Disclaimer: Glen A. Larson and Universal own the Knight Rider characters in this story.

Surprises

Chapter 7

A black car slowly approached the main gate of the Foundation mansion. As usual, security was tight, but the guard knew the car and its driver and immediately let them pass the gate and enter the grounds. They chose Silent Mode when they headed towards the mansion and chose a parking spot far away from their usual spot so that their arrival wasn't noticed. His surprise has been planned so carefully. He wouldn't risk that carelessness would ruin it. Without being noticed, he climbed out of the cabin of his car, a suit in his hand. He'd use one of the rooms in the guest house near the pool to change into more formal clothes before he'd sneak into the mansion. A smile lit up his face as he pictured the look on Bonnie's face when she would spot him. A happy look, he hoped as he was aware of her aversion to surprises. He'd find out soon, he thought as he disappeared in the dark.

XXX

While the guests at the function were enjoying the food and the conversations, Bonnie wished she was invisible as she made her way past the tables and the dancefloors. She was aware that several of their male guests tried to make eye contact with her so that they could engage her into a conversation or ask her for a dance. Since she wasn't in the mood for either, she breathed a sigh of relief as she finally spotted RC sitting on a table near the bar.

Relieved to be saved from requests to dance, she quickly sat down next to her friend. "Hey you, I've been looking everywhere for you."

He grinned at her. "Surprised I'm not at the buffet?" A blush appeared on her face. "Ha! I knew it! You were sure you'd find me there."

"Guilty." Bonnie laughed and gave him a playful nudge. She felt more relaxed now that she was with her friend. "So, how are you holding up?"

His grin grew wider. "Ya know, the music is a really lame, and not the kind I told Devon to play. I guess he probably lost my list." He shrugged while Bonnie chuckled knowingly. Devon certainly hadn't lost RC's music suggestions. She remembered the horrified look on Devon's face well as he had glanced over RC's list and deliberately decided not to make use of it.

"But I'm actually having fun. Some of the people are as boring as usual, but my date is great." RC waved at April who was engaged into a conversation with another former Foundation employee.

Her eyes moved into the direction where he had waved at, and she was surprised to see April standing there. "April? April really is your date? She said yes?" Bonnie had to admit that she hadn't expected April to accept RC's invitation.

"She sure did." His smile couldn't grow bigger. It wasn't a secret to his friends that he was interested in April as he had always been open about his feelings for her. However, though April always enjoyed flirting with him, she never seemed to return his feelings. "Well, it took me a while to convince her, but I was persistent and suddenly she said yes. I guess she kinda liked that I didn't give up."

"To be honest, RC, I didn't expect her to accept your invitation. You've asked her out so many times, and she always had an excuse not to say yes." Though Bonnie was happy for her friend, she wasn't sure how she felt about him and April growing closer. She had always considered April as competition at work and when Michael was concerned and therefore, she hoped April wasn't playing with RC's feelings. "Why did she suddenly change her mind?"

"Dunno. But I don't care. What matters is that she accepted." He noticed the worried look on Bonnie's face. "She's not playing games, trust me." RC reassuringly patted her arm. He was aware what Bonnie was hinting at. "I'm not stupid. I know I'm not her first choice. We all know that she was waiting for Michael to ask her out. But he didn't. Besides, I told her that I was way cooler than Michael. And maybe she'll give me a chance." RC laughed happily. "Speaking of Michael, where is he anyway? Late as usual?"

"Didn't Devon tell you? He's not here. Michael's is working on that tax fraud case." Bonnie was surprised that RC didn't know that Michael had an assignment. "That's why he was excused from the fundraiser."

RC vehemently shook his head. "No, that's not what I heard. He's not yet working on this case." He saw the surprised look on Bonnie's face. "You know, I overheard him and Devon talking the other day. Devon wanted Michael to start on the case right away, but Michael convinced Devon that the case could wait until tomorrow. He mentioned that he had plans for Valentine's Day with someone." RC explained openly. "Didn't you know about it? I figured his plans would kinda involve you. Aren't you and Michael spending a lot more time together than Devon knows?"

It wasn't the first time RC casually implied that Bonnie and Michael were more than friends and co-workers. They'd never confirmed there was any truth to his assumptions, but they knew he was a careful observer who wouldn't reveal their secret.

She was too puzzled to say anything, so Bonnie just stared at RC and let his words sink in. If Michael wasn't working on the assignment yet, where was he?

"Oops. I guess this means that I either spoiled a surprise or that his plans don't include you." RC's words felt like a dagger in her heart. Michael knew that she hated surprises, therefore the only logical explanation was that he had plans with someone else.

Realizing that his words hadn't been helpful, RC quickly stood up from his chair. "I guess I should save April from that guy. See you later. And Bonnie? Forget what I said, okay? I was just babbling."

Forget what he said? If this was only possible. Bonnie felt her eyes tear up as she watched him make his way over to April who happily took his hand. RC's words were still ringing in her ears, but they didn't make sense. If Michael wasn't working, why wasn't he here, with her? Why hadn't he informed her that he had convinced Devon to give him the day off?

It all made sense now. The homing signal which wasn't working. Michael answering evasively when she had called. Something was off here, and Michael had chosen not to clue her in. Devon seemed to cover for Michael. But why? If Michael had told Devon the truth, Devon certainly would have behaved differently towards her.

Bonnie kept recking her brain, unable to come up with a plausible explanation. There more she evaluated the situation, the more insecure she became. Doubts crept into her mind, and she started wondering whether the reason why Michael hadn't been honest with her was because he was indeed with someone else. Another woman. A blast from the past or someone who he had met on an assignment. Someone who had made him forget about her.

She hated herself for thinking that Michael could have returned to his old behavior. "He wouldn't do this to me.", she guiltily mumbled. "Michael has changed. He wouldn't cheat on me or hurt me. He loves me, and he's committed to our relationship."

Still, she couldn't get rid of these thoughts. Bonnie didn't like that Michael had lied to her. He better had a good explanation, otherwise she'd have a hard time trusting him again.

Her eyes glanced at the clock on the wall of the ballroom. It was still too early to call it a night. If only she could pretend that she wasn't feeling well and leave the function. She looked around and saw that Devon was still engaged in his conversation with Maggie Smith. Would he even notice if she left the ballroom for a while?

She needed to be alone now. She needed time to think and to clear her head. Outside, away from the music and the guests.

Quickly, Bonnie left the crowded room and headed to the patio. A few other guests were enjoying a glass of champagne there, so she opted to sit down on the stairs leading to the grounds. It was February, but it was still warm outside. A beautiful night to be outside and spend Valentine's Day with one's sweetheart.

But her sweetheart wasn't with her, and for the first time since their trip to Boston she questioned Michael's love for her.

Trying to push these ugly doubts from her head, she lost track of time and didn't notice that another person was approaching the stairs. This person watched her for a moment, until he was certain they were alone. Finally, he silently walked over to her and sat down next to her.

"Happy Valentine's Day, beautiful." He whispered.

The voice startled Bonnie. She looked up and saw Michael sitting on the stairs next to her.

She blinked. Was this a dream, or was he really here?