Blind Date With the Billionaire Part 2: Forced to Choose (2 page)

She was putting the final touches to her look when her doorbell rang. Monica clasped the diamond band on her wrist that Gabe had sent over earlier in the day, and went to the door. Gabe stood there looking as handsome as ever in his black tuxedo. He held a bouquet of flowers in his hands, but it was the look in his eyes that knocked the breath out of her.

“You look absolutely stunning, Monica,” he said eyeing her up and down. “I’ll be the envy of every guy there tonight.”

“Thank you Gabe. And thank you for the dress,” Monica added. “It was very generous of you.”

“Don’t mention it. I love to spoil you,” he replied.

“A girl could get used to this,” Monica joked.

“You should get used to it, because I have no intention of stopping,” he said.

Monica was slightly taken aback by Gabe’s declaration. Could it be that he felt the same way I do? she wondered. 

“So...um...are you ready to go?” Monica asked a bit unsteadily.

“Yes,” Gabe answered as he draped her wrap over her shoulders and dropped light kisses there.

Monica shivered at his touch. She could feel herself getting aroused already, and wished she could spend the evening alone with him instead of going to the ball. But she straightened her shoulders and
marched
to
wards
the door. If she gave in now, there was no way she would ever be convinced to go. Gabe seemed to sense it. Hiding a smirk, he grabbed her hand and led her out the door.

*****

The ball was held at an exclusive club owned by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Rathsmussen that catered to the wealthy and connected. As they pulled past the iron wrought gates up the sweeping driveway, the building came into view. It was actually a mansion, built in the late 19th century for one of the titans of industry of the era. The long drive was lined by majestic oak trees. Lanterns hung from the trees giving it a magical appearance. The building itself was massive with stone pillars lining the front.
The steps leading up to the house were buffeted on either side by two marble statues of stately lions.
The large double doors were open with a stream of light pouring outside.

Monica rubbed her hands nervously as she exited the limo. She’d never been to a ball before. She never even went to her high school prom. She didn't know anyone there except Gabe. Well, technically she had met Christy and Annabelle briefly, but that wasn’t any more comforting to her. In fact, it made her even more nervous. If all the people there were anything like those two, she would have a miserable night. Monica could already feel the critical eyes judging her. Gritting her teeth, she banished those negative thoughts from her mind. She would get through tonight for Gabe. He had asked her to go with him, and she would do everything in her power to make him proud. She wouldn’t let her insecurities ruin the best thing to happen in her life.

As Monica walked up the steps to the entrance, she saw the inside was as impressive and intimidating as the outside. The floors were of marble and the stone archways separated the rooms. On the walls hung artwork that Monica was sure cost more than her salary for ten lifetimes. Monica squeezed Gabe’s hand a little harder, her nerves creeping up on her again.  At this ball were the crème de la crème of society, and Gabe was one of them. This was his circle, Monica kept reminding herself. She grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and gulped it down,
hoping for a little liquid courage
.

“Thirsty,” Gabe asked, quirking an eyebrow at her.

Before Monica could answer, they were greeted by a tall, elegantly dressed woman in an emerald green gown.

“Gabe, darling, I’m so glad you could make it,” she said
kissing
both his cheeks.

“Hello, Missy.” Gabe answered. “You look lovely this evening.”

“You’re too kind,” she cooed. “I had almost given up hope that you would make it this year.”

“I didn’t think I’d make it either, but had a change of heart,” Gabe said. “Missy, let me introduce you to my date,” he added turning to Monica.

“Oh ho
w nice to meet you,” Missy said, giving
Monica
a quick once over
. “I didn’t know you were coming with a date,” she added to Gabe.

“Well as you can see, I have. That’s not a problem I hope,” Gabe replied in a serious tone.

“Oh nonsense, Gabe,” Missy replied. “I wish I knew ahead of time, since Carla is here.”

At the mention of Carla’s name, Gabe’s face turned into a stone mask. His eyes scanned the room and Monica saw him clench his fists at his side.

“I hope that won’t be a problem for you,” Missy twittered as if she had a juicy scoop.

“Not a problem at all,” Gabe answered, calmly. “I thought my assistant had informed you of my bringing a date, but I see that was not the case.”

Monica had
a h
ard time believing Molly would fail to do anything. She had
a feeling that Missy was well aware he was bringing a date. According to Gabe, Missy Rathsmussen was one of the biggest gossips in town, and lived for stirring up drama. Gabe didn’t give her the satisfaction of playing into her games. He turned the conversation to safer topics, and soon they were carrying on a conversation among themselves, mentioning people Monica didn’t know.

Even though he smiled and chatted easily, Gabe seemed preoccupied ever since Carla’s name was mentioned. He was tense, and Monica saw him periodically scan the room looking for something or someone. He seemed to forget she was even there.

Monica, already nervous about her big night out in high society, felt left out. Grabbing another glass of champagne from a passing waiter, Monica downed it quickly. She figured if she wasn’t going to have any part of the conversation, she might as well be drinking. Besides, the champagne was delicious, and probably ridiculously expensive. The movement of Monica
’s arm
reaching for a glass caught Missy’s eye and she turned all her attention to Monica. Her grey eyes looked Monica up and down appraisingly, from her hair to her designer dress.
Monica’s
liquid courage hadn’t kicked in yet and
she
felt naked and vulnerable under that
calculating
look. She felt like an imposter crashing the party.
Monica
fought to keep her insecurities at bay under the intense scrutiny.

“I’m sorry, I don’t think I caught your name,” Missy said to Monica. “I’m Missy Rathsmussen.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Monica
said
. “I’m Monica, Monica Jordan.”

“Well Monica, I’m very glad you could make it tonight with our dear Gabe.”

The way she said “Our Gabe” made Monica want to claw her eyes out. He wasn’t anyone’s Gabe but hers, she thought jealously. She could see how all the female eyes traveled to Gabe as soon as they walked in the room, and it set her teeth on edge.

“Gabe’s quite the catch,” Missy continued. “We’d wondered who the lucky woman was who would win him over after his divorce.” Turning to Gabe she continued, “Now don’t give me that look. We’re like family, I’m sure you know we were all worried about you.”

“That’s quite enough,” Gabe bit out. He was quickly losing patience with Missy and her meddling ways.

“Oh Gabe, you know we all care about you, but if you prefer I remain mum about it, then say no more. I’m not one to blab anyone’s private business,” she said.

“You’re too kind,” Gabe sneered.

“So tell me Monica, what do you do?” Missy asked, oblivious to the anger in Gabe’s voice.

“I’m a secretary,” Monica answered.

Missy’s eyebrows shot up.

“Oh really, a secretary?” she repeated, with a gleam in her eye.

“Yes,” Monica replied simply.

“And where do you work?” Missy asked.

“At Edison Electric,” Monica answered.

Missy gave Monica a fake smile, storing up all the information so she could gossip about her later. Monica felt uncomfortable being questioned so acutely, but she was never one to lie or embellish. She wasn’t about to make up a fabulous job or life just to satisfy Missy. It was one of the things Gabe loved about her. She wasn’t fake.

“How did you and Gabe meet?” Missy probed.

Before Monica could reply, they were interrupted by one of Gabe’s business associates and his wife.

“Gabe! What a surprise to see you here,”

“Hello, Michael,” Gabe answered shaking the older man’s hand. “Mari
el, you look ravishing
,” Gabe added as he greeted Michael’s wife.

The new arrivals distracted Missy from her inquisition. Soon the party got lost in conversation about people and places Monica had no clue about.  Though she was grateful for the reprieve, she had no interest in joining in.  She didn’t care that Rhonda and Richard were recently separated, or that the Jacobsens
were forced to sell
their home in the Hamptons to downsize after huge losses in the stock market. Gabe seemed immersed in the conversation. Talking business with Michael, he seemed to forget she was there.  She stood in that group awkwardly, trying to appear interested in the conversation going on around her but failing miserably.

She was starting to get annoyed by Gabe as well. He had asked her to go to the ball with him, and here he was practically ignoring her. It’s so easy for him to forget me when he’s with his crowd, Monica thought pessimistically. She didn’t particularly care for Missy’s or Mariel’s company, since they seemed catty and gossipy and talked about people behind their backs, but they were the only people she had been introduced to. She wished she were at home in her pajamas vegging out in front her TV. At least she could be comfortable.

“I’m just going to head to the ladies room,” she said to no one in particular. She really did have to go after downing her fifth glass of champagne. Gabe gave her a slight nod, not even bothering to look at her, or interrupt his conversation. Maybe I should just call a cab and go
home.  Let’s see how long it takes for him to notice I’ve left, she thought spitefully as she stalked towards the bathroom.

*****

Monica was in the one of the stalls when she heard the bathroom door open and the sound of high heels clicking on the marble floor. The sound of two women’s voices echoed throughout the room.  At first, Monica ignored their chatter, hoping they would leave quickly, but her ears perked up when she heard them mention Gabe.

“Can you believe he came to the ball with her?” one of the women said. “I mean, I just don’t get what’s so great about her. She’s not even pretty.”

“Rhonda told me that Missy told her that she’s just a secretary at the power company,” the second woman scoffed. “I mean really? A secretary? He’s really scraping the barrel with her, huh? And did you see her dress? I wasn’t aware that secretaries earned so much money they could afford a Moreau gown.”

“Well you know what they say: you can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig.”

“Oh Sandra, that’s too cruel,” the second woman squealed.

Monica felt her cheeks burn as she listened to their catty remarks, but it was soon turned to anger. How dare they talk about her like that when they didn’t even know her? They were probably just jealous bitches. She was about to step out to confront them when she stopped in her tracks.

“Did you see how quickly Gabe went looking for Carla once she was out of sight?” Sandra continued.

“Oh I know, right? Like he couldn’t get away fast enough.”

“Well, it’s not surprising. I heard he was absolutely crushed when Carla walked out on him. He was begging her to stay.”

“Poor Gabe. Can you believe he actually brought that woman to Rousseau’s last Saturday?”

“Get out! I didn’t know that!”

“Oh yeah! Christy told me she and Annabelle saw them out on a date.”

“If he thinks to make Carla jealous with her, he’s going to be disappointed.”

“As if Carla has anything to be jealous of. I mean, you got a good look at her. Carla would feel more pity than jealousy,” they laughed.

Monica felt her heart drop at their careless words. It seemed everyone in the building knew more about Gabe’s past than she did. Gabe hardly mentioned his ex wife or how they broke up, but according to these two, Gabe still had feelings for her. Monica felt foolish and humiliated. They all thought it was a great big joke that Gabe had decided to show up with her. Big fat, plain old Monica.

The two women finally left and Monica was alone. Her first reaction was to run home, but she knew she needed to find Gabe. She had to speak to him and hear his side of the story. The past week couldn't have been an act. He wasn’t that good of an actor, she reasoned. The thought that it could all be some scheme to make his ex-wife jealous hurt more than she could stand. It would be the cruelest joke ever played on her.

Monica left the bathroom, intent on finding Gabe. It was time to put all their cards on the table. She wanted to believe him when he told her she was beautiful and important to him, but he wasn’t acting like that tonight. He had practically ignored her all evening, and if those two were to be believed, made a beeline for his ex once she was out of sight.