Disclaimer: Characters belong to Aaron Spelling, E. Duke Vincent, Gary Tomlin, NBC, et al and are used here strictly for non-profit entertainment purposes.
Rating: PG 14
Genre: Romance/Drama
Spoilers: Not a one, other than the history of Sunset Beach which everyone pretty much knows.
Summary: An AU story about how Gregory and Olivia met. (Some character depictions are different from what we saw on the show.) Please remember it's AU and what unfolded on the show will NOT be reflected in this story.
Note: "Take Five" (performed by the Dave Brubeck Quartet, composed by Paul Desmond) can be found on the cd "Time Out" and appears here strictly for non profit entertainment purposes
Chapter 1: Prologue
January 1996
Ropes of white lights hung from the vaulted ceiling, casting a delicate tent of light over the ballroom. The crystal goblets glittered and the silverware shined as they caught the lights. The soft clink of the silverware on the china plates mixed with the swanky tune, "Take Five," that completed the atmosphere.
Gregory Richards excused himself from the business discussion he found himself sucked into. He smoothed a nonexistent wrinkle out of his jet-black tuxedo coat and scanned the room. By all accounts, the anniversary party was a success. At the center of the room stood a pyramid of champagne glasses and a river of the liquid perfume toppled down gently over the rims.
The chandeliers were dimmed enough that those in the ballroom were able to see that it had started to snow again. The French doors leading to the illuminated stone patio and gardens were closed but the fat white snowflakes were evident. They fell silently, blanketing the outdoor world while the world inside the ballroom was warm with body heat and conversation.
His eyes fell on the dance floor and he saw her dancing in the arms of another man. He stole a glass of champagne from a passing server and swallowed it, never taking his eyes off the dark haired woman on the dance floor. The way another man's hand fit in the small of her back. The way another man's mouth lay even with her ear, allowing him to whisper in it. She smacked his arm playfully even as she tossed her head back and laughed. Her laugh floated over the other levels of conversation where it confronted him.
Watching her now, reminded him that she was pure flesh and blood. A passionate spirit that he would never fully capture. She was too independent for that.
His eyes moved down her back all the way to her the train of her evening gown and back up again. Leaving his glass on a nearby table, he made his way to the dance floor.
He made his way to her.
As he neared her, her voice became clearer and more apparent. He didn't hear the words, per se. He heard her. Her voice was unmistakable. Delicate and breathy, but full of her teasing and playful nature.
He came up from behind her and touched her shoulder.
She turned from her partner and met his eyes.
He watched as something flickered in her eyes before she backed out of her partner's embrace. She turned fully to him and smirked.
"If you'll excuse us," he explained quietly to her dance partner, not that he felt any explanation was required. He took her hand and led her deeper into the throng of people.
The strong drumbeat reverberated through the ballroom, synchronizing with the beat of his heart as he took her in his arms. Threading his fingers with hers, he let his other hand wrap around her back. It rested between her shoulder blades for a moment before sliding down dangerously low. She pressed her body closer to his and allowed her hand to snake up under his tuxedo jacket before she allowed her finger to hook around the belt loop of his pants.
He trailed his hand up her silk clad back and watched as her eyes sparkled more than the large diamond ring he placed on her hand years ago.
"How did you feel seeing me dance with another man?" she asked, pulling him out of his study of her.
He tightened his fingers around hers and leaned down to her ear. He felt her shiver as his breath tickled her ear. "Lucky."
She raised her head, her right eyebrow arched in surprise. "Lucky?"
The sound of the saxophone was a seductive promise as he nodded. Lowering his head again, he explained, "He may have danced with you…But I get to take you home at the end of the night."
Her eyes dazzled with the knowing grin she flashed him. He let his hand fall down to the small of her back. The percussion picked up and he caressed her back through the silk gown. He smiled when he felt the gentle pressure of her head on his shoulder.
For he was the one that married her.
And that is what made him lucky.