Author's Note: We all love the SSD canon, that's for sure. I do have to say, however, that I find it intriguing (not to mention it's quite the challenge) creating new characters and see how they incorporate themselves to the ones we already know and love. I absolutely adore Gabriela, and I hope you give her a chance along with me. On another note... thank you for the support you've shown this story. If you like it, I would love it if you'd leave a review. It's a nice fuel to have when you're a fanfiction author! I also love to interact and chat with my readers, so don't be surprised if I respond to your reviews. (Of course, this can only happen if you're registered. I can't respond to guest reviews.) Thank you so much and happy reading!

Gabriela Guglielmetti wondered what the heck she was doing. She let out an exasperated sigh. Having only recently arrived in Denver, she didn't feel like socializing or attending a party, but she just couldn't say no to her dear friend Juliette Cassar. Juliette had been a big part of her life for several years. It was a shame they had been out of touch for so long.

Gabriela found herself feeling thankful for life's serendipitous ways. She was dying to hear the story of how Juliette met her brother Franco. If it hadn't been for the two of them meeting, she might not have reconnected with her old friend. Initially, she told Juliette she'd come for an extended visit, but there was a chance it might become a more permanent situation. Of course, that would only be an option if she was successful at her guest lecturing position at the University of Colorado. There might be a possibility of an associate professor contract position, but the dean wanted to see her in action first.

Her thoughts went down memory lane as she remembered how she hit it off with Juliette the moment they'd met. Gabriela was her mentor when Juliette entered her freshman year at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. She'd been in her third year, juggling a double major in International Relations and English Literature. Juliette was such a shy 18-year-old, Gabriela couldn't help feeling protective of her. Their shared love for books created a unique bond between them, plus Gabriela's extroverted nature was a great foil for Juliette's introverted one.

The only positive thing about going to this party was seeing Juliette, Gabriela thought. She hoped her costume choice would do. At first, she didn't know what to do about the fictional character theme for the costume party. That morning over coffee, her friend and colleague Maria had suggested dressing up as a flamenco dancer. It was a stretch, but if somebody asked her, she could say she was Dulcinea from Don Quixote in gala attire.

Gabriela chortled. That was her story and she'd stick with it.

She was thankful Maria's dress fit her. Her co-worker was a lover of all things Spanish and had bought the outfit in Seville when she attended the city's Andalusian festival during Holy Week. She thought Gabriela looked magnificent in the form-fitting white gown with hand painted red roses. The skirt had plenty of ruffles and a mantoncito, or shawl, accompanied it. It was quite the coquettish addition to the outfit with its flirty fringe. Her hair was pulled back into a sleek bun with a red rose behind her ear. A Spanish comb was added for a final touch to the look.

The shoes were her own professional flamenco shoes. Her brother was not the only one who could dance. While Franco had fallen in love with ballroom and their native tango, Gabriela became enraptured with the gypsy culture of flamenco. She adored striking up a beat with the rhythmic percussion of the zapateo, which wasthe intricate footwork of this type of dance. It was impossible not to be lured in by the defiant nature behind flamenco, not to mention the rich, complex beats of its music.

Gabriela smoothed her hands over the skirt's fabric. For some reason she was nervous, and she couldn't quite pinpoint the reason. It was a beautiful night, with clear skies and many stars visible. She noticed Moonrise Ranch in the distance. Her Uber ride stopped behind a few parked cars and it was time to make her entrance.

Meanwhile, Shane was wondering what was up with the Latino men and their lothario costumes. There was Ramon, acting all mighty and proud, thinking he was Zorro. Shane couldn't help but shake her head at such a cliché!

Feigning boredom she commented, "So now you're Zorro, Ramon? Where's your sword?"

"Mi querida rubia, Zorro always has his sword," Ramon vocalized with a flourish, as he unsheathed the fake weapon that was part of his costume.

Franco, along with Juliette, approached the small group gathered near the foyer, chuckling at his friend's antics, when he stopped dead in his tracks.

"I can't believe it… GIGI!" Franco saw his sister gracing the entryway and his jaw dropped to the floor. He immediately took long strides to close the gap between them, pulling his big sister into a tight hug. "I knew your visit was imminent, but I didn't think it'd be so soon!"

"It's good to see you too, little brother." Gabriela smiled happily. She had a soft spot for Franco and had missed him terribly. "You have Juliette to thank for the surprise."

Franco looked at his Princess Peach and his gaze softened. This surprise was everything, and he was touched by her gesture. He felt something deep within that he'd never felt before, but he decided not to ponder over it at this point. He was too ecstatic over his sister's surprise appearance to give it any thought.

The only one who noticed Ramon go uncharacteristically still and pale underneath his deep olive-toned skin was Shane. While she was enjoying this little display she had orchestrated through an unknowing Juliette, she actually did feel a little bad for him.

He turned around abruptly, and his sword got tangled up in his cape. The usually graceful Ramon stumbled right in front of the one who captured his heart at 19 years old. Gabriela stifled a giggle, but he heard it. Oh, he heard it alright. Immediately he was transported back to Buenos Aires and El Cuartito, where he made pizza dough and waited tables while mooning over Gabriela. Now here he was in Denver, mooning over her all over again.

"Gigi," he said, his teenage sweetheart's nickname tumbled out of his mouth in a quiet squeak. His throat jerked reflexively, as he had difficulty swallowing.

Gabriela's expression fell for just a second, but she recovered quickly. So, this was what her gut had been trying to tell her… her teenage flame, the one she'd never forgotten, the one who got away, was here in Denver. Why hadn't Franco told her he and Ramon had reconnected?

It was at that moment that Ramon Rodriguez realized that, while he'd recovered from that horrible breakup so many years ago, his heart was unchanged. It all came back to him in flashes. Gabriela deciding to leave Buenos Aires for a kibbutz in Israel. Ramon blindly following her there. Their heated arguments followed by their passionate make-up sessions. It had been too much. Yes, it had even been too much for Ramon way back then. He felt the same ache now he had felt the day they parted… both wanting to be together, but realizing the timing wasn't quite right.

Looking now at Gabriela, it was clear to Ramon why no other woman had been able to fully conquer his heart. His stomach took a deep dive, much like racing a car downhill, and he broke into a cold sweat.

"Minko, are you alright? You look pale," Gabriela approached Ramon, concern evident in her caramel-colored eyes.

It was at that moment that Ramon went deathly still, subsequently followed by what one could only call a slow melt. He hadn't been called Minko in ages. She was the only one who called him that.

Much to his surprise, Ramon found his voice. After clearing his throat, he said, "I am alright. It's just such a surprise to see you. Flori."

With that endearment, Gabriela froze on the spot. No one else had ever called her that… except him. Flori. Short for little flower, his florecita.

The tension in the air was palpable to those who stood around witnessing the exchange. Franco and Juliette looked at each other. While Franco gave his sweet brunette a subtle shrug, Juliette looked up at him, softly gnawing her lower lip. Silently she wondered if this had been a good idea. Meanwhile, Shane felt a bit distressed watching the scene unfold in front of her. Yes, she did want to win the yenta war, but it was patently obvious there was a lot of history between Ramon and Gabriela. Ramon seemed so sure of himself, so grandiose, so constantly flippant. No one had ever seen him so serious, nor so affected. Could there be more to him than the exaggerated image he projected?

Shane knew she had to help break the ice somehow. "Why don't we go outside and get everyone a glass of champagne? We certainly need to toast Gabriela's arrival!"

Juliette heaved a sigh of relief. "That sounds like a wonderful idea, Shane. Why don't we?"

Gabriela finally came out of her trance and hugged Juliette. "I've missed you so, mi chiquita. Let's get that champagne and catch up." As they walked towards the bar, arms entwined, Gabriela couldn't help but sneak a look at Ramon. She felt her heart beat in a steady thump. She was feeling alive again, and she liked it.

The party was going on full blast. The Grease soundtrack was playing, and Joe was having the time of his life dancing to the 50's tunes with Vivianne. Oliver was getting down too, and Shane smiled happily, watching him teach some John Travolta moves to little Olivier. It was also quite comical to see Joey and Caitlin enjoying the music and moving like they were Danny and Sandy themselves! Their costumes, the setting, and the music were pure anachronisms at their best. It was lovely seeing everyone having such a good time. Rita and Norman swayed in a way all their own while Hazel danced around in awkward circles with her Winnie the Pooh costume clumsily getting in the way!

Meanwhile, Shane noticed Sharon off to the side. She was alone, nursing a glass of wine.

"Hi Mom. Penny for your thoughts?" Shane approached her and asked the bartender for a glass of Pinot Grigio for herself as she joined her mother.

"Oh, I'm just missing Walter. He's running late, but it's been quite a while. I hope he doesn't stand me up."

"I'm sure he won't. You only need to look at him to see he's enthralled with you," Shane said softly.

"I appreciate your words, dear. Thank you. I know it's been difficult for you to accept whatever this is with Walter," Sharon commented quietly.

"Mom, you really like him, don't you?" Shane wondered if she should just let everything go. If her mother was happy, what was the use of being bitter about it?

"I do, Shane. I haven't felt anything like this since your father." Sharon looked at her daughter squarely in the eye with a soft, apprehensive smile on her face.

"I just want your happiness," Shane's eyes watered.

Sharon gently laid a hand on her daughter's cheek. "I know you do, dear. Just know that what you and Oliver have, it inspires everyone around you. I think that's the reason why you want everyone around you to be paired off."

Shane smiled wryly. "Is it that obvious?"

"Honey, subtlety has never been your forte." Sharon laughed. "But your heart is pure gold. That's what Oliver saw in you, and what we all see in you."

Shane was quite close to tears.

"Now my dear, don't cry. You're going to ruin your beautiful makeup and your flawless Miranda Frost look."

Shane took a breath and waved a hand in front of her face in an attempt to clear the tears and compose herself. She broke into a smile, but just as quickly her forehead crinkled into a slight frown. Since her daughter's gaze was fixed at a distance, Sharon followed her line of vision, only to see Walter coming in. She also broke into a smile, but it immediately faded.

"Walter! What in the world are you doing in a cowboy costume? Didn't I tell you I had chosen Cleopatra? You were supposed to come as Marc Anthony!"

"Are you going to start fighting with me again, dearest Sharon?" Walter stood firmly, trying not to laugh over the mix-up.

"Well, yes, I will definitely start fighting with you when you don't follow instructions!"

"And what about you dearest… you neverfollow instructions."

"I don't what? I am all about instructions, Walter Williamson! Of all the things to accuse me of… Instructions are my life…!"

Walter didn't give Sharon much of a chance to continue, swiftly pulling her by the waist, and giving her a heart-stopping kiss that had the guests either fawning or embarrassedly looking away.

Shane stepped away from her mother and her boyfriend, leaving them to their clinch. She smiled inwardly, deciding to give this one to Ramon. Sharon and Walter understood each other. If her mother was happy, she was happy. It was time to let it go.

Meanwhile, Oliver decided to take a breather from dancing. He wanted to dance with his wife, but before seeking her out, he went to the bar for something to drink. After asking for some seltzer water with a wedge of lime, he stepped to the side, only to find Franco by himself. He was leaning against a wall, watching the happy partygoers. Oliver noticed he was looking at Juliette and Olivier as they danced to September by Earth, Wind, and Fire.

Oliver had a sense that something was going on with Franco. His expression was serious, as per usual, but lacked its usual swagger. Franco was always very sure of himself, so it was out of character to see him this way. He figured Vivianne's daughter had something to do with it. Oliver decided to approach his dance instructor. He felt it was the right thing to do.

"Enjoying the party?" Oliver asked succinctly.

Franco was startled by Oliver's question. He had been deep in thought watching the object of his affection and her son. "Of course. Happy birthday, Oliver. Dr. Dupont certainly throws a great party."

Oliver was taken aback for a second. "Did you actually just call me Oliver and not Ovileery?"

Franco looked down and tried to hide his grin. "I just like messing with you, Oliver. You make it very easy."

Both men laughed and Oliver asked if he could get him something from the bar.

"It should be me getting you something. After all, you're the man of the hour! Don't worry, I'm fine for the moment."

Franco looked towards the dance floor again. Juliette was dancing with Joe. She looked so happy and carefree. He wished she would look that way when she was with him. She was always so nervous and skittish.

It wasn't lost on Oliver that Franco was completely and overwhelmingly in love with Vivianne's daughter.

"Franco, may I be so bold as to offer some advice?" Oliver asked tentatively.

"Please. You're a man who seems to know what he's doing."

Oliver chuckled. "Well, not all the time. I've certainly had my major blunders."

"I fail to believe that is the case," Franco replied incredulously.

"If I bring my wife over, she'll gladly list them," Oliver said with a laugh.

"Shane is a magnificent woman."

"That she is," Oliver looked at Shane. She was on the other side of the terrace chatting up a storm with Rita and Gabriela. "It seems like she's becoming fast friends with your sister."

"Gigi is amazing. Another woman with a heart of gold. I seem to be surrounded by them."

"Am I correct in assuming you want a woman with a heart of gold by your side?" Oliver asked sagely.

His gaze still fixed on Juliette and her young son, Franco exhaled and replied with a brief "yes".

"That's wonderful, Franco. Juliette is an amazing woman."

"She's also special, and completely different from the type of women I've had as partners before." Franco paused, mulling the thought that had been roaming in his head for quite a while. It was time to bite the bullet and ask directly. "Oliver, I have a sense that Juliette should be courted in an old-fashioned manner. Any other approach I've tried in the past that's succeeded with other women completely scares her off. Do you think you could help me? Your gentlemanly ways are legendary."

Oliver was completely taken aback. Him? Teach Franco how to be a gentleman? After the initial shock subsided, he admitted to himself he liked the idea. He had a feeling Shane would also get a kick out of this. Good heavens, he was about to get involved in the whole yenta war predicament. However, as he saw Franco's expression, he knew he had to agree to his request.

"Come by my house tomorrow afternoon, Franco. We can talk further about this, and I'll gladly do whatever I can to help."

Franco shook Oliver's hand firmly. "People around me have always praised you highly. I completely understand where they're all coming from. Thank you, Oliver."

From a distance, Shane saw Franco and Oliver interacting. Hmmm… what was going on there? She shook it off and headed over to ask the birthday boy to dance. Maybe she could question him a little, because of course… her curiosity was getting the better of her. Again!

Ramon and Gabriela. Franco and Juliette. Sharon and Walter. The stakes in the yenta war are rising to levels yet to be known! It remains to be seen how Gabriela's arrival will shake things up for Ramon. Although, this Author has an inkling we will see a side of him unbeknownst to all of us!

And please, Oliver helping Franco woo Juliette by mastering the art of being a gentleman? Oh yes, I so want to see how those events unfold! But do not mind your pretty little heads, my darlings, because the party is not over yet. There's more dancing to be done, more conversations to witness, and the book mystery to rear its head once again.

You thought I forgot the mystery surrounding Hopscotch and its inscription? How could I? Now that Gabriela is finally in the mix, that investigation will take an enormous leap. Stay tuned, gentle reader, there's more to come on that front as well!