Chapter 3

The Bel Age

Dylan

I'm busy throwing things in a suitcase when my phone rings. I glance at the screen seeing it's Brandon. Well this should be interesting. I have some choice words for my best friend.

"Hello." I fit the phone on my shoulder and hug it with my neck.

"Hey brother…how goes it?"

"Brother huh? By the looks of your Facebook page looks like you are all excited for a brand new brother." I don't hide the tone.

Brandon sighs loudly, "Dylan come on…it was only congratulations. She is my sister. I'm trying to be supportive."

"That's right…good brother Brandon always supportive…please. That guy is a tool."

"He seems nice to me."

"You think everyone is nice."

Brandon chuckles, "That's not true…you are acting like an asshole right now…I'm not thinking you are very nice at the moment."

I swallow hard, silent, he's right…I'm taking out my anger on him. I'm being an asshole.

"Look Dylan…I know it must have been a shock."

"A shock doesn't even begin to explain it."

"You broke up…it's been four years…did you expect her not to move on?"

"Honestly…No…I didn't expect her to move on…I sure as shit haven't. And Austin Evans…fuck that guy. He was waiting around for me to fuck up so he could get her into bed."

Brandon groans, "Ugh." He simply replies, just like when ever his twin sisters sex life comes up.

"She can't marry him Brandon. He's not the one for her."

I hear Brandon take a deep breath. We've had hard times. When I first moved back here, we didn't speak. I was struggling with drugs and after getting clean I had got back together with Kelly. Brandon had told me, look I know you went out with her first, but she was going to be my wife. You crossed the line. We didn't speak for a couple years. Then we ran into each other in Washington last year. I was there on business and we sat in this sports bar for 12 hours and hashed shit out. The truth was Brandon is a brother to me. We're family. I may not be in with the Walsh's like I used to be, but Brandon didn't forget the bond we had.

"She seems happy" Brandon breathes.

"Well I guess I'm glutton for punishment because I want to see it for myself."

"So you know Bren is coming home."

I stop packing, "What?"

"Brenda…she's coming to LA."

"When?" This is the first I've heard of it. It would be JUST my luck for her to come home after 6 years and me traveling to London to put an end to this stupid engagement.

"Yeah…my dad is flying her and Austin out, myself too…to celebrate her engagement." Ok I take that back, it would just be like JIM to fly Brenda out to celebrate her engagement to some asshole as long as it wasn't me. Then the thought comes through, did Jim know I was heading to London? I don't put anything past him anymore.

"My mom and dad are going to have a little celebration up in Malibu, at one of his clients houses whose in Europe for the month. He said he invited everyone."

Wow Jimbo for the almost win, Brenda and myself would have literally been passing each other in the sky. He forgot one major detail though. Brandon.

"When your dad says he invited everyone Bran…you should know that doesn't include me."

"That's not true. Dylan the place is huge, you could literally not cross paths the whole weekend. Besides, dad mentioned you had some business in London. What are the odds though, you having a business trip in London the same weekend Brenda is actually coming home."

It was like a light bulb dinged in my head, but in actuality it was a text.

"Hang on Bran." I look at the screen.

Richard: Your leave is all set with the board. Tommy the VP has the schedule for the week, if you need longer just give me a holler. Enjoy London.

I shake my head, and I know then exactly what Jim is doing. I type out my reply.

Me: Did you happen to tell Jim Walsh of my travel arrangements?

It was my company, we might have business with Lander Walsh financials but Patagonia was mine. I didn't need Jim's permission to take a leave. He wasn't in charge of me anymore and he wasn't on the board.

Three dots move…then stop….then move again…then stop.

Me: Hey dick…you're fired

Richard: What?

"Sorry Brandon." I sigh as my phone dings again. I should have known Richard would do that. He's been a colleague of Jims for years. He always seemed to have my back but obviously he did not.

"Everything okay?" Brandon asks interested.

I start taking out my cold weather London clothes and start packing my warm weather Malibu clothes instead.

"Yeah brother…everything is fine. I'll see you this weekend."

"So you're gonna come? You can reschedule London? I haven't seen you in forever." Dylan didn't miss the spark of hope in his friends tone. "I don't come out to LA very often, it would suck to miss each other."

"And miss the formal introduction to the man that captured my girls heart. Yeah I'm coming. By the way Jones…you never come to LA."

Brandon chuckled, "True…and you'll behave?"

"Oh I didn't say that."

"Dylan…don't make me regret this." Brandon's tone is lighthearted but I hear the warning too.

"Brandon she's my girl."

"And Kelly?"

"She's always been yours."

Brenda

I'm packing for my trip to LA when I hear my front door open and close. I know it's Anna, she always lets herself in.

"Brenda?" She calls out.

"In here." I call from my bedroom. I'm literally going through boxes of clothes I haven't worn in ages. Cut off jean shorts, tank tops, bikinis, are bodysuits still in? These are my summer LA clothes that haven't seen the light of day in years. Six years to be exact.

"Has anyone…I don't know called you recently?"

I look at Anna as she leans in the doorway of my bedroom. "Huh?"

"Oh this is lovely." She enters my room and holds up a floral dress I had just found.

"Anna, has who called me?" Jesus it's like a kid in a candy store. So easily distracted. She drops the dress to my bed and plops down on it.

"Look Brenda, I think you should know he saw my story."

"Who saw your story?" I love this girl but fuck she hasn't made any sense since she walked in here.

"Dylan." My head turns before my body, like one of those possessed dolls you see in a horror movies.

"What do you mean he saw your story?"

She lifts one shoulder to shrug, "He saw my story, It showed me that he saw it. His name arsehole Dylan McKay saw my story."

"His name is not arsehole Dylan McKay." I cross my arms, "Did you post the engagement pics? I thought I told you NOT to post any pictures." I find myself raising my voice.

"I know." She raises her hands in the air surrounding. "But it wasn't your face, nor the photo of Austin on one knee. Besides, what does it matter?"

"Because…" I trail off, unable to say the words, yet Anna waits patiently for me to respond. "I didn't want him knowing."

"What difference does it make? You love Austin, right?"

I nod unable to look at her. "So what's the big deal then?"

I take a deep breath, ignoring the pang inside my chest. It's been four years. Fours years can feel like a lifetime without someone, but at the same time, ample time to move on with life. I knew nothing of his life except that he lived in LA and became a billionaire, which was more important to him than he had ever led on. Aside from that, his personal life remains a mystery. I never caved and googled him, never searched for him on social media, never asked my brother about him. I was always scared of what I'd find out or never wanting to see pictures of him with other women. I knew that would hurt, especially if said woman was Kelly fucking Taylor.

"When the roles were reversed, it was hard to hear he was getting married." I try to justify not wanting him to know.

"Yes, but that was before the three years here. Things were different then. You chose to stay, you chose to not go back to him. It's different, you have more years together."

I stare at my friend, what is her fucking point?

"Brenda." Anna say, placing her hand on my shoulder. "It's okay to still have feelings. You were in love with him for a bloody lifetime."

It was hardly a lifetime, "I don't have feelings for him." I glance at her, my smile fixed and unwavering. "We were over a long time ago."

Anna gets up and doesn't press further, like she doesn't believe a word I just said. She also knows me well enough to leave it alone. She carries on about a guy she is seeing at the moment named Will, she's thinking about ending things with him because she's bored. That sums up Anna to a T.

"I mean, this whole spark thing, I can't say I've ever felt it." Anna admits, "What if I can't ignite the spark? Maybe, I'm too much of a realist."

"You haven't found the right person, that is all."

"But what does it feel like? The spark, I mean."

I take a deep breath, staring out the window at the city. It's spring here in London, It's a gorgeous day with blue skies and warm air, at least for London standards, my fingers wander to the St. Genesis medal I still wear.

"It's like this shift of energy. It runs through your entire body. You feel sick, or so you think, but it's butterflies." I reminisce in a low voice. "Your chest aches and you imagine what it would be like to feel this way for the rest of your life."

"You must feel that way with Austin." She looks at me, her eyes intensely looking into mine, almost like she's trying to read me.

"Austin is my best friend. We have a connection."

Anna tilts her head and smirks, "Connection, spark, is it not the same thing?'

I think about her question. Is it?

"Everyone's spark is probably different. At least the interpretation of it." I try to cover up what I'm not saying.

"I'm overthinking things, aren't I?" Anna lets out an annoyed huff, she continues, "How about pizza? I'm Hank Marvin. I'll grab one. The hot as fuck Aussie guy is working, and our banter is off the charts. You should come."

I let out a laugh. "Im fine, you go. If you aren't back before midnight I'll assume you got lucky."

Anna laughs out loud leaving then. Once the door shuts, I grab my phone and sit on my balcony. I dial my mom.

"Hey honey." She answers on the first ring and hearing her voice makes me smile. "What are you up too?"

"I'm packing. Anna went to get a pizza because the guy is hot, and she claims her banter is off the charts."

My mom laughs through the recover, "I feel like Anna says that about everyone she meets."

I almost snort. True story.

I'm quiet, too quiet for me.

"Mom?" I say lowering my voice, "Anna said Dylan knows I'm engaged."

"Yes, he does."

My lips press together as I fidget with a loose freys from the hole in my jeans. I open my mouth to say something, only to close it again. After what happened years ago between my mom and me, I never want to destroy our relationship ever again and lie to her. But talking about Dylan is more difficult than I anticipated.

"And, um, how is he?"

There is a short silence; mom is choosing her words carefully.

"I'm not sure. Only your father has seen him."

"Dad saw Dylan?" I ask, shocked. "When, where, what happened? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Brenda." Mom voices softly, "I wasn't sure if you wanted to know given that you haven't spoken two words about him. It was at a work meeting. Dylan was quite…how should I put it?"

"What mom? Just be honest with me. I can handle it."

"Upset is probably the best word to use."

"Upset? Over what?"

"You're engagement, Brenda."

I close my eyes, biting my lip as my stomach churns. The strange feeling, onsetting a tightness inside my chest, is unsettling. There's a cool breeze which sweeps past the balcony, causing my skin to break out into goosebumps.

"I don't know what to say."

"You can say absolutely nothing," she tells me, knowing me so well. "He is here in LA and since you're coming home, chances are you may cross paths."

"It's fine," I say, lowering my gaze toward my ring. "We're both adults, and mature." I say it and I have trouble believing it myself. My mom is talking about the plans her and my dad have made for our trip to LA and my mind begins to drift.

"It's only you." I murmured against his lips. "It's always only been you. Austin is just a friend."

"I know baby."

"Do you know?"

He placed his hand on my cheek, caressing it softly. "I've never loved anyone like I've loved you. I don't want to spend another minute without you. I trust you, if nothing is going on I believe you."

I felt warm and loved. He continues to stroke my cheek, gently as my heart raced, aware that he is still inside me. Making love to me.

I blink my eyes repeatedly, ridding myself of the memories and ignoring the tremble of my limbs. My body begins to tense, attempting to shake off the trembling.

I would never put myself in a position where I am alone with Dylan. Not because I don't trust myself, but because I don't trust his actions. If he's anything like the man I remember, seeing him won't be as easy as I think it will be.

"I'm so in love with you, Bren," he admitted, gazing into my eyes, thrusting slowly and powerfully into me. "And no one will stop us from being together, not ever again. I promise you this."

We both stopped ourselves from being together. There were too many lies, family interference, too many broken hearts. It was never going to work between us, and the sooner I realized it, the easier it became to move on with my life. Dylan McKay may be upset I'm engaged, but nothing will change the fact I am marrying Austin Evans.

My best friend. My stability. My safety net.

What else could I possibly want?

The alarm's obnoxious tone blasts through the bedroom. My body jolts upright, eyes barely able to open as a yawn escapes me. I roll toward the nightstand, hit snooze, and fall back into the pillow. It's so warm and soft, making it all the more inviting. I close my eyes, telling myself only a few more minutes until the sound echoes through the room again.

"Fuck…Brenda…sod off..turn the shite off!" Austin growls beside me.

I reach for my phone, and turn off the alarm rather than snoozing it again. Austin is not a morning person.

"I should get up." I tell him, stretching my arms over my head. "I have errands to run."

Austin wraps his arms around my waist, dragging me back down to snuggle beside him. His skin is warm, making it even harder for me to get out of bed.

"Bollocks…I'm sure you can spare a few minutes."

He presses his body against me. It didn't help I was a morning person for the most part and he was a night person. Our bodies were out of sync, which makes it difficult when you try to have sex and the other person is tired and irritable. I'm a sucker for good morning sex. Which seems to be nonsexist for us. Of course except at this moment. Go figure.

"Come on Brenda…let's have a romp." He glides his hand down my thigh and squeezes. He picks up my hand and places it on his erection. "Maybe just a Aussie kiss."

I chuckle and push at him. "You're so romantic." I tease since he literally just asked for a blow job.

I get up with a laugh as he groans into the pillow. "I'm romantic." He argues. He is NOT romantic at all. Not even a little. I stare at him with a smirk. He sighs out loud.

"Fine," he grumbles, "Go do your errands. Just remember your poor old fiancé will be suffering blue balls all day."

"You know, as someone studying medicine, you should know that there is no such thing."

Austin raises his brows with a smug look on his face. "I thought you had somewhere to be."

"I do, so I'll leave you to handle your little problem yourself." I tease grabbing my towel for the shower. Austin only laughs after me.

There is still a couple days before we head to the states. Well until I head home. It's a little unsettling. I haven't been back in so long, but I'm excited to see some of the gang. My mom told me they invited a bunch of people down to the beach. Should be an interesting week.

I shower quickly and throw on some clothes. Luckily I time my coffee maker so by the time I make it into the kitchen there is a fresh pot waiting for me. I poor myself a cup as Austin makes his way in not long after me. He doesn't live with me. We've talked about it before but decided against it at the time. He spends the night often enough and I at his flat.

"I have some bad news." Austin looks into the bowl as he pours himself some cereal. "I'm not going to be able to fly out to California when you do." Well that gets my attention. "I found out I have lectures I can't miss and an interview at the hospital. I can't miss it if I want to be accepted into the residency program after I graduate next fall."

I huff, "Well what the hell…what kind of engagement party is it going to be if the guy I'm engaged too isn't even there."

"Spare me Brenda…you know how my schedule is." His tone is harsh, but that is how Austin is. He's defensive but always apologetic after. "I can't help your dad sprung this on us short notice. Besides I will be there, I will just be there a few days after you."

I pout. He finally looks up from his breakfast and tilts his head. He walks over and kisses my forehead. "I'll be there. I'm sorry my shite is ruining this. I'm excited to see the states. I haven't been since I was a kid. I'll just be a few days behind you."

I sigh, he's right I'm being a baby. "Besides…we'll have a real engagement party here in London, with all our friends. You barely talk to any of your friends from California anyway."

I take a deep breath, I don't want to fight. Yes maybe I don't see or talk to my old friends much but they are my friends. The engagement party is real to me, my family and hopefully my oldest friends. I try not to be offended by the things he's saying. He leans in and kisses me sweetly. It's short and without heat. He turns then and sits at the counter to finish his cereal. I say bye and leave to get the things done I need to get done. In a couple days, I'll be on that long international flight back to my old life, my old stomping grounds. With people that I still hold dear to my heart and an ex-boyfriend I really really don't want to run into. Especially now that I know Austin won't be there to hide behind.

The flight is thankfully uneventful. I grab my bags from baggage claim and grab a cab to the hotel. We aren't due to be in Malibu until Friday, so I booked a room for Austin and I for the few days before then. Well that was before I learned he wouldn't join me until Malibu. My mom and dad don't live at the old Walsh house anymore, Steve does with his wife and daughter Maddie. When my dad got his job offer and they moved back to Beverly Hills, they bought a condo instead and allowed Steve to purchase the home from them. Their condo is high class and beautiful but only two bedrooms. I let Brandon take that guest room thinking I would be with Austin. It was too late to cancel the reservation so I'll just stay at the Bel age until we all meet down in Malibu. Brandon doesn't get into town until later, my dad is working as usual and I told my mom not to worry about picking me up. This way it helps me get settled and used to the idea of being back.

I stand at the counter in the lobby as the man behind it checks me in.

"Ok Miss Walsh we have you in the Ambassador suite for 2 nights, would you like 2 keys?'

I shake my head, "No one is fine." I respond. He nods politely and does his thing. My phone vibrates on the counter. I grab it and see Austin's name flash on it. I hit ignore, knowing I can call him back once I'm in my room and turn my attention back to the man behind the counter.

I feel a buzz shift in the energy around me. My pulse picks up unwillingly. Confused at the sudden rush within me, my eyes snap to my left towards the face of the one and only Dylan McKay.

My head draws back quickly, unable to break my gaze from his familiar warm brown eyes which watch me intently. With a hard swallow, my throat closes in as my skin tingles. I try to get a grip of myself until my stomach flutters at his closeness.

Here he is standing in front of me, living and breathing, looking as devastatingly handsome as he did all those years ago. In the back of my mind, I had always wondered what this moment would feel like, half expecting it to feel nostalgic like a childhood toy you've found a the back of your closet. I was not prepared for the physical effect this little reunion would have on me however.

We have yet to speak to each other. I focus on his face, I can't help but notice how much he's changed, slightly older looking from the last time I've seen him but still had the same stare. His eyes warm and intense. His jaw is covered in a beard, nothing like the freshly shaved-face I'd remembered. I don't know how long we stand there staring, it feels like an eternity but can't be more than seconds. The man behind the counter clears her throat.

"Here you are miss Walsh." He slides the little booklet with my key card in it looking between us. "Mr. McKay can I help you with anything?" His posture straightening noticeably. You can tell Dylan is respected in this hotel and the man clearly knows him. What the fuck is he doing here? I hadn't told anyone where I was staying and nobody really cared to ask. There are a million hotels in LA, why was he here at this one?

Dylan shakes his head, "I'm fine Maurice."

"Maurice" nods and turns his attention to me. I finally avert my eyes taking my key card and bending down to grab my bags. Maurice stops me.

"I'll have the bellman bring your bags to Room 1126. You can leave them there. The elevators are straight through the lobby to the right. I hope you enjoy your stay Miss Walsh."

I breath out and and nod, thanking him quietly. I look up at that moment and make eye contact with Dylan again. He's been staring at me the whole time and even when I'm not looking at him I feel his eyes on me. It makes my heart beat fast and it's concerning. I roll my eyes a little and turn to move away from the counter. I don't get more than five feet before his hand is on my arm turning me towards him.

"That's it…I don't even get a hello.'

I breathe out annoyed, "Hello Dylan." My tone bringing the point home.

"Hey Bren." His voice is velvet and smooth. I have to keep myself from shuttering. His eyes that have been drinking me in run down my frame slowly and then back up again.

"It's been a long time." Did I say velvety and smooth, no it's more than that, it's like honey and chocolate and sexual. It's most definitely sexual.

"What are you doing here?" I finally say frustrated he still has this affect on me.

He tilts his head to the side, the sexy smirk I know well spreads on his handsome face. "I live here. Room 1128"

I breathe out loudly, I wasn't even aware I was holding that said breath. "Of course you do." I shake my head. Just my luck. A million fucking hotels in LA and I'm staying at the one he lives in, 11th floor next door? Or what across the hall? Whichever it is its close. Way…too…close.

"Your brother said you were coming into town but he left out where you'd be staying."

"He didn't ask, I didn't say anything, it's only for a few days."

He nods looking sexy as hell. He's wearing a dark grey suit that is tailored to perfection. So this is business Dylan. It weirdly suits him just as well as jeans and a white t-shirt do.

"Lucky me." My belly tightens and a rush of warmth spreads quickly down my whole entire body, igniting a foreign lustful feeling that I haven't felt in years. I refuse to be honest with myself at that moment because it's the feeling that only comes with Dylan McKay.

"What else did my idiot brother have to say?" Sometimes I forgot they still talked.

"Oh you know. A little of this…a little of that. You know all I've been hearing about is the engagement of Beverly Hills financier Jim Walsh's only daughter."

His voice brings back so many memories, like a melody I've long memorized. But unavoidable is his Arctic tone. His eyes fall to my left ring finger.

My eyes fall towards my hand too, glancing over to the ring nestled on my finger. The tightness inside my chest makes it difficult to concentrate. I cross my arms, purposely burying my hand beneath my arm as if this will all go away because the ring is not the center of attention.

I ignore the comment. "We'll it was good to see you, I should go."

I don't acknowledge Dylan again, leaving the lobby in a rush and head straight to the elevator with my purse and phone.

I press the button repeatedly, knowing my panicked state will not make the elevator move any quicker. The door pings open, my entrance quick, praying I'll avoid any encounter with him. Again, I press the 11th floor button repeatedly with trembling hands. As the doors begin to close, I part my lips, letting out a slight moan until the sudden movement of the doors springing wide open stills my racing heart.

No…

I can't do this.

Dylan steps into the elevator, purposely standing on the other side of me. He doesn't hit another floor. A wave of nausea threatens me in this confined space, and suddenly the air becomes thick and unbreathable. I need to calm down. Nothing good will come out of being being so anxious.

"So, who's is the lucky man?"

My gaze lifts straight to the eyes which have haunted me in my sleep.

"What does it matter?"

"Because even though it's been a while, we're friends, practically family back in the day. Surely, I would be owed the respect of knowing who the man is to steal the heart of Brenda Walsh."

I keep my expression blank, trying to ignore the anger beginning to fester within me. Why is he so fixated on who I am going to marry? Is the answer any better if I said the guy who serves hot dogs on the corner of Bond and Mayfair.

"It's Austin…Evans." I hear my voice lower in volume when I say his last name.

He cocks his head with a hard smile. "Ah Austin…the he's just my friend, nothing is going on between us…I don't look at him like that…he isn't trying to break us up…Evans. Where is lover boy anyway? I'd like to have a chat with good old Austin Evans."

I do not miss the acid in Dylan's voice even saying his name. it must be weird for him I try to tell myself. Austin was always JUST a friend when I was with Dylan. Things changed and not right away. He doesn't know that though. I try to give him the benefit of the doubt. I try to put myself in his shoes. If I found out Dylan was marrying, I don't know maybe Donna. After them just being friends. I may have acid in my veins too.

"So much for being amicable." I muttered beneath my breath, crossing my arms in defiance. "None of it matters Dylan. It's been four years. Everyone has moved on, and you're right we were practically family, so there's no point on dwelling on the past. All is forgotten."

The doors open, and without a goodbye, I walk out wishing I had stayed somewhere else. My emotions are out of control, it's hard to even swallow because I'm caught somewhere between past and present. My steps are quick, desperate to escape him.

"Brenda." He calls out.

I stop mid-step, paralyzed on the spot. My hands clench into fists, anticipating his words designed to crush me. I wait for him to tell me he is seeing someone else, or better yet, about how he's fallen into old habits of a Kelly Taylor.

My chest rises and falls, the beat of my heart irregular and distressed while waiting in anticipation. I close my eyes, building a wall to protect me from his words. Nothing he says should hurt me. After all…I've moved on right.

"It matters. I never forgot us." He tells me, lowering his tone, he sounds sad and defeated and I hate myself for wanting to comfort him. "So no, all is not forgotten. Not all has moved on."

And the wall I had built begins to crack.

Straight down the middle.

Crumbling into ruins.

That wall that was suppose to protect me from Dylan is down and while I walk away from him I realize he was never on the other side of that wall, he was always behind it...with me.

EEEEK Brenda is at the same hotel Dylan lives in. What are the odds! Tell me what you think? Next up we see into Dylan's thoughts about this reunion and Brenda gets drunk with Valerie. LOL please review working on more!