This is my first fic-EVER. It takes place after Fold Equity, which in my world came after GBH and before Lack of Candor. It was inspired by an Elvis Presley song-"The Wonder of You." I don't own anything, except the story idea!
Gillian walked in to the Poker Tournament clad in a new dress and new shoes, with her hair and make-up looking perfect. She felt good about herself for the first time since she arrived in this god forsaken city. She knew coming to Vegas with Cal would be a challenge. Things had been strange between them since Terry Marsh had shown up. For the first time, she felt as if her closeness to Cal had been threatened. He had pushed her away after the failed "intervention." Now, in Vegas, he was being…well, Cal in Vegas. She'd put up with the "smothering" comments, the secret betting with Ben, and everything with Poppy.
After the night he had shown up on her doorstep, Gillian thought maybe things were changing between them. That night she had realized she felt more for Cal than mere friendship. If she would admit it to herself, she could say she had always felt more for Cal. It was just easier (and smarter) to deny it. Besides, she could never be what he wanted. Cal liked exciting women, like Poppy, and Gillian Foster could not compete with that.
Gillian saw Ben and walked over to him. He turned and saw her. She saw him do a double take and grinned to herself 'At least someone is appreciating my efforts.' She told him to move over so she could sit but he had stood up and said he was taking her out on the town. He offered his arm and she gladly hooked onto it. Gillian was happy for Ben's company and was determined to salvage something of this trip. Tonight Gillian Foster would "embrace the Vegas!"
Cal had put on a sharp black suit and headed down to the casino. He was full of anticipation. When he had been handed the million dollars in chips his heart began racing so fast he felt as if his head was spinning. He had a goofy grin stuck on his face. He couldn't wait to hit the Roulette table and make his double zero bet. He swaggered through the tables like he was on top of the world, as if he owned the place.
Cal was looking across the casino trying to pick his table when he caught sight of Gillian Foster walking arm in arm with Ben Reynolds. They were heading toward the casino exit. 'Good', he thought. Foster wouldn't be able to ruin his fun if Ben had her occupied elsewhere. He noticed the new dress and the new hairdo Gillian was sporting. She looked fantastic. He felt a twinge of jealousy at seeing Ben with her. She was smiling and listening to Ben intently with an excited look on her face. 'She's better off with anyone other than me' Cal thought.
Cal was well aware he had been pushing Gillian away over the past few weeks. He was pretty sure this Vegas trip would make her see that he wasn't worthy of her. He had gone to her place after he had been held with a gun to his head. She had welcomed him in with open arms, as usual. Gillian, his loyal partner and best friend 'and the most beautiful creature I have ever laid eyes on' he thought. After the night he stayed in her spare room, he thought that perhaps they could be more than just best friends. Cal had kept his mask on that night as much as possible. He had seen the concern and love on Gillian's face and was fairly certain she had seen small flashes of the same from him. They hadn't talked about that night. 'Fear of the bloody line.'
Cal reached the Roulette tables and stood for a minute trying to decide which one looked lucky. He heard singing from the Starlight lounge which was just beyond the gambling floor. He noticed the sign advertising the Elvis Presley impersonator contest. 'Dear God' he thought. 'This is worse than karaoke!' Some bloke was just finishing up "Jailhouse Rock" and all Cal could think was 'Thank God that's over.'
Cal realized he spoke too soon when he heard the next 'Elvis' introduced. He was approaching the chosen Roulette table when he heard the song start.
"When no one else can understand me, when everything I do is wrong.
You give me hope and consolation. You give me strength to carry on.
You're always there to lend a hand in everything I do.
That's the wonder, the wonder of you."
Cal's thoughts immediately went to Gillian. No one else understood him like she did. Hell, no one else wanted to! More times than not, she had been his only hope and his only strength. She had been there when Zoe left him. She was there after all the muckity muck at the DOD. She picked him up every year after the drinking binge he always had on the anniversary of his mother's death. Yes, Gillian had been there for him through everything. She had been there for him here, in Vegas. She had been thinking clearly and tried to focus him. He didn't listen. He had arrogantly sought out Poppy, knowing full well what it would do to Gillian.
Cal was standing next to the table, holding his chips. All that was left to do was place them down.
"When you smile, the world is brighter. You touch my hand and I'm a king.
Your kiss to me is worth a fortune. Your love for me is everything.
I guess I'll never know the reason why you love me as you do.
That's the wonder, the wonder of you."
Gillian's brilliant smile flashed in his mind. He closed his eyes and thought of the tight hug she had given him the night he went to her. Neither of them had wanted to let go. He opened his eyes and looked down at the chips he held. If Gillian could see him now, she would be angry, disappointed, and disgusted-and rightfully so. Cal held enough money in his hands to save their company, to put them completely in the black and then some. What the hell was he thinking? He knew he had a choice to make. Give in to the Vegas or fight against it and choose what he truly wanted more than anything. Gillian Foster. Suddenly, it was clear. He knew what he had to do.