Chapter 24 Not Her Type

Alex. Alex Gold. She quite liked the sound of that. She buried her head on her pillow, trying to make herself go to sleep, instead of acting like a silly, love sick girl. She had been tired coming back from their beach trip, but she had felt so horrible about all the things that were being left undone, no matter what Mr. Gold, Alex, had told her. She had put a load of laundry on, had given the kitchen a good mopping, and then pulled together some cinnamon rolls, another recipe from her mother's precious tin, that would need to rise overnight. The clock told her it was already one in the morning, and she had yet to succumb to sleep. She played over all the conversations, looks, and moments that had already made up the best week of her life. Alex had made her feel so included, so happy, she wished she could do something just as nice for him in return.

Things were going so well. Alex and Neal seemed to be warming up to each other. Last night she had even heard teasing!. They had walked into the house, Neal had pulled off his head phones and Alex had gotten close to Neal and said,

'So you and Grace, huh?' Which made Neal sport an even deeper shade of red than he already had accumulated from the day. Poor kid, but he seemed to take it well, and even answered.

'Okay, so I like her, but who wouldn't like her, right? We are friends, we are becoming good friends, that's all.' But he was now smirking and his whole face was playful. Belle was happy to see them getting along so well. She had seen the way Alex had beamed at being called 'dad' that day, even if it was just as a technical term.

Belle must have finally fallen asleep, as the next thing she knew there was light streaming in her room, the smell of yeast making its way all the way up to the second floor. Realizing she was later than normal (Mr. Gold-that seemed only proper when thinking of him when it was in terms of being her employer- might regret allowing her so much flexibility), she quickly changed clothes but doing nothing else, she ran down stairs so that she could turn the oven on to start heating up. Alex was already there, a cup of coffee in his hands, he was back in one of his beautiful suits-his shirt was burgundy, which looked the very best on him, she thought and he had paired it with one of his many black ties. When she entered the kitchen, his golden flecked, brown eyes were on her, his forehead wrinkled the way they did when he was worried over something.

'I'm sorry I'm late. I normally set the alarm, but forgot last night.'

'It was a long day, Belle, don't worry about it-and you somehow found time for that, even after the long day, yesterday.' He said, motioning with a flick of his wrist towards the cinnamon rolls.

'I just felt so bad that I haven't done all the things I'm supposed to, so I thought I would try to do a little catching up last night.'

He gave her a stern look that would have caused her worry a few months ago, but he was so warm towards her now, that she felt no fear.

'Belle.' He sighed, somewhat exasperated. 'Don't overwork yourself, please. You've proven that your work ethic is more than exemplary. I meant what I said, yesterday, you are helping me, and it more than makes up for a week's worth of dust that might accumulate.'

And one more way that he showed how kind he was, he truly was.

'Thank you, Mr-I mean, Alex.' His smile was warm, she was certain he actually liked the new nickname. She liked it too-it made him seem so much more personable than ever before.

'Wow' Neal came in and looked over at the homemade icing that Belle was slathering onto the hot rolls. He sounded truly impressed, Alex was smiling when she stole a quick glance and she felt happy with her final product though it had caused her to be tired, and she had probably been a little excessive if she was being honest-she had just wanted to do something to make up for all the things Alex had done for her.

'Do you think you could teach me how to make some of those things?'

Belle smiled at him. 'Of course, Neal! I think we should have some time next week, if you would like?'

Neal showed excitement, just as you would expect from a teenage boy, very subdued, yet the fact that he at least gave a very nice, toothy smile was all the positive encouragement Belle needed to be thrilled that he wanted to learn. Tomorrow would be a week since he had come, and he was already becoming more comfortable around them, and that made her so happy. She loved the three of them, sitting around the smaller kitchen table, rather than the larger, dining room table, eating together like they were an actual family. They weren't, she was technically the odd one out of the three-at least there was an actual blood bond between the father and son. There was nothing but increasing fondness for the one and an ever growing love for the other, however, she could imagine very easily, very pleasantly, a happier alternative.

'We need to leave at ten, correct? To be at the pizza place at noon?' Belle queried. They had planned to meet up at Jeffry's favorite pizza restaurant before heading off to take the kids skating.

Alex nodded his head and hummed in agreement.

'Well, I to spend some much needed time in my garden before I get ready for the day. You can come with me, if you would like, Neal-no pressure though…'

'Yeah, that sounds fine.' Neal shrugged, but he seemed happy enough to follow after her once Alex had shooed them away from the sink (insisting that he could do the dishes, much to Belle's worry that she was yet again shirking duties for frivolity-but it had been two days of neglect towards her garden, and while Maine kept the temperatures moderate, she didn't want her little garden to suffer).

'Squash is over here, my little tomato plants are here in their little red cages, cucumber is over here by the trellises, and along the edge over here are different herbs. Basil is doing the best, no surprise there. I've heard it's the easiest to grow and I made sure I planted easy things since this was my first go at gardening.' Belle knew she was being a bit ridiculous as she preened over her little sprouts and herbs, but she had gotten so much joy over the past few weeks, tending to her little garden, that the joy couldn't help but bubble up and overflow. Neal was quite good about it, staying silent, but bobbing his head as if he were just as interested.

'You haven't ever had a garden? Isn't your dad a florist? I figured you would be tired of messing with plants and flowers.'

She shook her head. 'We never had a yard big enough for a garden. I liked to keep a pot or two of some sort of flower for my own benefit, but I was mostly too busy to do anything more than mess with the greenhouse plants that I snipped and arranged.'

'So you take care of Mr. Gold's garden?'

She reddened. 'No, he, um, had the garden set up for me.'

She only looked at Neal for a second, more than a little embarrassed to share how much what Mr. Gold, Alex had done had affected her so. When she did so, he had a lively smirk on his face. Well, that was curious-and unexpected.

'What?' She added, once she realized that as he surveyed the garden and his eyes were only getting livelier.

'I don't understand. The town seems to hate him. But you don't-and he's really nice to you-and me too, actually.'

'I personally think it's all a bit like Pride and Prejudice.'

Neal rolled his eyes.

'Have you read it?'

'No. I think it's required this upcoming year in school, but I'm not looking forward to it. Mary has watched the movie a few times I think-I always tried to stay away when she watched it, it being a girl movie and all.'

'It is not a girl movie! And it's not a girl book either, I mean, there is the romance, but it's a lot deeper than just that. There is a character in it, Mr. Darcy, who everyone thinks is snobby, proud, and cruel. Turns out that while there is some pride, most of it is understandable, and he is actually much kinder than he first appeared. What everyone thought was arrogance, was actually shyness, and a dislike to talk to strangers. Lizzy, the heroine of the novel, spends the book discovering that there was more to him than her first impression led her to believe.

I think the same with your da-I mean, Mr. Gold. The town sees a ruthless deal maker, but once you get to know him you see that he is fair and perhaps a little blunt. And I'm not going to lie, he didn't make the best first impression on me either.' She bit her lip and pulled the hose over to the little plot. 'But as I got to know him, the more I saw that he was just a quiet, very private person. People don't like him because they think he's a bit of a miser.' She shrugged her shoulders. 'He's just been smart with his money. And as you said, he's been nice to us.' She gave Neal a smile, but Neal's eyes were laughing too much for her liking.

'And it helps that he's got a crush on you too, right?'

She dropped the hose, and since she had fixed it where she didn't have to hold the handle down, it began squirting everywhere, sending them both shrieking (Neal would probably argue that he was not shrieking, just merely worried about getting his clothes wet), and dodging the water. She was the main victim of the squirting water, and she hurriedly picked the hose back up before it got her completely drenched.

'Now that wasn't nice, Neal.' She laughed. 'You can't tease me like that. First, it's hard to imagine Mr. Gold having a 'crush' on anyone-he's way too elegant for that. Second, we are just friends. He's nice because he's a good friend.'

Neal crossed his arms. 'Sure.' He drew out.

Belle gave him a teasing look back, trying to brush off Neal's words. 'C'mon, I'm done here, and I need to change before we leave.'

They walked in to Alex having finished with the dishes. He looked them over. 'What did you do, lose a fight with the water hose?'

Belle both reddened and giggled. 'You could say that.'

Belle stood in front of her mirror. She had donned her only other nice sundress. It was a sleeveless, red floral number that went past her knees, showing that it was bought for someone much taller than her. Ruby. Her grandmother spent some time trying to get her granddaughter to wear something that at least almost reached her knees and looked a bit more feminine. Ruby took to the idea like oil to water, and ranted and raved over what she personally felt was a monstrosity. She gave it to Belle, saying that she could trash it or keep it, whatever (she knew good and well that Belle hadn't bought clothes for herself in years-the reasons being her growth completely stopped at a young age, and not having time nor funds to use on herself), so it had sat among Belle's small collection of clothes for sometime, looking almost brand new. It didn't fit Belle exceptionally well, but the pattern was nice-it was more Ruby's color, but certainly not Ruby's style, thus not really being the first pick for either girl.

Belle sighed at the reflection. The sun had given her a slight tan, but her small collection of freckles seemed to stand out even more than before. She was small, and she wore cast off clothes on a good day, and athletic and grungy clothes on normal days and the person she saw in the mirror was nothing like the elegant and sophisticated man downstairs. Neal couldn't be right. Alex had become dear to her, and he showed in so many ways a kindness that warmed her soul,and yet… When she compared herself to him, she could only wonder what there was about her that could attract such a man. Sure, Tony had called her 'Beauty' and so she might be considered pretty to some people, but she was worried she would be all wrong for someone who was used to all the finer things in life like Alex.

Besides, people like Alex didn't have 'crushes'. That was a very young person thing for Neal to say. She gave one more glance to the mirror, trying to adjust her dress to fit her better, wishing she had some pretty flats to go with it than the old black (and thus went with everything, she had told herself when she had bought it) sandals she had owned for the last four years. It was as good as it was going to get, so she left her reflection and went downstairs.

The drive was now a bit awkward, and quiet. Neal asked a few questions about the city they were going to-Belle was also curious, as she had not traveled much. Alex had only traveled for business, and therefore, his information was a little on the stuffy side. For a man who had the means to go anywhere he wanted, it sounded like he hadn't had the desire to be or go anywhere else unless it was a necessity. Belle remembered back to the tv dinners she had found in his fridge. If Mr. Darcy was shy-Mr. Gold had been so lonely. Well, not any more. He had Neal, and really, she thought Dove could be counted as a friend, and of course, he had her. As long as he wanted her friendship, he would have it, no matter that she might desire more. That was selfish, and so she would not dwell on such selfish thoughts, and instead relish the friendship he gave.

The lunch was a lively affair. Neal and Grace seemed quite the kindred spirits, though their personalities seemed completely different. She spoke enough for the two of them, but he seemed to enjoy talking to her as well. Jeffry was a lot like Grace, and didn't stop speaking from the start of lunch, to the end of their outing. Mr. Gold was the quietest of the group. She wished he didn't fall back on the sarcastic and stoic 'Mr. Gold' when he felt uncomfortable, but he did, and she did everything in her power to give him reassuring looks throughout the outing. For the love of his son he was doing this, out of the goodness of his heart he allowed her to come with him, and it made her love him even more, more than if he might suddenly gain affability and carry on in an engaging manner like the friendly Jeffry.

'So how did someone as sweet and friendly as you become friends with such a grouch?' She and Jeffry had donned roller skates and had managed a few laps before Jeffry spoke, glancing over at Alex, sitting erect and solemn as he grasped his cane and looked towards them.

'It's a bit of a long story, and he's really not as 'grouchy' as you think he is. He's just not big on-' She glanced around at the rush of people skating by them. 'Crowds. Once you get to know him, he's very kind-he dotes on Neal, as you can see.''

'So how worried should I be?'

Belle looked at him curiously. His laughing eyes made her think of Neal's this morning, though his were dancing a bit more than even Neal's were.

'What do you mean?'

'Do you think I've got a chance with you? I know long distance isn't the greatest idea, but it's only two hours and we could meet up-sans the grouch if it's alright with you-and have tons of fun. I'm a really fun guy, so they tell me' He used his eyebrows to lift at her in a knowing way, Belle blushed. She didn't feel too worried about her answer, though he was very 'fun' and good looking, he seemed the kind of person to understand.

She laughed. 'While I thank you very much for the, um, suggestion, I don't think we would suit each other very well.'

'You hurt me!' He said in mock offense, though it quickly changed back to one of mischievousness. 'So I'm not your type, huh? It's too bad, you're positively gorgeous.' She knew she was blushing. As much as Jeffry wasn't the person for her, it was gratifying to be complimented like that. Jeffry was not like Tony, thus, the compliment stuck.

'Thanks, but I can't even tell you…I don't think I know what my type is.'

'I think I do.' She tilted her head as they went around another lap, doing their best to steer clear of other skaters.

'Your type uses a cane, is grouchy, and wears really expensive suits.' He smirked.

This time the observation caused her to stumble and manage a very hard wipeout on the floor.

'Ha! Didn't mean to cause you to take a tumble, there, Belle.'

'Belle! Belle!' Belle looked up to see Alex limping down the carpeted side where all the moms and dads congregated with their beginner skaters, the little ones grasping hold of the rolling pvc contraptions. People were dodging her as she used Jeffry's offered hand to pull herself up. She felt foolish as she made her way to the concerned Alex, standing to the side.

'Are you okay?' Alex said as soon as she made it over to the carpeted floor.

'I'm fine, nothing hurts but my pride. You know how clumsy I can be sometimes.' She laughed.

Alex seemed to heave a sigh of relief, and then smile when she made the mention of being clumsy. She was sure he was replaying all the less than graceful moments of her time so far at the Victorian.

'I think I'll go ahead and sit down anyway-I haven't skated since I was little so my legs are already screaming.' She laughed it all off, but stilled when she saw Jeffry giving her a very knowing look, moving his eyes in an obvious way between them.

She gave her skates back to the person at the counter, and then took a seat beside Alex, her thoughts a swirling storm. Was it that obvious that she liked him? First Neal, then Jeffry- was there a neon sign that said 'I am in love with Alex Gold' written on her forehead? At least Alex didn't seem to be able to read it, as he seemed back into watching Neal and Grace, now being pestered by Jeffry , since Belle was no longer skating with him.

'I'm surprised that Jeffry can skate without you, you two looked as thick as thieves.'

It was all said as if he was sucking on something sour. He couldn't be jealous could he? He might have just been sad that he was unable to join them. Belle had been worried about him from the beginning, only he had insisted that he was fine watching from the sidelines.

'Yeah, I guess so.' She said flatly. She really didn't know what to say-Jeffry had been flirting with her, and she had enjoyed it, but the poor man was no Alex Gold, and therefore that was all it was.

'I'm also surprised he hasn't tried to ask you out yet, he's so taken with you.' Any other time, the great Mr. Gold making a sort of statement with his hands tight around the top of his cane like that would have made her giggle. However, this kind of conversation was all beginning to be too much, and she reddened.

'He did.'

'What?!' He was obviously caught unawares, and went from looking at the three from their group to looking at her.

'Well, I guess I'll be making another amendment to the contract? Or do you plan to do your 'visits' on your day off instead of working for your father?' There was Mr. Gold, all cold and sharp. She thankfully knew better by now, to know that there was more to it than just the words. The din of the rink had yet to get any softer-it was hard to think through things properly with it being so loud.

'I'm not going to date Jeffry. I barely know him for one… And he seemed to take the rejection well. He's nice, but not for me.' She smiled. And very sweetly, no matter the thoughts behind it, Alex smiled back.

Author's Note:I have been worried about this chapter, so I hope you enjoy it. It was hard mixing the 'fun' with the more angstier bits. Also trying to make you feel that all these things are reasonable and natural responses. I could totally see Jeffry asking Belle out after only knowing her a couple of days, and I also wanted Gold to know about it, and this seemed the best way-I just hope it turned out okay.

Let me know what you think! Thanks!