"You get to sleep on the fold-out couch Callie," Frankie said as he dropped one of her bags on the floor. "I'm sorry but it's the only place for you."

Callie smiled, "Hey, that is fine with me! As long as I have a pillow, I'm happy."

Frankie and MJ laughed.

"The bathroom is right over there," Frankie pointed it out, then looked at his watch.

"I hope you don't mind, I know it's your first night here and everything-"

"But you have some hot date tonight," Callie finished with a smile.

Frankie grinned sheepishly, "You know me too well."

"Oh no!" MJ sighed, "I have a date with Chris, and you know that Jason won't be home for hours! What is Callie going to do? Especially for dinner?"

Callie shrugged, "It's really no big deal. I'll just eat whatever is around." She walked into the kitchen area and opened the fridge. "Like mustard and sour cream."

Frankie and MJ laughed and started to argue about what to do when the doorbell rang. They were both still yelling so Callie answered it. She was surprised to see Gabriel in the doorway. He was wearing a blue short sleeve button down shirt that fit him very nicely and his teeth were as white as the pucca shells around his neck.

"Hey Gabriel," she smiled, wondering why he was there.

"Hey, is Frankie in there?" he asked, trying to see over her shoulder, which actually he could since he could see over her head anyway.

"Yeah, but he's fighting with MJ right now. What'd you need?" Callie said simply.

"Well he has my paycheck," Gabriel explained, "And I sort of owe some money to this guy and I have to give it to him tonight. Or else."

Callie's eyes widened. "Oh my god! You mean-"

Gabriel cut her off, looking at his feet, ashamed, "It was dumb thing to do to get involved with him, but it was a one time thing and I just really need my paycheck."

"Hold on, you can come in," Callie said, moving aside and closing the door after Gabriel.

"FRANKIE!" she yelled, stopping MJ and Frankie's fight. "Gabriel needs his paycheck. Now."

Frankie and MJ both turned and stared at Gabriel, a strange look on their faces.

"What are you doing tonight?" MJ blurted out just as Frankie said:

"You're not busy are you?"

Gabriel, a bit confused, answered them slowly, "Well I have to got to this party to give that guy money. And then I can stay there but I'm not sure if I will..." he told them, then caught on. "Why?"

"Well can Callie go with you?" Frankie pleaded.

"Guys!" Callie broke in, in a whiny voice, "I am not five. I don't need a babysitter."

"It won't be like I'm your babysitter," Gabriel assured her. "Besides I could use the company. I don't think I really know that many people at that party."

Callie sighed, "Fine, let me change."

MJ ran over to Gabriel and kissed him on the cheek, "I love you!"

Frankie handed him his paycheck and gave him a hug. "I owe you!"

Gabriel shrugged. He liked Callie and he was sure they would have a lot of fun. Callie shut the bathroom door behind her and leaned heavily on it. She would never have pictured herself in this situation. She was in Hawaii and on her first night she kind of sort of had a date with a gorgeous guy. Sure, the date wasn't actually a date and it was set up by her uncle so it was kind of like a just friends thing, but still. The only thing was, what do you wear on a date-but-not-really-a-date-just-friends-sort-of-thing?

Callie went through her unpacked suitcase she had lugged into the bathroom with her and decided on a white jean skirt and a baby blue, Hawaiian flowered tank top and baby blue sandals. She put on a little bit of eyeliner and mascara, and a lot of deodorant (just in case) and brushed her teeth (also just in case.) In a few minutes she was ready to go. She hurried out the door and pulled her suitcase over to the couch.

"Wow, don't we look fantastic!" MJ teased as Callie straightened up. Callie blushed.

"It's my first night here, I want to look good!" she stammered under her pink cheeks.

"I'm kidding!" MJ laughed, then leaned in, "You do look great though."

Callie smiled secretly and looked over to the couch where Gabriel was sitting. On what would later be her bed. Okay, weird. To her surprise, Gabriel looked a little...stunned at her appearance. This made her smile, a lot.

"Are we ready?" she asked shyly.

"Uh, yeah." Gabriel stuttered, clearing his throat. "Let's go."

"Bye uncle Frankie!" Callie yelled as she shut the door behind her. He uttered a faint "See ya!" but the door was closed already.

"So, where's this party?" Callie asked as she and Gabriel walked in step down the stairs.

"At this guy's house." Suddenly, Gabriel stopped walking. "Look Callie, I just want to tell you that I really appreciate you coming with me." He looked dead serious and Callie realized that he was scared. His blue eyes were troubled and his usual brightness wasn't there.

"It's nothing. And don't worry. It will be okay." Callie had no idea if it was going to be okay, but Gabriel looked so depressed that she told him so anyways.

"Thanks." He half-smiled, but it wasn't a genuine smile, "And look, it might get dangerous and if it does, you have to leave okay?"

Callie nodded, now a littler scared herself, "Okay."

They got into Gabriel's car and drove to the party in silence. The house was huge. A valet helped Callie out of the passenger seat and Gabriel handed over his keys.

"I feel underdressed," Callie murmured to him. Gabriel sighed.

"We are. But we won't stay long. Honest."

Gabriel put his hand on her back and guided her in the door. Callie had to admit that wasn't such a bad feeling. When they came inside, Callie saw the enormity of the house and the elegance of the people there and she shrunk back shyly, coincidently, right back into Gabriel's chest.

"Hey," he whispered in her ear in a soothing voice, "Don't worry. You don't have to prove anything to these people. Besides," he chuckled and the air released sent shivers down Callie's body. "We're just beach bums paying our debts," Gabriel finished.

Callie smiled and stepped forward more confidently. Gabriel was now getting nervous as he scanned the crowd for a certain man. He finally found him, tall dark and wearing a suit, like most of the men there and his eyes hardened. The man spotted Gabriel and waved him over. Gabriel was rooted to the spot. He touched a cut on his cheek.

This time Callie put her hand on his arm, bringing him back to reality. She smiled as sweetly as she could.

"Come on, let's do it and get out of here."

Gabriel still didn't move so Callie looped her arm through his and started walking towards the man. Once he started walking, Gabriel continued confidently and he even smiled.

"Hello, sir," Gabriel greeted the man, shaking hands with him.

"Hello Gabriel, and how are you doing this fine night?"

"I'm very good, sir and yourself?" Gabriel said stiffly, he was obviously uncomfortable. Callie squeezed his arm encouragingly and he gave her a quick smile.

"My paycheck,-"Gabriel said starting to pull the envelope out of his pocket.

"Why must it always be just business between us?" The man said waving his hand around. Callie saw many large rings on his knuckles. She pictured the rings puncturing Gabriel's soft face and winced. She noticed that Gabriel's eyes followed the rings too.

"Who is this fine young lady on your arm?" The man continued with a glance at Callie.

"This is Callie," Gabriel introduced her warily.

"Pleased to meet you," The man said, nodding at her.

"And you," Callie said politely, then added, "Sir."

"Well I don't want to keep you from your date. That is where you're going correct?"

Callie didn't know what to answer, so she just stayed quiet as Gabriel nodded,

"Yes, sir."

"All right. Now Business." The man said, completely controlling the conversation.

Gabriel handed him the envelope, "That should be all of it sir."

The man looked at it and became enraged. "Well it's not. I need one hundred more."

Gabriel started to argue, "But sir, that's the agreed price."

The man laughed, "Yes, but now I want more. A hundred more. By the end of the week."

Gabriel's face dropped. "But sir, that's not fair-"

The man cut him off, "Gabriel, will you please accompany me out back?"

Callie's heart leapt into her throat. Gabriel tensed up under her arm. She thought quickly.

Pretending to be not as smart as she was, Callie looked shocked.

"Whatever for? Sir," she said, leaning forward and batting her eyelids at the man, "The valets parked our cars out front! We didn't even know there was a back way. Besides, Gabriel and I really should be going. For one thing we're under-dressed and our dinner reservation is in a few minutes. He really has no time to go out back," She finished, praying that it would work.

Luckily it did, and the man laughed.

"Very well! Have a good night, and Gabriel," he added with a finger shake, "Don't disappoint me again."

Callie waved a little finger wave and practically pulled Gabriel away. He was shaking a little bit. Callie knew that that man must have really messed him up before if Gabriel was this scared. From what Frankie had told her, Gabriel was strong and had and even stronger temper. And he was acting like a kicked dog. She shuddered and quickened her pace, wanting to get out of there as soon as possible.

Gabriel didn't even bother to wait for the valet after he took his keys and he started off towards his car, Callie following quickly. When they got to his car, he turned around suddenly. His face was so scared and so relieved, and he just pulled Callie into a tight hug.

He pulled her close against him, lifting her off of her feet, squeezing her like he couldn't ever let her go.

"Thank you," he whispered, his face buried in her hair. Callie was surprised, but she hugged him back, liking being held this close to him.

"God, you saved my ass back there," He sighed as he let her go and set her back on her feet. He ran his hand through his hair, which Callie realized he must do when he was stressed." I owe you."

"You can start by buying me dinner!" Callie offered, not sure if she was flirting or if she was just being friendly. She wasn't sure if when Gabriel said they were on a date he meant it, or if he was just agreeing with the man.

Gabriel looked up and met her eyes, maybe trying to figure out the same thing Callie didn't know.

He smiled, "Sure, dinner. Wherever you want."

Callie rolled her eyes, "Considering I know so many great places to eat around here."

Gabriel winced, "You're right. Come on."