Chapter 23 The Bel Age

Dylan watched as Brenda made her way into the hotel room. She walked over to the couch and sat down. Dylan stood there looking at her, he had no idea why she was there. He would have never in a million years expected her to be the one at the door. Dylan and Valerie hadn't even laid it on thick yet.

"Can I get you something to drink…I don't have any liquor but I have soda, water?" Dylan said nervously.

Brenda shook her head, "Were you expecting Valerie?" Brenda hoped not.

Dylan shook his head, "No I just thought maybe it was her because it's late and she is just a few doors down. I wouldn't have ever guessed it would have been you."

Brenda looked up at him and shook her head; she took a deep breath and smirked, "I don't know why I'm here." Brenda looked down rubbing down her thighs almost as a nervous habit.

Dylan slowly moved toward her, he sat down next to her on the couch, "Well I'm glad you're here."

"I guess I just wanted to see if you were okay, its been awhile since I asked you and…" Brenda stopped, she didn't want him to know how much she missed him. She sat quiet not knowing what to even say to him. She had no reason to come over, she just wanted to see him.

Dylan looked down feeling the awkwardness and he didn't like it. It was never awkward with Brenda, "At my sessions…we talk a lot about you…us."

Brenda looked up, "You do? Like what?"

Dylan smiled, "Like when we first met, how much I loved you, Baja…your father."

Brenda looked down sadly. "That must be hard for you, with everything that's been going on between us."

Dylan nodded, "Yeah." Dylan didn't want to bring up David, he thought if he talked about him she would come to her senses and leave but he couldn't t get it off his mind, "Where's David?"

Brenda looked down feeling badly, "I don't know…probably home from the club by now." Brenda lifted her head and shook it side to side. What was she doing? Brenda quickly changed the subject, "I have been thinking a lot about London lately. Part of me loves L.A. but the other part of me feels like London is my home. I actually have lived there longer than I have here."

"Would you ever move back?" Dylan said almost with a worried tone.

"I don't know, I mean Danielle is there and my work is there. I thought I would have no problem getting work out here but it's been harder than I thought."

"I think about Danielle being over there all the time." Dylan looked down. "It would be nice just to go be able to visit her whenever I felt like it."

"Yeah." Brenda breathed out. "Do you talk about her in your sessions?" Brenda had finally looked over him, it had been a while.

"Not yet…we haven't gotten that far yet." Dylan leaned forward setting his elbows on his knees.

"How far have you gotten?" Brenda said curiously.

Dylan took a deep breath, "Our break up, Kelly."

"Ah I see." Brenda looked down. "Well maybe she will be able to figure out why the hell you could be so stupid." Brenda tried to lighten the mood as she gave him a smile.

"I already know." Dylan smiled back at her.

Brenda felt so comfortable there; it was strange how fitting everything was with Dylan. I mean she had been fighting with him, mad at him but still she could talk to him about anything. He had a smile that could melt her heart and a stare that could pierce her soul. She often wondered if Dylan was it, the true love of her life. She hadn't dated much, even being in London. She had dated a few guys from school. She never had a feeling like she had with Dylan. She wasn't sure if she ever would. She wasn't feeling it with David that was for sure. She had realized her and David's main focus was if they would have a chance to sleep together, Brenda and David were doing it 2 times a day minimum. Was it amazing? Absolutely but that fades after a while, what was going to happen once the lust was gone, would they even be able to talk to each other?

"This feels nice." Brenda said as she looked at him. There was that stare, Brenda sighed looking away. Dylan always stared at her and she was always the one to look away from him. It would get so intense; she was almost scared that if they were to stare too long, he would know she missed him, she loved him and how there would never be anyone else for her. And if they were to never be together ever again and eventually she moved on to someone else, she would be settling because she would never love anyone like she loved him.

"Yeah it does." Dylan just looked at her, it was taking everything he had not to grab her and kiss her. Dylan would have if he was sure she would respond the way he wanted her too. He wasn't sure and he didn't know if he could take her rejecting him, especially if it was because of David. So instead of making a move, Dylan sat there fidgeting and almost desperate for some kind of hint she wanted him.

Brenda leaned back on the couch and slouched a bit feeling more relaxed. The initial awkwardness was gone and now it was just like old times…well except the fact that by now they probably would have been moving to the bedroom or at least making out. Brenda and Dylan would have these amazing heart to heart conversations after sex. They had always done it in London, even in high school. They couldn't keep their hands off each other and then it would be done and they would sit there for hours and talk. Holding each other and caressing each other. Brenda missed that the most, it kind of felt like that. The sex was good…no it was great, Dylan knew what she liked by now. He would move in, make sure she was taking care of first and then finish it off for himself. He for the most part was always gentle with her, and sweet. He always told her that he loved her during love making and always kissed her. She had noticed that with David it was different, it was rough and definitely hot but it didn't seem as intimate. During the actual sex part of it David and Brenda wouldn't even kiss each other. It was crazy to Brenda how different it could be, still equally as fulfilling but so different. She missed the emotional part, she felt dumb even thinking about it. Here she was thinking about sex between Dylan and David, in Dylan's hotel room…how David and Brenda well…screwed for lack of using the f word, and her and Dylan didn't. Except make up sex, make up sex with Dylan was that way. But it was still intimate and passionate. Brenda had realized she and Dylan had been quiet for awhile.

"Do you think we would have been good parents?" Brenda said looking over at him, still slouched, head still back resting on the couch.

Dylan relaxed a bit as well, slouching too, "I like to think we would have."

"Yeah…I think so too. I don't know if we were totally ready but I think we would have been fine." Brenda smiled picturing their life together, as she looked straight ahead again.

"I was going to marry you." Dylan said softly.

Brenda head shot over looking at him again. He responded by slowly bringing his glance toward her and smiling,

"What? Really?" Brenda seemed surprised as she smiled back at him.

Dylan nodded, "Yeah." Dylan playfully sighed, "But now you're banging David Silver so I'm not sure anymore." He said joking.

"Oh shut up." Brenda leaned up and went to hit him.

Dylan grabbed her and pulled her into him. Their lips touched. Brenda practically exhaled in his mouth as she wrapped her arms around his neck releasing her tension and almost weakening in his embrace. They slowly opened their mouths, kissing each other passionately and intensely. They both made noises in between kisses as Brenda's belly did a flip flop. Brenda pushed him away and closed her eyes, realizing what they were doing.

"I should go." She said softly putting her fingertips to her lips.

Dylan exhaled, "Don't go…stay with me." Dylan reached up and touched her cheek making her open her eyes and look at him. "Please." He said softly.

Brenda stared back at him, she thought about it. She actually had to tell herself no. "I can't." she whispered.

"Why not?" Dylan said softly staring at her. "And don't say its because of David."

Brenda shook her head, "It's not because of David."

"Then why?" Dylan kept his soft tone. It was soft and raspy and undeniably sexy.

Brenda took a deep breath as she stared back at him, "Because." Brenda lip started to quiver as her eyes began to tear up, "Because you always manage to break my heart." Brenda said sadly holding back her tears.

Dylan dropped his head sadly. Brenda looked at him feeling bad but she was being honest. "I'm going to go." Brenda said softy getting up.

Dylan nodded his head not looking at her.

Brenda stopped and looked at him, she didn't want to go and sadly she didn't care how many times he broke her heart but she knew she should. "Goodnight Dylan."

"Night.' Dylan said still not looking up at her.

**

Valerie and David laughed as they walked down the hallway.

"You David…are as sweet as ever. Maybe more so if that was even possible." Valerie said reaching into her purse trying to find her key.

"Yeah well…its not always a positive thing." David always thought he was too nice.

"Well obviously Bren thinks so." Valerie cursed at herself for bringing her up. Valerie loved Brenda, she was one of her oldest friends but Valerie thought she belonged with Dylan and she was in love with David.

"Yeah." David breathed out, "I shouldn't be here."

"You're probably right…but since you are, you might as well have a good time right?" Valerie smiled still digging in her purse.

"You Val…haven't changed a bit." David joked.

Valerie pretended to think about it, "Nope." Valerie laughed, "I am kidding…ah ha found it." Valerie pulled the key from her purse.

"I cant stay the night, ok?" David said stopping her before heading in.

"I know." Valerie nodded.

The two went in closing the door behind them.

Brenda opened the door as Dylan got up quickly, "Bren…I don't want to break your heart anymore." he said turning her around in the doorway. "Please stay." Dylan looked into her soul.

Brenda swallowed hard and nodded slowly. "Ok." she breathed out.

**

Brenda opened her eyes and looked around remembering where she was. How was she going to explain this to David. She and Dylan had spent most of the night reminiscing and laughing. She hadn't had that much fun with him in a long time. Dylan respected her, he kissed her a couple of times but never once tried to sleep with her. She looked down at Dylan's arm draped around her mid section. They had fallen asleep on the couch. At some point of the evening Dylan had laid on his side on the couch. Brenda had been sitting on the edge of the couch looking down at him. He pulled her down to him and that's where she stayed. In his arms, the back of her body fitting perfectly against the front of his. Brenda eyed the DVD player under the television and realized it was 7:30 in the morning. She slowly scooted out from Dylan's embrace, tip toeing around collecting her belongings.

"Sneaking out huh?" Dylan said as he stretched slightly.

"No…I just have to go, David isn't going to know where I am, he is probably worried." Brenda said looking at the door before looking back at him.

Dylan nodded and took a deep breath. He got up and walked toward her. "I'll call you." he said softly.

Brenda smiled, "Ok."

Dylan got close to her, he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly. "Bye." she whispered, leaning out and kissing him on the cheek.

"Bye." he whispered back watching her open the door and leave. Dylan closed the door leaning against it.

**

David sat up in Valerie's bed, he felt his head pound a bit. His eyes got wide as he lifted the sheet looking down and sighing in relief that he had clothes on. David looked over at the clock on the night stand, what was he going to tell Brenda? He didn't want to hurt her. She had been through enough, he adored her. She was beautiful, warm, sweet, and fun. She had an amazing body and they got each other. He thought about if the roles were reversed how pissed he would be if Brenda had done this to him with Dylan, whether they had slept together or not. David slowly got out of bed, he sat at the edge picking up his shoes and putting them on.

"I'm sorry David." Valerie felt bad.

"It isn't your fault Val. I should have went home." David tied his converse pulling down his jeans over them.

"Yeah but it was my idea to do shots and then I couldn't drive anyway." Valerie did really feel bad. She wanted him back but she didn't want to hurt Brenda, she wanted their plan to work. Now thinking that Brenda was at home wondering where David was, she felt like Kelly and she didn't want to do what Kelly did to Brenda all those years ago.

"Don't worry about it Val, but I had a good time." David leaned over kissing her on the cheek, "I'll call you." David gave her a small smile running his hand the down the back of her head.

"Bye David." Valerie said softly.

"Later." David got up grabbing his jacket. Making his way down to the lobby to take a cab back to his house.

Valerie got up quickly throwing on her robe and picking up the phone, "Room service…Can I have a pot of coffee, 2 orders of pancakes, fruit, and orange juice. And can you deliver it to room 10101? Charge to this room please. Thanks." Valerie hung up the phone grabbing her key and rushing down a couple doors.

She knocked continuously as Dylan opened the door quickly, "Geez Val, where's the fire?"

"Oh my God, I had the best night." She let herself in.

"Val, isn't it kind of early for this? I haven't even had coffee sent up yet." Dylan closed the door.

"Oh don't worry, I got us a pot and breakfast." Valerie sat on the couch.

"Good…can this wait until I get some coffee into me at least?"

"No…you will never guess who spent the night in my room last night." Valerie smiled.

Dylan looked at her and could not believe it, "David." he guessed acting nonchalant even though he was surprised.

"Yep…Dylan…it was amazing, just like old times." Valerie gleamed.

"That's great Val but I have to admit I'm a little surprised David would do that to Brenda."

"Well…I mean nothing happened, I didn't have sex with him or anything. We just talked, got a little drunk, laughed and he slept in my bed. I was on my best behavior because I'm pretty sure I could have probably convinced him." Valerie raised her eyebrows. "Sorry Bren left, we will have a better chance next time."

Dylan nodded, "Yeah…I'm sure we will." Dylan wasn't going to tell Valerie about Brenda. Thankfully she missed her by 10 minutes and David may have missed her by 5. Dylan did find it a little amusing, both of them were doing the same exact thing, 3 doors down from each other. Dylan also would have been paid his fortune to be a fly on the wall of how they were going to explain where they had been all night.

**

Brenda locked David's car. She took a deep breath wishing she had just come home. She had a good time with Dylan but now she felt like she was sneaking around and for what? It wasn't like anything really happened but Brenda couldn't help but feel guilty because what did happen was maybe worse than sex. Brenda stopped off at the market before heading home, she needed creamer for her coffee and she knew it would be an ice cream day, maybe even a ice cream morning. That was the worst kind. She walked up to the porch sticking her key in the door as she heard the gate close quietly.

"Hey." she said noticing David.

David nervously looked down, he walked over to her and slowly climbed the steps.

Brenda's heart stopped, something was wrong she could tell, how was she going to explain where she was.

"Hey Bren." David said quietly leaning in and giving her an uncomfortable peck.

Brenda being a women and observant noticed he was wearing the same clothes as the night before and it wasn't like he could go on an errand, Brenda had his car.

"Are you just getting in?" she asked curiously.

David fidgeted, "Uh yeah…I slept at Steve's." David lied.

"Oh…did you have fun?" Brenda was relieved, he didn't know she hadn't slept there.

"Yeah…I drank a little too much but yeah it was fun. Where are you coming from?" David said looking down at her bag.

"Oh…we needed creamer and I got some ice cream for later." Brenda said with a smile. "I didn't even get into pajamas last night I totally crashed on the couch." Brenda unlocked the door letting herself in.

Gina and Brandon smiled as they sat together on the couch drinking coffee. Shit Brenda thought…busted.

"Well…well…where have you crazy kids been? Staying out all night" Brandon said before taking a sip of his coffee shaking his finger at them.

Brenda's heart started to beat faster, damn it Bran can't you sleep at f-ing Gina's for once?

"What do you mean?" David looked at Brenda, "You said you slept on the couch."

"Uh…" Brenda was speechless.

"Oh right…she did, we were just kidding." Gina laughed looking at Brandon, "Got ya." Gina and Brenda eyed each other.

Brenda smiled and looked at David, moving quickly to the kitchen to put the ice cream and creamer away.

David looked at her in the kitchen and back to Gina and Brandon who were still acting obvious. What the hell?

Oh shit! Eeeek…review review review and I will post what's next!! Drama drama drama xoxoxox