21st Century Knight

Chapter 13 Hot like an Oven

Gabriella was still debating if she should go to the wedding or not the next day, despite Brandon's willingness to accompany her. It wasn't that she didn't want to go with him - personally she simply hadn't been very close to Meredith, and she didn't know who else would be there. She wondered if her best friend Sassie got an invite as well and called her up to find out.

"Hey Sass!"

"Hey Gabby! What's new? How's the crush coming along?"

"That crush turned into a boyfriend a little while ago."

"Really? Marvelous! I have to meet him! When will you let me see this guy?"

"I was actually gonna ask if I would see you at Meredith's wedding. Strangest thing, she sent me an invitation."

"You got an invite too? That's so weird, me too. I wasn't planning on going, but if you're going, then count me in. It'll give me a chance to meet that boyfriend of yours. Is he hot?"

"Er, define hot," Gabriella said coyly. Sassie laughed.

"You're not giving straight answers which means he must be a heat wave. I definitely gotta meet him. Phil and I will be there. I just gotta leave Teddy with mom."

"Okay. Then I'll see you there."

"Later Gabby." She hung up. Now that Gabriella knew Sassie was also going, she didn't feel uncomfortable about going anymore. There was just one problem left to solve - an outfit. Weddings called for all the elegance and class of gowns and pearls. She would worry about that later. Right now she had to fix dinner and it was almost six. She put on her apron and started cutting some vegetables. Just then, her phone rang. It was Brandon.

"Hello darling. What are you up to?"

"Making dinner."

"Without me? I feel so left out!" Gabriella could almost hear the petulance in his voice.

"I thought you'd be coming over after work. You did buy a week's worth of groceries for me," Gabriella laughed.

"I had a little extra work today since my secretary is off. But I can get off soon."

"Great then I'll - Ouch!"

"What? Gabriella, what's wrong?"

"I cut my finger. I'm hanging up, I gotta put on a band-aid. See you soon."

"Wait Gabriella!" but she already hung up before hearing him. She went to the bathroom and washed the blood off. She hunted in the medicine cabinet for a band-aid but couldn't find any.

"Great," she said to herself, "and I didn't even think of buying some yesterday."

She went to her drawer and rummaged for a handkerchief. She folded one and wrapped it around her cut finger, tying a knot to keep it in place. She went back to the kitchen and put some vegetables to boil. Just then she remembered she had cut Brandon off. She decided to call him back.

She dialed his number but there was no answer. She tried again, but got the same answer. She put her phone down. Maybe he's working, she thought.

The vegetables finished cooking and she took them out. She was making shepherd's pie, and she started to peel the potatoes for the top crust. A few minutes later, the doorbell rang. She went to open it.

"Gabriella! Are you okay? Is your finger bad?" Brandon asked, his face flushed. He was panting heavily like he'd run up in a great hurry.

"Did you rush all the way from work just for that?" Gabriella asked in surprise. He didn't pay attention to her words but pulled her to the couch.