Chapter 14 - The Surprise

Lee knew this wasn't a date but he couldn't help but feel like it was. Billy had stopped by that morning to go over the final arrangements for security and then told Lee to have a good time. He had plenty of agents who would be there to make sure that everyone stayed safe. Lee was feeling a lot better and was glad his shoulder was finally showing signs of healing. He had gone to the doctor the day before and was given the go ahead for the party but told that there was no heavy lifting in his immediate future.

At 6:30, he headed for Arlington. He pulled up to the curb a couple of blocks away and waited for Amanda. At exactly 7pm, he saw her come out of her house, look down the street and then begin walking to him. He had to catch his breath as he watched her though. The dress she was wearing showed off every bit of her figure and was beautiful. He wondered where she would have gotten such a fabulous dress. She soon reached the car and got inside and immediately asked if she looked okay.

"Amanda, you look great. Are you ready to go?"

"Yes, the suspense is killing me."

As Lee pulled away from the curb, he asked "How did Dean take the news?"

"Oh poor Dean. He had plans to take me to an expensive restaurant and I had to call and tell him I was too sick to go. Then I had to tell my Mother later this afternoon that I was feeling a little better and had gotten a call from one of my clients. This client has a beautiful collie and the guests had begun to arrive and the collie wouldn't stop barking at them so since the dog loved me so much, they invited me to the party so I could take control of the dog."

Lee burst out laughing. "She bought that story?"

"It's not funny Lee. I hate lying to Mother and I don't know what stories she believes anymore. I've made up so many stories that I'm starting to believe them."

Lee continued to laugh as he drove to the function Hall where the party was being held. As they pulled up, a man came out to park Lee's car but Lee explained to him that no one but Lee was allowed to drive his car. The man told Lee to go park in the parking lot to the left. After the car was parked, Lee helped Amanda out of it and they walked together to the front door.

"I'm really getting nervous Lee." Amanda confessed.

"Why? Remember they requested you be here. They want to see you."

"I know but I just can't imagine who would request that."

"I'm sure you will know in a minute. Shall we?" Lee offered his arm and the two of them walked inside together.

There was a live band playing jazz in the corner with a huge dance floor. In the middle of the room were several buffet tables loaded with all kinds of foods and desserts. The place was mobbed with people. Amanda didn't recognize any of them.

"Maybe they didn't come." Amanda suggested. At that moment, there was a hush in the crowd as two people entered the building.

"Oh My Gosh" Amanda exclaimed and then looked at Lee. Lee smiled at her and said "Why don't we go say hello to our friends."

Before they could start walking, the woman guest looked up and caught Amanda's eyes. "AMANDA! Oh I'm so happy you could come" She said as she began hurrying to get to Amanda. The two women met and hugged each other for what seemed a long time. Finally Amanda let her go and looked at her. "I can't believe you are here. I just can't believe it. You are really here in front of me? Lee told me that it was something that I would want to see but I couldn't think of who it would be. And here you are, right here. Oh my Gosh! It is so nice to see you Penny."

TBC