Chapter 13 – handcuffs, aliens and black and white cookies…….
Characters belong to ABC and I have no intention to break any copyright laws in this fic.
Mode, the whole of the Meade building was buzzing; Cal Hartley the new owner and billionaire entrepreneur was on his way. Presentation in place, everyone ready and primed none more so than Daniel and Wilhelmina. Betty was there once more as Daniels right hand …..person, straightening his tie, pen at hand…the uber personal assistant but staying inconspicuously at a distance so as not to crowd him or upset his delicate air of confidence. Supported (in the background) by a very classy looking but uncharacteristically quiet Claire who hovered around to buoy her son should he require it. Betty however in all the melee of this maelstrom had other things on her mind, namely her friend Christine.
Christine had been wagging work lately since finding out William the child she'd been surrogate to wasn't hers but Wilhelmina's and Betty was finding it hard to cover for her. Betty was rightly concerned her friend might go over the edge, start to drink again, she could really put it away if depressed and she was certainly that. Having William had taken a lot out of her and it had changed a jolly, full on career minded character into a quiet, lethargic mess and Betty suspected…..know she knew if she didn't shape up fast she would loose her position at Mode, Willy was on the warpath and that meant only one thing…..conform or ship out. To her relief, there she stood, bright as a button, keen as ever, standing at her desk seemingly the old Christine focused and 'ready for work'.
Problem was for Betty that as Christine strolled over to her desk she was in the middle of sewing a new button on baby William's cardigan. A task she'd ironically tried to spare her friend from especially in her delicate 'hormonal state' obviously concerned such a reminder of what 'might have been' would upset her friend too much. Thankfully it seemed…….Christine seemed ……fine, okay….almost happy, "it was nothing, she'd demanded…she could handle it…the baby was Wilhelmina's…nothing to do with her now". So; sure of her friend's mental and emotional state Betty had returned to work only to break out into an apoplectic panic when she heard alarms sounding and Marc and Willy screaming out…" baby William was missing ..…gone!" over and over again like some CSI promo episode to be transmitted on the police channel.
Betty froze on the spot hoping it was all a stupid mistake but fearing her worst nightmare had happened….Christine…impulsive, wonderful, fight for her rights and hormonal enough to kill anyone who tried to stop her had taken him……No, she wouldn't, she couldn't…she could Betty thought…..
Running to find her and so relieved her best pal was obviously nothing to do with this nightmare Betty looked on Christine who stood there, plain as day and cool as a cucumber, she was either innocent or one heck of an actress Betty thought. No, it was fine she was still there, she was completely innocent….in fact she hadn't moved from the spot where Betty had left her almost an hour before, there was No Way she could have done anything. The police had questioned her and she had an alibi, Pat from requisitions had been with her all the time, a fact verified by the very nervous seamstress tucked unceremoniously and still continuing to sew up invisible hems as the forensic team poked and prodded every casket and cabinet surrounding her looking to ignite any possible baby cries and hence locate the missing Slater child.
After what seemed like an extremely thorough search demanded by a very cool but determined Wilhelmina it was plain the baby was nowhere to be seen and who ever had him was long since gone….Suddenly some bright spark recommended they should look at the security reels to try and find the culprits…..Someone had obviously been watching their police channel but it certainly wasn't the detectives they were too busy eyeing up the glamorous models in skimpy bathing suits as they milled around waiting for the start of the summer edition shots. No a baby elephant could have been carried out in front of them and they would have missed it. Problem was as Betty looked on her friend, she was too calm, it was obvious to Betty she was fond of the baby but there was no panic or wonder she was simply disinterested but as Betty watched Christine she mused…..what was that look, that quizzical stare and was she was looking around to see when she could get out? Something was very wrong, Christine was up to something and to Betty's regret she wasn't letting her into the secret either, that felt strange and hurt Betty a little but she had to admit she'd been full of her own problems a lot lately to the cost of her friendship with Christine.
Yet Betty knew Christine like no one else, except maybe Stuart and although she suspected Christine she was hoping she was wrong. Trusting Christine; (who was now the excitement had died down suspiciously collecting her belongings and walking away) Betty had to give her the benefit of the doubt and try to protect her from herself If Christine had been part of some crazy plot to take the baby away, she Betty Suarez would make sure, no stop her from making a terrible mistake…..before it got out of hand.
Leaving the office and then Mode; Christine hesitated as she arrived onto the streets of New York, looking around for someone but whom? Betty thought. As Betty looked on she found herself minutes later in a state of total shock and afraid for her freedom. Seated in a car with a kidnapper and a certain baby Slater trying to convince her friend she was being stupid, mad…psychotic to think she could get away with it and not knowing how the hell it had happened. Problem was how could Betty stay mad for too long with her friend especially as Christine convinced her William was hers…"look at the photo's of me as a child, he's mine Betty….I know it as sure as I know myself…he's my wee boy…….it was all a trick and the DNA tests must have been fixed ..no doubt! Driving away, in a capsule of circumstances Betty was carried along by her friends insistence and all they had to do was find somewhere safe and work things out until it could be …sorted.….and where safer than Betty's home they thought...yeah no one would spot them there would they?
Jeeze how was Betty to know…… she'd forgotten about Hilda's boyfriend Archie's press conference at their house…..but with Hilda's guile and gift of the gab it had all worked out. True they'd been stopped by the cops on the way there and they'd thought their number was up but hey god must have been Scottish because they'd got away with it and they would have got away with it completely if not for Marc via Amanda overhearing Betty wanting to talk to Claire to arrange a second DNA test….jeeze maybe God wasn't Scottish after all….. So, police alerted as they arrived at the DNA centre with baby William like some public enemy number one a fleet of police cars and gun toting cops surrounded them as they began to unfasten the small occupant of a certain car seat.
Once more and only the second time in her life and in the space of a year there she stood looking totally bemused Betty Suarez handcuffed again and under arrest, although this time is was Daniel saving her instead of Gio. Minutes later, officers placated, un-cuffed and once again a free person Betty sheepishly looked on Christine and her husband in another police vehicle, the temptation had been too much and they couldn't leave their boy behind, he was worth the risk. Momentarily speaking to them, reassuring them it would all be okay when she knew it wouldn't be as they were driven away to prison, no money, no solicitor and of course no baby. What could Betty do, she did the only thing she knew, what Gio had taught her …..she kicked ass, she kicked Wilhelmina's ass into admitting the baby wasn't hers. Playing her at her own game, trickery, deceit and what's in it for me. Yeah Betty the writer had convinced Wilhelmina to tell the truth and amazingly it had worked. Having admitted the whole episode had been a huge mistake and she couldn't keep a baby from its momma Willy had withdrawn all charges, what a woman. So it was Christine and her husband were free, the baby was back with his parents and everything was as it should be ….Betty the hero……. again?
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"So that's Cal Hartley" Gio had said to Daniel as he sat in his office as the police milled around everywhere searching for William. Gio had intended to see Betty again today, this was going to be it, his re-introduction into her life, he was ready now and hadn't she said when he was ready he could come back. Well if it was only to be as friends he was willing to do that…anything except …nothing! His drunken conversation with Daniel a few nights before had convinced him of that. He'd tried to stay away but...he couldn't. No, he'd resigned himself to the fact that unrequited love and friendship would have to do and today was to be that day. Daniel had agreed, it was for the best for his friend's sanity and Betty would have to accept a few changes in Giovanni Rossi. Once the presentation was over he would introduce Gio as a valued client and entrepreneur and Betty and everyone at Mode would have to treat him with respect he deserved and realise he was no longer just a …sandwich boy ……He was a millionaire in his own right and ….his friend".
As Gio arrived however the controlled meeting planned by Daniel gave way to a cordon of police lines and officers searching for clues, questioning staff and trying to establish who had kidnapped his half brother… baby William. Daniel was engrossed with Hartley; trying as hard as he could to hold it all together but unable to…he was becoming quite the man lately and Gio was proud of him. No, deal or no deal he couldn't do it the baby, his brother came first. Too his amazement and totally out of character Hartley had liked his honesty and genuine concern so much so he got a promise from Hartley, usually a hard, heartless man to meet again the following day, Daniel took it, he had no choice, he was desperate. Daniel had really thought the whole deal was off, dead in the water but Hartley had surprised him and to be totally honest what with Molly's illness and his missing half brother he didn't care. He'd grab at any chance no matter how small; to get what he wanted and finally a little late in life he knew what was more important….family and the people you loved, Gio had taught him that.
Thinking only of man in question Daniel had thought, let's get these two proud idiots heads together, let them finally speak after all this time and hope…against all sense his friend could finally get what he wanted…..her…His only problem being a slight change, alteration of his plans in regards to Gio because the lady in question Betty was like her friend Christine….. missing! Not a soul knew where to find her and that was good they'd thought, that proved she wasn't involved in this whole mess…even though Willy was sure she was at the centre of it.….Sure enough as hope faded Betty was just an innocent bystander locked in the ladies toilets and unable to get out or stuck in the sandwich bar waiting for a new batch of baguettes to cook anything to explain her absence. That was until the telephone call to Claire happened and Marc, ever his mistresses rottweiller (God Gio disliked that man, pretending to be Betty's friend, yeah and I'm six feet tall he thought) had over heard their plans. Christine but mainly Betty was in trouble but what was new Daniel thought she was a total disaster area would he have to spend his life clearing up her mess…he wondered sometimes who was who's assistant but she was like a sister to him and he couldn't desert her. Immediately the police were on her tracks, she'd taken the baby with Christine and her husband Stuart but what was their plan? No one knew except the sheer fact they couldn't get away with it ….that was evident and the men in her life knew they had to get where ever she was!
Daniel and Gio raced to the DNA centre as fast as their chauffeur driven limousine would allow in fact Daniels driver ex SAS had got them to the scene before the cops, he was some driver Gio thought, tap that knowledge one day you could never be too savvy around the streets of New York. As they arrived they found the shocking scene of Betty with her accomplices, cameras flashing and onlookers everywhere… like a scene from a detective show. Daniel held back his friend as the chauffeured car pulled up, Gio, ever the protective lover, so concerned and anxious to help her. Deja Vous; (Gio thought)….Betty Suarez again handcuffed, arrested, looking lost and afraid with police officers all around her….who was going to save her this time as Gio frantically spoke to his friend….
"For Gods sakes Daniel…what the hell has she done again, is she the most annoying, idiotic, trusting, beautiful sap you've ever met….Shit, Danny…..she's really done it this time man, kidnapping….Jeeze this is gonna take some cleaning up. Crap, it's no good, I'm going to her, I can't stand this any longer if she's going down I'm telling her I'll be there for her (looking straight at Daniel)….as he friend…nothing else….I know…that's all she wants….I'm okay with that….honest…I am..yeah….friends (sincerity and love written all over his face Gio continued)…..I can't let her down Daniel….she's gonna be so scared man….so ….don't try to stop me…..God, look at her….fuck Daniel…I've gotta help or I'll go mad….let me out….NOW!"
"Yeah, that's right Gio, confuse her even more, ruin any chance you'll ever have with her, you and your Italian, hot headed passion. The last thing she needs is some irate ex on her case, telling her off for being so stupid, you know you'll do that, it's your way Gio you can't help yourself and it won't help man….you have no right…she isn't yours…think, think my friend. Matt's her boyfriend she needs, she wants him I thought we'd agreed …you'd agreed that was all you expected….friendship, go racing in like some protective lover and you'll scare her off…Again! Anything more will only lead to heartache…for you…I'm trying to protect you Gio….listen to me…you'd do the same for me…you have..so…..my friend.. Stop! Stop now! Before you go too far! I'll deal with it, I'll sort it….she already has a solicitor I've seen to that, he's there with her now…Look! ….Trust me Gio ….(holding him to stop him racing out of the limousine) she'll be fine…I'm sure of it. There'll be a simple explanation for all this mess….. you know how gullible she is ..It's all just one of Betty's stupid….misunderstandings…I'll get her off….I'll sort it…just….Calm Down!....Relax before you explode!.....Mind you Gio between you and me ……in regards to her friends well….that's another matter…...they've had it!.....kidnapping my half brother….I'll throw the book at them I don't know about Wilhelmina…."
"Okay, okay…Daniel ..(hands up in a concessionary stance) we'll do it your way……this time….you're right she doesn't need me complicating things…so I'll back off….stay away…but I'm only over the road, I'll stand by the cop car where Christine and her husband are….I know her….I'll see what's going on….just for Betty's sake…..Okay? …if she needs me ….you just tell me, get me over there…….I don't give a damn if she's annoyed with me for interfering….she's always mad with me ..it's our 'thing'….So, Daniel….any problems just shout and I'll come a running to help….yeah help …my friend…. Betty…..Okay? (louder)…Okay man!?
"Fine Gio, over by the cop car..yeah, yeah, got it….just…chill before you blow a gasket…(whispering under his breath as he walked away towards Betty)….You mad fucking Italian….jeeze I don't know who's the crazier Betty or him…they're meant for each other if they could just stop frelling arguing for a minute…. …."
Unlocked from her handcuffs, relieved she was no longer a suspect Betty hadn't noticed anyone talking to Christine and Stuart as they sat in the police car awaiting their inevitable incarceration. Nodding and passing information from one to another the onlooker had disappeared into the throng of people that were now watching all the mayhem. Betty walked over to her friends, ensuring them she would try to help but somehow they seemed calm and resigned to their fate, such calm had frightened Betty, were they that despondent, broken?
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Not a soul had seen the young parents return to Mode on their release from the police jail the next day outside the Meade building, their old battered car, ready, packed with their belongings and eager to collect their son, no ceremony, no newspapers, no fanfare…… except one……….
"Gio, Christine and Stuart whispered in unison, thank you for your help, we've got no money we'd have rotted in prison without you and Betty, how can we ever repay you? Why would you?.....Argh of course (Christine gasped)…you still love her, I should have thought. I know her pretty well Gio, she'll get through this, grow up, she just needs time to work out what's important to her…..since William I know success, a career and wealth aren't the most important things in life…..Betty's so naïve and innocent but she's changing. (As the small Italian sheepishly looked on her Christine continued) She came good for us Gio, she was the 'old Betty', I…we love, she's still there, I saw it today…..not the Mode girl of late. Aye, she was the wee sweetheart who'd give you her last penny that I first knew when I came to the states……my canny, wee, gentle Betty, I dinna know where she went fur a while but she was there for me today Gio…yeah, she was my friend again. Don't give up on her..(looking on his sad but somehow hopeful face as he listened to her Christine whispered)…..Argh bless you Giovanni Rossi you couldn't give up on her if you wanted to ….could you? (hugging him tightly for a few seconds)….I know…I know…..hang on in there….shush….it'll all be fine in the end, trust me I know my….your Betty (As she stood away from him Christine had a resigned and determined stance as she continued to speak)…..
Gio, we're, on our way now to tell her that I'm leaving Mode and we're getting away, no idea where we haven't really got that planned yet. Stuart and I would like to return home to Scotland but that's just a dream, we just canna afford it. Hopefully I'll get a job and we can work our way back home eventually to our family…I've, no we've had enough of the States….I want to return to Scotland, I ..we want our son William to know his roots..know his kin…his family and our parents are old Gio so they want to see him…you know before they pass…..…"
"How much, how much do you need….to get home Christine?" Gio chokingly replied…..
"No, No that wasn't a hint Gio, we'll get back in time it will just take a while and anyway you couldna afford it…it's too much..it's thousands of dollars…where would you get that kinda money…you're just a sandwich boy! And Gio……you've helped us so much already…No my friend…thanks but you've done enough……."
"Christine, you'd be surprised what I can afford and I …I want to do it for you…family is important…no it's everything. If that's what you really want…..what you need…jeeze….how much is it?"
"At least Five thousand dollars" Christine sheepishly replied…….."
Taking out his wallet and lifting the exact amount of money required, plus extra's, handing it over to Christine's husband the looks on the two peoples faces in front of him was all the reward he needed. Embracing Gio, Christine whispering her thanks in his ear all that was left was for them to collect their boy and leave, oh and say goodbye to Betty as Gio spoke.
" Be gentle with her Christine, she loves you….I know…she used to tell me, talk of you all the time, you were her heroine, her inspiration…I think I replaced you for a while but I know she's gonna miss you…."
Nodding, knowing Gio was right Christine stood in the lift with Stuart as the doors closed ….Fifteen minutes later there they stood once more with William in his momma's arms, tears falling. As Christine passed the boy to his daddy she held Gio in her arms, tapping his back as if comforting a child as she whispered….
"It's done Gio, she's upset I know, she's very upset but she understands I have to leave, go home and thank you for everything…she's a lucky lady to have a friend…no …that's wrong a man who loves her like you do….one day she'll see it Gio…give her time she's still maturing…she's such a child she's not ready for what you're offering…be patient…she is such a gentle soul…..but naïve…" as Gio gently interrupted…..
"and Stupid….Christine….silly, annoying…so many things…but…. I love her, I can't help myself.…..I've made my mind up…..I'm going to her…now! I know she needs me…I know it…as a friend, nothing more that's all I can have but I just want to hold her..you know…be there for her…God, (turning around on the spot, twisting his hands in genuine pain, not knowing how to control his pent up feelings). What the hell should I do?…..I don't know Christine, (Looking right into his companions eyes, so full on and frantic)….how can I hold back…. be her friend when all I want is to…..(closing his eyes, gasping for breath as he controlled his emotions)….kiss her. Anyway, it's no good…….I'm going…..it's time…it's been a year…I need to see her, talk with her before I loose my mind …I've so missed her…she can argue, insult me I don't care just as long as I'm part of her life again….that's all I need….yeah, all I need. (Nodding her head, agreeing Christine stepped away further and further from her companion as he spoke once more in the gentlest of tones) ….Take care Christine….be happy….."
As Christine and Stuart walked out of the building Gio took his courage into his own hands and took the service elevator to the upper floors to find Betty. Ever careful of her needs he'd thought of her, she'd be hungry, he knew that and sandwich and cookie in hand he flew up the final stairwell to the Mode offices. He wanted to surprise her. Entering the corridor to Daniels office he heard her voice talking to someone on her mobile as she strode across the offices to the reception desk to collect something having left her coat and handbag, Gio knew she'd return as he listened as her voice approached ready to find the courage to talk to her once more.….
"Matt, hello ...where did you go then the signal faded….I'm so upset, missing you….Christine's just told me she's leaving, going home to Scotland….I know, I miss you too….I can come to yours if you like…are you sure then….that would be nice…I'll be there as soon as I can….. I just have to collect my things from my desk……. No, no you don't need to send the chauffeur around I'll get a taxi…see you in about thirty minutes, love you….bye….."
Looking, straining as she thought she saw a package on her desk near her belongings but not quite believing what she was seeing Betty turned off her mobile and picked up the carefully wrapped Turkey and sun dried tomato baguette with a black and white cookie wrapped in a clear bag next to it as she whispered……
"Gio you were here……why didn't you stay?.....Oh Matt…you heard me talking to Matt……Gio……….. (she sighed)"
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"Oh George, where is he? (Eyes wide open in wonderment of the question and lips twisted in total disdain)…who? …Who do you think you old f..flan maker..…..Gio of course! I've been looking for him everywhere…..where is that sexy hunk of man…. (putting her head around the counter and looking into the preparation room) .is he avoiding me? I could understand if he was…I mean we did have a little tonsil hockey last time I saw him but hey I thought we were friends….I mean how could he not be I'm too damn gorgeous to forget and anyway where would I get the best chocolate doughnuts (continuing to look around although no where to hide a trolley let alone a well made and amply endowed Italian chef) ever! If not from Gio's sandwich bar…Now, tell me, I just gotta know…...you buy them in don't you…you do don't you?…..(nodding his head in the negative George looked quizzically but certain she was quite insane at the tall female, dressed in a tight red skirt and matching top that fitted where it touched and fell down to expose her ample and highly supported bosoms bouncing under several layers of gold necklaces)…Nooo you mean you make them…you actually make those chocolate doughnuts….boy..who's recipe?….(George pointed to the name of the proprietor of the shop)….Nooooooo Gio, he makes them…it's his recipe…..Jeeze not only gorgeous but talented as well..I'm telling ya if my Archie wasn't such a catch I'd be on that Gio like a fly on…well .like a fly….if there's anything sexier than a man of power and officialdom it's a man who can….cook….you know I just knew it…he's not only got the tastiest buns in the business he makes the tastiest buns…Okay …George what you looking at…..can I help it if I'm crap at jokes and a total sucker for a hot guy?
Anyway I can't spend all day talking doughnuts I've got a house and a business to run…..just tell Gio I was here and he's invited to lunch tomorrow…..NO EXCUSES!…Okay…twelve thirty….(falling out of the shop door almost toppling off her red high heels) I need to talk to him about…tell him Betty..yeah that'll get his attention….(suddenly distracted ).Hmm those bagels look so good ….maybe I could…No Hilda she answered herself …a minute on the hips and a month in the mouth..or something like that…God damn it I could never get those darn things right…no wonder I was pants at school and had to kiss the boys behind the bike sheds to get my work done…what! (Looking at George)….okay so I was popular…..Go stick your head up your…No..No Hilda…you're a counsellors girl now…...behave…anyway don't forget tell that doughnut making love god…tomorrow…..No excuses..…..byeeee……"
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House all polished, doughnuts on a plate ready, coffee percolating in the pot and the radio on lightly Hilda waited and waited, she'd made an effort her hair was layered up on her head and she'd toned down her normal dress she didn't want Gio thinking she was hitting on him…I mean she wouldn't have minded but she was in a relationship now with Archie and those days were over….given a chance she could be respectable, Archie liked her respectable …..until she ripped the skirt off to reveal her tart outfit….she'd got that special for him..it lifted up the parts like nothing else …his as well as hers. In fact Archie was expected in a few hours so she needed Gio to hurry up, the salon had been closed for the day, papi had gone out with Elena, Justin was at high school and the plan was an afternoon of unbridled….nookie…..So she was getting a little agitated as one o'clock had arrived and no sign of Gio…Just as she was about to loose her cool and race around to his sandwich shop the door was knocked. Walking forward it was unmistakably him, small, rocking to and fro in his usual manner. Hilda pulled down her skirt from up her thighs, did likewise with her top so her breasts were shown in their best light and poofing up her boobs and checking her lippy one last time she put her best smile on and opened the door ….as she shouted….
"Giovanni Rossi….there you are…you gorgeous hunk of man…you look good enough to eat and believe me if my Archie wasn't satisfying me I'd jump your baguette any day…what. What! Gio you know me I'm only kidding I'm a good girl now….my Archie has tamed me……well he thinks he has and between you and me I think I like it… Anyway….I've got you here for a reason…and that reason is B….There got ya…knew not matter what I said that would sort it….(As he walked past, taking his leather jacket off and seating himself on the lounge recliner)..Jeeze Giovanni Rossi do you have the nicest ass…et I've ever seen…yeah, small but perfect..hmm like a little peach just waiting for someone to bite into it (eyes lifting and pretend eating with her lips Hilda looked up and turned away as she called out)…Hmm I'll just go and get the coffee I need to have something in my hand and to put my mouth around before I…..No….I'm a good girl …yeah I am….damn it she whispered…and smiled ….. Now Gio….I've got you here for a reason…its Betty…I need your help……" as Gio gingerly replied….,
"Betty's nothing to do with me Hilda, I was going to try to be her friend but lets say I kinda found out I can't do it. She's with her new man now….Matt is it and she's well…she's happy and I'm too busy….I'm gonna move soon to LA the business is doing well and I need to get away. Daniels got a few problems but when that's through I'm….going. …and I don't intend to move back..for anything….So, what can I do for you Hilda that won't involve putting my nose and my heart in the firing line to get broken?." Speaking gently Hilda replied….
"I'm worried about her Gio, she's been so full on with Daniel and Mode lately and well she's into this Matt and I'm not sure she should be. She won't listen to me and why should she God she's twenty five she's allowed to make her own mistakes but…. There's something weird about Matt, he's rich and boy that's cool but he hangs around here all the time, he's always sponging off Betty but that's not the half of it…he's taking her from her plan…her five year plan. You wouldn't know this but the jobs freeze at Mode it means there's nothing for Betty and well her and Marc they're relying on their YETI programme to get them job interviews. Seems Matt well he isn't interested anymore he's ..he's going to quit and start art classes….Betty was standing up for him but jeeze seems he never finishes anything he starts…he gets bored and even though I know Betty's in denial she thinks she'll be the next thing he tires of….He's a reformed sex addict Gio, he's having therapy and well he's got a lot of baggage…Betty needs to concentrate on her career and all she's doing is nannying Matt. Hey, Gio I'm like her ma in so many ways I just thought….as you have/had some influence with Betty…oh crap I'm desperate…."
"What! He's a sex addict? What the fuck! Is Betty stupid hooking up with an addict of any kind….what the heck….God Hilda..why didn't you….stop her for gods sake…is she being safe, protecting herself…I mean Hilda..this is Betty for Christs sake ..this Matt…how could he…how could he put her at risk like that…..Jeeze if I get my hands on him…. But Hilda, she loves him right, I heard her on the telephone …she's into him ….like Henry yeah….I mean please tell me she hasn't done all this and she's not sure…No, not Betty she wouldn't be that stupid ….would she? And…and what Five Year Plan….since when….who the hell pushed that…she never had a plan before ….I used to tell her to have one and she'd laugh at me….tell me off…..say I was mad…maybe….just maybe….and her career it's suffering because of this man yeah, how do you know, what if she condones it Hilda….I mean surely she's not just doing anything he wants to make him happy….didn't I teach her…hasn't she learned anything…but what the frell do you want me to do Hilda…I can't….I can't….No, I'm getting on with my own life now…moving on….no, no, no!….."
"She's fine Gio, she's not stupid, she's taken care of herself and I made her, you're right, his history well …I told her..too late I reckon but she knows how to look after herself,,,,, Matt isn't her first…he's ..well he isn't her first…she's safe, don't worry I'm her sis….I put her right.. No it's not that it's her career, I'm real worried she's throwing it all away for ….love?…. It's Daniel, Gio she's put everything into him and he can't give her a promotion the companies in crap central and Betty's stuck on Go. He'll give her a great reference but she'll have to move on because there's nothing at Mode for her and her YETI assignment is everything and that nice, rich boy …well he's spoiling it all. Marc and her are working their tails off and he's well he's shirking and Betty's taking all his problems on as well….you know her Gio she has to have someone who needs her, who she can momma or she's afraid. Gio she doesn't need it. I know she likes him a lot but I really don't think she loves him….not yet…not like Henry…."
"She doesn't…not yet….and she's safe?…Thank god….and there's no jobs…are you sure Hilda…nothing ….I could…."
"What (head tilted looking on quizzically) Gio, you can do a lot of things but what do you know about magazines? … and that's not all Gio….it's Daniel as well….he's getting married, he suddenly proposed to Molly and of course Betty thinks its all her responsibility…don't know why she just does….why for gods sake can't he organise his own wedding ..he's got enough money and what's the rush? They've got years for gods sake..why put all the stress on my sister?..She's got enough on her plate….. I mean, here's me, ready to meet you dressed in my ..cough cough….outfit ready for a nice afternoon of tea and doughnuts with my Archie and I get a call last minute telling me to get my glad rags on….it seems Daniels getting married today ..yeah today at the Planetarium! What's the problem is Molly in her second trimester, fiesta, whatever it is? Papi's been roped in now to do catering, we're all invited…Archie can't come..something to do with not mixing with millionaire types, bad for his everyman image so I've got to dress up now, fix my face and go watch some nuptials…Hey, a thought do you wanna come Gio…just to hold my hand ofcourse…Nah, didn't think so….Well guess I'm going with Justin then ..oh yeah let me finish while I remember…so many things to do and so little of Hilda to go around….yeah…and YETI's finished as well she'd got no job prospects, no chance of promotion and now potentially with Mr rich boy acting like a kid whose pacifiers been taken…..no boyfriend either!….. and (Gio's mobile buzzed as he opened a message….as he spoke trying to remember everything Hilda had said…he liked her, he liked her a lot but she was two buns short of a bakers dozen..and some…)._
"Molly and Daniel…well they haven't got ….well it's not so simple Hilda and it seems ….I'm invited too…(showing Hilda his text message)…...tonight….the planetarium……wear my best leather jacket…sarcastic mode boy…isn't he? So you see Hilda…there's nothing I can do Betty will have to sort out her own mess….she won't take any notice of me and I don't want to reintroduce myself into her life and tell her off about her boyfriend and his ….addictions and commitment issues….Nah, that would be wrong…but if I get the chance I'll speak to her…..just as a friend…only that….Okay Hilda?
"Okay….Gio but I know you…you can't kid me I know you still love her…..jeeze you came around here fast enough and you a busy man…if that's not love I don't know what is and I know about the baguette and the cookie….she tells me everything….Betty was so disappointed …she wanted to see you…to speak to you and you…well you we're gone……why did you do that..what are you afraid of Gio….feeling again…?."
"She wanted to speak to me…she told you that….hmm…(whispering under his breath)….I never stopped feeling where your sisters concerned (raising his voice)….Okay, Okay if I get chance I'll have a word, see if there's anything I can do but don't expect too much Hilda…..I can't get to involved…really I can't….you see I'm….I'm over her……I'm getting engaged yeah to Katy, she's agreed to come to LA with me….soon, very soon. Now, I've gotta go ….so …Bye…speak to you soon"
Bracing himself as he left the Suarez home, glad he didn't have to stay too long for a moment Gio held his breath to draw in as much of his inner strength as he could. The past few minutes' conversation had been an eye opener to him, on the one hand Betty had wanted to speak to him, she'd known whom the food gifts were off, of course she did and Matt wasn't proving to be the dream guy. Problem was what did that have to do with Gio, he could not afford to become too involved again as it was probably teething issues in the early part of their relationship and as much as he wanted to he could not get burnt again. Friends was one thing…jeeze what was he thinking he couldn't do that either…where had the engagement to Katy come from …what for in a vain attempt to make Betty jealous?….of what she didn't give a damn about him she would just….be …happy for him. He was going to see her today at the wedding, maybe he could gauge her mood from that, work out for himself if her and this Matt were a couple….yeah he could do that, no real harm to his heart, he was ready ..he could cope…it would be his chance or his (his chest rose and constricted) ….final goodbye……..
……………………………..
"Well man this is it…soon to be a married man…what the heck Daniel, I don't believe it, why so fast, well I know why but today man, how come, who got it all set up, I thought the plan was to go to Borabora and a beach wedding with a few friends…jeeze where the frell did the Planetarium come in, whose bright idea was that…..!
"Oh I know Gio, it was Betty actually she kind of convinced me she told me that my idea of perfection might not be that….'perfect' and I kind of agreed…that perfection might come in a different disguise and I needed to see other options…if I wanted to marry Molly it wasn't the where or the how it was the who….."
"Betty wanted to give you as close to perfection as she could…ha that's kind of ironic, reminds me of a time we….no, well ..that was nice wasn't it, she really said that Daniel?….(nodding in the affirmative in reply)…hmm that's great…great. So that's what, how…why this Planetarium place, it's not the obvious choice for perfection is it?"
"Well, Betty's YETI project has been ruined, her boyfriend has dropped her in it, no singer and he's mad because his mother got Betty the gig and well why not, one of the models is also an ordained priest, there's wedding dresses at Mode and Gio….I love Molly, Molly loves me …she wants to get married before she …dies so..this is it…I'm ready…I've never been more ready….and I'd like you to be my best man….what do you say Gio….I don't have any family, Alexis is in France and you're the best friend I have…so…what do you say..yeah?"
"Is that a good idea Daniel…hey I'm not saying no, I'd be honoured…you know that but…..don't you think it would take a bit of explaining and anyway this is perfection, different…you don't need a best man…you can do this. If you need me I'll be there just not for everyone to see….I'd rather hold back…I need to see if….."
"If Betty is okay with you…I see Gio…sorry my friend I should have thought and hey Matt will be there….so yeah I understand….it's okay….but I'd appreciate a bit of support I'm having trouble fastening my shirt buttons….shit Gio I've never been so fecking scared in all my life….(putting his right hand up, palm facing and slapping Gio's left hand palm to the sound of a defined clap! Their eyes wide open in shock and awe of the situation) ………God! Gio…….I'm getting married….What the f……."
"Yeah, my friend you're getting married to the woman you love…I envy you so much……"
……………………………………
The room was ablaze with white lights and stunning blue back drops surrounded by an ambiance of stars and planets. People were milling around everywhere and there in the middle stood Betty Suarez and……..Matt Hartley…..racing to and fro arranging and delegating duties from waiters to photographers, they made a great couple. What had seemed a lost cause was with a few hugs and kisses resolved so that they were as one again, motivated to finish what they had started and no sign of any discourse at all no sign of a man who was not dedicated to the woman he could not keep his eyes off. Alien beings of both genders lined the outside of the stage that held Daniel and Molly surrounded by a wave of white chairs for the assembled guests. Ignacio Suarez was organising the food for the guests and as the music sounded and the bride appeared from behind the silver doorway that led into the arena.
A small man, dressed in his best brown suit, white shirt and taupe cotton tie looked on, lost and resigned to his future. He'd listened to the service, it was beautiful, he'd wished his friend good luck as he walked to the stage as a man for the first time in his life. He was mesmerised by the small, Latino female organising the two men under her control as she professionally staged the whole event for her friend and to achieve her editorial goal, he was so proud of her, she was doing great things, she didn't need him any longer he knew that now and he knew what he had to do. Stepping out into the corridor that led to the staff area he found Betty's belongings thrown on a large armchair. Picking her jacket up, alone everyone was enjoying the reception he lifted it to his nose, taking in the essence of her, his face so sad, his eyes beginning to fill with the tears he longed to pass. Kissing it once he lowered it back to it's place and from his left hand he took out a small box, closed with a label addressed to a Miss Betty Suarez with the note…..for you…….you earnt it…..your friend….xx Then as he lay it down, sighing for an instant he stood still for a moment, breathed heavily and walked away, never looking back and then he was gone……
"Oh Matt, that was amazing, I'm so glad you agreed to finish YETI even if you intend to go to art school….I'm so proud of you…..I think we can do it….if I don't win or Marc I don't know what we'll do…it's so different for you..you have it all…..and I….we thought Mode would be the answer but..hey….that's life…(stopping her with a kiss). I know, I know (Betty continued)….I need to have more faith in myself, enjoy the moment more…I had a …friend who made me believe that….a good friend….you'd like him I think. (returning back to the present) Matt, that was so good and Daniel is so….happy….I'm so happy for him"
Walking into the staff room and looking at the strange box that lay on her jacket as she went to collect her belongings as she left Matt for a moment Betty gently lifted it. As she opened the box, lined in a blue velvet casement frowning not sure what it was she took out the small object within it whilst simultaneously picking the card that was attached to it and reading the text written on it….you earn't it….your friend..xx Confused Betty turned the trophy over to read the words emblazoned on it….Good Citizen Award 1998 Awarded to Betty Suarez…… Shocked, her mouth agape and running out into the corridor, ignoring a concerned Matt Betty could not control her sadness to know the giver of her gift had gone.
For all her happiness for all her impending success Betty held a pain in her heart and a resigned and hidden sadness for what she had done to Giovanni Rossi, not quite her friend, not quite her lover, always her conscience….why with all she had did she have this desire to see him again and why didn't he come to her….was he over her or in a kind of hope she didn't quite register did he still love her….but hey there was no point thinking like that, she had Matt and Gio had disappeared again…..
…………………………………………..
"Bye ma, I'll be in touch, everything is sorted, the business, Daniel may need me but I told him I'll get back ASAP. Hey ma perhaps you and the girls..Oh and aunt Marguerite could come over soon…have a vacation…some sun, wine and ..well we could star watch…I hear Christian Bale and Freddy Rodriguez live near by and Gerard Butler too…hey Isobella would like that yeah?....Ma, stop crying..I'm a big boy now and I'm only the other side of the states..and turn your damn facebook account on, Ant will set you up for you…. and we can talk…I know, I know….don't give me that look Mrs Rossi….. I'm a computer geek now….a new obsession that doesn't include a certain personal assistant…that's what you wanted, isn't it? You know me I'll be glued to it….so Ma….turn it on…. and when you get good we'll do a photo link…you can see me with a new sun tan and a goatee…yeah I fancy going all El Wray…..ma, I'm joking…I'll stay clan shaven..I know papi had standards…okay…okay (Gio's mobile rings) Hold on ma I'd just better get this, a few minutes more and I have to hand over my luggage. Opening his mobile a voice shouting out to him frantic interspersed with bouts of agony.
Hey, Daniel….Daniel..calm down man, …you said what,! Molly's where? Okay….breath man, remember everything we said…you can do this, you need to be together man….for Molly…..What am I doing…you heard airport noises….oh nothing…..it's …its' just the television…yeah I'm at the apartment …Die Hard's on…..no problem….Now, where are you….okay Mount Sinai……I'll be there…hang on Daniel….it'll be okay…everything will be okay.....I'm gone…."
"What's the matter Gio,…..hospital..is it your sisters, Marguerite…I don't like the look of her lately….No?...then what, it must be important to stop you leaving today…this was your new beginning….can't it wait son?"
"No, no ma, I have to go…..it's Daniel, Daniel Meade….it's his new wife….Molly…she's got cancer….she's dying…Daniels my friend and I have to be…."
"Go, Go Giovanni….I understand…I'll take care of all this…leave it with me, you can get a later ticket….your friend needs you…..(under her breath as Theresa Rossi watched her son speed away to the airport exit) Maybe this is the sign I asked for so my son wouldn't leave….perhaps, no I'm holding out for a miracle…maybe….he'll stay …just a little longer…."
TBC…..