So… Now we get to the main attractions here. ;) And we'll start with the Alejandro and Heather date. This chapter takes place after Alejandro approaches Heather in chapter 36. Enjoy!

(Heather's POV)

Okay, I haven't had this thought in almost 15 years when it comes to Alejandro on this level… but he's up to something.

Well, yeah, it's not like any of this is completely suspicious.

Even before Alejandro was appointed Prime Minister, we would still go out on date nights at least twice a month.

Usually due to my status we would just have a couple members of my security staff come out with us and establish a perimeter around our table at whatever restaurant we were having dinner together at. And not that it was too annoying going out since we only go to the highest quality establishments anyway so we're not swarmed while we're trying to eat dinner.

I mean, obviously I never usually complain when it comes to 'adulation' and 'attention' from fans for being a world class celebrity like I've pretty much always wanted to be… but that doesn't mean it can't get annoying when I'm trying to eat and I'm having people bothering me.

So, Alejandro and I always come prepared to try and have the least annoying night out possible.

But tonight… Alejandro really seemed to go the extra step.

When he eventually got me to go out with him after buttering me up with compliments and roses like he always has ever since he found out roses were my favorite, he took me to one of our favorite restaurants in the city.

It was this upscale tapas restaurant that had an adjoining ballroom where they'd occasionally hold events.

One of which was a salsa night that Alejandro and I went to right after I got my pitch approved for my show and we wanted to go out and celebrate. And we were 27 at the time… wow, we really have been going here literally forever.

But, anyway, we got there and Alejandro and I were immediately escorted into the restaurant, past any and all the dining areas which made me confused, and then I was even more confused as we headed straight into the ballroom.

Well, until I saw what was inside.

The ballroom was entirely cleared out, all the other doors leading into the room were shut, and there was one solitary table for two dressed in a pristine white tablecloth and a perfectly dim tea light burning at the center.

My mind kept processing and taking everything in until I was pulled out when I heard Alejandro say, "Perhaps I could be of assistance, mi cariña?"

I looked over to see Alejandro pull out my chair and a corner of his mouth quirked up into a slight smile.

Eventually I took the offer and slowly sat down as he pushed in my chair in before walking over to the other side of the table as I commented, "Um, so what's this about again?"

At first he didn't answer as he say down and put his napkin over his lap before replying in his usual insufferably smooth way, "Oh Heather, you need to relax. Both of us have been working so hard recently that I thought both of us could use a treat. So as I wrapped up my work for the afternoon, I thought what more relaxing and romantic way to spend the evening than taking my muy hermosa wife out for a lovely dinner. Besides, we haven't been out since my appointment and I thought we could go out and enjoy our evening of wine and tapas with you at our favorite restaurant, sí?"

Right as I opened my mouth to respond, two glasses were immediately set out on our table as we heard, "Buenas noches señor y señora. I am Guillermo, manager of the establishment. I'll start you both with water, but is there anything from our wine list I can get for you in the meantime?"

Then again before I could get a word in edgewise, Alejandro immediately swooped in and smiled as he said, pulling up his menu in the process, "We'll each take a glass of your finest Moscato, por favor."

Oh yeah, he's definitely up to something.

If my husband ordering my favorite wine has anything to do with it… I have zero doubt that he is strategically guiding his way onto my 'good side'.

The manager immediately took the wine list and walked off as I looked back at him and gave him a slightly annoyed yet inquisitive look as I crossed my arms.

He lowered his menu and said, totally sounding like he was 'feigning ignorance' in the way that he always does best to anyone with an untrained eye, "Something the matter, mi amor?"

I scoffed before eventually retorting, "Do you seriously want me to answer that question honestly? Or has being with me married or otherwise for the past 30 years taught you absolutely nothing about how much I 'know you'. Now what are you doing?"

He just chuckled before grinning and responding, "Well… I'd very much hope I know you a bit by now, and you me. But, I assure you Heather, I mean it when I say that I really did think both of us could use a night out. After all, I feel like all the time we do get together either involves us being at home or needing to attend some occasion or another. So, why not enjoy ourselves a bit and take advantage of my new security team securing the entire ballroom for ourselves?"

Right at that moment, the manager came back and set our wine glasses before pouring us each a glass and asking if we were ready to order.

Even though I was still skeptical as all get out, I eventually relaxed a little and took a sip from my glass, letting it help steer my thoughts away from 'where they've been' the past couple days.

And I'll admit… I was actually enjoying myself.

It did actually feel nice to go out to dinner like this again and think about something other than work and something else.

Anyway, we were just about finished with our tapas when Alejandro stood up and started, "You know… I believe we're 'missing something' wouldn't you agree? Unless you're not up for the task?"

Right then he took out his phone and immediately I heard it.

Salsa.

He smirked and held out his hand to me, clearly asking me to dance.

Yeah, like I'm ever going to back down from this.

I smirked back and commented out loud, "As if you think I'm going to pass. Or do you know nothing after 31 years of knowing me."

Eventually we both laughed as I took his hand and let him lead me out onto an open area on the dance floor away from the table, wasting no time as we got in position before immediately getting in step.

Okay, I know as sentimental and corny as it sounds… ugh, I always love it whenever we do this together.

It's like everything around us kind of goes away for a bit and we're just letting the rhythm take us, almost making me feel like we're in our twenties again going to clubs and showing up any other pair that tried to challenge us.

Which… HA! Yeah right, as if they could compete with Alejandro and I when it comes to this.

About the only pair that could have really competed if not were better than us at any point in time were Alejandro's parents and considering they were once professional and world class dancing champions… yeah, go figure.

We kept going in step and after he pulled me back in from a twirl, "It's almost like you knew dancing was going to be involved."

I knew he was commenting on the fact that I was wearing a dress with a pleated skirt.

I smirked as I responded, "I think you know I'm always ready for anything."

He just smirked at me before replying, "Naturally."

We kept going in step until the music seemed to wind down as Alejandro continued, "Well… it's a beautiful night, why don't we look out at the balcony?"

He motioned to the door leading outside. The restaurant was designed almost like a penthouse and the balcony off the ballroom usually has an amazing view over the city.

We actually came here with Shane and Aga many years ago and we actually spent most of the time out here since the ballroom was WAY too warm with the amount of people packed in.

But… that was before Alejandro and I had the 'pull' to reserve a place like this since that was before I even got my show pitched when we were 26.

I shook my head to stop myself from thinking about how old I am at this point in my life as we both walked outside and took in the view of the city.

We both stood by the railing and I felt him wrap his arm around my waist to pull me closer and… I don't know?

Even though these past couple days have been an absolute shit show, I couldn't help but let myself sink into this as I leaned my head against his shoulder as we kept looking out over the city.

Almost involuntarily I could feel the corners of my mouth curl up into a slight smile as I closed my eyes and let out a sigh, just feeling almost 'content'.

We stayed silent until Alejandro craned his neck down until his lips were at my ear as he started, "Heather… what happened between you and Diego?"

Immediately my eyes shot open as every muscle in my body locked up, my head shooting over to look at him as I accused on impulse, immediately putting distance between us, "I KNEW IT! All of this was just a damn ruse for you to mess with and trick me into talking to you about this crap, wasn't it?!"

But I was not prepared as Alejandro got right back in my space, an extremely stern look in his eyes, as he fired back, "Heather, dios mío! What is wrong with you?! I'm only concerned since neither you or our son has spoken to me in days. Just… UGH! DAMMIT! YOU'RE MY WIFE! I LOVE YOU! What is so 'out of the question' that you can't just tell me?!"

My blood was practically boiling as I continued to feel cornered before I retorted defensively, "Me?! What's wrong with 'ME'?! WHY DON'T YOU ASK THAT LITTLE JERK THAT I CALL A SON WHO HAS THE FUCKING NERVE TO SAY I DON'T CARE?!"

Then it was like after that release and even though I was still pissed off… it's like that same release also just 'drained me' as I immediately leaned on the rail and braced myself as I looked down at the congested street that looked about as chaotic as my thoughts right now.

What's going on?

WHY?!

I slammed my fist down on the railing as I just felt the words just flowing out of my mouth, "Just… fuck! FUCK! I go almost 29 years without seeing that skeez and yet fucking Chris just had to weasel his way in like he always does and ruin EVERYTHING!"

At first it hardly registered that I said all that out loud until Alejandro chimed in, sounding both shocked and intrigued, "Wait, 'Chris'? As in Chris McLean? When?"

I slowly looked over to see Alejandro locked in on me with wide eyes and as much as I wish I could've avoided it… I knew it was pointless.

Dammit…

Eventually, I felt like I swallowed enough of my 'pride' and looked Alejandro right in the eye.

5 minutes later

I hate this… UGH! I FUCKING HATE THIS!

I just told Alejandro about how much Chris just made an absolute stupid joke out of me with Diego and all the other crap that went along with it.

Eventually I couldn't stop myself from venting even more as I ground out in frustration, "Seriously?! What is his problem?! My parents never did anythingfor me growing up or cared about anything. I go to his competitions and fucking gave HIM life and for WHAT?! And he has the damn nerve to say that I don't care?! What more could he possibly want from me?!"

It was dead silent for a few seconds until I saw Alejandro's boots step into my line of sight from where I was looking at the ground.

One of his hands found its way to my shoulder as his other caressed my cheek as he started, "Heather… look at me."

It was like my physicality was betraying me as I slowly glanced up.

At first I thought he was going to start going on and on and lay back into me like we usually did when we argued like this a long time ago… but he didn't.

He just looked me right in the eye as he said, "Heather, I know you don't understand why Diego is upset. And while I will admit he takes it a bit too personally, but I do understand why."

I scoffed and got out of his grasp as I spat in annoyance, "And here you go on with taking his side!"

Well, until he got right back in front of me and gave me a stern look that I haven't seen in a very long time as he continued, sounding nothing short of 'determined', "Heather… I'm not against you or Diego or anyone in this. Because for the last two days, I have not heard a word from either my own wife or my son for reasons I was not privy to until now… and I've had quite enough and am not about to 'leave it be' without doing something about it."

My eyes went wide as I took 'all that' in and I hardly had a chance to get a word in as he sighed and scrunched his eyes (looking stressed) before looking me in the eye again before saying, "Heather, ever since Diego was born, I never had any doubt how you felt about him even before you admitted it yourself. You love Diego and I know you always have. I know your parents were not 'attentive' to many extents to you or your siblings and you are right. You've always been there for his achievements; however…"

I could hardly hold back a scoff as I responded in annoyance, "And here we go…" Although it was short lived as he cut me off, "I wasn't finished… But, anyway, you have been there for him. Although, it's no secret that you've never been the most verbal with your support for him."

I exasperated and threw my hands up in frustration as I spouted, "But, WHY?! WHY does he need ME to validate everything?! Look at Diego! He's doing GREAT! He's top of his class! He's a Gold medalist! He's self-sufficient! He's driven! So then WHY does he need my validation that badly?!"

Alejandro let out a sharp breath through his nose before exasperating right back at me, "Because sometimes it's not all about needing Heather!"

He looked like he was trying to 'even himself out' before he looked back at me and put his hands on my shoulders again with a gentle yet firm hold, "Lo siento, mi amor… but, I do mean what I said and while I agree that he doesn't need your validation, but that doesn't mean he doesn't want to be shown you love him. I know your parents never prioritized a lot of things as parents and you've done so much more for Diego because of how much you love him as our son. But, sometimes all anyone ever wants is to be told they are 'loved' and 'cared' about. I know that's what Diego wants… That's all he wants from you, Heather. I know you love me and I know you do despite never needing to say it to me often and as much as you say Diego is 'like me', but Diego is not 'me', Heather. We're different people and we have different 'priorities'."

I kept processing as I took all that in, feeling my stomach turning and almost converging on itself.

As much as I tried not to let it get to me… I already couldn't stand it. And I knew just by looking at Alejandro that he wasn't going to just let me avoid 'this' without doing something about it.

Eventually I let out a resigned sigh before directing a bit pointedly, "Okay, so… what then? You want me to go ahead and 'strike out' on my own here to have a one on one to 'hug it out' or something?"

He looked me in the eye again as he said, "Yes… but it doesn't have to be something you do alone with him. Not if you don't want to?"

Alejandro stepped back and held out his hand to me. I pursed my lips and hesitated, still not knowing exactly how to feel about this.

But, eventually, I straightened up and grabbed his hand.

Well… no turning back now.

Ugh… Dammit…

Well, looks like Heather is finally starting to see the picture even if she doesn't completely 'get the picture' quite yet. More on this later. ;) Anyway, I really hope you all enjoyed kind of a little of 'old Aleheather' in a more new and evolved way (at least in terms of my fanfic series plot anyway). Haha. What I mean is that we see Alejandro is at it again using 'tactics', but this time we can see is 'tactics' have aged beyond tricking the girl he loves into dating and being in a relationship with him to now using them in a more constructive way to get Heather to open up and listen to him in order to get her and Diego to finally talk to each other honestly. Sure still not conventional… but, what can I say? It's Aleheather and they've ALWAYS been pretty unconventional. But, that's part of the reason why I've always loved them! :) So, now that Alejandro has at least gotten Heather to be receptive to the idea that her and Diego need to talk, what will happen? And how did Diego and Gerardo's visit end up? Stay tuned! ;) Seriously, thank you all so much for reading and constructive feedback is always very much appreciated.

Stay classy and safe friends!

Dexter1995