Broken {Completed}

Charity Ball

I put on my cuff links and made sure that everything was perfectly straight from my from the hair on my head to the shoelaces on my freshly polished black Calvin Klein Oxfords.

Nothing was going to ruin tonight. I gave myself one more look in the mirror and put on my best charming smile before walking outside. I clicked the button on my key to open the door to my Aston Martin.

I got inside shutting the butterfly door and started the engine. I had just enough time to make it to Black Fuel before the opening speech. Hopefully traffic was on my side, and it was. I pulled into the parking lot with 2 minutes to spare.

There was a long line of people waiting to get in, but thank God I didn't have to stand in that dreadful line. I walked up to the bouncer that was standing at the second set of doors. He opened it for me instantly.

Here goes nothing. I looked around at the throng of people. There were more than I would have imagined. I smiled and acted friendly to everyone that I passed by, asking how their night has been so far. They were happy. Good, that meant that the transition would be easier.

"Excuse me can I have everyone's attention." I turned and looked up toward the makeshift stage, where my friend was about to make the big announcement. "First I want to thank you all for coming and donating to Prevent Cancer Foundation. It means a lot to me, and it also means a lot to me to have all of your support in starting this business; however, there some pressing matters that I would like to talk to you all about tonight." He paused for a dramatic effect then continued. "Black Fuel Trading company is expanding to London, England." He stopped as the crowd cheered and I began to make my way towards the stage.

He laughed over the mic at the enthusiasm. "Alright, alright I'm not finished." Once they calmed he started again. "Opening in London, will however, require most if not all of my attention. I knew this would be happening a few years ago, so I began to look for a partner. After months of thorough background checking and many many lunch and dinner meetings, I finally found the one guy I could entrust with my company here in L.A. Ladies and gentlemen please give a warm welcome to my partner and friend Antonio Bateman!"

I smiled nodded at the crowd as I joined Shannon on stage. He hugged me tightly before stepping back from the mic to let me speak.

"I know we're all hungry and ready to dance, so I'll tell you this. I have grown to come and love this man standing beside me, and I will do any and everything in my power to keep this company going, and to make my friend proud." I motioned a near by waitress for a glass of champagne. The moment it was in my hands I raised it in the air. "To Shannon and his success and to Black Fuel." I toasted.

The crowded toasted with me and cheered. Shannon gave me another hug and guided me off stage. "There's someone I want you to meet," he said loudly as the music started playing again.

He stopped in front of a woman so dazzling that words couldn't describe her. Her long dark hair was in beautiful soft curls, her makeup was flawless and her lips were a delicious shade of pink. When she smiled it lit up the room.

"Toni, this is my girlfriend Jen. Jen, this is Toni," Shannon introduced us.

Girlfriend? I never knew he had a girlfriend. That made her strictly off limits. My heart sank a little, but I gave her a decent smile taking her hand in mine. "Ciao," I said kissing her hand. She blushed slightly. What a beautiful color on her, I thought.

"Hello," she said with a slight curtesy.

"And this is our son Gunnar and his friend Feo." He motioned to the tall boy standing next to Jen and the lovely pink haired girl beside him.

"That's quite the beautiful dress Ms. Feo," I said taking her hand and kissing it as I did Jen's. "Gunnar, good thing you got most of your looks from your mother, huh?" I laughed and winked at Shannon as I shook Gunnar's hand.

I finally turned to Shannon. "Why am I just now finding out about you're family? Non essere stupido! Mettere un anello al dito di questa donna ora!"

Shannon looked at me confused and laughed. "I barely understood any of that. I caught the stupid part though," he laughed.

"I said 'don't be foolish and put a ring on this woman's finger now'. I think if your son is old enough to attend a charity ball then a wedding is well passed due my friend."

Shannon shrugged.

"Tell me, il mio bel fiore, why hasn't this man married you yet?" I asked locking eye contact with her.

She blushed slightly. "He just found out he had a son a few weeks ago." She became uncomfortable and began to squirm.

"I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, and please don't be shy around me. Casa mia è casa tua." I smiled at her but she looked confused.

"Thank you, but we're going to London with Shannon."

I opened my mouth to speak, but Shannon interjected. "Actually, I want you and Gunnar to stay here."

"What?" Jen, was furious. Her cheeks turned red with anger. I wanted to capture that moment. She looked like an angel of wrath.

"Calm down, Jen."

"No! Do you ever think of anyone but yourself?"

I could tell that hit Shannon hard. "All I'm thinking of is you and Gunnar! You just moved here 2 months ago, and you really wanna go through it again? What about school for Gunnar? London is a different than the states and do you really think that moving him would be a good idea this close to the end of the year?"

"I just wish you would involve me when you make decisions like this!"

This was getting too awkward for me, so I went to find the nearest waiter and get a drink. I looked around and watched as everyone had fun, then a flash of red blurred across my vision. I looked in that direction and saw a woman with flaming red hair making her way toward Shannon. I didn't think much of it as I continued my pursuit for a drink.

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A/N if any of you speak Italian PLEASE correct me if any of this is wrong!