Speak To Me
Chapter 86 –

(Gabriella)

"I l-love you too b-baby...Bye." I said before hanging up with Jamie and looked over right as Teresa began walking towards me.

We had just gotten to a small Cafe that was down the street from the dress shop we would be going to.

"Here you go sweetie, decaf caramel latte." My mother inlaw stated while handing me the delicious looking drink. I swear my stomach growled in approval the moment I saw it. "So, what did my sweet and overprotective son have to say?" She asked playfully as I couldn't help but laugh.

"H-he was j-just m-making sure w-we got here okay."

Even though I'm sure Ray had already told him..I couldn't help but glance over towards him as we made our way to the door where he just so happened to be standing.

"Of course he was. He sure takes after his father.." Teresa grumbled while taking a sip of her iced coffee.

"W-was Robert like th-this too when y-you were p-p-pregnant with Jamie?" I asked curiously.

I loved hearing Teresa tell me stories about when Jamie was younger and how his life was growing up.

"Oh god yes..I swear I almost lost it a few times..you are much more patient woman than me." Teresa whispered the last part before winking at me as I let out a giggle.

"Robert wasn't always the ruthless CEO type. In fact, when I met him, he actually owned a motorcycle." She explained and I swear my jaw dropped.

"He was kind of a bad boy. His dad was a business man and Robert fought against that role for a little in the start..we were just teenagers at the time though. But I sure did love that man." She spoke softly, her eyes seeming to fill with emotion as I peered over at her carefully. I have noticed that look a lot lately..especially when she mentions anything about Robert Sinclair...

"But enough about those men..today is a girl's only day..well, besides Ray..but he doesn't couldn't." She whispered to me before looking back at Ray who was now smirking.

"How is my daughter in law feeling? No more morning sickness?" Teresa asked excitedly as I shook my head no and sipped at my drink.

"N-not anymore. I-I think I g-got lucky." I said while placing my hand on my stomach, feeling my small bump.

"I think you did..I swear you are already glowing too." She complimented, making my cheeks warm as I couldn't help but smile.

Jamie said the same thing this morning. That's why I was almost late meeting up with Teresa..because he wouldn't let me leave the dang room.

I think he was also a little worried about how I was feeling..with my dad leaving last night and stuff. But surprisingly I felt like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. Like whatever anxiety I had been holding in was released after writing that letter.

Of course I cried in Jamie's arms for an hour after Daddy left..but I will blame the babies and my hormones for that outburst.

"Have you ever been to a charity ball before?" Teresa asked as I thought about it for a minute.

"M-maybe once." I stated, remembering I did go to some type of event when I was twelve when my dad was visiting.

I was so overwhelmed by the big crowd that I swear I clung to him the entire time. So I don't remember too much.

"Well, there will be a lot of people there, and considering you are the wife of a CEO, we have to make sure you stand out from the crowd..even though I'm sure you would no matter what you wear." She added, causing me to blush yet again as we approached a building with beautiful gowns displayed in a window out front.

"The designer here is actually a longtime friend. We met at an event just like this when Robert and I were still married..I won't say how long ago because it will make me feel old." Teresa muttered, making me laugh before shaking my head no.

"Y-you're not o-old." I said, prompting her to smile widely.

"If you say it, then it must be true."

Before I could respond, Ray stepped ahead of us and reached for the handle of a long glass door.

I couldn't help but gasp as we stepped into the building.

I swear I didn't even know where to look first..

Hanging above us was a large crystal chandelier, the shiny clear pieces sparkled beneath the light beautifully. The walls were a soft lavender color with white trim and gorgeous vases filled with flowers were placed perfectly in each corner. But what impressed me the most were the gorgeous dresses displayed all around us.

"Teresa, Darling!" A woman with a French accent said happily.

She had long black curly hair and beautiful mocha skin. She wore a light yellow pantsuit and pulled it off flawlessly.

"Alice, thank you for getting us in so last minute." Teresa greeted the woman before they kissed each other's cheeks smoothly.

"Of course, anything for my beautiful friend. And this must be Gabriella?" Alice asked before turning her attention towards me.

"Yes, this is my daughter in law, Gabriella Sinclair." Teresa confirmed as the woman came to me next and greeted me the same way.

I tried not to panic and just stood there while she did the kiss thing. I just didn't want to screw it up..

"Ah yes, and you are expecting? Correct?" The woman asked and I just nodded my head yes.

"Beautiful, congratulations."

"Th-thank you." I smiled softly and watched as Alice turned to lead us through the store.

"We have a few other customers here currently, but I have a private room prepared for the both of you in the back." Alice explained while Teresa took my arm and looped it with hers.

I couldn't help but smile at her as my stomach flipped excitedly. As we passed by all of the elegant dresses, I was reminded of Paris and our time in France. The shops were very similar to this. But I was way too intimidated to enter those ones..it was nice just to look though.

Suddenly we heard a loud voice, making us stop as a woman in front of us seemed to be in some type of heated discussion.

"I booked this room months ago.." She said in annoyance, and my heart stopped.

I knew that voice..I had heard it at my old home many times before.

Janice Elliot, she was a friend of Regina's and would come to the house often with her daughter Aviana.

Aviana was the same age as Cecelia and they went to the same private school together I believe.

I knew this day would probably come...that I would eventually run into these people considering we are technically in the same circle now.

These were the type of shops I'm sure Regina and Cecelia always went to. So of course they would be here..but why today of all days?

"Mrs. Elliot..we called yesterday and explained that we needed to reschedule." A small woman stated, making Janice scoff.

"Is there a problem here?" Alice spoke up, causing all the attention to turn towards us now as I looked away quickly, hoping they wouldn't notice me.

"Yes, we requested this private room months ago..I was promised I would get it today and this woman won't let us back." Janice snapped, making Teresa sigh as she stared at Janice in disbelief. Then I felt it..multiple pairs of eyes burning into me as I tried so hard to stay still and seem invisible..I guess it wasn't working very well, because what I heard next made my stomach drop. "Gabriella Kensington..is that you?"