The sky had morphed into a hazy blend of fire and lapis. A gentle breeze drifted through the open roads, subduing the summer heat of the day. Gabriella's eyes fixed on the rising edifice of luxury and elegance through the car window – The Fitzgerald Hotel where Meredith's wedding was taking place.
"Wow, Meredith didn't spare any expense," Gabriella mumbled as she took in the vast hotel. She and Brandon had just pulled up at the entrance in his car and got out. Brandon hailed a porter to take their bags before taking her side.
"It's fair for a wedding, I suppose," Brandon said monotonously. Gabriella raised an eyebrow at him.
"Is it not up to my millionaire's tastes?" She asked.
"Hmm, it may be just me, but I'd have done better if it were for a bride of mine." Brandon didn't sound conceited, but truly sincere. Gabriella had meant to be teasing but on hearing his tone she knew he meant what he said and she looked down, abashed – his unmarred honesty shook her up at times and she was not used to it yet.
"Ahem, er, we can convene at the bar, my friend Sassie and her husband will meet us there." She informed Brandon after checking a text from her phone – Sassie was already impatiently waiting for her.
"Hold on, I have to see about our rooms," Brandon said.
"Oh, don't worry about that, Meredith's invitation should be enough to get us checked in." Gabriella handed him the invitation as she spoke.
"Alright then, I'll see to it that our rooms are ready and meet you at the bar," Brandon assured her with a smile and headed for the reception desk. Gabriella couldn't help smiling to herself, thinking how easy things were with Brandon – she felt she could trust him to be the man whenever needed. It was nice not having to rely on herself for once and it was something pleasant to get used to.
She stepped into the bathroom to freshen up her appearance a bit before heading into the bar. She suddenly felt her arm squeezed so tight she felt like the blood must have clotted. She turned and saw that it was Sassie, wearing a peeved look on her face.
"Sass! I've been looking for you!" Gabriella greeted her cheerily. Sassie grunted.
"Huh! Don't you 'Sass' me. Where the heck is that multi-millionaire-of-a-boyfriend of yours?!" Gabriella's smile faltered. It felt strange hearing Brandon referred to like that by her best friend – sure, she often teased Brandon about being rich, but that was between them; this didn't feel right.
"Sass, he's more than just a millionaire," Gabriella explained quietly. "He's amazing and not just the shallow reflection people paint him to be."
"By Jove, I think the girl really is in love!" Sassie blinked at her friend. Her tone turned more understanding. "And here I was berating you for not telling me who he was sooner. I was so mad at you for keeping the biggest secret of your life from me, but I'm also so happy for you! Oooh, how could you not tell me and make me find out from a picture?! You were dating Brandon Whiteley for a month and you didn't tell me? Crap, where's my hanky?" She rummaged through her purse for a handkerchief to wipe the tears that suddenly sprung to her eyes.
"Oh Sassie, I'm sorry. I know I should've told you. I was too nervous. I still couldn't believe it myself. Can you imagine me, dating him? I wasn't ready for everyone to know… to share him…"
"It's alright, I understand, Gabby." Sassie hooked her arm through her friend's. "You were in love and wanted him all to yourself for a bit."
"It's not just that, Sass." Gabriella shook her head. "I didn't want people to react to him the same way you did – like I'm dating some object made of money rather than a person!"
"Sorry about that, Gabby," Sassie admitted sheepishly, "I didn't mean it that way. I was just thrown a curveball when I saw his picture in your profile."
"I know. I should've let you know sooner. I just wanted a little more time. But Brandon wanted to put that picture up and—"
"Say no more, you don't have to explain." Sassie patted her friend's arm. "Just let me meet the guy soon."
"Deal. He'll be here in a minute, he's gone to get us checked in. Where's Phil, by the way?"
"Loading up on buffalo wings at the bar so he doesn't seem ravenous at the party tonight," Sassie said with a fond smile.
"Wait, there's a party tonight?" Gabriella asked in surprise.
"Bachelor and bachelorette party. The guys will be hanging out with the groom playing poker and snooker over whiskey and beer while we sip champagne and eat petit-fours over a pow-wow with the bride." Sassie sounded mildly disgusted at the idea. "The guys have it easy, Meredith will probably be digging for gossip all night."
"I suppose you'll want your share of alcohol before then," Gabriella said with a smile as they arrived at the bar. A man with a long honey-brown ponytail sat on a stool, tucking into a platter full of buffalo wings.
"Still eating," Sassie ribbed him playfully, "look who arrived, Phil." The man turned and saw Gabriella and broke into a wide smile.
"Gabriella! It's been a long time!" He got off the stool and gave Gabriella a bear hug. "As my wife's soulmate, you should've met up more often," he reproached her.
"Nice to see you too, Phil," Gabriella humored him.
"So where's the lucky guy who caught your eye?" Phil asked, unabashedly looking around.
"Phil, seriously! He'll be here soon." Sassie hushed her husband. Gabriella felt a warm hand slide across the small of her back and turned – Brandon had appeared noiselessly by her side with a genial smile on his lips.
"I hear I'm wanted," he stated politely. Sassie blinked at him for a moment before yanking his free hand and pumping it up and down enthusiastically.
"Sassie Ingram, Gabriella's best friend. So thrilled to finally meet the guy who has my Gabby's heart!"
"Sass!" Gabriella hissed and reddened in embarrassment, but Brandon took it in his stride.
"The pleasure is mine, but I must confess it's more the other way around – it is Gabriella who has my heart." Gabriella could see that Sassie was on the verge of exploding with excitement at Brandon's confession and quickly pulled her friend aside.
"Right, why don't we all sit down and have a drink?" She suggested. After Brandon and Phil were introduced, the two huddled together, chatting like old friends and bonding over a mutual love of formula one races. Sassie nudged her friend over their mocktails.
"Like a house on fire – those two are safe for the night. He's a keeper, isn't he, Gabby?" Gabriella glanced at Brandon who caught her eye amidst his conversation and smiled before turning back to Phil. Gabriella's lips turned up.
"Yes, he sure is one in a million."
"I gotta give this guy a good grilling to make sure he's everything you say he is. How about we double date next weekend?"
"Provided you don't ask embarrassing questions," Gabriella said in alarm. Sassie smiled slyly.
"No promises. I intend to find out if he's the real deal before it's sealed. Don't you worry your head about it, Gabby, just leave it to me."
"That's what scares me…" Gabriella muttered, half-apologetic towards Brandon for the grilling he might soon be subjected to.
"Meredith's been shoving her husband-to-be in everyone's faces since we got here, she's proud to be marrying a tycoon. Hence the five-star hotel wedding and all. You know I'm gonna rub it in her face that you're dating the heir to—"
"No Sassie. Forget it. I don't like to gloat. And I don't want you to do it on my behalf."
"Fiiiine. But I am dropping names," Sassie said with a finality that Gabriella knew she couldn't argue with. She took a deep breath. After all, she couldn't hide Brandon forever. Looks like everyone was about to find out that Brandon Whiteley, the millionaire heir, was her boyfriend, tonight.
Thanks to Sassie's insistence, Gabriella found herself preparing for Meredith's bachelorette party in her friend's room – after Sassie had kicked both the men out. Gabriella had been unprepared for a pre-party and had nothing to wear – but Sassie, guessing her friend would show up without knowing, had a spare party dress ready.
"Don't you look darling in amethyst!" Sassie fawned over Gabriella as she donned the light-colored full-sleeved cocktail dress with a plunging back. Gabriella felt slightly self-conscious in it, nervously patting the skirt which fell just above her knees.
"Sass, this is a bit—"
"No, it's nothing but fine on you. Showing off that figure of yours is exactly what you need tonight." Sassie cut her off. She herself wore a slim, cream-colored pencil skirt dress with spaghetti straps although her curves were prominent. She sighed, feeling her hips.
"I don't regret having Teddy, but boy, I wish someone had held the macaroons and cheesepuffs back from me when I was pregnant."
"You look gorgeous, Sass." Gabriella hugged her friend, who smiled back at her.
"Thanks for making me feel better, Gabby. Now let's go make a statement."
The two couples made their way down to the lobby where all Meredith's guests were gathering before they separated for their parties. The groom and his party had already adjourned to the snooker room for their private celebration and Brandon had been whisked away before they reached the lobby.
"They'll be fine, don't worry about him, Gabby," Sassie said, seeing Gabriella's concerned face as Brandon pecked her cheek when they parted. He and Phil left together.
"I suppose… It's just that Brandon doesn't know anyone around here," Gabriella said, biting her lip.
"True, but I bet everyone will know him. He'll thrive." Gabriella knew that was true and let it go at that. They walked together into the hotel's event room where the bachelorette party was being held. It was well decorated in tangerine and gold colored drapes and flowers, a ton of streamers and banners with bridal quotes like 'pop the champagne, she's changing her name'. Many ladies in satiny cocktail dresses dotted the room, either standing with flutes of champagne in hand or sitting in little groups having animated conversations. The bride-to-be, Meredith, looked up as the doors opened to admit her two new guests and she rushed forward to meet them.
"Sassie Ingram! Gabriella! Gabriella Keller! My, I must admit I'm surprised you came, but it's great to see you! You look wonderful, by the way." Meredith was friendly enough, giving both Gabriella and Sassie cheek kisses and wide smiles. Gabriella noticed she was just as beautiful as ever, only more mature than she was in high school.
"You look well, Meredith, congratulations." Gabriella returned her greeting politely, privately feeling she was a little thoughtless for doubting if her guest would come right after sending an invitation.
"Thank you, Ray plays a major part in my happiness. It's all thanks to him that we're all here together again!" Meredith gushed while Sassie began to feel her cheek muscles ache, from smiling.
"Hmm, marriage certainly does bring the best out in most people…" she commented, and Meredith didn't miss the emphasis. Her smile strained a bit but she covered it up quickly.
"Well, do join the party. I've tons of activities planned," She ushered her guests in but hung back by Gabriella's side. "So, who are you here with? Don't tell me you and Archer got back together? Or are you still single? Don't worry; I'm sure you can find a date here." Gabriella heard the note of condescension in Meredith's voice and involuntarily clenched her fists for a moment.
"Oh, haven't you heard? Gabriella's got a new man now, one I'm sure everyone will be dying to meet." Sassie defended her friend at once with an extremely sweet smile at Meredith.
"Is that so? Who is this fabulous boyfriend?" Meredith asked, slightly cynical.
"Brandon Whiteley of Whiteley Enterprises," Sassie replied loud and clear before Gabriella could stop her. Many ladies heard the name and immediately swarmed around Gabriella.
"Gabriella Keller? Is that you?"
"Gabriella, dating the Whiteley heir?"
"You're really dating the Brandon Whiteley, the millionaire?"
"That's impossible!" Gossip buzzed around Gabriella like mosquitoes and she wished she could turn invisible! But Sassie pulled her to the forefront of the group.
"It's true, I met him just a couple of hours ago." Sassie blatantly admitted, and despite Gabriella's embarrassment, she couldn't help being grateful to her friend.
"Really? You must introduce him to us. I mean, you're finally dating again, Gabriella!" Meredith interrupted the chatter, hiding her discomfort at being overlooked with a forced smile.
"You can all meet him tomorrow at the wedding," Sassie said, feeling like she got the better of Meredith for once. Gabriella heard the latter growl in a low voice before a shower of questions barged on her about Brandon. It wasn't until Meredith announced that the party games were about to begin did the conversation end – but the curious stares thrown Gabriella's way didn't. Everyone wondered how a small-town girl like Gabriella landed a big-time millionaire for a boyfriend. But Gabriella didn't enlighten them.
"Join in everyone! We're going to have a fun game of Drink-If!" Meredith chirped. "The maid-of-honor, Grace, will read out the Drink-If cards and if you match the condition, you have to drink!"
"Only, there will be an addition to this game," Grace, the maid-of-honor added, holding up a whiskey bottle, "the persons drinking have to share a secret!"
"This is gonna be a long night…" Gabriella whispered to Sassie, sighing over her fate. She knew Meredith would use this game to pry more information out of her. Her thoughts wandered to Brandon, wondering if he was having a better time than she was.
Brandon, meanwhile, had been socializing quite comfortably among the groom's party – gatherings like this were familiar to him since he'd attended them all his life. And with a fair hand at poker and a steady one at snooker, he was welcomed into the men's circle without trouble. There had been a few surprised 'whoas' at his introduction but that was to be expected – his name preceded him after all. But it didn't stop him from getting along with the groom and his friends.
Still, Brandon couldn't stop himself from missing Gabriella's presence – he'd rather be by her side than be part of an elite men's group. He hoped she was getting along okay, he knew how fretful she was about people knowing he was dating her. He also hoped she was feeling better – she really had looked green earlier. He wanted to check on her if he could and get her to leave the party if she still wasn't feeling well – although there was another snag in that plan.
He'd gotten them checked into the hotel as anticipated – but apparently, Gabriella's classmate thought she'd be coming alone and specifically reserved a 'single bedroom', to quote the receptionist. And all the other rooms were reserved. Brandon grimaced at that – he'd have to show that presumptuous bride, Meredith, tomorrow exactly whom Gabriella came with. Only, he'd have to explain how Gabriella would have to share a bed with him that night…
"Well, well. If it isn't the Whiteley heir. Didn't think you'd actually come. I'm surprised Gabriella's still dating you." The smooth sarcastic voice of Archer spoke behind Brandon.
"Archer. I see you made it to the wedding," Brandon said non-committedly while sipping a highball.
"'Course. Wouldn't miss a chance to dance with all those women," Archer said lazily.
"What about your date?"
"Who? Cheyenne? She's just a friend. Why tie yourself down when there are so many fish in the sea?" Archer said with disregard. Brandon clenched his fists around the cue stick he was holding in anger and unconsciously potted two balls. The way Archer looked at women was absolutely contemptible to him and he longed to put him in his place.
"Nice shot, bro!" Phil clapped his shoulder, unaware of his inner turmoil. Brandon raised laser-sharp eyes to Archer.
"Of course, I'll be saving a special dance with my old sweetheart Gabriella, for old times' sake," Archer trilled suavely, making Brandon's blood boil.
"You friends with Gabriella?" Phil asked him in surprise.
"Oh, Gabriella and I have a long history together, we go way back," Archer replied airly, enjoying the furious look on Brandon's face.
"History is known to be a vast early warning system," Brandon threw back, maintaining a calm tone despite himself. Archer's sneer flickered and his own temper simmered.
"Quoting Norman Cousins. I can see why Gabriella's hanging around you. She always was a sap for intellectuals," he retorted. Brandon looked ready to bash Archer's teeth in but Phil intervened light-heartedly.
"Hey, hey! The poker table just opened up, let's have a friendly game!"
"Hmm, why not? Let's make it interesting. Winner gets a dance with Gabriella tomorrow," Archer said confidently. Brandon locked his teeth together before he really spoke what was on his mind. As if he would ever let that lounge lizard Archer anywhere near his Gabriella. He'd win this game no matter what and rip that sneer off Archer's face.
After a heated hour of placing bets and downing whiskey, it came down to the last deal of the night – Brandon and Archer faced each other with deathly glares. In their hands was the fate of their bet – if only Gabriella knew. A slow, triumphant smile grew on Archer's face as he finally revealed his hand.
"Three of a kind. I'll be sure to tell Gabriella you tried your best." He taunted Brandon, showing his hand of three fives, an ace, and a nine. He smirked until Brandon revealed his own hand, making Archer's face fall in dismay.
"Straight flush, you can't beat the king." Brandon held up his set which consisted of an ace and a king through ten. The men in the room clapped for Brandon's excellent hand.
"Nice! I oughta bring you along to my poker games in Vegas!" Ray Chalmers, the groom, said with approval. Brandon got up from his seat and addressed Archer in a low, clear voice so only he would hear.
"You might've had history with my girlfriend, Archer, but as far as Gabriella's concerned, you are history." He strode out of the room, unconcerned about the look of hatred Archer shot at his back.
Gabriella stumbled out of the party on Sassie's arm, wondering why everything was spinning. The night had ended, but her hangover had just begun – she despised Meredith for asking all the hard questions to which she had had to drink. She hated drinking and vowed to never get tricked into it again. At least she cleverly avoided sharing any embarrassing secrets and intimate details about her relationship with Brandon, spoiling everyone's fun by merely admitting she was vegan. Sassie cracked up over that.
She hurried to the elevators, desperate to slink into bed and forget the evening – only she didn't know which room she was staying in.
"Sass, you go on, I have to find Brandon." She murmured her words, having difficulty speaking due to the alcohol.
"Nonsense! Phil will be with him and – oh look, there's my hubby! Phillie!" Sassie giggled and swayed tipsily when she saw her husband passing by. Phil turned on seeing them and approached them.
"Sass, honey, lemme get you to our room before you pass out," Phil said in alarm at how drunk she was.
"Phil, isn't Brandon with you?" Gabriella asked him, wishing everything didn't look so blurred.
"He went out after a poker game – gave that Archer a run for his money, I'll say." Phil grinned to himself, remembering the dramatic game. Gabriella frowned. Archer? Was he here? What does Brandon have to do with him?
"That sleazeball showed up here?!" Sassie piped up hotly. "Wait till I get my hands on him – trying to show up in front of my Gabby—"
"The only thing you're getting your hands on tonight is a hot water bottle if you wanna wake up for tomorrow's wedding," Phil said grimly.
"I need to find Brandon, he has my room key…" Gabriella bit her lip in worry.
"I believe your room was on the tenth floor, Gabriella. I heard Brandon mention it," Phil said. Gabriella looked gratefully at him.
"Thanks, Phil. Good night." She teetered off into the elevator and went to the tenth floor. She just had to find Brandon now…
"Sweetheart." Gabriella groaned inside on hearing a voice behind her. She turned and saw Archer coming towards her. She backed away into a wall, feeling the need to have some support behind her while facing him.
"Archer. You're here for the wedding, I suppose."
"Oh, come on, sweetheart, that's all a front for the real reason I'm here. I'm here to see you. You look damn sexy in that dress, by the way." He closed in on her, trapping her between his arms. Gabriella's skin began to prickle uncomfortably.
"There's nothing going on between us anymore, Archer," she argued, avoiding his eyes. The way he spoke to her irritated her. But he merely scoffed.
"Don't deny what's between us, Gabriella. That millionaire you're flaunting around is just for show. Admit it, I'm the real deal." Gabriella gritted her teeth.
"I'd appreciate it if you stopped insulting my boyfriend. He's more real than you'll ever be." She swayed as she spoke, feeling the drunken stupor overwhelm her, but she held her ground. Archer's eyes raked her thoughtfully.
"You're intoxicated. You need to sit down." He grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards a room.
"Archer, what are you doing?! Let go!" Gabriella protested, although her head spun with the exertion. A strong hand suddenly pulled hers away from Archer.
"She told you to let go, you cad!" Brandon appeared, his voice low as thunder. His normally mild blue eyes blazed with anger at Archer. Gabriella stared at him, wondering where he came from. Archer shrugged.
"She needs to rest, she's in no position to—"
"Don't you dare tell me what's good for her! She's with me and doesn't need the likes of you looking out for her! Come on, Gabriella." Brandon whisked her away from an affronted Archer, who could only glower after the couple with white-knuckled fists.
Brandon took Gabriella to their room, shut, and locked the door behind them. On seeing Gabriella unable to stay on her feet, he swept her into his arms and laid her on the bed.
"Brandon, I'm so glad to see you!" Gabriella exclaimed weakly. "Thank goodness you arrived when you did, Archer—"
"Did you drink a lot?" He cut her off.
"Yes but—"
"I'll get you some hangover medicine." Brandon rummaged in his bag for a packet of medicine, poured a glass of water, and brought it to Gabriella. Her eyes were already closing as she watched him moving about.
"Take this," he popped the medicine into her mouth, made sure she drank it down, and set the glass aside. Gabriella sank onto the pillows, vaguely aware that Brandon was taking off her shoes.
"Brandon—"
"Shh. Go to sleep. We can talk in the morning." Gabriella smiled sleepily at him before succumbing to the slumber which finally overtook her. She knew she could trust him. She had been upset about running into Archer, but with Brandon by her side, she forgot her discomfort and only dreamed about him, her dashing knight. Brandon sat by her bedside with protective eyes fixed on her.
"Sleep my Angel, I'll make sure you're safe."