Lillian’s burst of anger catches me off guard. I noticed a change in her demeanor the minute we were wheels on the ground. It was like watching a different person occupy her body. Once the captain said we’d landed, she immediately became stiff and more fidgety than she’d been since I picked her up at the spa. I knew it had to be something about the city. I’m a smart businessman because I know how to read people, and I could read her fight or flight instinct had kicked in; I just didn’t know why.

“Lillian, I’m sorry if I offended you. I meant nothing rude by my comment. Actually, I was trying to joke with you. Yes, I switched a few things about the date, but that’s only because I wanted to spend time with you. When I learned that it was you who won the date, I wanted to make it twice as special.”

She glares at me, trying to read if my response is sincere or not. “I didn’t bid on you or your date package, Linc. It was my best friend, so in all honesty, I really didn’t want all this.”

Her eyes drop to her hands in her lap as she rubs her thumb of her right hand over the knuckles of her left. “I wanted to cancel last night when your assistant called, but then he said you knew I would cancel, and he gave me a guilt trip. That’s the only reason I’m here today.”

She looks over at me, my smile taking her by surprise. “I know, Lillian; I saw what your friend did. I watched it all while you were away.”

“You did? Why didn’t you say anything to the auctioneer or to Nadine if you knew I wasn’t the one who really bid on you?”

I think about the question for a few moments before I respond. “I don’t know, maybe because I wanted to spend time with you. The thought of having to spend dinner with someone I didn’t know held no appeal to me, but once I knew it was going to be you, I decided to let it play out.”

Lillian sits back in the seat, turning her head to look out the window. She sits quietly for a bit, then turns in her seat to look at me. “I’m sorry for being rude. I should have known you weren’t making fun of me or being arrogant; it's just this town. I hate it, and I’m very uncomfortable here.”

I want to ask her what she meant by the comment, but I know I won’t get an answer. She doesn’t think I noticed that she redirected me every time I asked her a question about herself, but I did. So, asking her anything more will be a moot point. I’ll never get a direct answer, and if I do, I’m not sure it will be the truth.

My limo stops outside of Oscar de la Renta’s on Madison. My driver opens my door, and I quickly move around to the passenger side to open Lillian’s. My hand lands on the small of her back as I escort her into the shop.

“We’ve got an appointment with Sylvia,” I tell the petite blonde as we walk in the door.

“Very well, sir. I’ll get Sylvia right away for you. Let me show you to our VIP area.”

Once again, my hand finds the small of Lillian's back as she follows the little blonde. I don’t know why, but touching her feels natural, and she doesn’t seem to mind. Once seated, Lillian turns to me, drilling me with questions.

“How did you arrange this? The date package said shopping on Fifth Avenue. It said nothing about private shopping at Oscar’s.”

“Oh, Lillian, you really know nothing about me, do you? Alex Bolen was a managing director at Bear Sterns for many years before he married Oscar’s stepdaughter and then became CEO of Oscar de la Renta. Our paths have crossed many times, and in my line of work, you collect favors for a rainy day. Let’s just say it rained a little last night.”

Lillian's laugh is genuine, and it is good to see her smile and relax some. It isn’t long until Sylvia has joined us, introductions are made, and I explain to her that we are in need of a dress that is comfortable yet elegant. Something not over the top yet breathtaking. Truth be told, I am quite excited that Lillian lets me do all the talking. As each dress is brought in, I defer to Lillian for her approval or denial. I watch as she shakes her head no so many times that I’m not sure we’re going to find anything she likes. I can tell that Sylvia is getting equally impatient. I’m sure she rarely runs into anyone who doesn’t fall in love with at least one of her choices. After all, these are Oscar pieces that most women would die for.

Sylvia speaks up when she sees that Lillian is beginning to lose interest. “I have one special dress that I’ve saved for last. Truth be told, Ms. Vicci, I honestly thought you’d have found one of our previous selections ample. But alas, I can see that your taste is more than just the ordinary. You don’t want to look or dress like everyone else, do you?” Before Lillian can answer, Sylvia continues, “This last piece is exquisite, if you ask me. Unfortunately, not everyone thinks so, which is truly a shame. Let’s see if you have an eye for the beauty in this dress.”

Just then, the door opens, and in walks a gentleman holding a black and white crocheted dress. The pattern looks like fern leaves. “This,” Sylvia says, “is my favorite. Each applique is attached to a smooth crepe de chine lining. Just enough peekaboo to get the men's heads turning, yet still very stylish and actually quite sexy. So, what do you think, Ms. Vicci? Is this more to your liking?”

I turn to look at Lillian. Her hands are crossed over her heart. “It’s beautiful. I…” Lillian shakes her head. “I love it. Do you have it in my size?”

Sylvia laughs, taking the dress from the man who brought it in, and walks to one of the private changing rooms, where she places it on a hook. “I assure you, Ms. Vicci, that this is your size. I don’t need to ask; it’s my job to know these things. I sized you up the minute you stood and shook my hand. Now go. Let’s see how beautiful you’re going to look in it.”

I’ve never been one for shopping, not even with my sisters. Usually, when they come to town, I hand them my card and send them on their way. But today, I actually enjoyed watching Lillian’s expressions as she looked at each garment brought her way, and when she saw this dress, I felt utter joy in seeing the happiness in her eyes as she looked at it. As if that isn’t enough, the moment the changing room door opens and she steps out wearing the dress, I feel my heart skip a beat. Her beauty in that dress takes my breath away; it’s as if the dress was made just for her. Every curve of her body is accented. The dress fits tightly around her hips and waist but then flares out at the bottom, accentuating her long legs.

“Well, Lillian, is this the one?”

Lillian nods her head up and down quickly. “Yes. Yes, I love this one.”

“Wrap it up, Sylvia; we’ll be taking that one with us.”