Chapter 3

Telling her family that weekend was easy. They were happy for them. Just like Betty predicted. And Daniel was so cute. The way he hold his breath, waiting for they're response. And how he huffed out his breath, when he realized that there not gonna send him to hell.

When he told his parents on Sunday without Betty, he was uncharacteristically nervous. Never in his life did he feel so unsure. Not about Betty or being with her. But how his parents would react. Though he didn't have anything to worry about. Claire was over the moon. She was embracing him in a tight hug and told him how glad she is, that he finally got his head out of his ass and asked her out. His father was happy for him. That after Molly he found someone again. Though Daniel predicts, that his father doesn't know Betty well enough. But that will probably change fairly quick.

The first encounter at MODE was a little awkward. Betty is still filling in as his assistant. Which is great for them. They're as close as they could be at work. Though that only makes it look worse. To his dad. They are all aware of the broken company policy. And he told his parents that Betty already applied for a few different jobs and has some interviews lined up. But still, it has the potential to blow up in their faces.

They do have to handle this delicately. But two weeks later, Betty gets a job offer. And it's absolutely perfect for her. It's the easiest 'Yes' she ever gave. As sad as it makes her to leave MODE and Daniel behind. It's the best for their future. At least if they want to have a future.

'Hello Betty, is my son in his office', a smiling Bradford Meade asked. Two years ago, he had a heart attack on his wedding with the wicked witch from the east side. And it changed him completely. He finally saw what he was doing. Not only how bad he acted towards his children, especially Daniel. He realized that he pressured them too much. That he needs to be encouraging and understanding to help them succeed. And not cold-hearted and ruthless. Claire, well it was hard on her. She couldn't believe the guy who stood in front of her. It was her Bradford. She had him back. And hopefully for good. Their relationship was blossoming. He makes time for her, doesn't spend every second at the office. And now and then, they are making little trips. Just the two. It was lovely to watch and Betty couldn't be more happy for the whole family. Because not only is he more supportive than ever, no he also made it his mission to renew his relationships with both his kids. Especially Daniel. And over the last two years it went amazingly well.

'Hi Mr. Meade, it's good to see you', Betty smiles, genuinely happy to see him. 'Yeah, he's in, you can go right through, Sir', And Mr. Meade does, but stops short in his tracks before walking into Daniel's office. Turning around he watches Betty for a few seconds.

'You know, Betty, you are too nice. If I were you, I would've tried to milk at least a reasonable raise out of him'

'Oh no, I couldn't, it's not like I'm going out of my way here. And he is properly trained nowadays', Betty says mischievously and explains further. 'Besides it's fun being back at my old desk, and I can totally do my own work from here'

'And aren't we all glad. My wife and I can't thank you enough'

'No, please, I've done nothing'

'No, no, credit where credit is due'

'Well, If you put it like that...', stretching it out a little longer, she looks through the fishbowl glass and smiles mischievously at Daniel. Looking back to Mr. Meade she claps herself on the shoulder. 'It is my best work so far, wouldn't you say so?'

'Absolutely priceless', the two laugh at their own little joke before they hear the little annoyed sigh coming out of Daniel's office.

'You two do realize that I can hear you?', Daniel calls from inside his office. It's not that they are wrong. No, of course not. They are right. He was an ass. He knows that. And Betty did change him. Her countless lessons taught him to be better. To be the best version of himself. And he can still not believe that he is deserving of someone as amazing as Betty. He will never be good enough for her. He is not kidding himself. But he likes to try his best. And he also has to admit, that ever since the family dinner Betty and Daniel attended at his parents house, his dad and Betty get along great. Too great. It can be annoying.

'Of course you do, son', Mr. Meade says walking further in, sitting down in one of the chairs in front of his desk. Looking at him expectantly.

Daniel takes a second to go over the section he is currently red lining, before looking up at his father. 'So, how can I help you, dad'

'I have good news. We are going to have our annual Family Retreat this year. You know, ever since your Mothers stay at the Clinic and my heart attack we kind of let it slide. And I decided that won't do any longer. So, in four weeks we're going to Newport for a long weekend. Everyone will stay at our summerhouse' Bradford says happy. His smile the most brilliant it ever was. Daniel's on the other hand is more forced. He hated those weekends.

'Oh, dad, is that really necessary? I thought that was a tradition we just sort of let go of. And to be honest I wasn't really mad about it', he says crossing his arms. Thinking about his family makes him crunch up his nose. His uncles and aunts are, well something else entirely. The only one he got along with was uncle Ronald. And the main reason being that he was the only one who ever approved of his man-whoring ways. Which is a difficult topic. Especially now that he changed so much. What is he supposed to do? Sit in a corner and watch them mingle?

'Daniel, we do not let go of this tradition. It's the only tradition we have', Bradford says firm.

'But dad, I hate that tradition', he whines.

'Don't use that tone with me, young man. And how can you hate a tradition you never took a real part in'

'Come on, cut me some slack here. I always went, for you and mom...'

'With a bimbo on your arm. And then you were never to be seen again', Bradford says interrupting him, eyebrows arched.

'... yeah, let's not talk about that. But what do you think everyone would say now. I will come and just sit there and...'

'And they will be happy to finally see and get to know you', Bradford won't take a 'No' for an answer. Even if he has to drag him there by himself. 'Look, Daniel, you won't be alone. Alexis and DJ will be there and your sister is bringing her boyfriend. And if that is not good enough, you know that your mom and I will also be there. So you could spend some time with them or...'

'Yeah, dad, that's really selling it. You know how well Alex and I get a long. Granted it's better nowadays, but the only appeal in all of this will be, to spend time with DJ, mom and you. And what about the rest of them? I know exactly, what they will think...'

'Daniel, you're not getting out of this. Why don't you bring Betty?' Bradford asks him. The way his son looks at Betty? It's the same way he looked at his wife all those years ago. And after their family dinner he's sure that sooner or later, their family will meet her. It's only a matter of time. And he knows exactly why his son is a changed man. Granted he made him hire Betty Suarez four years ago. Because sadly he has to admit, she looked like she was getting dressed in the dark. And with the glasses and braces and the frizzy hair? He knew his son would never dare to touch her. But he also could've never predicted the impact she would have on him and his life. And the absolute genius that Betty Suarez is. When he hired her, he didn't know what exactly he was getting. But she went and absolutely crushed his expectations. Professionally and personally.

'I don't know, dad'

'I'm sure she would be happy to get away for a weekend', he says, smiling knowingly. And the little blush on Daniel's face is worth all the teasing.

'Dad, I'm not sure if I want to expose her to our family. They can all be a little bit too much. At least not yet'

'Oh please, that poor girl worked three years as your assistant. I'm sure she has dealt worse'

He can't argue with that. She has definitely seen and witnessed worse. It's just, that right now, being in this state of a very new and really amazing relationship? He's not sure if he wants to put that kind of pressure on them. It's worse enough that they are working at MODE. The rumour mill extraordinaire.

'Think about it, Daniel. I'm not forcing you to bring her. Come alone for all I care about. But know, that you are not getting out of this. So, if you want to bring your girlfriend, then I'm more then willing to open my arms and house and invite her too', that's all Bradford says, giving him a quick clap on the back and before leaving him alone with his thoughts turns around at the door and looks back to him. 'Have you talked to her about the black and white ball?'

'No I have not. I wanted to do that tonight', Daniel sighs deep. Sees Betty's head peeking up a little bit. The way she looks curiously at him.

'Do that. And Betty, how long do you got til your starting your new job?', Bradford walks over to her desk. Sees the little glint in her eyes. She's so excited about this, but tries to play it down. She doesn't want to hurt Daniel. Knowing that it will be hard. For both of them.

'I only have til the end of this week'

'Right, I don't know why I keep forgetting it. You already be gone when we have the black and white ball in two and half weeks'

'Yes, sadly...'

'Daaad...', Daniel calls threateningly over.

'What? I didn't say anything', Betty looks back and forth between the two men. Sees the look Daniel throws at his dad.

'And you better keep it that way'

'Okay, okay, I'm gonna leave you to it. But think about what I told you', hands held high, he walks slowly backwards. Throws one last innocent smile in Daniel's direction.

When they were back at Betty's place that evening and placed their order, they plopped down on Betty's couch.

'So, tell me, what's going on?', she says sitting on the couch, feet folded beneath her legs.

'What do you mean?', her raised eyebrow and sceptical look makes him huff out his breath. He starts pacing back and forth. It's a shame her apartment is so small. He worries that he may wear her flooring down.

'Ok, this is going to sound weird. But my family used to have these Retreats. Where my father or one of my uncles would plan a weekend for our families. It's not like going camping or so. But they would look for a hotel, that would have different things for us to do. Like a gym, or a pool or I don't know a spa. You get the idea, right?', he tells her honestly. Cause this isn't the hard part. No the hard part comes now.

'So, when we would go, I usually wasn't really seen? Except for a few quick meals with them. You know what I mean, right?', he was looking hopeful at her. And was glad when she nodded.

'Thank god, I didn't really want to elaborate further on that. When my mom was out of commission and dad had his heart attack, we sort of stopped doing it. And I wasn't mad about it. I hated those. But he decided, that it's time to do that again. He says it's our only tradition and we should honour that. My dad is expecting me to be there in four weeks. And I don't know how to feel about it', looking at her, he saw that she's in her thinking mode. Giving her a few minutes he sits down next to her and starts sipping on the wine Betty gave him earlier.

'So, I get it right, that you usually haven't spend the time with your family. Like at all', she says carefully and gives him a moment to confirm that. Which he does with a frown and a short nod. 'And now, because you're a changed man, you fear what they will say when you suddenly do', she carefully comes to a conclusion.

'Yeah, I mean, it's not that I care about their opinion about me and my life. It's just the fact that I'm so different than to who I was. It will throw them off, and I'm not sure they will buy it'

'Why shouldn't they believe you. Anyone who knows you, can see that you changed, Daniel. And for the better that is', she says her hand warm on his arm. He's so aware of her that he could swear her hand burns through his sleeve.

'I know that and you know that, but the problem is, they don't. Because to be honest, they don't really know me. And then there is Alexis and DJ coming. And Alexis is even bringing a boyfriend no one knows. And I just think it's going to be weird. But dad doesn't understand that. And I'm kind of running out of ideas how to get out of it. I was contemplating faking an injury or something like that', he says sheepishly, looking down on his clasped hands.

'Oh, Daniel, don't be silly. You are better than that. I get why you're insecure to go back. But I don't think you have anything to be worried about. You are one of the most wonderful persons I've ever met. You are kind, caring, generous, smart and funny. If they can't see that, then it's their loss', she says, while drawing soothing circles on his arm with her thumb.

And they can both see the goosebump forming on his arm. But only Daniel can feel it move further up to his shoulder and down the length of his spine. Making him shiver. A simple touch of her has such an intense effect on him. He never felt like that before. Not even with Molly. Yeah, they had a great connection and he would never diminish his feelings for her. But being with Betty like this, feels better then anything else ever did with Molly. It's been only two months. But he's so at ease, so comfortable with her. It's crazy.

'You are so great for my ego, you know?', Daniel's lopsided smile slowly stretches out over his face. Admires the little blush tinting her cheeks.

'You're incorrigible', hitting him softly on the shoulder, she smiles up at him.

'You love that about me, remember?', he moves closer to her. Slings his arms all the way around her shoulders. And when he's only inches away from her, he can't wait to kiss her. He wanted to the whole day. But couldn't. They should really tell people. It's about time they make it official. His father is right.

Closing the last bit of distance between them, Betty moves her arms around his waist and pulls him closer. And when the connection gets to heady, she lets her hands glide up his back and grips his shoulder. Wanting him as close as possible. But after a few seconds breathing turns out to be extremely hard.

'Now I really don't want to go on that stupid Family weekend. I'd rather spend my time with you', he says, placing soft kisses along her hairline.

'We can spend the next three weekends together. And I'll boost your confidence so much, that they don't know what will hit 'em', she whispers.

'Yeah, we definitely do that, but it will still feel like torture to leave you behind'

'We still have four weeks. We will spend so much time together, that you will be glad to be away for a few days. And you know what they say. Absence makes the heart grow fonder', her mischievous, flirty little smile is hitting the absolute right tone. God, he's so crazy about her. About every little thing she does.

Her hand slowly moves over his arm and shoulder and into his neck. Pulls him down to her for another kiss. And he gets lost in her. Forgets his worries for this evening.

Waking up on Sunday felt glorious. Not only had he spend the night at Betty's apartment, but he also had the most peaceful sleep in months. And it's all due to the genius and beautiful woman right next to him. Being with her is the happiest he ever felt. Though feeling the cold bedside next to him, makes him wonder where his unpredictable girlfriend is. And what she's up to.

Putting on his boxer shorts, because yesterday, her noisy old neighbour already saw enough, he makes his way over to her kitchen. And finds her in his t-shirt, hair pulled up into a messy bun. She looks so delectable like that. The way she checks her emails sitting on one of her kitchen counters. Legs loosely swinging from left to right.

'Now I know how the women must've felt all those years', he steps close to her, leans sideways against the counter next to her.

'Good morning, I'm sorry, I couldn't sleep any longer. And you looked so peaceful. I thought I would have enough time to make some coffee and come back to bed, before you wake up', her phone lands somewhere behind her, the smile apologetic and sweet.

'It was getting cold without you. And I missed you when I woke up'

'That sounds beyond sweet', she takes his hand in hers and pulls him closer to her, moves her legs around his waist and effectively traps him in her embrace.

'I would've said pathetic', his arms encircle her waist and gently pull her into his body.

'Who cares', raking her hand through his hair, she cups his head and closes the last remaining inches between them. They get lost in the sweet moment, before coming up for air. Foreheads touching, he marvels at how lucky he is. This is a once in a lifetime connection. He's sure. And he found it. Some people aren't that fortunate. They search for something like this their whole life and never find it. And that makes the fact, that he has to leave her behind in four weeks even worse. He doesn't want to be apart from her. Not one moment. This feels too right and great.

'I don't know how I'm going to survive the family weekend without you. And for four days'

'You do realize that there is a simple solution for that problem?', she smiles down at him and he pulls her into his warm body, nuzzling his nose in her neck.

'And what is that? I would really love to know, how you think you could get me out of it', he sighs, taking in her scent.

'It's more about getting someone else in, then getting you out', she purrs, placing a wet kiss on his shoulder.

'What? You want to come with me?', he says, eyes huge.

'Why not, you obviously don't want to be there alone, and I want to spend the weekend with you too. And do you really think, I haven't heard what your dad said to you? So, boom, problem solved. I'm coming with you, if you'll have me, that is', she says all of a sudden insecure.

'Oh Betty, I'll have you, believe me. I was really contemplating of asking you. Because I would really like to spend the weekend with you. But I don't want to ruin this. And my family can be a little bit too much. Believe me, they are all crazy and have never heard of the concept of boundaries', he says honestly.

'You could never ruin this. Especially not by introducing your family to me. I know you. Better then I know myself. I know all I need to know. And I want this. So much. Being with you feels like everything's finally right in the world', she takes his face in both her hands. It's important that he gets this message.

'So you did listen to me', he says, smiling softly at her.

'Of course, you are one of the smartest people I know', cupping his face in her right hand, she lets the other drive through his hair.

'I wouldn't go that far, but thank you', he smiles, reaches up to place a quick kiss on her lips.

'Mmh..., so you let me come along? Be your little cheerleader?', she says flirty, biting her lower lip.

'Only when your a hundred percent sure', he says carefully.

'Yeeeii', she says happy and claps three times.

'I'm warning you though. My family is not like yours. They are judg-y and they can be cold-hearted and ruthless. Oh and most important, my Uncle Ronald. He is a real work of art. He was the only one, who approved of my man-whoring ways back then. Almost cheering me on. So there will be a lot of judgement coming from him. I couldn't care less back then. But I don't want you to get hurt. I don't want this weekend to get in between us', he says worried. His arm snaking around her shoulders further, bringing her a little closer.

'Like I said, there's a simple solution. Just don't leave my side', she whispers into his neck. 'And now tell me what's going on with the black and white ball? What did your dad mean when he asked if you already talked to me?'

'You heard that?'

'Of course. He stood almost directly in front of me', moving backwards a little she looks questioningly at him.

'Ok, so maybe my dad thought we could use the black and white ball to our advantage'

'How?', realizing the coffee is done, she softly pushes him back and hops of the counter. Gets two mugs and pours them both a coffee, while Daniel keeps explaining.

'You start your new job tomorrow, which is perfect. Because my dad thought that we could make it official. Now that you're not working for MODE anymore', he's so careful how he says this. As if she could and would be mad at him about this. She likes the idea. They have to announce it earlier rather than later.

'And how does he suggest we're doing this?'

'He thought you could be my official plus one for the ball. Let them see, you know?', looking warily at her, he sees the little shock in her eyes. Which immediately turns into understanding and something else entirely.

'Oh, uhm..., now that you say it. That does kind of make sense, doesn't it?', his little nod and the scrunched up nose is too cute. 'I gotta be honest, I haven't thought about it at all. I don't know why, but I assumed you would go without me'

'Yeah, it does. I probably wouldn't have said anything. Because I know how much you hate these sort of things. And if you don't want to, you don't have to come. That's fine. Promise'

'What? No..., I love you. For you I would go to any gala or soirée or ball. It doesn't matter. Yes, it's not really my kind of event, but I can hold out one evening for you, babe', they plopped down on the couch, coffee mugs in tow.

'Well, I know my parents would love to see you there', his shy smile hits her right in the core. Makes her heart flutter and her hands sweaty.

'Now I kind of wish you would've said something earlier. I have only two weeks left to find something boring and simple to wear'

'I'm sorry, but it should be easy enough. You know the colour-scheme. Black and white. There's not much room for interpretation'

'Yeah, tell me, who came up with that? Originally? It's so boring. Black and white. You're literally celebrating the absence of colour', sipping on her coffee, she sees the little mischievous smile lighting up his features.

'Dad', putting his mug away, he grabs her right foot and starts giving it a little massage. Distracts her effectively for a little while.

'Say, how tolerant is he when it comes to the dress-code?'

'No idea', grabbing her other foot too he lays them both in his lap. Gives them a little tug to encourage her to move over a bit. And she gets the hint.

'That doesn't really help', she whispers softly under her breath.

'No matter what you're wearing, you're gonna look beautiful', his arm moves around her shoulders, pulls her even closer. 'And I think it's safe to assume, that he will be okay with almost anything. You two get along so great. It's freaky'

'Charmer', gently climbing in his lap, she moves her arms around his neck. Nuzzles her nose against his cheek.

'You know it', rubbing up and down along her spine, he feels her shivering against him. Places a row of kisses along her jaw and neck. Looks at the tight neckline of his offending t-shirt.

'I love you', she melts against his chest and softly rakes her fingers through his hair.

'I love you more', kissing her passionately, he shuts her up and makes her forget about everything else. She can stress about finding a dress tomorrow. Right now, she only wants to bask in his closeness and the feeling of him being wrapped around her.