He grasped her arms and looked her in the eye. "Shirley, it happens. I won't lie to you. It's always an uncomfortable situation for me since I don't want to offend them while extricating myself.
You never want your fans telling everyone they think you're an ass. I usually joke my way out of it. That's why I want you to buy me tonight. Here." He reached into his pocket and extracted a money clip, fat with green bills.
"This should be enough." He had loaded the clip with Benjamins but knew the bidding could go high. He was a celebrity who looked pretty damn good in a tux.
Shirley tucked the cash in her clutch purse. "Are you sure you want me to spend all this?"
"It's for charity. Spend it and feel good about it."
A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Charlie rolled his eyes.
"I'll get it," Shirley said. "After all, it is my apartment." She smiled as if trying to reassure him of her protection.
