Chapter 2: Invitation

Alfea Corporations is big. Not just big, humongous. Its building is silver and a solid black coloring. People are bustling in and out of the automatically sliding front doors. I am slightly overwhelmed and I haven't even set foot in there yet.

Bloom gave me a ride here after I begged her a million times over. She was annoyed, but agreed. I also borrowed a nice sundress from her since all my dresses were too small. I haven't worn a dress in years, but for some reason I felt like dressing up for this outing. I feel bad for asking stuff from her sometimes since she has already given me so much. Oh well. She'll live.

I take a deep breath and walk into the establishment. The inside was nicely decorated and as busy as the entrance was. One woman was sitting down, talking on her phone, drinking coffee, and typing on her computer at the same time. That's what you call multi-tasking. I search for a receptionist desk and find one in the middle of the first floor.

Stumbling slightly, I walk over to the front of the desk. The light haired brunette looked up and smiled kindly at me. "May I help you?"

"Um, yes. I…well Mr. Woods and I are…uh," What am I saying? Why am I so nervous? The truth is that I don't know what to call this outing we are having today. Is it a date?

The secretary saved me from further embarrassment by saying, "You must be Stella, Brandon's lunch appointment?"

Lunch appointment? So I guess this is like a business meeting to him. I frown a little on the inside at this. I knew it was too good to be true.

"Yeah. That's me." I laugh a little.

"I'm actually his sister. Flora. Nice to meet you!" We shook hands.

"Likewise. So, do I just wait here or…" I trail off as I see the man of the hour himself step off the elevator. Damn it, does he not look hot? I swear he is like an Adonis. His deep brown eyes find mine instantly and he grins smoothly, walking over to me.

"Stella! Right on time I see," he says, joyfully. It's like he's actually ecstatic to see me. Why would anyone be ecstatic to see me?

"I try my best to be on time."

"Well, let's go then." He turned toward his sister/receptionist. "Forward my calls for the rest of the day, Flora." She nodded dutifully and gave me a quick smile.

"Have a nice lunch."

Brandon glances at me. "We plan to."

"Okay, I think I'm in car heaven right now," I sigh contently, sinking further into the passenger's seat of Brandon's Mercedes. I have never felt leather seats like these. They were pure bliss under my fingers and butt, of course.

Brandon laughed. "It's actually the newest model out. Got it two days ago. Runs pretty smoothly." He turns into the Café shop, parks, and turns to me. "Ready?"

I nod and we step out of the car. He holds his arm out to me. Laughing at his old chivalrous ways, I grab onto it. He smiles and we continue to the entrance. I try to ignore the closeness that we have right now. His scent is diving me crazy. It's like pinewood and mint and….Brandon. Just Brandon is the best way I can explain it.

We quickly found a small table for two near the window. I sat down and Brandon looked at me. "What would you like?" I took me a moment to realize he was talking about what kind of coffee I wanted.

"Oh, I'll take a black coffee. I'll add my cream when I get it," I say with a grin.

"Perfect," he replies and waits in the small line for the drinks. I doesn't take long for him to come back. He sets down my coffee in front of me and goes to sit across from with his.

"Thank you," I say.

"It was no trouble."

I grab the creamer on the table and pack it into the coffee. Glancing over at Brandon, I notice he isn't putting anything in his. "Do you just drink it black?"

He shrugs. "I like my coffee strong. I used to drink it with sugar, but I stopped a few years ago. This keeps me awake more." He explained.

"Hmm, interesting. I tried to do that once. Terrible idea on my part." I shuddered as I remember the taste. He chuckles.

"It's not for everyone, I will admit." Brandon leans forward, putting his arms on the table. "I tend to be a bit…different from everyone else. The stronger, the better." He winks at me which causes me to blush furiously. Does he think I'm strong? I mean, physically I can hold my own in a fist fight, but emotionally, I'm still a wreck.

I clear my throat. "So…Alfea Corporations is pretty huge." I suck at starting conversations.

"Yeah. It was kind of over whelming for me when I first started working there."

"How long have you been working there, anyway?"

He thought for a moment. "About seven years. Since I was 18, actually. My Dad passed it down to me as soon as I 'became of age' even though he is still fully capable of running it on his own." He shook his head. "Lazy old man."

I laugh and calculate his age in my head. He has to be at least 25. That's only a two year difference between us. "That must have been a lot of responsibility on your shoulders. You were so young."

He sighed. "It was, but I always knew I would continue the family name. It was just a matter of time. I didn't really want to do it at first, but I…had too."

I impulsively reach out my arm to put my hand on his. "I'm sorry. This shouldn't have been your responsibility so young." He seems a little startled and connects his eyes with mine. He looked sort of vulnerable at that moment. The moment was gone when he quickly shook his head and gently removed my hand.

"I'm fine." I narrowed my eyes slightly as he averted his. He obviously doesn't like to be open like that.

We were silent for a minute before he spoke again. "How long have you been a waitress? I mean, I know you must be new at the diner, but have you been working at other restaurants as well?"

"No this is my first waitress job. My first job actually…" Why did I just tell him that?

"Really?" He looked surprised.

I glanced away. "Yes." I felt his warm fingers under my chin, tilting my face back to him.

"That's nothing to be ashamed of, Stella." He is so sweet. I beam at him, even though there was a nagging thought in the back of my head.

He has no idea what other things I deserve to be ashamed of.

We continue to chat happily about his life. He told me that Flora was actually his younger sister. His parents have been married for almost nineteen years with their anniversary coming up next month. He has two reliable co-workers, Sky, Riven, and Helia. I have no idea who Helia is, but I remember Sky and Riven.

I didn't want to tell him much about my life. He does know that my mother died of birthing complications when I was born, I'm an only child, and my Dad remarried to the evil witch stepmother of mine. He laughed at my nickname for her. I joined in as well because that laugh was so infectious.

At first our conversation was awkward, but as we continued talking, it got easy and smooth. I love how he pays attention to every detail I tell him. It makes me feel special in a way.

After a glance at his watch, Brandon solemnly announces that our lunch break is over. I am saddened at this, but I brighten when he asks to do lunch again tomorrow. Of course I say yes. Who could say no to that face? I give him my number and he offers to drive me back to Alfea Corp. to get my car, but I ask him to just take me back to the restaurant since I got a ride the first time. What he doesn't know is that I don't even have a car.

3 weeks later…

Peace. Quiet. Relaxation.

Today is Saturday. My day off. It felt so good not to have to wake up at 6:15 this morning. Bloom went into the office to get some work done while people weren't bugging her constantly. I can't blame her.

Brandon didn't call me yesterday, and he didn't come to the diner at all. Matter of fact, he hasn't contacted me in three days. He said he would call Friday, but as I said before, no call. I didn't think too much of it at first. Until Bloom found out.

"Oh, I'm sorry Stells," she said somberly.

My eyebrows drew together in confusion. "What are you sorry about? He probably had some business stuff he couldn't get out of."

"Or maybe he had some business stuff he didn't want to get out of," she mumbled, loud enough so I could still hear her.

"What are you trying to say?" I huffed out.

"Nothing! He just may have…lost interest." I look away. He couldn't have lost interest that fast, could he?

Bloom walked over and patted me on the back. "I don't want to see you get hurt again, Stell. It's the only reason I'm saying this."

Who knows if she meant that. I think she did, but I also think she's a little envious of relationships I've had.

As I get up to grab something to eat, my cell phone rings. Brandon.

"Hello, stranger," I say sarcastically, a bit peeved that he ignored me for this long.

"I'm very sorry that I am now a stranger to you, beautiful," He says in a overly dramatic somber tone. We kind of have that playfulness with each other now.

"Well, it is your fault. What can I do for you?"

"I really am sorry, Beautiful," He said seriously. "I got caught up in this new deal we are trying to get through. That's not much of an excuse, but it's something, right?"

I smile. "I guess I can let you off this one time. Now, what is so important that you had to interrupt my lovely day off?"

"I was wondering if you thought anymore about accompanying me to my parents anniversary party."

Crap. The party. When he first asked me a few weeks ago, I was automatically on the fence. He doesn't know about Steven. Even though Steven and I broke up a few months ago, it doesn't mean I want another relationship right now. I mean, Brandon and I flirt a bit and sometimes he holds my hand, but it was harmless to me. Going to this party would definitely give the wrong idea.

I told him I would think about it, but he hasn't brought it up again until now. "Uh, well…I'm not sure that's a good idea, Brandon."

"Why not? Look, you don't have to consider it a 'date'. Well, my parents will consider you my date, but we'll know the truth, right? I just don't want to look like I can never get a girl to come with me to an event."

I snorted. "You can't get a date? Brandon Woods, CEO of Alfea Corporations can't find a date? I'm sure numerous girls are lined up just to see you. Then, there's me."

"I don't want any of those girls," he spoke softly. I shivered at his implication. He didn't want any of those girls. Translation: he wanted me. This isn't the first time he's said something like that. I know very well that Brandon may want more than friendship from me. I just can't give my heart to someone else right now. All the pieces aren't put together yet.

"Oh. That's…um…Okay?" I say nervously. He laughs.

"Relax and just say you'll go. Please?" he asks hopefully. I sighed.

"I don't have anything to wear." I'm going to use any excuse that I can to try and get out of this.

"Done. I'll have my sister's stylist help go out with you today and pick some clothing out," he said confidently. "Plus, you can bring Bloom if you would like. No more excuses, Stella. Yes or no?"

I groaned. "Fine. I'll go," I grumble.

"Thank you, beautiful. I'll have Flora and her team come over in about thirty minutes."

"I don't need your money, Brandon." That's a lie. My job may bring in some income, but not a lot. I have no formal attire and I can't just keep borrowing Bloom's. Brandon kind of knows about my financial strain, but not the full extent of it. "I'm not a charity case," I mumble, holding on to my dignity.

"I never said you were." He sounded shocked. "I just want to do something nice for you. Is that too much to ask?"

"I guess not…"

"Then Flora will be there in 30."

"Okay," I agreed. "And Brandon?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you," I whisper.

I can practically hear his grin. "That's what I'm here for."

A/N: Thanks to Forevertotheend, Smiles4eva, ShiningSunray, Ashley, Marisol, Brianna, and a guest reviewer for reviewing last chapter! Thanks to all who read as well.

So we get a little more character personality traits from Stella here. As you can see, she's a bit self-conscious and doesn't like asking for help, nor does she like opening up. Hmmm, the last one is probably something she and Brandon both share….

I know it seems like I'm going to fast and jumping all over. Sorry! I just hate keeping them separated. Don't you just hate stories where they don't end up with each other until the end of the story? I like for the characters to go through problems when they are in the relationship. First though, Stella has some heartbreak issues to work out.

So…Review!

P.S. Here is a Disclaimer for all chapters: I don't own any of the Winx Club Characters, just this story's plot line.