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It was Jess’s situation that led him to volunteer to serve on the Initiative’s board. He’d viewed going to the meetings and making financial contributions as him doing his part to improve things in the community…but Liza was giving so much more. Not just talking the talk but walking the walk.
The song changed, and Arnold’s eyes lit up. “Better go find my partner. He requested this song.”
Matt chuckled when Arnold’s partner, Johnnie, danced over to them, inviting Arnold out onto the dance floor with a crook of his finger and a swish of his hips.
Taking a sip of his scotch, Matt surveyed the room once more, not even attempting to lie to himself about whom he was looking for.
Liza was standing near the back of the room, alone, seemingly lost in thought. He’d hated seeing her look so sad earlier, after she’d given her date the heave-ho. She was a million times too good for the likes of Davis Taylor—and he’d been more than happy to let the man know that fact as he’d escorted him out, right after issuing Davis a warning not to contact her again.
Before he could think better of it, he was walking toward her.
She didn’t seem surprised or even bothered by the fact he’d sought her out again.
“How much money do you think is out there, swirling on that dance floor?” she asked when he stepped next to her.
“I couldn’t begin to estimate how much the attendees spent on their attire.”
“Bet it’s enough to keep a small Third World country full of starving children in rice and medicine for six months.”
Matt refused to take his eyes off her to glance around and play the game. Besides, he’d spent the last hour watching the couples dance as the band played, the women in their richly colored designer gowns and ornate, expensive jewelry.
Liza’s estimate was too low.
“Two years,” he corrected, and she shook her head.
“Ironic, isn’t it?” she asked. “I mean, the whole purpose of this holiday gala is to raise money to expand a homeless shelter for teens. Why can’t we just skip the formality of this overdone, expensive party and simply ask them to donate the money they spent on their ticket and their clothing to the cause?”
“The wealthy are only compelled to open their wallets and purses if they can do so while dripping in diamonds and designer suits. It’s no fun giving money if no one sees you doing it.”
“Such a waste,” she murmured. “Speaking of dripping in diamonds, where’s your girlfriend?”
Matt wanted to correct her on the term, but instead he merely gestured toward their table. “Like you, discussing fashion. Comparing price tags.”
Liza surprised him by laughing. “She’s appalled as well?” Her tone made it clear she knew that wasn’t the case.
“Appalled isn’t the word I’d use.”
“Neither of your brothers came tonight,” she pointed out.
Matt casually lifted one shoulder. “They decided a long time ago that I would be the face of Russo Enterprises.”
“They decided for you?” she asked.
“Gage prefers to spend his time with the nerd circle and Conor has no patience for this kind of thing. So…that left me.”
“Oh.” She looked away, and he could see she was trying to extricate herself from their conversation…and him.
“Do you have plans for the holiday?” He was resorting to making small talk simply to keep her next to him.
Mercifully, he’d chosen his subject well because the holidays didn’t appear to be a topic she minded discussing. She grinned widely. “I have allll the plans for the holidays. Tonight is my last official work function before the New Year. Which means I can shift toward the craziness surrounding Christmas Eve with the Morettis.”
“Sounds like a bad rom-com,” he said sarcastically.
“It’s my favorite time of the year.”
“Let me guess,” he said. “You attempt to squeeze all seven hundred of you into someone’s too-tiny house, gorge yourselves on homemade pasta and cases of wine, and,” he paused, “draw names? Or shop for everyone?”
Liza narrowed her eyes, trying to decide if he was making fun of her or not. “We draw names,” she replied at last.
