Saturday was Gabby's first day at Mike's studio. He didn't arrive until ten in the morning on weekends, when he worked them. So, this gave his niece more time to sleep in. However, Gabby decided to keep her regime as true as possible. She did allow herself to sleep in a little, getting up at four-forty-five rather than four-fifteen. She decided, too, that the darkened gym would become the first thing she would do after her laps and breakfast. Gabby wanted very much to attune herself to when Seth would be praying for her. The darkness helped her to focus and, at the very least, she would further conquer her fear, as well!

Mike thought it would be fun to take Gabby to work in his Saleen S7. With the top down and one of Rahab's scarves, his niece felt like she had been released from prison and doing so in style! She felt giddy just to get off property. It seemed like forever since she, Seth, and Devon had taken this same route. It brought her back to that terrible day momentarily, but the S7 quickly dispersed that memory.

The car whizzed down the driveway at what seemed like freeway speed, but when she spied the speedometer, it was going at a placid forty miles an hour. Slowing to allow the gates to open, Mike exhilarated once he was clear. When they finally hit the main highway, Mike sped the car up. The Saleen felt like it wanted to go faster, but with the twists and turns of Highway One, it wouldn't have been very safe to do. Mike was a good driver, Gabby noted, and much preferred his to Devon - who seemed preoccupied with the surf and with the people he knew in town. Along the way, Mike pointed out the beach that they were going to visit the next day. Gabby was a bit startled and asked, "Ah, I still have review, though. Hard to say how long that will take!"

Mike replied with a grin," Leo said it shouldn't take more than a couple of hours first thing in the morning and then we'll all pile into the SUV! You're gonna love surf'n, Gabby Girl!" and he flipped his CD player on and started singing to the music!

Gabby just sat there wondering how she was going to get out of this one!

Mike's studio was situated about a mile north of Carmel near Monterey. It was close to shopping centers and other businesses, perfectly set up for any out-of-town artists that might need some R and R. It was a moderate size recording and processing studio, but he started many of the top groups from there. He was telling Gabby about the various artists, but none of them sounded familiar to her. "Guess I've been listening to too much Serena!" was her excuse.

"You haven't been this week, though - right?!" he asked as he took a serious glance at her.

"No, I'm not supposed to. Been too tired, anyway!" she replied.

Mike smirked and knew that next week under his teaching she'd be more so!

There were few cars in the parking lot, which suggested to Gabby that not too many of Mike's employees worked on Saturday. "Actually, most of those here today are just playing catch-up. We had a rush on some music that had to be out by Friday. Had everyone putting off what they needed to do just to meet the deadline. They're a neat bunch of people, Gabs. I think you'll like 'em!"

Gabby wasn't so sure. Ever since the karaoke bar incident, humans - other than the professor and the hired nurses that had been taking care of him - just didn't appeal to her anymore. Serena Brightwell was also an exception, but with Gabby's foot getting stepped on and then the attack at the garage, going public just wasn't attractive to her anymore.

Mike introduced Gabby to the first set of people they came across. They were very polite, some smiled at her, while the others had blank expressions. Gabby couldn't tell if they were modifying their reaction to her out of respect for Mike or if they were just unimpressed. Either way, she shrugged it off.

As she was being led into the filing room, they almost collided with a young man who was coming out. Gabby recognized him immediately at the same time that he remembered her, too! It was Jason, Devon's friend with all the earrings in his ear and studs in his mouth! 'Hey, Sweets, how's it going?" He grabbed her hand unexpectedly and shook it enthusiastically.

Gabby recoiled against Mike, who took her shoulder to steady her, saying,"Jas, like you to meet my niece, Gabriella! Gabby, meet Jason!"

"Hey, Mr. Angelo Gabs and I've already met! She was with Seth and Devon just about a week ago!" Jason exclaimed brightly.

Gabby cringed; she did not like this Jason one bit. She couldn't identify what it was, but Gabby just felt very uncomfortable around him!

Mike replied, "Is that right? Well, then I don't need to go any further! Hey, you two will probably be working together so it's good that you've have the pleasantries out of the way!" and then he guided Gabby passed Jason.

When they were out of Jason's earshot, Gabby asked, "Seth said that Jason used to work for you. Did you rehire him?"

"Yeah, 'cause he's getting married next year and needed a job. He's a good worker. Quit when he had a chance to go to Australia to surf! Jas is a neat kid. Once you get past his 'shyness' ..." and Mike laughed.

Mike didn't want to overwhelm Gabby too much, so he gave her some files to alphabetize and put away. There were quite a few of them and he reasoned it would keep her busy for the next couple of hours.

"Where will you be?" she asked him.

Mike replied, "Just to the right and down three doors. The third door on the left is mine. I'll be there until noon. Then, we'll both go and get lunch - okay?"

"Sure!" Gabby replied and then Mike left her in the file room to work.

An hour later, someone knocked on Mike's door. He was on the phone, "Hey, you know me, Paulie, always ready for a good time. But, the Mrs. has something planned tomorrow so....wait a minute; I've a visitor... give me a sec, okay?" Pulling away from the phone, he entreated, "Yes, come in."

Gabby walked in, asking, "I'm done. What else do you want me to do?"

Mike sat there for a moment trying to comprehend what she had just said. She was done? He had given her over five hundred files to alphabetize and put away. "Gabby, you amaze me!" he smiled, and then he added, "But...ah...wait a sec and let me get Gracie to help you back there. Just go back to the room - you remember Gracie from the reception area, right? - and I'll send her to you!"

Gabby really didn't want someone else, especially a human, to review her work - which was what she figured Mike was more interested in. She had noticed his surprised look and then his stumbling around as he tried to decide how to verify that she had indeed completed her task. But, she complied and closed the door. She heard her uncle put his call on hold, and then buzzed the front desk. She heard a female voice answer over the speaker phone and then Mike started to say something to her. However, he paused and then asked her to wait. Gabby was startled when the door opened suddenly and she saw Mike standing there with a very stern expression on his face. "Gabs, one rule around here - no eavesdropping!" and he pointed in the direction she should have been going.

With eyes big from surprise, Gabby mumbled an apology and left as quickly as she could. She had never seen him look at her like that before! She felt her face flush in embarrassment and shame. She knew better than that, but then she thought about the many times she had eavesdropped from the attic on the professor whenever he would get phone calls in his room! Gabby made a mental note to stop listening in on other people's conversations.

She waited for quite a while for Gracie to come. But, when the door opened, it wasn't Gracie. It was Jason! Gabby grunted. Mike was fully aware she didn't like him and she figured he wanted to discipline her with Jason! "Hey, Sweets, Mike's asked me to verify you've got all those files done right!!"

Gabby was deeply offended! Either Mike hadn't a clue to how fastidious she was or Jason had a lot of nerve. Her dislike for him intensified. And it showed.

"Hey, did I offend you or somethin'?" Jason asked as Gabby tried to ignore him.

"It's not like I don't know the alphabet! Just verify it, okay!" she said sarcastically, turning away from him and sitting down hard on one of the chairs at the desk. Gabby didn't feel one bit accountable to this human. He was rude, weird looking, and just not Gabby's type. Seth was her type; quiet, thoughtful, considerate – more so than Jason was anyway - and not prone to disfiguring his body the way this human had. Was it possible for any girl, human or reptile, to find anything redeeming about this 'metal man'!? It repulsed her big time to think it was.

Jason took so long, Gabby wondered if he knew the alphabet! After forty five minutes, he finally confirmed that she had done the work correctly. Gabby had sat off to one side, observing Jason out of the corner of her eye. There was just something about him that made her skin crawl.

"Hey, it's good to go!" Jason chirped. "Since you finished ahead of schedule, Mike wanted me to show you around the place while he's stuck on the phone. So, follow me!" he invited.

"No, that's alright. I'll just stay here and go through the rest of the files and see if everything else was alphabetized right." Gabby replied flatly, staying seated.

"Well.....your uncle was pretty adamant that I do this. It's my second week back on the job and I don't want to irk him, if you know what I mean?!" Jason insisted, his upbeat personality flattening out a bit.

Gabby did not want to go anywhere with this...creature. But, she certainly understood about irking people. So, she shrugged and said, "Fine, whatever. Lead the way!"

Jason scowled, but then shrugged and led Gabby out the door and down the hall.

They toured the facility. On one of their stops, Jason showed her the recording room. He explained the synthesizer and electronic keyboards, showing her how they could make enough sound by themselves to imitate a full orchestra! Gabby was impressed, but she didn't want to be around anything having to do with music.

Then, Jason showed her how they could take an average voice and enhance it to sound like someone who could be star material. "Hey, Sweets, how 'bout you sing a little and I can show you how it's done?!"

Gabby recoiled, "NO, No ... ah, I ...ah...can't sing. I don't want to... really!"

Jason persisted, "Hey, it's no biggie. Just sing something here in this mic. It's just you and me, for Pete's sake. Who's gonna know?"

Gabby wanted out of the room! The look on Mike's face on the way into work when he questioned whether or not she had sung anything during the week impressed Gabby big time. There wasn't going to be any way Jason was going to get her to sing! "I want to go back to the file room or to the receptionist desk, please. I've had enough!" she pleaded.

Jason was getting irritable with what appeared to him to be a spoiled brat. "You know, you've been rude to me since you arrived! Either how you look at me or how you talk to me! I'm kind of tired of it. If you want to go back, that's fine with me. Don't know why Mike assigned you to me in the first place! You're nothing like Devon - or even Seth!" and with that he stormed out the door with Gabby following a few yards behind. The recording room had intrigued her, but the fear of what it represented sobered her curiosity. She was glad to be out of there!

As soon as Jason took her back to the front lobby, he said something to Gracie. He said his words too softly to be heard, but Gabby saw the woman glace her way as Jason talked. Gabby hated people talking about her behind her back while she was still in the room. She strained her ears to hear, but Jason's voice was still too low to discern what he was saying. Finally, he took one look back at her, scowled again, and left.

Mike arrived a while later and found Gabby reading a music trade magazine. She looked up and saw her uncle standing in the doorway, "So, you and Jas didn't hit it off too well, eh?" He didn't look happy.

"Guess not." was all Gabby could say, putting the magazine down.

"Hmm... Well maybe if you spent a little more time with him, you might come around. He's joining us for lunch!" and he turned towards Gracie and instructed her to take any messages. Gracie smiled, glancing sideways at Gabby, which didn't make Gabby feel too comfortable. She was making 'enemies' and it was only her first day! She felt dreadful, but she just couldn't help it where it concerned Jason.

Within a few minutes, Metal Man appeared. He looked just as happy about spending his lunchtime with Gabby as she did with him. But, when he noticed Mike, Jason's outlook changed in an instant. "Hey, Mr. A - how's it goin'?"

"Fine, Jason. Guess we'd better get, eh? I brought a two-seater so if you don't mind driving?" Mike asked.

"No problemo, Mr. Angelo! I drove the 4-Runner today." Jason replied.

Mike ushered Gabby through the front door, allowing Jason to follow, and then he fell in behind them, heading for the parking lot. Gabby was not very pleased to be taking the lead, least of all walking in front of Jason! Mike insisted she ride in front in the co-pilot's seat while he took the back. He sniggered to himself as he saw how uncomfortable his niece was.

Gabby was indeed not comfortable. She hugged the door like she did in Don's sedan when she refused to exit. "Why did they make these cars so narrow?!" she complained to herself.

Carmel boasted quite a few restaurants to choose from, but Mike decided on the restaurant that Gabby had visited with Seth and Devon her first time in town. The same receptionist was there and she showed them to a half circle booth near the back. Mike put Gabby in first, forcing her to the back in the middle. He and Jason then book ended her at the outer edges of the booth. The receptionist gave them all menus and then left. After a minute or two, Mike asked, "So, Gabby, what looks good to you?"

"I'll have a salad, thank you." she said evenly. She wasn't happy about being so close to Jason or boxed in.

"A salad? That's it?" her uncle asked, noticing her sullen mood.

"Yeah, I'm not too hungry." Gabby explained.

"Ah, okay. But, if you get hungry later you'll just have to deal with it until dinner." Mike said. Gabby just nodded.

Mike chose the beef dip special and Jason ordered a hamburger and fries. While they were waiting for their meal, Mike discussed some work related issues with Jason. Gabby just listened and people watched. From her angle, she could see outside a window where a steady stream of weekend shoppers walked by. The restaurant was busy as well. Gabby casually looked around without making it too obvious, not wanting to appear intrusive. However, across the way from where she was sitting and up two booths towards the back, she recognized the lady from the music store she visited last week. Cassandra was nearly done with her meal and seemed to be relaxing a bit before leaving. She caught Gabby looking at her and so she smiled at the girl. She had recognized her! Gabby quickly looked away. She was embarrassed for staring and didn't want to draw attention to herself.

Mike noticed Gabby's head turn and swung his around to see what had triggered it. Cassandra had stood up and was coming over to the table where they were sitting. Mike saw that she was not very tall, maybe slightly taller than him if that much. The woman had moderately long brown hair that would have curled furiously about her face had part of it not been held back with clips. It was hard to tell how hold she was, but her eyes denoted wisdom and experience. She carried herself confidently and appeared to be in excellent shape for a human. Mike wondered if she hit the gym now and then. She was quite attractive, too, based on Mike's experience with such matters.

Cassandra stopped in front of their booth and asked, smiling as she looked at Gabby, "Hi, there. I recognize you! You visited my shop last week, didn't you?"

Gabby wanted to crawl under the table, the memory of that day still fresh in her mind. Mike interrupted and asked with a cautious grin, "I don't think we've been formally introduced!" and he stuck out his hand to the woman, "I'm Mike Angelo."

Taking his hand and shaking it cordially and firmly, she replied, "I'm Cassandra Edwards, I own the Musical Note over on Lincoln Lane. I recognized your young lady here from a visit she and a couple of her friends paid me last week. I'm just saying 'Hi' is all!" and smiled.

Jason exclaimed, "Hey, my mom loves going to your shop! You sell music boxes, right?"

"Yes, along with antique instruments, sheet music and old recordings, things of that nature." Cassandra replied as she took her hand back from Mike. Then, she looked back at Gabby, saying, "I was impressed with the questions you asked that morning. But, I didn't get your name, dear?" Cassandra asked as she looked at Mike's niece.

Gabby didn't know if she should say anything and looked imploringly at Mike. He nodded that it was okay and so she replied, "Gabriella." smiling a little, but trying to not be very obvious about it.

"Gabriella! What a beautiful name! "Cassandra exclaimed. "Well, Gabriella, I would love it sometime if we could chat over a pot of tea! You were so sweet and inquisitive about everything in my shop, I'd love to be able to show you more. I think the young men you were with were just a bit uncomfortable being there. I felt you wanted to stay longer, though!"

Gabby forgot about being reserved and smiled big. This Cassandra seemed very nice indeed. She felt comfortable with her and it made sitting next to Jason all that more bearable!

Mike stroked his chin, wondering the motive of this woman who he had never seen before. He had been living in Big Sur for more than twenty years and he knew just about every shopkeeper in Carmel. "Ah, you're new in town, aren't you?" he asked, staring directly at her - studying her facial expression and eyes.

"Yes, I am. I moved in about three weeks ago. Decided the northeastern winters were too much and wanted a bit more sunshine and mile weather!" she replied, making eye contact with him as well. She never flinched or looked away at any point, but appeared quite confident and sure.

"Three weeks, you say? I see. What did you do back east? "Mike asked his smile big.

"I taught music, Mr. Angelo, privately but it was a good living. What is it that you do?" Cassandra asked, returning his 'serve' without missing a beat.

Mike was amused at this woman's brashness, replying curtly but without malice," I'm in the music business, as well, Ms. Edwards." and then to speed her along," It was nice chatting with you!"

"Likewise, but please call me Cassandra!" she replied, smiling and then looked back over at Gabby, "I hope you'll take me up on my offer. I am a lonely old maid who would be pleased with the company of a lovely young lady!" and then she excused herself and went to pay for her meal.

Gabby watched Cassandra leave. She was definitely in a much better place as far as her attitude was concerned. It wasn't lost on Mike. He watched the woman pay for her meal, watched how she interacted with the cashier, the same smile, the same confident outward physical expression. Her gentile nature appreciated by the cashier, who seemed to have developed a familiar relationship with her before this day. Mrs. Edwards seemed genuine to Mike, but there was just something about her that made him uneasy.

Jason remarked once she had left the restaurant, "If she's an old maid, then I'm a horses....." and he stopped short of saying the next word, looking over at Mike. "Anyway, for someone looking that good...she should have men begging for her attention lined up around the corner!" and grinned.

Either way, their meal had arrived and the three of them ate with Jason and Mike picking up where they had left off before Cassandra Edwards had interrupted them.

Once back at the studio, Mike had Jason do some running around. While he was busy, Gabby was given the task of answering phones. Gracie only came in for a few hours on Saturdays. When Mike had returned from lunch, she went home.

The phones weren't that difficult to do but, Gabby had rarely used the device in Connecticut. So at first she was hesitant to answer them when they rang. She finally caught on after a while and then looked forward to the calls. It was nice listening to other voices. Gabby tried to visualize what the people on the other end looked like! She had a lot of fun with it, but at times it was hard for her to not go into giggle fits. Yet, the experience of doing something different gave Gabriella an edge to her confidence. Even Jason coming in to the room to fetch some messages didn't faze her as much.

The rest of the day went uneventful. However, considering what the previous days had brought to her, Gabby was downright bored. Saturdays did not bring in a lot of calls, but there were enough to make working the front desk worth her while! She thought about all that had transpired since Monday and relished in much of what she had learned. But, yesterday's jog in the forest still bugged her and Gabby was determined to find out if Leo had actually left her there alone or if he and Mike had teamed up. By three, Mike called it quits and ushered the few remaining employees out the door. Jason was one of the last people out. As he breezed by Gabby, Mike offered, "Say, Jason - what are you and Melissa doing tomorrow?"

Jason turned around to face Mike and replied, "Not much, Mr. A. Why?"

"Family's going to the beach tomorrow! Surf'n at that cove of ours! Want to join us?!! "He offered.

Mike had bought up a particular cove years ago after he moved to Big Sur. It was secluded and private. It also boasted some of the nicest waves in the area! The seabed off shore ran out from the coast farther than most, which aided in creating larger than normal surf. Normally, such coves and coastal properties were not for sale. However, the Ventana Wilderness Project was in such desperate need of funds that they were willing to sell the small cove to Mike and Don for a sizeable figure. Both parties profited handsomely for it. The VWP had their money and Mike had his private surfing spot free from intrusive people.

Jason's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree, since he was well aware of the quality of surfing there. He completely ignored Gabby's horrified expression and responded, "You bet, Mr. Angelo! I'll talk to Melissa tonight and then call you later! You know what it's like, get a girl and your entire schedule is shot." and he laughed. Then Jason explained, "Need to run it by her first, but if I know my Missy, she'll be excited to come!"

Gabby watched him as he continued on to his car. She was in shock! Not only was she going to the beach tomorrow with the likelihood of learning to surf - which made her weak in the knees - but this 'Metal Man' was going to be there as well - and with his girlfriend, no less. Mike had to steer his niece towards the Saleen, " Hey, don't go catatonic on me, okay? You'll like Missy, Gabs. She's a neat girl"

Gabby tried to visualize Jason's fiancé' with metal studs in her mouth and a host of earrings in her ears! She would have to be something like Jason in order to put up with the way he looked.