EGG SALAD/CH 4

Gio arrived at the Four Seasons, trying to tell himself this was all in his imagination, thinking that Daniel, "the dog" was up to his old tricks with his assistant in his fancy hotel room. Betty had sworn to Gio time after time that her relationship with her hot boss was strictly platonic.

They were good friends, but nothing more. The girl couldn't lie to save her life, so Gio tended to believe her, in spite of what his own intuition was telling him right now. Maybe it was just that HE had such a dirty mind, she had told him many times before.

In fact, she had laughed every time Gio suggested that she was spending far too much time running around town, waiting on Daniel, hand and foot, "You don't understand, Gio. That really IS my job! That's what a PA does, makes sure his or her boss has whatever they need.

If you don't believe me, just ask Marc! The things I do for Daniel are NOTHING in comparison to what Wilhelmina has him doing for her, trust me!" she visibly shuddered, almost feeling sorry for Marc, recalling some conversations she had had with her fellow assistant regarding him having to schedule "personal waxing" appointments, and...all sorts of personal, unpleasant things to accommodate the diva. It sounded like Marc was envious of Betty sometimes.

Gio was still appalled, "But, Betty, seriously, you buy his condoms? That's ridiculous! Why can't the man buy his own damn condoms?"

She rolled her eyes, "He's busy. Besides, it's better than the alternative."

"What, you mean paternity suits?"

She merely nodded, leaving Gio to ponder that one. How the hell did a rich guy like Daniel justify getting a brilliant girl like Betty, running around, buying his condoms for him, getting his boxers thrown at her head,and picking up his dry cleaning...making his "book club meetings" with models ...it was totally ridiculous!

He wasn't sure he really wanted to trade places with the guy, even if he could. He knew that Betty and Daniel did actually work well together when the time came and that Daniel relied on Betty's smarts, as well as her willingness to do "scut work".

But he personally hated working for other people. He really liked being his own boss. Mainly because he didn't like wasting his time, doing stupid stuff just because some idiot who paid him told him to do it!

Betty had filled him in on several of the more odious tasks Daniel had required of her on her first week and that alone was enough to inspire Gio to doubt his new "frenemy".

Maybe it was the old adage, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer" at work here. Daniel had his eye on Betty, so he decided to size Gio up to see what his competition looked like. He knew the Meade heir secretly (or often not so secretly) hated Henry. Hell, he had fired Gio for messing up Betty's sandwich, for God's sake!

"Um….excuse me, but is there a Daniel Meade here? I have….an urgent message for him." Gio lied, trying in vain to remember the stupid alias Betty had told him Daniel always used when he checked into hotels. It was something really lame, that's all he could remember. Rumplestiltskin, maybe? Shit! He couldn't remember!

"No sir, Mr. Meade is not here, sorry. NEXT!" the man clearly wasn't impressed with Gio's appearance in his fancy ass hotel. Gio stepped aside to let the rich bitch Asian lady princess with her little dog get spoiled while he prepared to forget this and simply go back to work.

This was a fool's errand, he realized. Betty might be comfortable enough hanging out with these blue blood types, but he was way out of his league and he had no intention of trying to put on airs. He was who he was and he very much liked that about himself.

As he turned to leave, he heard a maid talking to some kind of butler, "Hey, Carl. Are you going upstairs? Here's that hot guy, Mr. Sickington's suit from the dry cleaners."

The man nodded, waving her away, after she put it onto his cart, "Okay, sure. I'll take it up later. I really need a break, first! I haven't had a smoke all day! You really think that guy was hot? What a drunken idiot, though; falling into the pool like that!"

Gio flashed both onto the name and the fact that they said the "hot guy" had been so drunk he fell into the pool. That had to be Daniel! "Mr. Sickington". Now that he heard it, he remembered that was the lame name Betty had told him Daniel used. Because whenever the man was sick, he wanted to be waited on.

Apparently, he didn't understand the concept of simply taking care of himself or having friends or family around during such times, so he chose to pay strangers to take care of him. It was kind of sad, really.

Gio snuck quickly into the staff closet door, grabbing a uniform jacket and putting it on, he jumped onto the elevator with the employee. He started making small talk with him, "Hey, how's it going?

Man, I tell you what...this place might be fancier than the Hilton, but the pay's not any better and the tips are way better over there! Plus, they actually let you get off your feet once in awhile!"

The man nodded, "Really? Damn! I should go apply there. This place runs you totally ragged, non-stop! I haven't had a break all night!"

Gio shrugged casually, "Man, it's cool. I'll cover you if you need to go take a leak or something. What do you need me to do for you? Then, when you get back, maybe you can take more towels for me to that one sexy older lady in room five oh eight."

The man's eyes lit up, "That fierce Asian woman wearing the mink coat; the one with the little dog? I'd hit that in a heartbeat! I'm almost done on the penthouse floor.

I just have two more towel stops in both of the junior suites up there, oh, and I told Cindy I'd drop off this suit from the cleaners for her to some local big shot who was so drunk when he checked in that he fell into the pool."

"Oh yeah? Did you see him go in? I bet that was fun to watch!"

"Nah, I missed it. I was working on the other side of the hotel. Oh, and apparently, he's got his own 'entertainment' up there to keep him company. No luggage either. The usual afternoon delight, I guess.

He stays here every once in awhile. I think his job has to do with fashion, cause I heard the boss talking to some big designers about getting the man a bunch of suits while he's here.

This time, he's staying for at least a week or so, I heard. Apparently he had a fire or something and lost all his clothes. Can you drop it off for me?"

Gio's eyes lit up and he nodded, taking Daniel's suit that he recognized from earlier that morning, "Sure, no problem. Go have a smoke." He hesitated, patting his uniform pockets, as he pretended to look for his keys, "Oh, hey, shit, let me borrow your key, will you? I must have left mine back in my locker again."

The man hesitated for a moment before he handed Gio his master key, "Okay, here. But be careful with those! For God's sakes don't lose them. You should get a clip for them, though. If the boss hears you lost yours, you'll get canned for sure you know!"

Gio nodded, "Sure, sure. I know exactly where they are. But I promise, I'll take good care of these...uh..."

"It's Carl."

Gio extended his hand, "Of course. Nice to meet you, Carl. I'm Rossi, Gio Rossi. You know, like Bond, James Bond?"

Carl laughed, "Yeah, sure, Mr. Spy. Do you believe this guy's suit is probably worth more than my folk's house? Crazy! Thanks, I gotta have a smoke soon or I'm gonna crawl outta my skin!

Enjoy the view up on the penthouse! I guess I'm getting off here. I'll catch up to you later in the staff room to get my keys back."

"No problem. Anything to help another working class hero, brother. We drones are the ones who actually run the world, doing all the real work, eh?" He held up Daniel's suit, "While these rich playboy suits get all the girls!"

He couldn't believe Daniel had some prostitute up here already! What a dog! He only prayed it really WAS a prostitute and they weren't talking about Betty!

Carl raised his eyebrows and flexed his fingers as he got off the elevator to go outside for his smoke break, "Not ALL the girls. Old Carl here is going to get some rich tail tonight in Five-Oh-Eight with these magic hands! Rich cougars like to slum it and have young cabana boys to tend to their needs!"

Gio felt a little bad about setting the guy up with the rich bitch. But hey… who knew, maybe that's all she needed and it would loosen her up so she wouldn't be wound so tight? He straightened his jacket. The other guests would have to do without their towels for a while.

He was on a mission. To save Betty from herself. Or from Daniel, at least. He couldn't believe he had actually thought the guy was nice! What a sleaze! He was worse than Egg Salad, for God's sake!

The thought suddenly occurred to Gio that if he was currently holding Daniel's only suit that hadn't been damaged in the fire, then what the hell was he wearing when Betty got there?

He started pushing the button on the elevator multiple times as if that would get him there any faster. Part of him didn't want to walk in on...well, whatever he might walk in on right now. Maybe he should just butt out. This was none of his business. As Betty was so quick to point out repeatedly to him, HE was NOT her boyfriend!

Besides, Betty wasn't the kind of girl who did that...was she? Nah! She was far too nice a girl to succumb to Daniel Meade's charms. She liked the guy. They were friends. But Betty was in love with...HENRY!

Like it or not, even Gio had to acknowledge that fact. So what was he doing here? This wasn't his style….sneaking around fancy ass hotels, and play acting so he could get a look inside Daniel's world. See exactly what was up with Daniel and Betty.

He didn't have time for a lot of friends right now anyway. Most people found him annoying (including Betty), or got sick of hearing about his five year plan. But he had jumped ahead of his own agenda a few steps recently on that when he borrowed the money from his Uncle Mike to purchase the small little place that used to be a bakery when he heard about it...from Betty.

She had been complaining that the place around the corner from Mode that had the great cupcakes would be going out of business. The rest was history. He liked having Betty nearby. She brightened his world, made him laugh and gave him a reason to work so hard.

But Gio knew that he wasn't the only shoulder Betty had to cry on, the only one who's day she brightened with her metallic smile and sunny outlook on life. There were plenty of others who were influenced by her. Some of them didn't even realize how much she had affected them over the years of being in contact with her...niceness, for lack of a better word.

For example, Amanda and Marc weren't the same snide, rude people they used to be when he first met them. Yeah, okay, maybe they were still snide and rude. But softer, kinder. Slightly. On good days, at least.

He looked down at the suit. He decided to just deliver Daniel's suit, then cut and run, making sure to drop off Carl's keys so the guy wouldn't get in trouble for his stupid mistake, trying to be some kind of James Bond.

Besides, who was he to point fingers? Even if Betty DID...fall for Daniel, would that really be so bad? The guy was better for her than Eggy. At least Daniel used condoms! He was careful. Thanks to his efficient assistant.

SHIT! What the hell was he doing? He knew he was going to regret this crazy idea he had of interfering in Betty's life. No matter that his motives were out of concern for her, wanting to protect her, she was a big girl. She could take care of herself.

Why was he doing this? He was never going to be good enough for Betty. She was like a meteor, on the rise. Gio loved her because of that, but he also saw in her eyes that she simply didn't feel the same about him.

She LIKED him, she appreciated him, but that wasn't the same. He knew, deep in his heart of hearts that no matter what he did or didn't do, Betty was never going to fall in love with him. She had him stuck in the damn friend zone and that's all she would ever see him as.

He felt inspired by Betty's potential. He knew she was going places, he could see just how smart she really was. That's why it frustrated the hell out of him to see her wasting her time on men like Henry and working as a "personal assistant" code for personal SLAVE to Daniel!

She needed to be writing! Using her talents to their full extent, NOT buying his stupid condoms and almost getting herself killed, chasing after Little Lord Fauntleroy!

He took a deep breath, getting off the elevator and heading towards Daniel's suite. A blur swept past him, running so fast, he barely got a look at her, before she jumped onto the elevator and pressed the button for the doors to shut. As he turned, he could see it was Betty.

He was fairly sure she didn't see him, but he could tell she looked upset. Then, several other people crowded onto the elevator with her and the doors closed, leaving Gio standing there, wondering what the hell that was about.

Had Daniel said something to upset her? Maybe they had an argument about Henry? He knew Daniel shared his opinion that Betty was being naive to stay with a man who she clearly had no future with, so maybe…

Gio went to the door of the suite and knocked. He knew he was supposed to say, "housekeeping" or something, but he was still sort of shell shocked at seeing Betty.

Daniel took only a second to answer the door, standing in one of the hotel's fancy white bathrobes, "Betty, honey, I'm so sorry about that...I...couldn't help my...GIO? What the hell are you...hey, my suit! What are you, working here for extra money or something?" He grabbed the suit from Gio and stepped back inside.

Gio ignored the stupid question and gestured towards the elevators, "What the hell just happened with Betty? Why did she run out of here like she'd seen a ghost or something? And just what were you doing here in your robe, huh? Flashing her? You DO realize that being her boss and all, she could sue you for sexual harassment! Did you touch her? Cause I may be short, but…"

Daniel looked back at Gio, laying his suit down on a chair, "No! I didn't...touch her. I...well, I mean. Okay, I sort of touched her. But not like that! I kissed her. Or...she kissed me. We...sort of kissed each other."

He stepped back as Gio glared at him as if he wanted to punch Daniel.

"Look, I'm sorry, okay? I was here...telling her how stupid she was for staying with Henry and how great you were and then...it just happened. I looked at her and just...leaned closer and we kissed! Then she ran out of here like a bat out of hell. I guess I freaked her out. I kind of freaked myself out. I swear, Gio, I never meant to do that.

I don't know what came over me. I'm still...well, not drunk really. Just...not myself, I guess. I'm sorry. I'll apologize to her tomorrow. It was a mistake. It didn't mean anything. I was only grateful that she tried to save me from Renee, that's all. I promise. By the way, what the hell are you doing here, anyway? Following Betty now?"

"Maybe. What the hell, Daniel? Now you're kissing my girl? I thought you were on my side? I knew I couldn't trust you! You're throwing your hat in the ring...aren't you? Damnit! She DID have an affect on you, sitting on your lap like that. You can't bullshit a bullshitter, Daniel. Just admit it; you have a thing for Betty, too!

Henry I can deal with; yeah, she thinks she's in love with him but we both know that's never going to happen with him. But you! How the hell am I supposed to compete with a freaking rich guy who can afford a palace like this, huh? That's not fair! I had to earn everything I ever got!'

"Hey! My father never thought I was good enough. I had to prove myself to him."

Gio sat down and played his "tiny violin", "Wah! Poor rich boy! Didn't get Daddy's love, just his millions! Cry me a river, dude!"

Daniel shook his head and laughed, in spite of himself. He motioned for Gio to step inside. What's with the housekeeping uniform? Why are you here, by the way? Seriously, did you follow Betty? I see...you don't trust me? I was telling her she should dump Egg Salad and go with you, I swear!"

Gio gave Daniel an incredulous look, "I'm sorry, but did you or did you not just tell me the reason Betty ran out of here like her hair was on fire...um ...sorry, bad choice of words, but you know what I mean….was that you kissed her?"

"Technically, I leaned forward and SHE kissed ME! But...yeah, sort of. It was an accident, though, honest! I was still a little drunk and out of it...and in shock. I did lose my home last night, and had my ex-girlfriend committed to an insane asylum, so cut me some slack! I didn't really mean to kiss Betty. It just sort of...happened!"

As Gio rolled his eyes, he scoffed, "Sort of happened? ACCIDENT? How the hell do you accidentally kiss somebody? Did her lips just happen to jump up and smack yours while you were leaning down, securing your robe?

By the way, PLEASE go put your clothes on, dude, I'm seeing way more than I ever want to of another man. Jesus, were you at least wearing that robe when Betty was here or were you just prancing around here, naked as a Jay Bird, giving her a show before you "accidentally" kissed her?"

"I didn't "prance" around anywhere. I was asleep when she first came in with a key they gave her at the front desk. I was naked then, yes. Because I had no idea she or anybody else was coming in here, so not my fault. But then I put the robe on, okay?"

"Right away? While she turned away or went in another room?"

"What the hell is this; the Spanish Inquisition?"

"Hey! That's very culturally insensitive, man. I'm Puerto Rican, not Spanish! And stop avoiding the question! How long were you running around naked in front of your employee?"

Daniel took a deep breath, "I don't know. Probably too long. You're right; okay? I was still half drunk, and upset about last night and she woke me up, so I didn't get dressed right away like I normally would have. I'm sorry. I apologized to Betty and I will again tomorrow. For that and for the kiss.

Now can we please just drop it? I wasn't...like running around naked, chasing her, trying to...attack her or anything. I got this robe on, and we talked. Then as she was leaving, the kiss happened.

We were both reliving last night. I told her I was grateful for her concern for me, risking her life to try and talk sense into Renee and she told me she appreciated me busting down the door to try and save her, even if she didn't really need me to. It was more….mutual gratitude than anything. Satisfied?

Look, Gio, I'm still on your side, okay? I swear to you, I DID tell Betty I thought you were a good guy and you would treat her right and what a waste of time it is for her to stay with Henry a second longer."

'Fine, fine. I believe you. Just don't let it happen again! Keep your clothes on and your lips to yourself around Betty! So...since I closed up my shop in order to come defend Betty's honor against you, dog, are you at least getting me dinner at this fancy joint? They do have room service, I assume?"

Daniel laughed, as he walked back in, wearing his suit pants and shirt, and picked up the phone, "What are you having? Egg salad?"

"Funny guy! I can see why you're so irresistable to women! I'm sure that just like me, it's your sparkling personality and sense of humor that gets them and it has nothing to do with your bank account! Or any of your other assets...which as far as anyone else is concerned I did not see and we will never, ever speak of again!"

"Done!"

Betty ran as fast as she could to the subway stairs and hurried down them, completely out of breath, until she got on and sat down, and closed her eyes. What the hell was that? Why did Daniel kiss her? Why did she kiss him back?

She leaned her head against the window of the train, trying to make sense of what just happened. How did that possibly occur? Daniel...and she had just kissed? Oh my God! She was completely freaking out. This was beyond any of the drama she had been going through with Henry up till now.

Geez, Henry! What would he say? He had punched Gio just for talking to her. What if he found out Daniel had kissed her? In his bathrobe….in a . hotel room? Holy Crap!

That's when it hit her, right between the eyes. It didn't matter. None of that made any difference. If she had actually slept with Daniel or Gio or both of them for that matter, none of that changed the fact that like it or not, Henry was still going to be a father. And Betty wasn't involved in that. It had nothing to do with her.

Daniel and Gio were both absolutely right; she had no business butting into anything to do with the baby. She was no homewrecker. And Charlie and Henry were going to be a family. She was just in the way. And she had been fooling herself to think otherwise. This thing she almost had with Henry was never going to happen. It was never meant to be. It had ended the minute Henry went back to his ex.

She could drive herself crazy, doing the what ifs: what if she had ended things with stupid Walter just a few weeks or even days sooner and let Henry know so he never slept with Charlie. What if...Charlie had never gotten pregnant and stayed in Tucson...what if….she had never ended things with Walter and gone with him to Maryland?

She knew that none of those scenarios were really what she wanted or needed anyway, so what did any of it matter in the grand scheme of things?

Now though...she had no idea what to do with this latest development between her and Daniel. Had Renee been right all along?