Title: Beauty & The Beast
Chapter 14 – Trouble is Brewing

Mac didn't really notice much of the food, although the interesting items from the deli that Stella had brought were tasty and very fulfilling; his mind was still reeling with happy delight at the fact that she even wanted to surprise him like this. When he had asked her out for dinner, he had told himself that to compare wasn't fair to Stella or Claire, but Stella was just surprising him left, right and center it was almost an impossible task not to at times. He listens to her talk about her week so far, briefly mentioning that Isaac had a stomach flue as she handed him a few more delectable items.

"Mac?"

"Sorry…"

"You still here with me?" Stella lightly challenges with a sweet smile.

"For the most part," Mac answers with a small smirk. "Part of me is listening whole heartedly and the other part is still trying to convince myself you are really here," he concludes and her smile brightens. "In case I forget to tell you later, the food was amazing and thank you for lunch."

"I am just glad you are enjoying it so much; this whole lunch in fact. Wish I didn't have to go back," she finishes with a soft whisper, making him look up in surprise.

"Do you?" He blurts out, not even giving his mind proper time to ponder his forward request.

"I do," she replies with a small sigh.

"Course you do," Mac agrees with a small smile. "I guess not showing up for a meeting this afternoon that I booked would be in bad form as well right?"

"Might make your clients a little suspicious," Stella winks and his face warms.

"Probably right," Mac chuckles. "Are you all set for the weekend?"

"I am going dress shopping later this week. Lindsay gave me some ideas but don't worry I won't show up wearing a neon pink ball gown."

"You would still look beautiful," Mac warmly compliments; this time it was Stella's face to instantly warm. They talk a bit longer about what to expect before regrettably it was time for Stella to leave and both of them to resume their professional schedules for the rest of the day.

"I hope Isaac feels better soon," Mac tells Stella as he helps her pack up the rest of the lunch items.

"I'm sure it was just one of these kid flues. It's always an amazing mystery how one day they can be sick and then next like nothing ever happened. I am blaming cotton candy."

"That stuff is lethal," Mac smirks as they both stand up facing each other; inches apart. Mac's fingers slowly move upward and rest on Stella's hand, his head slightly tilting to one side. "Thank you again," he whispers softly as he leans in and plants a tender kiss on her lips. It wasn't as long as the last time, but business propriety demanded his professional behavior and that was the code he had to abide by.

"You are welcome. And thank you for the most enjoyable lunch hour I have had…maybe ever," she admits in truth and his grin widens.

"I'll walk you out."

They finally exit Mac's office, Stella offering a goodbye to Bonnie and then it was outside into the warm afternoon sun. "See you Saturday," Stella tells Mac as they reach her car. She kisses him once more on the cheek before she hops into her vehicle and its back to the school.

"Well I guess with that smile, I don't have to ask how lunch went," Lindsay greets her with a warm grin.

"It was perfect."

Stella did have to commend herself for being actually able to concentrate on her students for the rest of the afternoon, although Mac's handsome face was always there in the back of her mind reminding her of the amazing lunch she had just shared with a man she was in love with. Love. That word always had such a sacred meaning for her and it wasn't something she tossed around casually or offered lightly. It was reserved for the chosen few, and aside from her father and two adorable children; was waiting for one other person to wear that title proudly. She now wants that person to be Mac.

Stella brings her car to a stop and stares at the two people before her in the back alley, standing beside her father's car. She knew her father but the attractive and very well kept older woman to his right, she assumed was Alice. She watches her father's face offer a warm smile but his body was still kept back at a safe distance. Pressuring him into a romantic engagement was something she would never do, but seeing him happy was a true blessing.

She slowly exits the car and instantly draws both faces toward her.

"Hello Stella," Sid greets his daughter as she approaches. "I'd like you to meet Alice Simpson."

"Nice to meet you."

"A pleasure to finally meet you Stella," Alice gracefully greets. "Your father always speaks so highly of your and your beautiful children. Well I should be going. Thank you again Sidney and I'll see you tomorrow."

"Sure," Sid nods as Alice gets into her car and finally drives away. "Don't even start," Sid smirks as he turns to Stella who only offers him an amused arched brow.

"Wasn't gonna," she just shakes her head. "I'm just happy to see you happy."

"Alice is a friend."

"Well you said it has to start there right?"

"How was your lunch with Mac?"

"Very smooth. Where are the kids?"

"Inside. Alice just had to drop something off. Isaac is back to his old self."

"Think it was the cotton candy?" Stella inquires as they head for the back door.

"Maybe," Sid frowns, prompting Stella to stop and touch his arm. "I think he is having Mac withdrawals and probably doesn't even know it."

"What did he say?"

"Nothing, just carried around his little man named Mac all day and said that he would see him again."

Stella offers a heavy sigh as they finally enter the house and she sets her things down on the table. "I can't rush any of us dad."

"Nor do you answer to a five year old," Sid reminds her. "It's growing pains for him in many ways. Isabella has always been closer to you as is natural for mothers and daughters. Isaac and I have been close but I am not his father and he's starting to really know that. Now that he's getting older and observing other boys with their fathers and hearing the things they do with their dads it will take it's toll. No other man has shown such a personal interest as Mac in such a short time. That's the only point of reference Isaac has. He'll be fine."

"I do want to invite Mac over for dinner but I also thought it was important for Mac and I to…"

"Stella," Sid holds up his hand to stop her from usually rambling. "As I said, you don't owe an explanation to a five year old; be it your son or not. Of course you and Mac have to have your alone time to get to know each other as well because that is also important; just as it is to have him around as part of the family. I mean how do you even know he wants children?"

"I um…well I just assumed because he was so…"

"Well your children are easy to love and he is falling in love with you."

"I can't ask him that."

"Yet," Sid counters. "It will come up, it has to in order for this to work long term."

"Right," Stella huffs as Isabella comes running into the kitchen and into her mother's arms. "Where's your brother?"

"Upstairs. You smell good mummy."

"Thanks baby Belle," she teases her daughter before placing a kiss on her nose. "Okay you help grampa set the table and I'll to and see your brother."

Stella slowly climbs the stairs and heads for Isaac's bedroom, stopping in the doorway and watching her son on the floor playing with some plastic figures. He looks up and offers her a tender smile that always melts her heart. "How are you feeling?"

"Good," he nods before he looks back down. Stella kneels beside him, gently rubbing his back before ruffling his hair and feeling his forehead.

"Well you feel better. Want to come and help with supper?"

"Okay," Isaac resigns as he slowly stands up. Stella turns her precious son to face him and looks into his warm brown eyes, touching his face with her fingers. At that moment she had settled in her mind to call Mac and invite him to her place on Sunday just to spend some more time with them if he so wanted. But she couldn't tell Isaac just yet – he'd drive her insane for the rest of the weekend in anticipation.

They head downstairs and soon join her father and daughter in making dinner and then sitting down to eat together, talking about their days. Stella didn't mention Mac as once again she felt she needed to spare Isaac's feelings, but after supper as she stands in the kitchen she now wonders if hiding the truth from him was such a good idea. She always believed that honesty was the best policy; but living up to that policy right now might hurt her son. This weekend she would once again be going out with Mac on an adult date and Isaac wouldn't be included, would he feign sickness again, if indeed he had done that today?

But before she could say another word, the phone rings and she's quick to answer it. "Mac?"

"Evening Stella. I um…well I am wondering if Isaac is there."

"He's…he is, hold on a sec," Stella replies slowly as she pops her head around the corner into the living room where her family was playing a game. "Isaac sweetie, please come here a sec."

Isaac hurries to his mother who has knelt down before him and hands him the phone. "It's for you," she urges. Isaac takes the phone and holds it the way his mother tells him but says nothing. "Say hello."

"Hello?"

"Isaac this is Mac."

"Hi Mac," Isaac answers, his face instantly lighting up.

"You mum told me that you weren't feeling well today so I called to see if you were better."

Stella, who was able to hear Mac's warm voice over the phone looks at Isaac and nods.

"Yes I'm better," Isaac states proudly. "Can you come over and play with me?" He asks and Stella silently groans.

"Oh I'm sorry Isaac I can't tonight, but I'm sure I'll see you very soon."

"Why not?"

"I um…I just can't."

"Why not?" Isaac repeats, causing Stella to just roll her eyes and sigh.

"Say thank you and goodnight to Mac," Stella directs. But getting a shake in defiance Stella leans in closer, only to have Isaac run away with the phone. With an exasperated sigh she follows after Isaac who had taken the phone into the living room and much to his sister's annoyance was giving Mac a play by play description of everything that was going on.

"Is-aac!" Isabella moans as she tries to grab the phone away from him. "I wanna talk too."

"No!" Isaac shouts as he clutches the phone to his chest.

"Yeah real angels," Stella sighs as she yanks the phone away from her son. "Mac I'm sorry about that."

"Don't be," Mac chuckles. "It was kinda funny."

"Yeah up to the part where they started to yell at each other."

"Mummy! I wanna talks!" Isaac insists as his little hands try to grab the phone away from her grasp.

Stella looks down at her son but wasn't about to lecture him on phone etiquette with Mac still listening on the other end. "Isaac I want you to say goodnight to Mac and thank him for calling. If you can't do that then I will do it for you."

"Ok-ay," Isaac softly whines as he plops down on his bum and begrudgingly accepts the phone. Sid looks up at Stella with an amused smile, forcing her to just shake her head and shrug.

"Goodnight Mac and thank you for calling me."

"Goodnight Isaac and you are welcome. I'm glad you are better."

"I wanna say goodnight also," Isabella protests as Isaac by passes her and tries to hand the phone only to Stella.

"No, he calls for me," Isaac insists.

Stella looks at the downcast face of her daughter and knows that while Mac did call for Isaac to see if he was better, if Mac was to be a part of their life going forward, Isabella would have to be included in that as well.

"Give the phone to your sister."

"But mum…"

"Now Isaac."

"Fine!" Isaac huffs as he tosses the phone at Isabella and storms out of the room. After Isabella says her goodnight, Stella quickly snatches the phone back and continues with Mac in the kitchen.

"Did I cause problems in calling for him?" Mac asks with some uncertainty.

"Not at all, they just have to learn. It's all a part of growing up."

"Well I think you are doing a fantastic job with them."

Stella more than wanted to ask him about his own personal feelings about having children of his own and what he had discussed with Claire, but knew a deeply personal discussion such as that was best discussed face to face, not over the phone, where facial emotions were easily hidden and a voice sometimes deceiving.

"Thank you. And was it okay to talk to Belle as well?"

"Of course," Mac answers in haste. "I am sorry that I wasn't able to accommodate Isaac's request, but with the fundraiser this week I just couldn't…"

"Mac, he'll learn, you don't have to feel guilty or explain yourself to me," Stella tries to assure him.

"I just have a lot to prep for for Saturday," he lets out a heavy sigh.

"He will survive."

They talk a bit longer before it's time to once again regrettably hang up and call it a night. Stella hangs up and notices her father watching her with a big smile.

"Seeing you so happy makes me happy," he simply mentions before he turns and heads back into the living room, leaving Stella to head upstairs and deal with her son.

"Isaac?" Stella approaches as she eases herself down onto his bed and looks at his downcast expression. "Was nice that Mac called you."

"He doesn't want to see me," he pouts as he turns over onto his stomach.

Stella just groans as she turns him back onto his back and looks down at his sorrow filled expression. "Be fair to him, Isaac. He's a busy man but took time from his day to call and see how you were feeling. You'll see him again."

"When?" Isaac asks eagerly.

"Well not if you keep acting this way," Stella reminds him firmly. "You can't pout and act this way when you can't get your own way. Do you think Mac wants to be around an angry little boy?"

"No."

"No he doesn't," she leans in and kisses him on his forehead. "And Mac isn't your friend alone Isaac, Isabella can also talk to Mac when she wants."

"He called for me."

"And she only said goodnight," she interjects. "Now…let's get ready for bed okay? School tomorrow."

XXXXXXXX

Mac hangs up with Stella and looks around his empty living room, once again feeling the stifling silence starting to choke him. Even spending a few minutes with the children had delighted his mind and heart in ways he couldn't express openly. And as he slowly climbs the stairs to his large, lonely Master bedroom he now wonders what it would be like to sit down and color with them; toss a ball around or play Barbie's, help with a real family dinner and…

"I miss…them. I miss...Stella," Mac openly confesses, putting an end to his mental question period. He slowly settles down onto the edge of his bed, picturing Stella's frame in his minds eye as she stands before the large empty walk in closet that used to belong to Claire, asking him his opinion on what she might wear while the children play in the room.

But as he starts to get ready for bed, his mind wanders back to his discussion with Danny and how he and Lindsay were going to match colors for the fundraiser. His outfit would be plain, a simple black suit. But would Stella be unnerved by the fact that he would wear a tie to match her dress? She didn't have a dress.

'Am going shopping Friday night at this place Lindsay told me about.'

Mac looks at the phone once again, a plan starting to formulate inside his brain. A surprise? If Stella didn't like it, he could always feign ignorance right? Giving his head a small shake, he climbs into bed and flips off the light switch. But unlike the nights before his mind was too active from the day's events so much so that when he closes his eyes he's able to recall his lunch with Stella in precise detail.

His lips curl upward in the dark as he remembers her surprising him with an amazing lunch right out of the blue. Her animated gestures, her musical laugh, the sparkle in her emerald orbs and the smile upon her beautiful face; everything was committed to memory. Hearing the children's voices in his head saying goodnight and then finally Stella's, Mac is able to allow himself to be whisked away into darkness, being consumed by sleep and waking up well rested.

The next morning, Mac quickly goes about getting ready, the house still quiet and empty with his mother in Chicago. He had called her as soon as the working day had ended; not surprised at all by the warm affectionate response she gave him about Stella's surprise.

'Hang onto her my son.' Where the loving words his mother had replied with. Wanting to do that wasn't going to be too hard on his part but he didn't want to hang on too tight and scare her away at all.

'I'll be back Friday night. See you then.'

He had already had it in his mind to call his mother but still wanted to know what color of dress Stella would be wearing. Calling Lindsay to ask might be moot as she might not know until the day of the event; then he'd be stuck. So with a deep breath he does something he's never done before in his adult life, calls the dress shop and asks for a favor.

By the time he finishes the call, Mac's heart rate was already racing and he wonders if coffee would be a good idea or if the caffeine would just add to his nervous anxiety. His phone buzzes to life before he can make another decision on his choice of beverage and he's quick to answer it.

'Morning Mac. Just a quick note to say your call did the trick and Isaac is 100% better. Thank you. Stella.'

Mac's eyes reread the message probably a million times in the span of only a few minutes. It was a mere thank you maybe on her part but held such emotional validation on his; the call was worth it once again. With a bright smile and lessened anxiety, Mac fills his travel mug and heads for the door, talking briefly to Jessica outside before both are called away to busy working days ahead.

But the day wasn't to be all roses as as soon as he's in the phone rings and the smug voice of his nemesis is heard on the other end.

"Still planning to make an appearance Taylor?" Frankie Mala asks with a mock laugh.

"It's too bad you are not busy enough with work that you have to waste your time with these childish calls," Mac huffs as he looks up as Danny nears his office. "Was there something grown up you wanted to talk about Mala?"

"Nope just practicing my smile for when you fall on your professional ass on Saturday night."

"Well if you are planning to trip me thanks for the warning."

"Hope you were are least able to negotiate a reasonable hourly rate with your date Taylor," Frankie laughs before he hangs up.

"Bastard."

"What did he want?" Danny inquires.

"He's a coward and is obviously very afraid of the impact my returning is having on his clientele," Mac replies as he looks up at Danny with a frown. "I am not rattled by him."

"He's an ass and full of hot air," Danny growls. "You know my brother Louie has some unsightly pals in Manhattan. Want me to place a call?" He asks with a small smirk.

"Thanks but I think I got this covered."

"Hey I'm just askin'," Danny grins before he hands Mac a file and then steps back. "What um…time are you and Stella arriving?"

"I don't want to open the place up. You?"

"Lindsay and I are opening the place up," Danny sighs as he just shakes his head.

"Danny you don't have to be there that early; the school's foundation is taking care of it."

"Are you sure?"

"Ask Bonnie. So tell Lindsay not to stress about it."

"Figures," Danny just shakes his head as he turns to leave, Mac watching with an amused smile. But that smile quickly turns to a frown as he sits back and ponders Frankie's stupid words. Would he try to cause trouble to Stella? Paid by the hour? Of course he knew Frankie's ugly inference and just hopes that if Frankie were to suggest something so stupid in Stella's presence that he'd be able to contain himself and not ruin the night.

"Can I have him thrown out?" Mac muses to himself. Don would be happy for some police action, his brain chuckles. The night would probably just pass with a few snide remarks and some tension but he tells himself that would be it and then it would have been one more social and public outing that he would have overcome.

"With Stella's help," he softly acknowledges as the phone rings again. The next two nights wouldn't be as bad as the week before as he would be kept busy with the fundraiser final details and then of course his mother arriving on Friday. The end of the week arrived soon enough.

"Are you nervous about tomorrow?" Millie asks Mac as they head home from the airport.

"Not about Stella coming with me," he answers in truth. "I guess just about all the fanfare and such. I haven't been to one of these things in…"

"Five years. It's been too long."

"So it seems. The one plus is that the majority of the clientele will be on my side and…" Mac stops and utters a heavy sigh.

"What is it?"

"My side…seems so childish to have sides."

"Mala is a child," Millie retorts. "You should expect nothing less. Now what time do you pick up Stella tomorrow?"

"I told her six. I don't want to arrive too early and the food starts at six-thirty."

"I think you are going to have a wonderful time," Millie pats his hand as he brings the SUV to a stop. "Just don't try to overanalyze everything that someone says to you."

"I think I'm prepared for people to be surprised and stuff like that. I'm sure I'm worried for nothing."

They both head into the house, Mac taking his mother's bag in for her and both of them stopping in the kitchen while she makes them a light snack before bed; talking more about the weeks events, before finally turning in for the night. Sleep was proving to be restless for Mac as his mind tried to picture the style of her dress; something he declined to know as he truly wanted to be surprised.

XXXXXXXX

"You're up early," Sid mentions to Stella early Saturday morning as he slowly ambles into the kitchen, gladly taking a cup of coffee from his daughter.

"Too ner…excited to sleep much longer. Kids awake yet?"

"I think so. We might get rain tomorrow."

"I know," Stella looks out the window with a glum expression. "I really wanted to get a picnic outside if possible. They'll be stuck indoors enough when winter comes."

"Well at least you didn't hint at anything," Sid looks up at the stairs to make sure that they didn't have any uninvited eavesdroppers listening. "Not sure Mac would want to play ball or picnic in the rain."

"You know something tells me he'd probably just shrug and accept it," Stella smirks as they finally hear the pitter-patter of little feet down the stairs. She casts one more glance at the fridge, her gaze lingering on the picture that Isaac had drawn of his family to include Mac and feels her heart warm even further.

"Morning," she greets her children with a hug and kiss before asking who wanted to help make French toast with fresh fruit for breakfast. She tries to concentrate on her children's laughter and stories but her mind can't help but wish she had taken Lindsay's advice and told Mac at least what color her dress was.

'I know it's kinda lame to some but Danny and like to match the colors,' Lindsay had explained with a sweet laugh.

But she left it there, telling herself that it would be far too soon to even suggest to Mac they should try to coordinate their colors; they had so far only had a few dates, including tonight.

"Earth to Stella," Sid teases and her attention snaps back to her children. During the day she would try to keep them busy so that they wouldn't be too upset, especially when Mac came tonight and once again would be coming to see her and not them. Hence the talk she was about to have. Stella takes Isaac aside, remembering his sullen attitude last time Mac came by and how it had affected her father and daughter for the rest of the evening.

"Isaac, Mac is coming by tonight again."

"To play?" The young boy asks eagerly.

"Not tonight sweetie, I'm sorry he can't."

"Why not?"

"Because I am going with him to a dinner for grownups," she tries to soften the sting. He looks up at her as his eyes start to well and her heart sinks. "Isaac don't be sad. But I'll make you a deal, if you are a good boy when Mac comes by maybe we can drop by tomorrow and see him. How does that sound?"

"Ok-ay," Isaac answers less than enthusiastically.

"Come on my sweet boy I know this is all so new for all of us, but we can't just force Mac to be a part of our lives."

"Why not?" Isaac asks again.

"It's just not the way things work; when you are older you'll understand. Now wanna help me get ready?"

"No," he shakes his head, jumps off her bed and darts out of the room.

With a small sigh, Stella slowly stands up and then heads into her closet to get ready. As her eyes rest upon the fancy garment bag keeping her new gown out of harms way, her mind drifts back to the night before, when she first entered the dress shop looking for something to wow Mac with. The older sales woman was very attentive, helping her with her final decision which also included shoes and a matching clutch.

She slowly pulls on the sexy underwear and then finally the dress. It just skimmed the floor but wasn't too long so as to hide her shoes. It hugged her curves in all the right places and was modest enough for a business function and yet dressy enough to fit in with the rest of the formal attire; but it wasn't bridal. It was…

"Perfect," Stella whispers as she stares at her reflection in the mirror.

"Mac is going to melt," Sid praises as he offers the doorway a small knock and enters up on her bidding. "You look amazing."

"I feel amazing in this."

Stella finishes getting ready and then looks at the clock – Mac would be there any second. Now her heart starts to beat faster, what would tonight hold?

XXXXXXXX

Mac nears Stella's home and feels his heart rate start to rise, it would be his first real public appearance amongst friends and business colleagues since Claire's passing.

"Everything is going to be fine," Mac repeats to himself over and over as he brings his SUV to a slow in front of Stella's place. After taking a deep breath he gets out and heads for her back door, his mind also wondering how Isaac was going to react. He hopes to suggest to Stella that they all head out to the park the next day but just wants to see how the night fares and what Stella's reaction will be to finally be immersed in his world.

"Hey Mac," Sid greets as Mac slowly enters the cozy abode and offers a kind smile to the older man before him. He glances up just as Isaac rushes into the room and wraps his arms around his legs.

"Hey Isaac," Mac ruffles the young boy's hair as the child looks up with adoring eyes. "You being a good boy for your mother?"

"Yes. Can you stay?"

"Um…no I can't. I um…"

"Isaac sweetie, remember what we talked about?" Stella's voice is heard, prompting Mac to look up instantly. His breath catches and all he can do for a few seconds is stop and stare.

"Wow," he utters, drawing a warm smile from Sid who swoops in and immediately gathers Isaac into his arms. The young boy insists on giving Mac a hug but after a few whispered words from his grandfather doesn't put up too much of a fuss and offers Mac a smile and goodnight as he takes Isaac out as well as Isabella who had rushed into the room also to give Mac a hug.

"I um…Stella," Mac stammers as she nears. "You look amazing," Mac praises in truth. She was simply stunning. Her dark green emerald dress complimented her olive toned skin and forced her eyes to shine ever more brightly. The one dress was nearly floor length, in a cut that modestly hugged her amazing god-given curves. The one shoulder strap was accented with emerald beading, the same color beads that hung from her ears in decorative tear-drop earrings. Her hair was partially up with curls hanging down. She was stunning.

"And we match," she eyes his dark emerald patterned tie.

"We do," Mac manages as he slowly fishes out a small box from his pocket. "Just one thing missing."

Stella watches as a little blue box is pulled from his black suit and feels her own breath catch in her throat.

"I hope you'll wear this tonight," Mac whispers as he slowly opens the box to reveal one of the most delicate but beautiful bracelets she had ever seen. Stella's eyes fix on the piece of jewelry and she feels her eyes wanting to well. They were real emeralds and must have cost a fortune but that didn't matter; he had bought her a gift.

"Mac I…it's almost too much," she states softly, not able to look up. When she does she notices his warm sapphire eyes watching her with a loving gaze.

"I would be honored if you would wear it," he answers slowly as he removes the bracelet and gestures for her to hold out her wrist. After doing up the clasp both of them look at the item resting on the perfect olive skin. He turns over the clasp to show her a small inscription: 'to Stella, love Mac' She would over analyze the use of the word 'love' later, for now she just wanted to bask in her own emotional glow.

"Thank you almost doesn't seem enough," Stella leans in closer. "Thank you Mac, I absolutely love it," she confesses as her lips connect with his for a few heated seconds.

"That's all I wanted to hear. You ready to go?"

"I am," she replies with a bright smile. Stella gathers her wrap and clutch, calls out a goodbye to her family and soon her and Mac were settled into his SUV and heading for the banquet hall; not knowing the night wasn't going to end as they had planned.

Mac brings his SUV to a halt in front of the valet service and then heads around to Stella's door, offering his arm as they slowly head toward the entrance. Mac feels his stomach tighten as he notices one familiar face after another; bracing himself for the barrage of questions, greetings and welcome back's.

"I see Danny and Lindsay. Over there by Don and Jessica," Stella comments with a somewhat nervous smile as she looks over at Mac. He looked a bit paler than normal but he had told her his fears about this night and so wasn't surprised that his outward display of anxiety was very evident to her. She slowly directs them over to Danny and Lindsay, being stopped every few feet by someone that works with Mac or was acquainted with him in a business sense. Mac offering his standard greeting and introducing her as Stella; no other titles, as if everyone should know that she was with him and nothing else was needed for an explanation.

Just as they near Danny and Lindsay and Don and Jessica, Mac looks up and locks eyes with Frankie. But for some odd reason, his nemesis's expression wasn't what he expected. It was almost – shock? But as long as he kept his distance the night would be fine. He turns his back to his nemesis and starts to talk to his friends.

However, turning your back to your enemy would always prove to be a mistake. And as the six friends start to settle into what they hope will be an enjoyable evening ahead…

Fate was about to intervene; while destiny could only stand by and helplessly watch.

A/N: Okay so I kinda got carried away and had hoped to get through the fundraiser but it was either end it here at the start or rush through it so I ended here and I do hope you are not bored with this update and the fundraiser is all next so please review before you go so Alice will know you are still on board with this story and we'll get busy on the next update.

PS: I hope you also all enjoyed chapter 2 of 'Betrayed' which just updated. Thanks SMACKIES! :D