And dear lord am I exhausted! That's why I'm posting later than Tuesday because work has definitely been putting me through my paces. But, it is so great to still have my creative writing outlet. And to 'JustaFriend', I hope you are feeling better and thank you for your kind words. And a thank you from the bottom of my heart to the rest of you as well for your continued support. And for those of you wondering where that flashback between Heather and her sister Kelsey from last chapter will come into play? You will soon find out… ;) Here is part 2! Hope you all enjoy!

1 hour into the party

(Heather's POV)

Dinner was almost over.

Finally.

I don't think I've ever been through a more awkward dinner since season three when Courtney threw that bowl of spaghetti at Duncan in the plane's dining hall during dinner after they broke up before she then started having a mental breakdown on the floor and we all just… watched.

Hey, I said it then and I'll say it again, at least I for once had nothing to do with any of that crap. Actually, come to think of it, that was probably the only time me or Alejandro weren't the ones being the start of the tension.

But this dinner… yeah, you could totally cut the awkward tension with a machete at this point at our table.

After Alejandro tried to make small talk with some of his cousins after he introduced me, they all just stared at me the rest of the time in awkward silence while we ate like I was some kind of freak show. Well until they look down the moment I even remotely look at them.

But then again… it could've been worse honestly.

It was better than any dinner my family has ever had together, specifically at holidays when mom makes us all sit together and 'eat as a family'.

Ha! That's always such a joke.

At least these people have the decency to just shut it and eat. Whereas I can predict what happens at every dinner my family has ever had together before it even happens.

It always starts with my dad trying to pretend to give a crap by asking us what 'we've been up to lately' until he eventually just talks to CJ since he's 'the favorite' to my dad since they're practically the same damn person.

Then CJ starts talking forever about a bunch of stupid whatever none of us give a crap about like his golf game, his work, his wife… ugh, now he and Anna are probably just going to go on forever about their stupid baby now that she's pregnant after the announcement back at Thanksgiving.

And then either me or Kelsey eventually tell him 'he's full of it and we don't care'. Which is probably the only time I agree with Kelsey about literally anything.

While that's happening, Megan and my mom ignore what's going on and drink wine while talking about things they're doing in their country club committees while Megan's 'Dr. Doofus husband' just looks at his phone and pretends to not be there.

And Damien just sits at the table with his earbuds in the whole time while he eats and then leaves once he's done to play videogames in his room.

That or sometimes CJ's wife Anna idiotically tries to get us to play some stupid game in the middle of everything as a pathetic distraction to try to 'ease the tension'. Well until we all just stare at her until she just sits back down and continues eating silently.

It's always the same dysfunctional shit show.

So awkwardly silent dinners with Alejandro's family?… I'm fine with this.

Besides, that's all behind me now. Now we are finally getting to the part of the evening that I have wanted to do since we got here. Dancing. After all Alejandro's parents used to be professional ballroom dancers (because of course they were), so at the very least they probably have decent taste in music.

I kept finishing off the last of my salmon until I felt like I had eyes on me.

I slowly looked over to see Alejandro's cousin Raul just looking at me with his head tilted, even though I've met so many of his equally and stupidly gorgeous cousins at this point that it's not even funny anymore.

I gave him a slight look back as I snapped, feeling incredibly annoyed as I narrowed my eyes, "Why don't you just take a picture? It'll last longer."

After that, Raul immediately snapped his head back to his plate and kept eating. The rest of the cousins all seemed to follow suit as they all kept eating and avoiding eye contact with me.

Hmph, that's what I thought.

Well, I guess I shouldn't say everyone. Alejandro just gave me a slight smirk once I looked at him. But, I could see through it. He was trying to pretend nothing was happening like I was trying to this whole time.

Look, I'm not stupid and neither is Alejandro.

Odds are everyone has seen what's happened between Alejandro and I on TV and I know there's so much silent judgement from all these posers because of what they saw happened between us. And probably wondering why we were here together?

But as far as I'm concerned, this with us is none of their damn business.

Besides, if I spent my whole life caring about people liking me or giving a shit about what they think of me and what I've done, then I wouldn't have gotten anywhere.

To me, it's all about where you end up. I was on the bottom at one point in my life and I am never going back there. I do and get what I want by any means necessary.

It's like I basically said back in my first season, I know the things I do and say can be harsh… but it's not my problem if people take it personally.

As I've learned really quickly in life, you're either first or last in life when it all boils down. And I'll be damned if I finish last in the end when it all comes down to it.

And if no one likes it… then whatever. Like I care?

(Alejandro's POV)

Well, on one hand it could be worse… but it also could be a lot better.

Then again, what else was I even expecting out of this evening with everyone's reactions to Heather and I together?

Sure no one has been exactly vocal, but nearly all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins have done nothing but stare at us in shock… or looking almost scared.

But, after seeing 'what ended up happening' to me in the finale on the show and also what happened between Heather and I on the volcano… it isn't exactly hard to guess why?

Though I was determined to not let any of this get to me.

I'm with Heather now and nothing will keep me from wanting to be with her after everything; however, it doesn't mean it still isn't exactly easy to just accept the fact that I have my whole extended family looking at Heather and I like some kind of horrifying monstrosity.

And Heather being herself definitely isn't helping the situation either.

But again… what did I expect? I know what Heather's like and as much as she still drives me completely loco… I love her and I'm willing to deal with almost any level of confused and uncomfortable looks at this point from strangers or even my own family just to be able to be with her.

That and I've dealt so long with mother's complete disdain of Heather that it practically has almost no effect on me anymore when it comes to my feelings.

Besides, that doesn't matter and let's just say I have a plan of sorts.

All of a sudden I heard my Uncle Arturo, who was acting as the master of ceremonies, over the speakers again, "Buenas noches! We're just about to conclude dinner hour everyone and move on to some dancing! But, first the man and woman of the hour would like to say a few words."

My uncle is a news anchor and he always acts as a master of ceremonies at family events since he has the voice and personality for it.

My father took the microphone and started, standing arm and arm with mother, "Muchas gracias, Arturo. Now, I know as our friends and family, you are here to show your support of our anniversary; however, we also are quite aware that you are also here to enjoy the festivities… my dear hermano definitely does."

Father looked to the side at my uncle Julio as they both toasted with smirk and laugh as my uncle called out, definitely showing how far along he was with his glasses of wine tonight, "Sí! HERE! HERE!"

That got a smirk out of me and elicited laughs from around the room. I saw my mother exchanging a slight look with Gemma, making me smirk even more in amusement.

But, no one had time to say anything as father continued, "Anyhow, I know Elena said this before dinner, but I would just like to say on behalf of both myself and my wonderful wife again that we appreciate those of you who made the trip here to our party to celebrate our marriage. While we are celebrating slightly earlier than usual, Elena and I will be celebrating 35 years of marriage this coming February… Valentine's day for those of you who didn't know. It was also the day we met at a dance class in our teens. So, I guess you could say that we're in a way also celebrating the 40th anniversary of knowing each other. And considering it was dancing that brought us together, it seems only fitting that we celebrate through those same means. For those of you who didn't know, Elena and I were 5 time World's Classic dancing champions in a variety if different styles, as well as Euro-Salsa Cabaret Champions. So, on that note… please allow mi reina and I to open the floor."

That's the cue.

And almost to unexpectedly punctuate it, I heard Heather exasperate slightly as she let out, "Ugh, finally!"

I grinned as I quirked up an eyebrow and held out my hand and started, "Well, shall we make our way to the floor?" She didn't even give me time to respond as she said, hardly even looking at me, "What do you think?"

Immediately she grabbed my arm and started practically pulling me along to the edge of the dance floor.

But… this was also exactly what I was hoping for.

Because I think I may have a way to get mother to see a side of Heather specifically she has no idea about. And the fact that they were starting off the selection with salsa… this couldn't be anymore perfect.

I still remember how floored I was on our first date when she showed me just a glimpse of how much of a skilled dancer she was. Mother and father were both getting into their rhythm as more and more of the party started to file out on the dance floor… and I made sure to follow suit as I led Heather out on the floor with me.

Since mother thus far has had nothing nice to say about Heather, aside from maybe passive aggressively commenting the previous evening after dinner that she can at least use silverware properly.

And since Heather isn't helping her cause either… it's up to me to show mother why I respect and admire Heather, even if she again still drives me crazy sometimes with her bullheaded stubbornness.

But, if I know anything about Heather and despite how much she always calls me out on this… Heather also likes the opportunity to show off.

So tonight, let's make us center stage.

We got out to the middle of the floor fairly close to where mother and father were dancing. Heather and I got in position and started us in an on-one timing, even though it was difficult to resist not watching mother and father.

Despite my parents going out dancing together twice a month, I hardly ever get to see them dancing together in person outside of weddings and other sorts of soirees such as tonight.

And even I always have to admit, they really are 'the best' when it comes to this area and I don't want to try to completely upstage them… but why not introduce a little 'healthy competition' into the equation?

Eventually Heather pulled me out of my thoughts as she complained, "Um, hello?! Are we just going to be doing a boring 'one-step' all night or are we actually going to be doing something interesting?"

I smirked at her and also felt a wave of satisfaction as I saw mother and father noticing our presence out of the corner of my eye.

Excellent.

Immediately I led both of us into a hammer lock flip as I responded, "Certainly, Heather. Surely you weren't doubting my abilities, were you mi amor?"

She just gave me a narrowed glare and rolled her eyes, making me grin in amusement.

Then I felt like I had to suppress my grin even more when I saw that mother and father took notice of what Heather and I just did, considering that alone showed off exactly what I wanted to.

A hammer lock flip isn't exactly a novice move you can do on the fly with a partner in Salsa that has no idea what they're doing… and my parents just recognized that when Heather and I just executed that move almost flawlessly together.

Mother's expression was shocked as father and I shared a look for a moment before father's intrigued expression surprisingly morphed into a challenging one with a smirk.

I looked back to Heather as I started, "Care to assist me with a little 'healthy competition' for my parents?"

Heather glanced over at my parents before looking back to me as a confident smirk took over her face as she replied, "Gladly."

I grinned as I threw us into another hammer lock flip as she immediately reciprocated the same move right back at me in precision timing.

My parents also mirrored the same thing except my father did a twirl at the end with mother before they immediately went back into an on-one timing. Both of them giving us challenging grins to proceed, which honestly surprised me about mother… then again she looked more determined than anything else and father mostly just seemed amused.

We kept going back and forth.

Doing a variety of lifts, flips, twirls; each move being specifically designed to throw them off. As much as I hate to admit when anyone is better than me, I knew mother and father could counter almost any move Heather and I made and with the song coming to its end… I knew it was time to do this strategically.

If we can't win, then perhaps we can at least stick an oar in and really give them and everyone something to talk about.

I looked back at Heather and started, trying to not be too obvious, "How would you feel about taking a spin?" She immediately gave me a smirk as she replied, "Please, do you think I wore these shoes for nothing?"

Ah, have to love a woman who always comes prepared.

I grinned at that as we got to the right point in our count as I gave her a nod. She smoothly crouched slightly while taking her right ankle in her left hand as I kept hold of her right, giving me my cue to start.

I started spinning her and I was even taken by surprise myself when she just kept telling me to keep going.

The song was almost over; however, and I was determined to end this with smooth execution.

I gave her the signal to retract from the spin and right as she got upright, I lifted her for a fraction of a second before bringing her back down and dipping her slightly just a second before the set concluded.

I was so focused on what we were doing that I didn't realize the audience that ended up congregating around us. And despite the mixed reaction of Heather and I walking into the party together earlier, I was surprised by the amount of my aunts, uncles, and cousins around clapping and cheering and looking genuinely impressed.

It was even surprised to see father looking at us in intrigue and even giving us a nod before applauding a bit himself.

And while mother was mostly in a state of shock at what Heather and I just displayed, even I could detect a hint of being impressed herself.

Which was precisely what I was hoping to achieve.

Eventually Heather got me back into the present and her and I did a slight bow before we just automatically went into the next song.

Waltz.

Honestly, despite my confidence, I couldn't help but seem to be some level of surprised internally. Not only did we catch quite a bit more positive attention from my extended family, but both of my parents seemed to be impressed with what Heather and I were capable of.

Honestly I'm still trying to fully comprehend the exact extent of Heather's skills as a dancer.

Granted I always knew she was a great dancer but she never fails to completely impress me every time we dance together. She really does have an almost natural talent as a dancer on top of the many years of competition she's had to train for with it.

Since Heather seemed insistent to keep dancing, both of us went in step as things eventually scattered to people going about their dancing and socializing.

We kept dancing until I felt a tap on my shoulder as I heard, "May I cut in?"

I whipped my head around only to have my eyes go wide for a moment to see father standing there. A slight smirk on his face as he started, "My apologies for the intrusion, but would you mind if I had this next dance? I feel like we haven't had the opportunity to talk properly, Miss Wilson. Alejandro, perhaps you could go dance with your mother and I can dance with your lovely young lady. Besides, I'd also like to inquire about something with you, if you don't mind?"

Heather and I both exchanged perplexed looks for a second until Heather just crossed her arms and shrugged before saying, "Um, sure. Whatever."

I had no idea what father was planning or what he was doing, but I knew trying to question him wouldn't yield anything.

So… might as well leave gracefully.

I just grinned and nodded before saying, "Very well. I'll be back after this set."

I saw mother talking to Gemma several places away until she grinned once she saw me. I grinned back on reflex, but I couldn't stop myself from looking over my shoulder at Heather now dancing with father.

All the while, the gears of intrigue kept turning in my head.

What's he up to?

({No POV})

Heather and Gerardo kept going in step together as the latest song started.

Which Heather wasn't complaining personally since it was a foxtrot type rhythm and that was one of her favorite styles of dance in particular.

But… she knew she had a look and aire of skepticism written all over her.

She had no time to dwell on it; however, as she saw Gerardo grin slightly.

She was about to say something until Gerardo beat her to it as he started, "I must say, Heather… if I may call you, Heather? I'm quite impressed. I know Alejandro mentioned that you've gone out dancing together before, but my son neglected to mention your prowess in this particular facet. You are quite an exceptional dancer. I'm guessing you have to be classically trained and possibly danced competitively?"

Heather, still looking unsure of Gerardo, responded plainly, "Heather's fine. I started ballet when I was 4 and started to learn how to ballroom dance when I was 6. I have a solid decade of awards to prove it."

Gerardo grinned before replying in utmost intrigue, "Oh sí! I have no doubt. And ballet? That's actually quite interesting. My wife also did ballet for many years before we met and it showed in her skills as a dancer. It takes a lot of talent, skill, and dedication to do ballet. But for a competitive and strong young lady like yourself, I suppose I needn't be quite so shocked. It's admirable really."

Heather, finally having enough of beating around the bush, finally interjected in suspicion and slight annoyance, "Look, no offense, but what are you trying to get out of me here?"

Gerardo almost immediately started chuckling as he responded, still trying to fight back his amusement and intrigue at Heather's very blunt response, "What makes you believe this is all ulterior to another end? I assure you, I genuinely did come over here to talk to you. You are my youngest son's girlfriend and I feel like I hardly know a thing about you."

"There's a lot that people don't know about me." Heather responded bluntly yet somehow opaque, still very suspicious of the entire exchange.

Gerardo gave Heather an intrigued look at her 'mysteriously opaque response' before replying, "I believe a great many of us could say the same… But, anyhow, truly I just wish to say that I was very pleased to hear that you and Alejandro burying your hatchets seemed to be fruitful. I'm glad to see you two are seeming to be getting on with each other thus far in your own way."

"But, why? Besides, I'm very well aware that someone doesn't share the same opinion." Heather said, looking put out as she glanced at Elena across the room.

Gerardo just smirked and shrugged a bit as he started, "Don't mind my wife. She just needs time to get used to the idea. But, there's no need for hostilities, my dear. In fact, I very much hope we can be friends… or at the very least allies. Because I believe you have a lot to offer, especially in terms of being with my son. You're a strong young woman and I happen to admire that quality greatly… considering I happened to marry a strong woman myself. Speaking of… do you by any chance happen to have any sisters?"

Heather gave him a confused look as she retorted slightly in annoyance about why he'd even be asking about her siblings, who as far as she's concerned can all get bent and take a hike for all she cared.

"Why? What's it to you?" Heather retorted in annoyance and confusion.

Gerardo chuckled slightly as he said, "Oh, nothing to me, señorita… But, I can think of someone else it could mean something to."

Heather followed Gerardo's line of sight until she saw him looking far beyond the dancefloor at a table where José and a few of some of his male cousins about his age that seemed to be 'his type' of people were all standing around a standing table from cocktail hour doing shots and acting pretty rowdy.

Heather tilted her head before rolling her eyes at José almost immediately, clearly still showing her annoyed disdain for him after his little stunt he tried to pull on her yesterday.

She was brought back as Gerardo started, "You see, I was asking if you have any sisters around your age since I was hoping that maybe one of them might be interested in perhaps giving my middle son over there a trial. José is the kind of young man who needs a strong young woman to reign him in a bit so to speak. That and I believe a steady girlfriend could do him a lot of good in general. Should you have sisters that you'd think would be interested that is?"

Immediately Heather looked like she was about to make a snarky remark about how much of a handsy, cocky and presumptuous douchebag she thought Josè was.

Plus, in Heather's mind, she thought dating a guy like him would be more of a form torture and she'd sooner rip out all her toe nails than ever go anywhere near him in that respect, but… she paused.

Though she kept in step with Gerardo, the wheels looked as if they were turning in her head as a deviously diabolical thought crossed her mind.

Eventually Heather smirked as she started, trying to hide her internal satisfaction and almost twisted joy at her scheme, "Well, one of my older sisters is married, but… I do have another sister who doesn't live too far from here actually. And I'm pretty sure she's still single."

Gerardo looked intrigued as he started with a grin, "Oh, really? If you don't mind my asking, what's her name?"

Heather was still desperately trying to not give herself away with her scheming as she eventually responded, keeping herself as even as possible, "It's Kelsey. Kelsey Wilson."

Oh Heather, you deviously evil woman. Not that anyone is surprised, right? Lol. XD I really hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. I know I kind of left it hanging, but this is only the beginning. Back in "Propositions and Conniptions", many of you really seemed to like my interpretation of José and also asked me if we'd be seeing more of him in the narrative. While this is of course an Aleheather focused fanfic, I've been toying around with also writing a José related mini-subplot within this same fanfic. After Gerardo noticed Heather putting José in his place a few chapters ago, I could see him being so impressed that he'd wonder if Heather had any sisters (much like herself) who might be willing to date José in the hope of 'straightening him out' personality and ego wise. But, Gerardo isn't the only one scheming it seems since Heather seems all too willing to aid Gerardo just to set Kelsey up with a guy that Heather just sees as the biggest douchebag she's ever met as revenge… which for Heather referring to José is truly saying something. How will this progress though? Just wait and see. ;) I also hope you enjoyed Alejandro and Heather doing some showing off in front of his parents on the dance floor. Since I could never see Heather stooping to the level of trying to pander to a guy's parents since she's just, well… Heather; I thought it would be fun if Alejandro got Heather to show off with him a bit on the dance floor to show more of her talents and hopefully impress his mother specifically. Elena seems to have taken notice, but to what extent have her opinions changed a bit toward Heather? Anyway, thank you all so much for taking the time to read and constructive reviews are always appreciated. I really and truly hope you all are taking care of yourselves and your loved ones to stay safe.

Stay classy all!

Dexter1995