Chapter 4 A Visit from Old Friends
Finn walked while Puck strutted into the conference center that was hosting the PETA Charity Ball. With money comes advantage, and Finn had a copy of Storm's birth certificate in his pocket and a table closely situated to the opening festivities. After obtaining the birth certificate, he was 99% certain that Storm was his daughter. Obviously, because both Rachel and him did the lose the big "V" nine months before her birth date. Puck was still in awe that Finn had tapped that and never told him.
Finn and Puck sat at the round table enjoying a few glasses of wine and hors d'oeuvres. Puck was amusing himself flirting with the female servers which thankfully made the time pass. All Finn knew was that he was just about ready to lose it because he still hadn't spotted her yet. The adrenaline was pumping and the tumult of complex emotions frustratingly hard to release. He popped his knuckles. Puck, sensing his frustration, gave him a hard pat on the shoulder.
"Keep it together, bro".
All Finn could do was shake his head in agreement. The sense of anticipation growing as the lights dimmed in the room and the chatter of the audience halted. He knew it was her when he saw two fantastic looking tan legs slowly walk up to the front speaker.
"Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of PETA we would like to thank you for your attendance in supporting this great cause. Millions of animals are killed every year when the simple act of spaying and neutering could prevent this tragedy. All proceeds from tonight's event will assist pet owners who have difficulty in affording these procedures."
The drum rolled and Rachel started to belt out the words to Funny Girl. She had on towering black heels, a tight high waisted satin black skirt dress, with a teal like corset top that fit like a glove, and her hair in a sleeked back ponytail. Part of her act included audience participation as Rachel worked it, the spotlight displaying the swaying of her sexy hips. She went from table to table smiling that killer smile her dark eyes expressive.
It couldn't have been more fitting when she walked over to their table the light spotlighting Puck's shitty grin and Finn's condescending jeer. Her eyes rounded to big o's in recognition, her face freezing a few seconds. But, Rachel being the professional she was, finished the rest of her routine flawlessly. It gave him pleasure to know that he had affected her even for a brief moment. He was a tiger ready for his prey.
"Dude, she's rocking it", said Puck devouring his meal.
"Whatever, I don't give a shit, I'm here for one reason only Storm".
"Okay, bro. You just stew while I go get myself another drink. Might as well have some fun while I'm here". He headed off into the direction of the bar.
"Alright, I'm coming", he said following Puck. He sat in down in a bar stool next to Puck who had already engaged in conversation with the waitress.
"I see some things never change", said a soft husky voice behind them. Both Finn and Puck turned to see a cool classy blonde in a dark black evening dress.
"If it isn't Quinn Fabray", said Finn in shock. For once, Puck did not have a hasty come back.
"What are you two doing here?"
"What you don't think that Finn and I would support a good cause?"
Quinn laughed her throaty laugh. "Let's just say, that it's not very often that you didn't have an ulterior motive for your actions". Puck gave her a nasty look as she sat down next to them.
"How long have Rachel and you been working for PETA?" asked Finn.
"Actually, this is the first time I've seen her here in years", said Quinn.
"What have you been up to Quinn?"
"Well, I just signed up for my first feature film. I play a person who falls in love with a space alien. it's based on the book "I Am Four".
"Cool", said Finn munching on a carrot stick. Soft sounds of dance music played in the background.
Puck stood up getting between Finn and Quinn's bar stool. He held his hand out and said, "How about a dance for old times?" Quinn hesitated a second but wouldn't let Puck's challenging look get pass her. She followed him to the dance floor. Finn turned and saw Puck's hand go around her waist. It was his turn now.
He walked toward the dance floor looking for Rachel. When he spotted her dancing with an older gentleman, he walked over and tapped the man on the shoulder.
"Pardon me, may I jump in? The man looked up at Finn in disappointment. "Sorry, we are old friends", he explained. The man wandered off.
Quickly, he reclaimed the man's position. Rachel did not say a word as she was obviously trying to recover from the shock of seeing him again. Finn pulled her smack against his chest.
"It's been a long time no see Rachel", he whispered his soft breath floating in her ear. Her hands could feel the bulging muscles under his suit jacket. Due to her high heels, Rachel was close to being eye level. His dark eyes lowered to hers.
She took in a deep breath and made polite conversation. "How have you been Finn?
He turned her around tilting her back the movement making her back arch. Slowly, he brought her back up toward him. "Let's just say, I have a lot going on". His hand wrapped around her back pulled her tightly against him. She could feel his hardness pressing into her. He grasped her hand putting it in his right pocket.
"Grab it", he whispered.
Momentarily, Rachel looked confused. Finn's fingers took the folded paper inside his pocket and placed it in her his fingertips. The unmistakable hardened bulge betraying his resolve not to let her get to him. She opened the paper with one hand seeing that it was Storm's birth certificate.
Finn looked at her dropping his hands down to his sides. "Meet me 9:00 AM sharp at the Quincy Hotel. Here is the address and my room number. Don't be late". He gave her one more very determined angry look before walking up to Puck interrupting his dance with Quinn. A very hesitant Puck walked out the door following behind Finn's lengthy strides. Quinn stood there for a moment, turned toward where Finn exited from, and gave Rachel a questioning look. Rachel felt the tears fall quickly as she escaped to the safe confines of the night air. What was she going to do?
