I had always heard the old adage, you learn something new everyday, but I had never put too much thought into it. As I sat across the table watching my grandmother sipping her Camille tea I could give you several examples of things that I had already learned today.

When I woke up this morning completely disoriented and having no idea where I was, I learned that the only thing worse than doing the walk of shame, was doing with an audience.

Waking up to Alex bent over Mason's bed gently shaking me was pretty embarrassing. Finding out that Quinn was standing outside the room waiting for me was worse. The last thing I remembered from the night before was laying down tucked into Mason's arm. He turned the television on and I laid with him quietly. This was my big mistake. The rational part of my brain told me this was the time to leave, but my heart, or probably more correctly my hormones, wouldn't let me. The startling reality that my time with Mason was quickly coming to an end had caused me to make a silly mistake.

Alex didn't seem horrified or even surprised to find me in his room. He woke me up and helped me climb out of bed. The normally battle ready Mason didn't even stir as I untangled our intertwined limbs. At some point during our slumber Mason removed his shirt and covered us with blankets. The vision of him shirtless and peacefully sleeping was one I hated to leave behind.

I found my shoes still against the wall where they had dropped from my feet earlier in the morning. Quinn was waiting with a surprising amount of patience just outside of the door. My face practically caught on fire with embarrassment when I saw him. He escorted me to the elevator and back to my room without a word.

Secondly, I had learned this morning that my grandmother was unquestionably punctual. Despite returning to my room much later than I had originally planned, I jumped in a quick shower. My grandmother's blood hound nose would have immediately picked up on not only the cigarette smoke from the bar, but Mason's amazing sent that she found so offensive.

Setting a land speed record for dressing I was still running uncharacteristically late. Even over the noise of my blow drier I could hear the pounding of my grandmother's arrival on my door. After what seemed like an over critical inspection and one small wardrobe change we left for our breakfast. My grandmother practically hissed at the sight of Quinn following behind us. I was relieved that she didn't speak to him.

I was frustrated to hear that not only was my father not eating with us, but this would not be a friendly family brunch. We were attending a fancy fund raiser for a children's hospital. Normally I would be onboard for any kind of fund raiser, especially one that would benefit sick kids, but over privileged over Botoxed women were not my scene. My grandmother told me that she was currently on the board of this particular event and that was how she was able to get me a ticket. I knew it sounded ungrateful, but I was kind of disappointed that they hadn't been sold out.

We were seated at a round table that could comfortably sit twelve people, but was sat for only eight. I immediately recognized Mathew's mother, Christiana, and to my great relief Jill was seated next to a younger woman that bore a shocking resemblance to Mathew. Jill seemed shocked and a bit concerned to see me, but gave me a small smile. Three older women in stiff suits completed the table. Paisley and her mother were painfully absent from the excessively full room.

Thirdly, this morning I learned that a fund raiser for socialite woman doubled as a fashion show.

Women were clearly trying to make a statement about their wealth with their wardrobe. If they could have worn their clothes inside out so the labels were showing they would have. I just hoped the checks they were writing matched the price tags of their handbags.

As a shoe lover myself the assortment of fantastic over the top shoes everywhere was fabulous. Probably due to the time of year, most women were wearing pumps or stilettos but, they were all incredible. No one wore a flat or conservative heal, even the oldest attendees tottered around gracefully on three inch heals. Each sparkle or artfully placed strap spoke to the quality and price tag being displayed.

Most of the women wore some form of a formal suit, but some of the younger women attempted more fashionable dresses. Everyones hair and makeup was bold and classically styled. My flash dried hair and lip gloss could never measure up to the overly fluffed and highly painted attendees. I felt incredibly inadequate.

Jill was displaying her fashion forward style that I had always envied. She wore an ice blue sheath dress with a corded belt. The back of the dress had a dangerously low cut that stood out as bold and trendy. Jill was able to flatter her very thin frame and carry it off flawlessly.

I was glad that I had taken my grandmother's advice and changed into my pale grey Burberry suit instead of the slacks I had originally chosen. I wasn't even sure why my mother had packed it. The suit had a modern cut that made me look mature and smart. My mother talked me into splurging on it because she thought it would be perfect for college interviews.

To my great shock and delight my grandmother had presented me with a gorgeous pair of deep green emerald ears this morning. The large emeralds were set with a ring of equally impressive diamonds. They were stunning. I tried to decline them because of their obvious value, but she was insistent. The earrings were apparently part of the Ivashkov estate left by my grandfather. I found it strange that I was being given jewelry from a man's estate that wouldn't even acknowledge my existence.

Lastly, I learned that every grandparent had the right to brag about the accomplishments of their grandchildren. Never having anyone ,but my suragate grandparent Abe, I had never experienced this before. Everyone loved to talk about how cute or smart their children were. This wasn't a bad thing, it felt good to accepted by my grandmother. I however, didn't enjoy being the one bragged about.

Each person that came to congratulate my grandmother on the success of her event was given a full list of my personal accomplishments and aspirations. Most of the women seemed impressed and happy to meet me, but I definitely received a few strange looks. I also got several compliments on my earrings from wide eyed strangers. I tried to keep a smile on my face and attempted to nod along to the conversation. Not only was it strange to have people discussing my personal attributes, but they were doing it right in front of me. I was genuinely pleased my grandmother was finally taking an interest in her family, but I was feeling uneasy and overexposed.

Here I sat, after a rushed and unexpected morning with a table of almost complete strangers.

"Paris darling it's so nice to see you again," Christiana cooed from across the round table, "this is my niece Alyssa. She's a sophomore at Princeton."

"Pleasure to meet you," I lied to Alyssa. She was unusually beautiful, looking very different from most of the women in the room. Her long brown hair and her gloss brown eyes gave her a natural beauty. Strangely her face and build was oddly similar to Mathew. It was easy to see that she was a Zelkos.

"I didn't know you were vacationing this week," my grandmother commented," I would have introduced you sooner. Paris is considering Princeton for the fall."

Alyssa beamed at my grandmother, "I just flew in last night. My mother likes to spend New Year's Eve here and I don't have to be back to school for a few more weeks. There were no private flights from court so we had to fly commercially. It was a nightmare." Each person at the table nodded along in horror. Jill looked at me and dramatically rolled her eyes. "If you are planning to visit Princeton I would be happy to give you a tour. We have a great group there, we try our best to stay separate from the humans."

I tried to disguise the horror I was feeling. "That's very sweet of you, I'll keep that in mind."

"I thought Mathew said you were considering Saint Vlad's for next year," Christiana spoke up.

Both Jill and my grandmother's eyes flashed immediately to me. "I have been going back and forth," I said noncommittally.

"Really, I hadn't heard that," Jill spoke up for the first time. I was surprised that my father had been able to keep that bit of information to himself.

I shrugged, "It's just an idea that I have been tossing around."

"Her father doesn't want her to feel pressured," my grandmother said pitching her hair over her shoulder and looked directly at JiIl," but, I think its a wonderful idea. Don't you think it would be a fantastic opportunity for her?"

"I think that Paris is a smart girl and she will make a decision based on what's best for her," Jill told my grandmother diplomatically. but not taking her eyes off of me.

"I can't think of a better place for her," Christiana joined in. "You have already made so many friends that go to school there. It would be a perfect fit for you. Will the colleges let you defer for a year?"

My grandmother smirked at her obvious ally.

I nodded, "As long as my GPA stays the same I shouldn't have a problem deferring."

"Well, if you are considering Saint Vlad's you have to come to the luau tonight. It is going to be a blast," Alyssa added quickly. She was apparently losing patience with the direction of the conversation.

I frowned having no idea what Alyssa was talking about.

"That is a great idea," Jill added finally receiving a small smile from my grandmother. "Every year the St. Vlad alumni throw a huge luau. Everyone that ever attended and all the current students go. It's kind of a big deal, they spare no expense. Your dad was talking about going earlier in the week, and Eddie and I always go."

"Mathew and I are definitely going," Alyssa agreed and added, "we will introduce you to everyone."

As the food was served to our table my grandmother leaned over and spoke quietly in my ear, "I would be very pleased if you would attend. I think that you would enjoy yourself." I nodded and smiled. After everything she was trying to do to help me I could do this for her. It seemed that she thought that she was genuinely helping me. It also sounded like it might be fun and I vaguely remembered Rose saying something about wanting Mason there.

After a few speakers and a silent auction the function started to wind down. With a stiff hug my grandmother excused me. I was starting to feel the tide changing when it came to her. My apprehensive nature was being broken down and it felt good to have her in my corner.

I tried for a quick escape, but before I could reach the door I ran right into Alyssa. "Leaving already," she joked. I nodded enthusiastically. "I can't blame you, this is one of more boring events," Alyssa continued, "we need to get a few drinks in you next time, it will help you relax. I like your suit, Burberry is very classic."

I smiled and took another step toward the door.

"Hey Paris before you go, can I give you a little friendly advice."

I gave her a confused look, "Sure."

"I saw Mathew earlier. He met us when we arrived, which was strange because it was way too early for him to be awake." Alyssa waved her hand in front of her face dismissively, "Anyway, he couldn't stop talking about you. Seems that you have made quite an impression on him."

"Are you worried that I'm leading him on?" I asked innocently.

Alyssa busted out laughing and I was very confused.

"No, Mathew is good at bouncing back. He does it often and with no shortage of partners," Alyssa tone became abruptly serious, "it's just that he mentioned your confrontation last night with Nicole Badinca."

"It was something," I told her. I could feel my eyes widening at the memory.

Alyssa took a step toward me. "Just be careful Paris. Nicole is a very determined individual and she's not used to the word no. I know Mathew told her that things were over between them, but she will just see it as a challenge. You don't want to be caught in the crossfire. Trust me on this, your grandmother is trying very hard to get you excepted in our inner circle and Nicole will find a way to ruin it. If I were you I would take a step back. Mathew is a great catch, but not worth Nicole's wrath."

"I understand," I said surprised at how friendly and accepting she seemed. "It was nice to meet you. Thanks for the advice. I'll see you at the luau."

I turned and walked out the door. I took a few steps down the hall, stopped, and leaned back against the wall. Feeling a bit defeated I covered my face with my hands.

"It couldn't have been that bad," I heard in a familiar thick Irish accent, "I know you're tougher then you give yourself credit for. Stick and stones and all that."

I shrugged my shoulders still unable to met his eyes.

"You don't need to be embarrassed Paris. I'm supposed to protect you, help you, but my job is not to judge you." Quinn smiled endearingly. "I'm glad if you wanted to spend the night with someone you picked Mason. I know you're safe with him."

"What did Abe think about it?" I tried to bait him.

"Abe?" Quinn repeated.

I finally looked up at him challengingly, "Yeah, didn't you call and tell on us? Isn't that your job, to report my every move?"

"No," he looked a little insulted, "I did not sign on to be the nark, just the babysitter."

I was so stunned the words just came out, "Just because I spent the night in his room doesn't mean I slept with him. I mean I'm not a slutty girl. I'm sure after Nicole's show you must think I jump from bed to bed."

He put his arms up in surrender, "Really I don't, but it doesn't matter if you do. I'm not here to judge you" Quinn repeated. "Abe just wants you to be safe. Although, after seeing you working with Mason yesterday I'm convinced you could take care of yourself."

"I'm not sure about that. Last night Nicole would have probably chewed me up and spit me out if you hadn't been there. It felt so out of control."

Quinn nodded, "I could see how it felt that way. It's amazing how someone as accomplished as you turns into a marshmallow at the idea of standing up for herself."

"Hey, I'm not a push over." I challenged him again. "I've just never been hated by someone for no reason. I never did anything to Nicole. There is no reason for her to attack me. I only have a few more days here and I want to spend them with Mason, not Mathew."

"That's what you should have told her," Quinn said firmly. "You should never let anyone make you feel small. Nicole is so threatened by you that she has a single minded mission to keep you away from Mathew."

I let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding, "You're right. Thanks Quinn I needed that pep talk."

"Good," he smiled broadly, "and if you want anymore training time while we are here I'll be happy to spar with you. Mason's good, but I'm great."

"I bet you are," I teased and walk toward my room. My suit looked great, but I felt more in the mood for some sweat pants.

After promising Quinn I would call him I retreated into the safe haven of my room. I found a thick manila envelop had been slid underneath my door with a packet of music and information about where I could practice. In all of my drama I had almost forgotten my promise to Eddie.

I quickly stripped into nothing but my fluffy hotel robe and flopped onto my bed. I tried to close my eyes and relax, but I was too jittery. The phone on my nightstand had a small flashing light. I picked it up and smiled.

Mason: Hey sweetie what are you up to?

Paris: Laying in bed :) You?

Hey, I was telling him the truth.

Mason: Walking out of the gym right now. Missed having you here with me.

Mason: I think I'm a little mad at you for climbing out of my bed without waking me.

Paris: Are you joking? You almost got me in a ton of trouble. Not to mention how incredibly embarrassing it was to have Alex find us.

Mason: He's a big boy, one of these days he'll have a girl in his bed too. I couldn't wake you up. You were sleeping so peacefully.

Paris: Ever heard of an alarm clock? I did sleep well.

Mason: You are incredibly beautiful when you sleep, particularly so in my arms.

Paris: You plan our date yet? I'm excited.

Mason: Yes I will be picking you up at 11 so you better be ready!

Paris: What are we doing?

Mason: If I told you that it would ruin the surprise.

Paris: Should I wear jeans or a dress?

Mason: jeans

Paris: Okay :)

Paris: I'm getting a lot of pressure to go to the luau later, are you planning on going?

Mason: Really from who, I'll deal with them. My parents really want me to go, it's kind of tradition for our family but, I'm not sure I'm ready to let anyone else see you in a bathing suit.

Paris: You're hilarious. Okay, I'll see you at 11. You picking me up?

Mason: It's a date right? Do you think your Dad will make me have you home early :)

Paris: I think that we may be past that stage after last night. :/

Paris: Got to go, I'm very in demand these days. Can't wait to see you.

Mason: Bye Angel.

A big stupid smile split across my face. For having such a tough outer shell Mason could be an incredibly sweet guy. The clock told me that it was quarter to eight and if I hurried I could spend a little time practicing Eddie's piano piece and be back in time to meet Mason. The suspense of our date had me anxious with anticipation. I carefully removed my new earrings and placed them securely in the room's safe. I wasn't taking any chances.

After giving Quinn a call and filling him on the details of my evening I set out to find a kick ass outfit. I dug out my tightest cutest jeans and after rummaging through the remainder of my clothes found a sparkly red halter top and a matching sweater that hugged me in all the right places. I touched up my make up being careful not to over do it and pulled out a killer pair of brown boots that zipped most of the way to my knees. They had a decent heel that had me hoping that I wouldn't have to work so hard to meet Mason eyes tonight.

My outfit looked good, but I wanted to be perfect for Mason. This was a sort of special occasion for both of us. I felt a small sadness for Mason, he didn't have the freedom to date normally, and probably never would. I had the freedom, but could never enjoy it.

Quinn met me and helped me find the room my packet had indicated I was free to use. The piano was a beautiful baby grand that was tuned to perfection. The sheet music I had been given was only ten pages long. The melody was soft and romantic. The key was written too low for me to sing the words, but the I was more than capable of playing the music. I was just hoping that I could hold it together and not be the one getting emotional during Jill's special moment.

It turned out to be great having Quinn with me. I was incredibly impressed how quickly he found the room even though he admitted never being there before. I only had to play through the music a couple of times, but Quinn turned the pages for me without complain.

I had to force myself to walk back to my room. I was so excited to see Mason it was written all over my face. When he knocked on the door I threw it open.

Mason stood before me a little bit shocked by my exuberance, but with a rare genuine smile. "Wow," he said looking me over, "this is for you." He handed me a spectacular single red rose. With his free arm he grabbed me around the waist and pulled me toward him. My arms went to his chest. I took a quick sniff of the rose and looked up to meet his eyes.

Just as I felt the familiar pull of Mason's delectable kisses I heard my father's voice echo down the hallway, "Hey kids." Mason jumped back away from me like I had suddenly caught on fire.

"Hi Dad," I said laughing softly at Mason.

"I have had two phone calls and message on my cell phone from your grandmother asking me to make sure I take you to the luau tonight Paris," Dad told me annoyed, "I hope that was part of your plans for this evening."

I looked over to Mason for direction. I had never seen him blush, but his face was an unexpected bright red. "My mother is adamant that I go also," he responded quietly. I just nodded noncommittally.

"Good," my father responded relieved, "I don't want you to go without me Paris, even if you have Mason or Quinn with you, wait in the room for me."

"Okay," I said questioningly.

"I'll meet you here around four? What are you two up to?" Dad asked glancing at the flower in my hand.

I stared at him confused, "Sure, no problem. Umm I'm not sure, what are we up to?"

"It's a surprise," Mason said without conviction.

We all stood in the hallway for a minute in uncomfortable silence. I took another sniff of my rose. My father flashed me a huge smile and walked into his room.

When he was out of sight I threw my arms around Mason's neck and gave him a fast kiss. "I love how you get all flustered around my dad."

Mason was caught off guard by my kiss, but turned and followed me into my room. "I do not get flustered," he said putting his hands on his hips and frowning.

I put the rose in a small glass on the my nightstand and returned his attitude, "Yes you do. Every time my dad finds us together you either get all quiet or start stuttering. Are you embarrassed?"

Mason's face went blank and things suddenly felt very serious, "Are you joking Paris? I wish I could lock you away and keep you mine forever. If you were truly my girl I would tell everyone. I would text it, tweet it, and facebook blast the world. It just feels strange when someone invades our private time. I let my guard down with you. No one sees me the way I am with you and I feel exposed."

"You should show everyone this sweet wonderful Mason," I told him softly, "because they are really missing out."

Mason gave me a sad smile and reached over taking my hand, "You ready to go?"

"Yeah, I'm ready."

He looked down at my feet, "Um weird question, are you wearing socks?"

"Socks? Yeah."

"Let's go," Mason said leading me out the door. We took the elevator down to the basement floor and walked down a dark hallway. A strange rumble and crashing sound got louder as we got closer to our destination.

When we entered the room I was surprised to see a small bowling alley with colored lights flashing around the room. It appeared to be decorated with a disco theme and had a small resturant with a bar. The colors rotated around the bustling room and music played loudly. People were eating, talking, and taking turns knocking down pins. Mason pulled me with him up to a counter to first get our lane number and then some bowling shoes. It was a good thing he had made reservations it seemed like a popular place.

"This was a great idea Mason," I said happily.

He didn't seem convinced. "Really, I mean bowling is something that normal people would do on a date right?"

"Yes, and bowling shoes are a great way to break the ice," I said pulling off my long boot.

Mason laughed and picked up a ball to test out its weight. "Have you ever done this before?"

"Yea a few times. I'm not great at it though," I admitted. "Have you?"

Mason picked up another ball and smirked, "Nope, but I've always wanted to. Should we make a little wager?"

"What kind of wager?" I asked apprehensively.

"Well, lets see," Mason said slowly, "if I win you don't wear a bathing suit at the luau."

"How exactly am I supposed to go swimming?"

Mason shrugged, "Okay, wear a one piece that covers a lot."

I couldn't hold in the bubble of laughter that erupted from me. I had to tease him, "I didn't bring a one piece all I brought were bikinis. Don't you want to see me in a bikini?"

Mason's eyes got big and he walked over to me speaking quietly "Yes, I want to see you in a bikini. I want to see you just the way I saw you last night over and over. But, I don't want anyone else to see you that way."

Maybe I was crazy, but I liked this over protective streak Mason was having.

I bit my lower lip and took a deep breath, "You are the only one that gets to touch me."

Mason nodded seriously and leaned toward me with a devious smile, "That's right. How about if I win you spend the night with me again tonight. Before you argue with me, don't you think that it's worth getting caught for. We only have tonight and tomorrow before I have to go back to school. I'd like to take some good memories with me."

"You just want to sleep?" I asked him tentatively.

Mason tilted his head toward me, "Yes, I just want to hold you again. I have never slept so well before."

"Okay, but if we get caught I'm going to blame it on you. If I win I want you go dancing with me tomorrow night," I countered, "and I want you to kiss me at midnight."

"The kissing definitely, but dancing?" Mason said seriously, "I'm not a great dancer."

"Yup that's how I want to start my new year. I love dancing," I told him boldly.

"I guess I better win then," Mason stated raising his eyebrow at me.

After kicking Mason's butt on our first game a waitress came over and we ordered a pizza and soda. It was relaxed and fun without any pressure. By the end of the second game Mason and I were tied and the food had arrived. The large pizza almost completely covered the small table, but Mason acted like that was completely normal.

"You better not get distracted this last set or you are going to have to bust a move," I teased him and tugged obviously on the hem of my shirt to accentuate my cleavage.

Mason laughed loudly into a napkin.

"You have a great laugh," I admitted finishing off my second piece of pizza, "I wish I heard it more."

Mason stopped and looked over at me still holding his pizza midair, "Why, I mean most people aren't funny they're just arrogant."

"Silly Mason don't be so cynical," I shook my head and continued, "I just mean it's refreshing to see you having a good time, and letting go a little. It has to be exhausting to be the serious one all the time."

"It can be." He agreed, "What about you? For someone that claims to not like dating, you seem to be having fun."

"I am, this was a good idea." I told him.

"Eat up you're going to need all of your strength to beat me," Mason joked.

The last game went by very quickly. We heckled and teased each other the whole time. Every time I got a strike or a spare I did a little happy dance. Mason tried to distract me serval times by tickling me or teasing me. I did my best to distract Mason, but he remained very focused. Sportsmanship was not a factor in our game.

Rolling my final spare of the game I knew I had him. The defeated look on Mason's face took the joy out of my victory.

"What kind of dancing did I sign up for," Mason grumbled.

"Never mind Mason, I'm not going to make you do anything you don't want to," I stomped over to my boots and removed my rented shoes. I grabbed my purse and quietly returned them to a man spraying disinfectant.

"Hold up," Mason called from behind me. I continued out the doors not pausing to wait for him.

I felt a hand gently grab my arm causing me to stop. "Hey a bets a bet Paris. I'm not backing down," Mason said running his hand up my arm and brushing my hair back off my shoulder. "You should know that I wouldn't make a fool out of myself for just anyone."

"Are you sure?" I asked seriously and tried to be patient.

Mason nodded silently and kissed me sweetly on the cheek. "Now lets get you back to your room or we'll never make it to the luau."

I grabbed his hand and let him lead me back to my room. Now that it was quiet enough to chat Mason asked me questions about earlier in the day. He seemed impressed when I told him that I had managed to work in time to practice Eddie's song. I told him how impressed I was with my grandmother and how she had given me the beautiful earrings. It felt good to have someone listen to me and I realized how much I had come to depend on his companionship.

When we returned to my room he turned toward me and looked into my eyes, "Thank you Paris, this was very special. You are very special."

"Why?" I said softly.

"Why are you special?" he repeated. His handsome face contorted in confusion.

I nodded giving small frown.

"Everything about you is unexpected and wonderful. You are honest and kind to everyone, even Nicole which is an act of sainthood. One minute you're speaking Chinese and the next you are sweet and wonderful with Abe," Mason said honestly and ran both hands down my arms finally stopping at my waist, "I love how humble and mature you seem to be. It is incredibly refreshing. Should I continue? I could keep going."

I couldn't meet his eyes and I didn't respond.

Mason leaned over and placed a soft slightly open mouthed kiss on my lips. The whole moment felt incredibly romantic. He pulled away and I stepped toward him seeking the physical connection.

"I have to go." I heard Mason whine for the first time, "If I stay I won't be able to make myself leave."

"Don't you want to know why I think you're special?" I whispered.

"I would never question that Paris." Mason looked adoringly at me and I felt as special as he told me I was. "I'll just thank God you do."

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. If you are enjoying what you're reading or have an idea please, please send me a comment. I love them!