Desserts & Dramas

Chapter 5

 "Nothing. Gabe and Tomás are trying to make me break up with her," Eric explained, frowning at Gabe.

"Everyone knows that this will happen sooner or later. It doesn't hurt to have options," Gabriel argued. Cecilia decided to intervene.

Like her brother and Gabriel, she didn't like Eric's new girlfriend, so she could try to change the situation somehow. And as for Gabriel himself, he was not a totally hopeless case. However, not just any woman would be able to make that heart beat faster. He was tall, dark hair, and certainly didn't procrastinate on his workouts. Besides his beauty, he was extremely intelligent, successful, and, oh, so rich. A bad boy for any foolish girl. And he certainly knew how to make the most of his charm. Nevertheless, behind the expensive clothes and dashing smile, there was vulnerability. Cecilia was sure of it, she just hadn't managed to get through the high walls that protected his heart, nor had Eric and Tomas.

On the other hand, Eric had a habit of falling hopelessly in love with all his girlfriends, recognizing qualities that not everyone was able to notice. Despite his Asian ancestry and strict education, he had an easy and captivating smile, with a huge and generous heart, willing to love every creature in his life. He was a little shorter and much nicer than Gabriel. But equally intelligent, successful and wealthy, as they were both partners in an education and investment company they founded when they were still in college.

The two were opposites, both were great challenges. But it was worth a try. That night they both looked very elegant in their dark suits, any girl would be lucky to date them. And Samanta clearly didn't know how to value that. Cecilia should just take care that this one didn't listen to her. By the way, where was she?

She should have asked the question out loud, as Eric answered:

"She is talking to some friends of Tomas' parents, trying to promote their advertising company."

Gabriel's expression as he looked at Cecilia made it clear what he thought about this promotion. Cecilia decided not to extend the subject and to return to the possible company options for the two of them.

"So, Mr. Lanvini and Mr. Nakamoto," she looked first at Gabriel and then at Eric, "I can tell you that I have met some friends from Ali. Jade and Daniel are friends from college, they seem like nice people from what I've talked to them. Jade is small, but seems quite determined."

"To survive medical school, she really needs to be" Eric pointed out.

"Same as Ali," Cecilia agreed. "Otherwise she wouldn't stay with Tomás." They both laughed, and she continued listing Jade's qualities while watching their expressions. Eric smiled at the mess they were putting Gabriel in, and Gabriel, with an impassive face, showed no emotions either favorable or unfavorable to the girl. Faced with this lack of reaction, Cecilia began to describe her other friend to ease the mood.

"Daniel is incredible, very funny and helpful, and I can say that he won't be competition for you since his interest is different. He will be a good company as best man."

"Have they announced the godparents yet?" Gabriel asked, to which Cecilia replied:

"Not yet. However, since I am helping Ali with the organization, I already have an idea of her list."

"Will we be best men?" Eric asked.

"And do you have any doubts?" Cecilia teased, giving Eric a gentle nudge.

"It doesn't hurt to ask, you know. And who will be the bridesmaids?"

"I see that the talk about Samanta is having an effect," Gabriel teased.

"I'm asking for you, Gabe." Eric replied.

"No need to fight, there will be other women at the party besides the bridesmaids," Alice soothed them. "Anyway, I also met Vivian, Ali's childhood friend. I have met her on other occasions, a little exaggerated, but a good person. She is the one in the red dress right over there."

"Not everyone looks good in red," pointed out Gabriel.

"She is pretty," Eric pointed out, "very pretty."

Vivian was tall, thin and had very dark hair. She followed a stereotype that many men admired and drew attention wherever she went. She met Alice at school and since then they were very close friends, but unlike Alice who decided to study medicine, she chose to go to Law School. She was dedicated to her practice, however, lately her focus was on finding a husband. Whether it was family pressure or her own will, she did not make it clear, but the men who approached her should be careful, as Gabriel was to discover later.

"Who knows, maybe some of you would like to get to know her better?" Cecilia offered.

"I'm dating Samanta, Sissy," Eric answered.

"And that's my cue to leave," Gabriel said. He raised his glass to his friends and went toward the bar to refill his glass of whiskey. He didn't hear his friends' next comments.

He was determined to take a few more shots to disguise his anxiety and deal with the party for his friend's sake. The next day he would have a battery of tests to check specific conditions in his body. Luckily alcohol didn't interfere with the results of the tests, or he would be hopeless. And it seems that alcohol would not be near him only in the glass. As he walked towards the bar, he bumped into a waitress who dropped something cold on him, probably wine.

"I am sorry," the girl exclaimed.

"You should pay more attention," replied Gabriel. Or he should, as she was not a waitress.