the dealership, and several employees stood smiling as Debra unlocked the door and climbed in. She put the key in the ignition and started the car, praying that she’d remember how to drive after all this time.

The first few feet were a little jumpy as she got used to the sensitivity of the brakes and gas, and then she pulled out and onto the road. She could do this. A computer sat on the dash, so she typed in the address of the hospital and settled into driving.