Chapter 23 New Acquaintances

There are too many people here. That thought ran simultaneously with the other one, the more important one (he told himself) and that was, he wasn't doing this for his own enjoyment (for he wouldn't take one step on the overcrowded sand if it was purely up to him), but Neal's. Belle seemed happy enough, but also recognized the hesitancy in his steps. It was a gorgeously warm day, the water was still cold, but climbing to the warmest temperatures it could manage, and he felt that every person in the state (and most likely many who were visiting outside of it) had decided to join them.

He felt strangely uncomfortable in his light linen shirt. It was all wrong. The fabric felt too exposing, the buttons were brown, and Belle had told him he shouldn't tuck that sort of shirt in. The light pants, though covering his scars, made him feel like he would stand out in all the wrong ways.

'No.' Belle had assured him. 'Wearing a suit would have stood out in all the wrong ways. This will be just the right compromise, I think. And you look nice!' She added, then reddened again, just like she had done when telling him he looked good in warmer colors. She certainly looked wonderful in cooler colors. She had on a similar color to his linen shirt. He had smiled at her when he met her downstairs in the kitchen and she was assembling food for them to take with them. Neal had yet to come down, and Gold suspected that he was enjoying the ability to sleep in, now that he didn't have his two tornado brothers to deal with in the mornings.

'I promise I wasn't thinking of my own cover up when I saw that shirt-I was just thinking of what colors would be good to wear at the beach, and well.' She reddened. 'I guess I really like light blue.' Gold did too, especially when it was on her. She looked positively angelic in the sheer gauzy fabric that allowed a glance at the swimwear underneath. He was also glad that they had cleared everything up the night before.

'I know you were only being kind about the clothes, and I appreciate it, I really do.' She had bit her lip and fiddled with the book she had pulled out to read but hadn't gotten very far. 'I already feel so indebted to you, I am -we are indebted to you up to our eyebrows and I would feel even worse, those clothes were so expensive.' She looked so distraught over the whole thing. Her father's words had made her feel worse that day, and Gold had comforted her, told her he understood, and that was that, thankfully. She had more to say, it seemed.

'So, Reginald Alexander.' He looked up quickly, his ire rising, but he made himself quell it for this was Belle, after all. Could she be really bringing it up again to mock him?

'There are nice nicknames from it, you know. Like Reggie?' She tilted her head as if to see if it fit.

'No!' Her confused and slightly hurt look at his rough tone made him pause. 'I'm sorry, Belle, I hate that name even worse than hearing it full.' She nodded in seemingly understanding.

'You don't look like-that name-anyway.' her tone was much more subdued and he hated that he might have frightened her to speak so plainly. 'But, you look like you could be an Alex, even more so than a Rumple, I think.' She bit her lip and beamed. He could stand that, so he smiled in return.

'Alex has not been tried yet.'

'Can I call you Alex? Mr. Gold sounds so serious, so cold sometimes, though, I am the maid, you might want…'

'I don't mind Alex, Belle, call me what you like. As long as it's not my first name, I won't complain.'

'Okay, Alex.' And something warm grew in his chest at hearing her call him that, and so he decided that he quite liked being Alex to Belle.

Now they had made it to the beach, and while Gold could barely manage his cane and was doing his best not to trip, Belle and Neal had to bring all the supplies they had bought from the car since they were not utterly useless like him.

They had found a small area that wasn't overtaken by beach chairs and towels and he settled down on a chair, watching all the other families run around, feeling even more cripple than he did before. At least he didn't recognize anyone, small blessings. Neal ran off to use his new board and Belle made sure everything was situated before sitting down, herself. They didn't say much, she was most likely enjoying the view, he was irrationally terrified that Neal would somehow drown, or hurt himself, or have a terrible time and hate him forever, or something. He glanced over at Belle and there were worry lines on her face.

'Are you okay?' He couldn't help asking. He had been worried about her since her father had made such a scene the day before, but as she seemed to quickly get over the episode, he hadn't brought it up. He was worried he had done something, perhaps the day wasn't like she hoped…

'I just-I don't know. It's going to sound silly, but I am just making myself worry over here like a mother hen, and Neal is fine, and almost grown, and not even mine.' She put her head in her hands, the lighter bits of her hair glowing where the sun touched them. Her hair had been french braided down her back, but little curls had escaped, making the whole thing soft and, well, how many ways are there to say beautiful? It touched him that she was worried over Neal too-made him feel a little less insane, anyway, and certainly less alone in his feelings of responsibility-though Neal was, for the summer, his responsibility. Belle shouldn't really have to feel that way, she just did, and that was because she was Belle.

'No, I feel the same, worried, that is. I know that keeping him at the Victorian the entire summer is unwise, but I not only worry about his safety, for safety's sake, but also the realization that his adopted parents have put him in my care.' Belle smiled at him, an understanding smile, and they both went back to worrying over Neal.

It didn't take but a half an hour and Neal had found a few kids near his age to talk to and play with. It relieved Gold to see him interact with people, and that he had opened up a bit. They were admiring his board, he imagined that the girl standing closest to him was admiring more than that, and he smirked at Neal anytime he thought he might glance their way. He watched as the girl ran off and the other kids started walking over to a volleyball net that had been set up. Neal began walking over, though before he arrived, was joined by the girl that had been standing near him, who was coming with an adult.

'Hey, um, Belle?' Neal hesitated before continuing. ' Would you like to play volleyball with us? We need a couple more to make a team, and Grace has gone to get her uncle…'

'Did she say yes?' The very energetic blonde ran up and was nearly bouncing in the sand.

Belle smiled. 'I was about to-that sounds fun!'

And they ran off to play. Gold was happy that Neal was doing something that seemed less dangerous to him than barreling off into the ocean. However, he had only watched the younger ones for a few minutes before he began to groan watching Belle and the young, unfortunately tall, dark haired, good looking man play. He was energetic, talkative, by the way he saw his mouth constantly moving, anyway. He looked at her too much, and was obviously flirting with her (Belle reddened and laughed more than once, he had to be flirting-and who, if he thought about it for very long, wouldn't want to flirt with Belle?). He had almost forgotten to look over at Neal, he was doing fine though. He was smiling and seemed to be enjoying himself. That was why they came, wasn't it? Belle was doing exactly what he had hoped she would do by being with them-helping Neal to enjoy himself. Gold knew he was a stick in the mud, no amount of lighter colors, light pants, and expensive closed toe beach shoes could make that much difference, and he knew that he wouldn't have led to Neal having a good time. No, it was better that Belle was with them, even if he currently hated every inch of the loudly dressed man that was helping her have a good time.

After a game or two was played (Gold really did try to focus on the book he had brought instead of staring at Belle the entire time), Belle was replaced by another teenager that had come up and wanted to play and Belle walked back to him, and he did his very best to keep his expression neutral, instead of the really stupid smile that kept wanting to appear.

'Did you have a good time?' His smile was pleasant, but didn't cover his entire face like it was tempted to do.

'Yes.' Belle smiled, and it crept all the way to her eyes, which were so perfectly set off by her coverup. He had never seen a more beautiful color on her than that. 'And I think Neal was too. Grace is cute, and I think she might already have a little crush on him.'

Gold nodded and glanced over at them. 'I had noticed that.'

'Of course you did, you notice everything, I think…which is a compliment, by the way.'

Gold chuckled. 'I have to admit, there are ample opportunities for observation at the beach.'

'I'm sure there is. I do like people watching too, although I like just watching the waves, and enjoying the actual sounds and smells and view of the beach more-It's so noisy here, which is great for Neal and him interacting with people his age, but I think I would prefer somewhere with a little less opportunity for watching people.'

He could only think about how much he loved her, he truly loved her. No matter that she was beautiful enough to attract any guy she wanted and have him flirting with her after a few moments acquaintance, no matter that he was her curmudgeon of an employer, and he had very little (outside of his money, of course-he supposed that was enough for some, though suspected it wouldn't be enough for her) to recommend him, he loved her. He loved the way she understood him, the way she liked quiet corners of the world instead of the more populated, and thus more popular areas. She would like his favorite little spot that he had shown Neal. He wished they were there right now.

'Me too. I'm not one for too many people.'

Belle laughed. 'Not really a people person? I never would have guessed it.' He supposed he should really be angry that she was laughing at him, but he couldn't. He smirked instead.

'I can't believe you just left me stranded! We lost by the way-all your fault.' The tall man was there. Wonderful. Neal was smiling though, that was good, and his little blonde friend seemed to be chatting easily with him.

Belle smiled and bit her lip. 'We lost all the other games too, I don't think you can blame me for our collective poor volleyball skills.'

The tall man's eyes were dancing-Gold hated that. He smiled much too much for Gold's liking.

'I'm Jeffry, by the way, Grace's uncle. We never made official introductions I don't think. Gracie said you're Neal, right?' Neal nodded. 'And are you Neal's sister? And you are their dad?' Gold felt his entire body heat up and it had nothing to do with the rising humidity. Belle? Neal's sister? He, Belle's father? How dare the man!

Belle laughed, and Neal seemed equally amused.

'I'm Belle, I am a… family friend?' She looked at him as if wondering if that was an appropriate title to give herself. He supposed introducing herself as the old man's maid might seem strange on a family outing. He knew he must have nodded his head at some point. He also knew his mouth had to be still open from Jeffry's ridiculous assumptions. 'Yes, a family friend.' Belle reiterated, Neal felt the awkwardness and decided to intervene.

'This is Mr. Gold, my, uh, dad.' His dad. Not his 'birth' dad, not a friend, not a stranger. His dad. And while he most likely put it that way so as not to cause more personal questions that he probably wanted to give answers to, it made all the horribleness of the last few minutes get pushed back (to be mulled over later) and he enjoyed being introduced as a father for the first time in his life.

'Nice to meet all of you-sorry about that, Mr., uh, Gold did he say? Would you be the Mr. Gold that is an antique seller that's from around here?'

Gold straightened. 'That is one of my businesses, yes.'

'Small world! I own a company in the city a couple of hours from here and we buy all our furniture from you-it's so eclectic and amazing, you find the most amazing pieces. Anyway, sorry about the mix up earlier, anyway, I didn't mean to offend.' Gold wasn't quite so sure, with the way his eyes would dart and twinkle at Belle. For her part, she at least seemed interested in the small connection that they had from business.

'I-I'm glad you were satisfied with your purchases.' Belle smiled and bit her lip at his 'Mr. Gold' response, and the memory of her laughter at his people skills came back and bit him hard. He tried to give a more pleasant smile.

'Grace is here with me on vacation from her parents.' Grace rolled her eyes and laughed at that. 'You make it sound like they are horrible people, Uncle Jeffry.'

'I thought it sounded better than that it was because they wanted a vacation from you.' He winked, which caused Grace to nudge him and then persuade Neal to go back to the water with her.

'Mind if I come and join you both?'

Gold minded a great deal.

'Not at all.' Is what came out through his teeth instead.

Jeffry brought his and Grace's things over and put his chair on the other side of Belle. Gold wanted to groan again.

'Thanks! Grace has taken a liking to Neal, I think-and since I am responsible for her, I thought I had best come over and get to know his parents…well, I guess parent, a little bit. I'm sure Gracie's parents will be asking me a million questions as soon as "Hey mom, I met this cute boy at the beach today" comes out of her mouth when we come back.'

Gold wondered if the man ever closed his mouth. He was way too open for having known them all of five whole minutes, and he smiled way too much (had he noted that already? It was a very accurate observation).

They chatted for a good hour(Gold may have put in one sentence for Jeffry's ten, Belle put in more, but still was no equal to Jeffry's incessant chatter). He spoke about his company, Gold recognized it as a business that did order quite a few things from him a few years back, asked about how Gold got into antiques (for which he got the vaguest of answers), asked where they were from, and a slew of other questions. Grace stayed with Neal the rest of the time, up until Belle called him to come and eat something. She offered it to Jeffry and Grace as well, which they accepted, of course, they did. And to Gold's utter frustration, Grace and Neal had talked him into going into the city for the next couple of days, so that they could do things together while Grace stayed with her uncle. Grace really did seem like a nice sort of girl, Jeffry might not be so bad if he stopped looking and flirting so much with Belle, and what really decided it was that Neal seemed to want to go.

So-it was decided. The next day he was taking Neal skating, another such sport that wasn't made for cripples, not that he really wanted to skate anyway, and they finally left the overcrowded beach to make their way back to the Victorian.

'Thanks for letting me come with you both, today.' Belle sighed contentedly while they were headed back. Neal had asked if he could listen to music on his phone, which meant that Belle was more frank with her next words.

'And you don't have to worry about tomorrow. I will stay home and catch up on chores. I know it was a bit awkward to talk about in front of them, and I appreciate you allowing me to be simply your friend on this trip.'

She was biting at her lips. He had a very stupid urge to kiss them, which would probably have them in the ditch, which was technically only one of a plethora of reasons it was a bad idea.

'No, that is, I would very much be happy if you went with us tomorrow.'

She darted a look towards him, he could only see it out of his peripheral vision. 'I mean it.' He added.

'But I have chores, and the-the contract. You've been very sweet, but I-my father…'

'This is helping me. You're helping me.' He dared a quick glance before putting back on the road, but he hoped his eyes conveyed how much she was truly helping him by being there. 'It will still count towards your father's debt, I promise.'

She sighed. 'Okay, thank you. I-' She nervously pulled at her hands. 'I don't want you to feel obligated or anything.' Her look at him was just as serious as the one he had given her.

He nodded. 'I understand, but I don't feel that way. I like you coming with us.' He lowered his voice. 'And I think Neal does too.' He smiled, gaining one back from her. Her smile grew.

'If your house is in shambles by the end of the week, don't blame me, Alex.'

Her teasing, his new name. He knew now that the thought of them being together was utterly ridiculous (he had the wonderful reminder of their age gap to go over again and again in his mind), but he would just look at the time with her like he did with Neal-a treasury that he would build up to reflect on once he was all alone once more.

Author's Note:When I first started writing this story, I really wanted some way to include Jefferson (if you have read my other stories, you'll note I really like to include him, lol) but didn't have it in any of the major plot points. Once I started fleshing out what I wanted to do with Neal, I got this idea and now I am very happy that Jefferson, or Jeffry, got to make an appearance (or 2, since he'll be in the next chapter too!).

As always, thank you for reading, and thank you to those who comment!