Chapter 1

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Gabriella sat at her desk looking at the pile of bills in front of her. She'd tried the last few months to stay ahead but with taking in 3 more woman, one with a 5 year old child she got behind.  But she couldn't dare leave them out on their own, if something would have happened to them she never would have forgiven herself.  While she couldn't save everybody she did the best that one person could do.

Tanya walked into the office, “Hey Gabs, why are you so stressed?”

"Why am I not?" She pointed to the stack of bills on her desk then ran her hands into her hair while leaning back in her chair. "I don't know if I'm going to get myself out of this one."

“You need to get corporate sponsors. Its time to go pimp yourself so to speak.”

"I was hoping I'd get that grant from the government but that's still pending as of right now." she sighed.  "I despise going out and bumming for money you know that."

“I know that girlfriend but you wanna run a not for profit that means you need to find the funs."

funds

"I know." She looked over at her almost in tears. "I don't even know where to start."

“Well you gotta have a plan Gabs. I’d say contact a few agencies around here and see what they say like Goodwill or United Way maybe they can tell you.”

"What about that guy you used to date? What was his name....Mark? Didn't he do events or something?"

“Yeah for music.  Why?"

"Do you think it would be possible for an artist to get up a good portion of their sales for a good cause to help these women out and keep them off the streets?"

She asked not really knowing how that would work because most people were greedy and wanted all the money for themselves.  But right now she was grasping at straws trying to find a way to keep her place up and running.

“Besides my awesome husband how many men do you know that are selfless."

"None that I can think of."

“I hate to tell you Gabs but if you want this place to stay afloat you’re going to have to do some hard work and figure stuff out. I can reach out to Mark for you but I want you to have a solid plan before I do. We didn’t break up on horrible terms but he is an ex so I can’t just make him do all the work and promise him kisses."

"Yeah I know. I'll need a few days to get everything ready.  I'e been thinking about having some time of work study to help them get back into the work place.  But again I have to have money to do that."

She shook her head, “You don’t have to have the money thats what pimping yourself out is all about. You just need a plan and they will provide the money”

"You say that like it's not a bad thing." She laughed opening up an envelope.

“Well I say that like its something you should have expected cos damn girl if running a non profit was easy everyone would do it

“

"Yeah that is true." She leaned back in her chair. "What time were you headed out tonight?"

“I’ve gotta be home by 530 Mark wants dinner before he heads to the station."

"Is he still liking his job there? Or did he like the last place better?"

“He’s enjoying it now, he’s become friends with some of the guys so its better."

"That's good." she smiled. "Do want to go grab a coffee before you head home?"

“No but I will leave you to google how to get funding for your Not for Profit."

"Thanks alot." she shook her head going over her paperwork. "I'll see you tomorrow."

“no problem sweets see you tomorrow."

"I'm sure I'll still be sitting here." She sighed giving her a small waive then grabbed her laptop to start searching.

“Don’t forget to eat dinner.” Tanya smiled and walked out.

After many hours of looking over sites and writing down ideas her eyes were almost blurry as  she looked over at the clock seeing it was almost 11 pm.  Since  she hadn't bothered to eat all day she closed down her computer for the day then went into the kitchen where she made herself a sandwhich.  This was the one benefit of literally living at her job.  She could work all the hours she wanted but was only a few feet away from her house.

Tanya walked into the center the next day and looked at Gabrielle, “You look like you never left.”

"That's probably because I didn't." She answered taking a sip of her third cup of coffee for the day.

“So what did you decide?”

"That I need to get my butt in gear if I want to keep this place going."

“Ok but how?” Tanya filled up her coffee cup.

"I told you about the idea of helping them get back into society with a work program. But for the kids I'd like to have someone come in and work with them at least every other day.  These kids will have so many issues growing up after everything they've seen."

“So is it a social worker you want or someone to just care about them?” She sat down and tried to get Gabs to enunciate what she was thinking. She always has crap in her head but doesn’t vocalize it and its annoying.

"Maybe someone like a social worker.  I just think it would be good for the women and kids.  I'm here watching them sometimes and they shelter these kids so much. Which if i had been in their shoes I probably would have done the same thing."

“Have you thought of why they put up with the crap as long as they did? That needs to be addressed with each one.” Tanya helped her.

"I know why they did." She answered softly having been through it herself.

“Why?"

"Because you get to a certain point and they make you think you can't live without them.  These men get in your head and make you think your useless and nobody else wants you."

“Well then these women have to unlearn that thought process so whats your plan for that?"

"It takes time, the things these men say and do don't just go away over night Tanya.  Some of things Ben said to me are still stuck in my head."

“I’m not telling you it has to go away I’m telling you that you have to have a plan to address it if you want someone’s money invested in your place.  Write this down, come up with 5 things you want to address and 5 things you think will work to address them.  You may not get money for all 5 but in my organization, if someone comes to me without a plan in writing I typically ignore them very well."

Tanya has the background to give this advice as a strategy manager for Verizon.  She’s constantly working with people to find a solution to needs.

"I have two that I want to do.  Unless getting a nicer place for them to stay would be considered.  "I've got two to a room right now with a divider in between them."

“Well I would put that as number 5, you don’t want it to sound like you don’t have a plan for the development of what you created. This can’t just be a handout."

"And it's not, I want to make a difference in their lives.  I know that when I was going through this I didn't have anyone to turn to."

“Ok but I’m going to ask you again Gabs, how? Giving them a roof over their head is nice but what else are you going to do?"

"Let them know they aren't in this alone.  Everyone woman in this place has been through the same thing.  I try my best to do group sessions to talk about things that have happened in their lives, sometimes that doesn't work as planned when it's just me here."

“Well then one of your plans can be to get more staff or volunteers that fit certain needs."

“That would be so wonderful!  I love each and every one of these people that walk through the door but there are days i'd like to be able to get out of here and enjoy a day out."

“Well bud that’s on you, you are the CEO of this company.  Are you really looking for someone to be the business manager?"

"I want to but at the same time I don't wan to give up that control."

“Well the question I have is, do you know how to manage the business aspects of this, do you have that desire or just want to provide a place. Maybe you need someone to teach you?"

She sighed taking a sip of her coffee. "I hate the thought of this place becoming a business.  I'm not doing this for the money......obviously."

“I’m not saying that Gabs, but it is a business even if you don’t make money you have to be able to pay your bills which means you have to operate effectively.”

"I know, it's just that when I started this place I didn't know what I was getting into." She answered just as two of the women walked in to fix themselves something to eat. "How are you ladies today?" She asked putting a smile on her face.

“We’re doing good Gabrielle.  Thank you so much for a safe place to be.”

"You're very welcome." She smiled.

Tanya looked at her, “Ok girl I need to get to my office, Let me know when you’ve come up with a business plan and I’ll give Mark a call to see if he can help out.”

"Thank you."  She hugged her quickly. "I'll be in touch."

Tanya left and went to work, she hoped her friend was able to come up with what she wanted to focus on with the  organization.  She got lost into work as the day progressed.

Throughout the day all the women worked together to to clean up around the house. The kids were off playing in the make shift play room down the hallway letting them have a little piece and quiet.  While they cleaned up the house she went down to her office to work on some different ideas.

“Ok good, what else you got for me.” She grabbed her notebook and wrote that down.

"Obviously I'll need more help, it's so hard doing this on my own."

“So you want a business manager or someone who wants to help with the operations?"

"Yes."

“Ok so what two programs at least are you planning to offer these women?"

"Well I've got a few that I was thinking about. One was having them get together at least once a week to talk with each other......kind of like a group therapy type of session.  I'd also like to help them get back into the work place."

“Ok are you planning on teaching the Job skills or do you want to work with another foundation for that?"

"I'd like to have a hand in it. I don't want to give up control here Tanya, I've got a bond with these women that know one else has."

“I get that Gabs but you may not be the most qualified to give them the services they need. If you want to run a real Non Profit  you need to meet certain qualifications, otherwise why don’t you just open yourself up as a house they can stay at."

"Because thats what I already do."

Tanya was getting annoyed, “So what the hell do you want - help or to be left alone? You can’t have both.”

"I want this place to grow, i just don't want it to get so big it looses what I set out to do."

“Well I love you Gabs I do but I don’t even know what the hell that is, you have to be able to explain it to me if I’m going to put my reputation on the line to try to get you help. so far you’ve told me you want a place for women that you want to teach them job skills and group therapy? I don’t know if I can get anyone to buy into that to be honest. It doesn’t sound very well thought out and if someone is going to give you money they want to know its going to someone that will spend it wisely."

"You know me. I'm not one to just toss money around for the hell of it.  Especially when it's somebody elses."

“I know you thats why I want to help but I don’t know what to tell Mark when he asks me questions, you want me to make this shit up or what?"

"I dont know what to tell you other than what I just told you. Do you have any ideas?"

“Yeah I think you should have someone that works with these women individually for therapy, talking about what you went through is great but not knowing better coping skills that putting up with this bullshit will just leave them open to repeating it."

"Unfortunately that's the case with some women. They'll keep going back but I hope that i can make a difference and show them how much better off they are now."

“What about clothing?”

"Give them clothing?"

“And how are you going to get it?”

"I have a friend that works at Goodwill so i'm sure I could arrange something with them."

“That should be a formal plan Gabrielle, you should do something with a consignment store that will help these women have what they need to go back to work.  What about sewing?"

"Somebody would have to show them that, I can't sew on a button." she joked.

“Well what do you think about trying to get someone in that can do that - think about it if these women have nothing when they leave your house are they going to have the money to get their own clothes, buy their own curtains and all that.  You need to think of programs that will provide them with usefull skills they can use in their future."

"I would be all for that. My main goal is to have these women confident and ready to face the world the second they leave here."

“Ok I’m going to try to find a way to sell this I’ll call Mark and let you know if he knows anyone who’s game.”

"Okay, thank you so much. I owe you  big for this one."

Tanya picked up her phone and called Mark’s number wondering what kind of reception she was going to get from him.

"This is Mark." He answered just walking in his door.

“Hi Mark its Tanya how are you?"

"Tanya?" He was shocked to hear her on the other end of the phone since he hadn't heard from her in over two years.  "Umm I'm good, how about yourself?"

“I’m doing well thanks.  I know its probably odd to hear from me out of no where so did catch you at a good time?”

"Yeah I just got home. Is everything okay?"

“Yeah everything’s fine.  I’m calling to see if there’s a possibility that you’d be willing to do me a favor?”

"Well that depends on what that favor is."

“Well its not for me actually, I have a friend that’s starting a not for profit, a half way house for women so to speak that are coming out of abusive situations and she needs some help.”

"And how could I help." He grabbed a water then plopped down on the sofa.

“Well I know you know a lot of people, some of which are pretty into philanthropy, I was hoping you knew someone that might be interested in helping with fund raisers or even getting involved in a business managment type role there."

"I don't know of anybody right off but if someone comes to mind I'll definitely let you know."

“Thanks Mark I appreciate it, this house is personal for her if you know what I mean."

"Ahhh okay." he answered softly taking a drink. "So she's putting her heart and soul into it."

“Yes but the problem is she doesn’t have any business experience so I’m looking to partner her up with someone thats going to let her run with her heart but help steer her to make it a success.”

"I'll definitely keep that in mind Tanya, but l can't make any promises."

“I know Mark, I appreciate any help you can provide, she’s so passionate about this that I want to help in any way I can. I have the business sense and I’m trying to steer her but I’m not as passionate about it as she is so I know she needs a better partner than me and I don’t honestly have the funds to help."

"It can be expensive to start up even a non profit foundation. But if she's got the passion she'll make it happen."

“Thats true, hey I don’t want to take up your night but how are you doing? Did you find someone that treats you better than I did?” She knew she treated him right but she was also the one that broke up because he wasn’t ready to get married and she wanted it.

"I wouldn' say better than you but yes I'm seeing somebody.  She stays busy like me though so we don’t see each other all that much."

“Well that probably works best, have you found time for you yet or still working 7 days a week?”

"I've cut back to five." he smiled. "I take the weekends off now so we do things then. What about you? Is your new guy treating you okay?"

“Yes, we got married 6 months ago actually.”

"Well congratulations." he leaned back taking another drink. "You tell him he's got a great woman and he needs to keep her happy."

“I tell him that nightly.” She laughed.  “Hows Livey?” She asked, his cat was so damn cute.

"Still as rotten as ever, she had her 12th birthday last week."

“Awe give her cuddles and kisses from me will you.”

"Will do." he laughed just as the front door opened, it was his girlfriend. "Is this number okay to call you back at?"

“Yeah anytime, thanks for listening Mark.”

"Not a problem at all Tanya. Hopefully I can call you with some good news soon."

He looked back at his girlfriend and smiled after blowing her a kiss. "Tell your friend not to give up easy okay."

“Will do, thanks Mark and have a good night.” Tanya hung up the phone and walked into the kitchen to take dinner out of the oven she knew her husband would be home soon."

About two months later after planning a holiday fundraiser the day had finally come. She hoped that at least one person that Mark had talked to would show up.  As of right now this was the best she could do, she had a friend who was willing to cater the party for extremely small fee compared to other companies. For that she was grateful, with the money she saved on that she gave money to each one of the women and let them go out to buy themselves a dress for the evening.

Throughout the night Tanya kept an eye on the silent auction table.  She had gotten a few local businesses to throw in some prizes and one of them luckily was a Giants helmet that Tanya’s husband was able to get signed by three hall of fame members that he met at work.  He worked at Giants stadium as a PR Exec so the most recent hall of fame induction of Mike Strahan brought out two of the older guys and as luck would have it Anthony had brought the helmet to work that day and Harry Carson and Sam Huff were both there the same day so they all signed it.

Jon walked around trying to be inconspicuous during this event.  He was only here because Mark told him he might be able to truly make a difference with his expertise in running a successful brand for years.  His eye caught a Giants helmet and he had to check it out.

Gabrielle walked around talking to each and every person thanking them for coming.  This was her first time hosting a big party and so far it had been well received. She then saw Tanya standing alone drinking her wine. "I think we're doing pretty good." She smiled proudly looking around at all the people.

“So far so good, are you hearing from any people that they are interested?"

"I've had a couple of people tell me they'd make a donation to help out.  I was telling them about what I wanted to do here and they seemed to genuinely care."

“Well keep selling it girl and you might want to go check on that silent auction table I see someone very well known for his philanthropy."

"Who?" She looked over not recognizing anyone, the only person there was a handsome man looking at the helmet.

'

“You fruit thats Jon Bon jovi.” She whispered.

"He is?" She asked shocked, she'd listened to the music back in the 80's so in her mind he still had the big hair.

“Yes go, and I’ll warn you he’s super smart so you better be prepared for questions.”

She took in a deep breath then walked over towards him. "Football fan I take it?" she asked just trying to find something to strike up a converstaion.

“OH yeah, all football but I’m loyal to my Giants.  How did you get Sam and Harry’s signatures have they been here tonight?” Jon looked around for them.

"No that was actually my friend Tanya." She pointed to her. "Her husband used to be a PR Exec at Giants Stadium and he happened to catch them there one day."

“Wow I want that job.  Think they are hiring?” Jon smiled. “I’m Jon by the way.”

"I'm Gabriella." She smiled extending her hand out to him. "Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to be here tonight."

“OH this is your place?"

"It is." She answered softly.

“Well so far I’m interested, tell me more, Mark said its a half way house of sorts for women what do you actually do here or want to do?"

"Basically this a place that women that have been in abusive relationships can run to. Right now there's 7 women here and there's so many more out there but I just don't have the room. I'd like to eventually add on to the house so that they don't have to share rooms."

“What services do you provide besides shelter?” Jon asks. He knows damn well why Mark wanted him to come tonight, someone or something needed financial support.

"At the moment nothing over the top." she answered quietly. "I would eventually like to hire someone to help them learn the basics so that they can be back functioning like they were before any of this happened.  If i could I would sit down with each one of them and talk things through about what they've been through but with it just being me, that's hard to do.  I can only be in one place at a time."

“What training do you have to council them?” He asked pointedly

"I've been in their shoes." She told him honestly. "Nobody can ever just learn what they've been through."

“OH I get that I’m just saying what Professional training do you have. Just because you’ve been there and you care doesn’t mean you have the know how to help them get where they need to be.  If women can get out of the cycle of abuse has a lot to do with their core competencies and caring can’t fix that.”

"I personally don't have professional training,  I'd need to hire someone for that.  It's just that when I do that I'm afraid that person will lose sight of what I really want to do here.  These women don't have anyone that cares for them right now, but I can make a difference."

“Well then what do you need me for?"

‪"So I've heard.

‪"Well like I said if you can show me some plans, do you have anything here for possible investors to look over tonight?""

‪"I do, it's in my office."

‪"Well lets go see it then?"

‪"Sure." She smiled up at him then turned facing away from him. "Follow me."

‪Jon followed this girl, he had a red flag about her because she had been in an abusive relationship so he figured she might have problems relating to men. "So when did you start this?"

‪"Five years ago." She answered opening up the door to her office and stepped in letting him walk in behind her. "It took me quite a few years to get there though." She told him grabbing some papers from her desk and handed them to him. "Those are the initial estimates from the contractor, there's a lot of work to be done to get to where we need to be."

‪He looked through them, "Damn you could buy a new place with what you have to do here."

‪"I know but I have a special place in my heart for this place." She leaned up against her desk while he looked through the papers. "This was actually my grandmothers house and I know that she'd be proud to know her granddaughter is doing good with it."

‪"Ok what about the programs you want to start, where are the specs on those?"

‪She turned around getting the papers she'd printed online. "I have some information on the group therapy. I haven't actually spoke to anyone about the particular programs but I did do some research online. These aren't exact obviously but it will be relatively close." She handed those to him then pointed over to a chair. "You can have a seat if you like." SHe told him walking over to open up the door. Sure he seemed like a nice enough guy but you could never be to careful.

‪"Is that trait of having been in a bad relationship or are you scared of me?"

‪"Don't take it personally okay." She answered walking over to her desk to take a seat while he looked over the papers.

‪"OH I'm not but you didn't answer my question."

‪"When you've been through what I have it just becomes a habit. For a while I didn't even have a door on bedroom." she answered softly.

‪"How did you get over it?"

‪"There comes a point when you realize that you're alone and nothing will happen. But with that being said it's also scary to be alone because you're always thinking in the back of your mind of what would happen if he came back."

‪"I know you're going to get mad at this but how is that being healed? I hope thats not the methods you want to use with the women you'll be sheltering?"

‪"That was a few years back, this has to be done in steps Mr. Bongiovi." She told him rather annoyed that he'd even ask such a question. "These women aren't healed overnight. It took me nearly 10 years to get to the point of even thinking about opening this place."

‪"I'm not saying anything bad I just want to know you have a plan and hopefully that plan is not going to take 10 yrs for each woman."

‪"That's the problem though, everybody heals a different way. What worked for me may not necessarily work for them. That's why i need the help of a therapist so that they can find out the best way to help each individual woman."

‪"This is interesting, thanks for showing me this it gives me more to think about." Jon stood up handing her back her paperwork.

‪"Thank you for taking the time to come here tonight. I'm sorry i've not been the most talkative person but all of this is so new to me......I'm just really overwhelmed right now."

‪"Thats understandable. Its admirable what you're trying to do."

‪"Thank you." She smiled. "I'm really trying my best on this."

‪Jon shook her hand and took his leave of her office, he stayed around for a few more minutes to greet a few people and then left for the night.

‪Gabriella straightened up the papers on her desk then went back out to mingle with more of the people. She eventually made her way back to her best friend Tanya. "Thank you for calling Mark, I really appreciate that."

‪"No problem, do you think you hit it off with anyone that can help?"

‪"I don't know, I let Mr Bongiovi look over the estimates I had gotten over the past few weeks. He seemed a bit arrogant though, I couldnt read him at all."

‪"Ouch that might be a big fail. You can't call the guy with the checkbook arrogant. He has a right to have high expectations."

‪"I know but there was just something about him."

‪"Oh there's something about him alright - did you see the way his clothes fit."

‪"How could you not." she smirked. "But I'm not the least bit interested in that right now."

‪"Well the problem is girl, you need to be thinking 3 steps ahead of where you are."

‪"So what are you saying?"

‪"Well I asked around about him, he's very generous but he's also very strict about the places his foundation gives money too."

‪"I can't blame him really. I mean I'm sure he gets thousands of requests from different places, it's got to be hard to decide which one is worthy."

‪"He does, I also heard each business that goes through the foundation has to apply to the foundation and they have to have a detailed plan to accompany the application.”

‪"Oh great."

‪"Well if it was easy everyone would do it right?"

‪"I guess you're right, I just didn't realize it would take this much time to get going."

‪"Will give you something to work on before you try to sell yourself again."

‪"Yeah I know."

‪Three months later Jon walked into Gabby's place and looked for her. Finally finding her in her office he knocked on the door.

‪"Come in." She answered sending a email to the contractor she had been talking to about doing more remodeling.

‪She'd not heard anything back from anyone so she was getting everything together to try and get a loan at the bank.

‪"Is this a good time?" Jon asked as he stepped into her office.

‪She looked up suprised to see him. "Sure." She closed her laptop then stood up and reached for his hand. "It's good to see you again."

‪He shook her hand and then sat down. "So I've been thinking about this place."

‪"And is that good or bad?" She asked with a hesitant tone in her voice.

‪"Depends on what you think of my proposal. I can't help fund this place through my foundation. You don't qualify."

‪Her heart instantly sunk when she heard that. She fought back the tears as she asked "And what is that?"

‪"I'd like to offer some funding privately from me, with the stipulation that its for a year and during that year you learn from me how to run this place as business."

‪"Really?" She was shocked he was even willing to give up his own money to help her. "You would really do that?"

‪"If you'll agree to learn. Gabrielle I couldn't fund this place through the soul because you run it like its a hobby, you don't have a plan or a feasible source of a means to an end and that can't be something i put the Foundations' checkbook behind because I ask for money every day for that Foundation and my investors trust me to make smart investments with their money. Right now this is an investment for your heart only."

‪"You're exactly right, I'm very involved with my heart. I have to be."

‪"Thats not how you run a successful organization Gabrielle."

‪"You know deep down I understand that. I need to seperate myself from it but it's so hard sometimes." She answered honestly.

‪"Well do you accept my offer then. I'll donate $100,000 but I'm going to teach you how to correctly invest it."

‪She smiled nodding her head. "I do."

‪"Ok then hi I'm Jon and where can I call my office?"

‪She pointed over to the desk against the wall. "It's all I have right now."

‪"That works." He moved over to the desk, emptying the top of it off and put his stuff down. After he took his jacket off he looked at her. "OK walk me around this place and show me what you think needs to be fixed and renovated and we'll make a list."

‪"I'll take you in the two rooms there aren't any women in them, the other four rooms are the same layout." she walked out the door with him then went upstairs. "I'd really like to try and at least add a bathroom to each one. Possibly a small kitchenette so they have small apartments."

‪"Why?" Jon asks instantly.

‪"To give them more privacy. Right now we have one bathroom with a shower and when you get 8 women in here it's extremely hard to give everyone equal time. The kitchen is the same way, not everyone eats at the same time or enjoys the same thing. I've tried having nights where they take turns cooking for each other but it just didn't work out well at all."

‪"Ok I understand the need to get another bathroom or maybe two but not 8 bathrooms thats not economical and I don't see that it will help these ladies. Unless I'm wrong you want them to learn to rely and trust other people right? Why would you want to provide them ways to avoid each other completely." Jon asked hoping she'd see that he has actually thought this stuff through.

‪"The main goal is to get them back out and functioning in society so I guess you do have a point. I just want them to be comfortable, for me I didn't want to interact with anyone for a few months. I just want to give them that should they need it."

‪"But you told me the first time I met you that not everyone heals the same way right?"

‪"That is very true." She looked at him. "You actually listen don't you?"

‪"Yes I do. Quite well actually. Ok what else do you want to change about this place, remember its your grandma's so I'd hope you want to keep as much of is as you can."

‪"Yeah I do." She smiled at him as they walked back downstairs. "I bet your wife is a happy woman with a guy that listens."

‪"Well I thought she was but she decided I just wasn't enough since I couldn't sit home every night so she divorced me a year ago."

‪"I'm sorry." Stopping at the end of the steps she looked up at him. "I didn't know or I wouldn't have said anything."

‪"Thats quite alright, her decision not mine."

‪"But I'm sure you didn't try to force her to stay." They walked outside to the back yard where she pointed over to the right. "I'd like to start a garden of some sort over there. I think it's something positive these women can do as some type of therapy. Plus it's always nice to know that if you need a spice or a vegetable and it's outside your door. It's something that you had grown yourself."

‪"Thats a productive use of the space. No I didn't try to force her. If you don't want me, that's your issue not mine." Jon stated factually.

‪"Well if only all men were like you."

‪"You don't know me well enough to say that Gabrielle." He then walked to the back of the house. "So what else do you want to fix here."

‪"I'd like to make the dining room bigger." She walked into a small place with him that had a small table set up for four. "When I talked to the contractor he said we could actually remove part of the wall to make it bigger."

‪"Well that contradicts what you said earlier that you can't get them to eat together. So what's the point of making the dining room bigger?"

‪"Maybe if it would be bigger I could persuade them to come down. It's a cramped spot right now as you can see. Maybe if they had more room that would encourage them more."

‪"Maybe, maybe, maybe - that's now how to run this Gabrielle. Make a plan are you going to have structured meals so they have to come down, you are going to have to enforce some rules here to get them engaged and wanting to be part of a group again if you allow everything to go on their time table they will be here forever and never grow and get better."

‪"It's not like I can just go ask them their opinions, theres a turnaround here Jon. Not everybody is here all the time."

‪"The differnece is though Gabs this is your house, you are running it, so you have the right to have rules and guidelines for these women to follow, structure isn't a bad thing, structure is soothing and the pattern is welcoming in a time of pain."

‪"We could try that I suppose." She then looked at him tilting her head to the side. "And did you just call me Gabs?"

‪"Yes I did, do you hate it or something?"

‪"No it's just that most of the time it's my best friend talking to me when I hear that name."

‪"Sorry Gabrielle is a long name and it was either Gabs or I started calling you Ella which would you prefer?"

‪"I'll answer to either for you." She then realized how that sounded. "I just mean that if I hear you say either one I'll answer."

‪He laughed, "Do you think I'm cute Ella?"

‪She just looked at him blushing a little. "I think we need to go look at more of the house."

‪He grabbed her arm not forcibly just to stop her. "Why are you scared to answer the question, I'm not scared to hear the answer or I wouldn't have asked."

‪She pulled away from him. "You're not bad on the eyes." She answered softly. "But what does that have to do with anything?"

‪"Nothing I just wanted to get it out in the open so it can stop being an issue. So what's next with the house so far I agree with adding 2-3 bathrooms and thinking about the dining room if you and prove to me the need for it with the plans you have on dining with the people that live here."

‪"I think they need a room to relax in together should they choose to. I was playing around with the idea of having a movie night and seeing how that went."

‪"Are you trying to create a camp for them or a shelter? Have you toured other ones to see what works and what doesn't?"

‪"I have and they are actually depressing. There are at least 3 women in one room, they have absolutely nothing to do but sit there. I don't want this place to be like that."

‪"Ok then before our next meeting I'm giving you homework. I want you

to come up with 2 solid plans for what you want to offer here.  You don't have the money to do everything, so if you want the garden and a relaxation room then do your homework, write down for me what each one of them would cost, look at new items or refurbished stuff and have a solid plan.  I can't fund what I can't see a purpose for - got it.”

“Yes sir.” She saluted him just to be a smart ass, if he wanted to sound like a sergeant she would treat him like one.

“Hey if you knew what you were doing I wouldn't have to give orders. Remember that - its my money we're investing here I have a reason to want you to prove its for a good cause. My plan is after this year you will know what goes into running this place and be able to secure your own financing from now on”

“I know exactly what I'm doing thank you very much.” The nerve of this man! She walked back down to her office biting her tongue the whole way. Yes, he had the money she needed but could she really work with someone who thought they knew absolutely everything when they've never been in a particular situation.

Jon walked back into the office freely. “Then I'll ask you what I did at the fund raiser, 'If you know everything what do you need me for?”

“Why do you think Jon?”

“You need money to finance your desire right?”

“Yes I do.”

“Well there are consequences to needing financial backing and as much as you may find me to be a cold heartless bastard right now there’s something you have to consider - why am I doing it this way Gabrielle?”

She shrugged her shoulders. “Why are you?”

“Because I know what it takes to succeed with a Not for Profit.  I've done it for 10 years now, I've won awards because I do it right I'm trying to teach you if you'd stop being so stubborn.  You can't succeed just because you wish it so you have to do the work.”

“I'm only stubborn when and if I talk to a jackass.” She told him with a partial smirk as she opened up her laptop to do more research.

“well I guess this jackass will leave you to find your own way through this mess.” He started packing up his laptop he wasn’t about to take shit from this girl not when she pretended to want help but she was being such a bitch about things.

She just looked at him shaking her head. "You do what you feel you need to do."

 “Well I’m sure as hell not going to sit her withsome that has said she needed help and then calls me a jackass, sorry I have better things to do.”

"I do need help, I just don't want to relinquish all control and that's exactly what I'm doing."

 “Control of what? You are wound so tight you can’t possibly let go. Its evident to me you don’t know how to run a business, you possibly have a vision for what this could be but you have no idea how to get there. I wanted to help you get there but I won’t be treated like this."

"I never said I knew how to run a business and that's whats getting to me. I don't want this to be a 'business'.  I want to help people."

 “You can’t help people just because you want to how are you going to pay for it? People like me with the financial capablities to fund your thing.  How do you think you’ll keep this going without acting like a business?”

"I don't have any idea but I just don't like that word.  It sounds so impersonal.

 Jon zipped his laptop bag, “ I guess its time you get over it.” He grabbed his keys out of his pocket.  He put his business card down on the table, “Give me a call if you do the homework."

This man was such an ass but damn could he fill out a pair of jeans. She watched him as he walked out then reached over for her phone to call Tanya.

 “Yes Gabs” Tanya picked up the phone.

"You'll never guess who I just got a visit from."

 “Jon Bon Jovi”

"How did you know?"

 “Because Mark called and told me that he was heading over."

"Thanks for the warning." She laughed.

 “If I would have given you a warning you would have screwed it up.”

"Excuse me?"

 “Well you’d probably get in your own way, you do that all the time.”

"Well that aside, I don't know how I'm going to do this. There is something about that man that is driving me crazy.  Everything has to be done his way or no way. There's no compromising with him."

 “Because you want his money, I keep telling you the way the world works.  Show him you have ideas and think them through don’t just spout off the first thing that comes to your mind.  Think things through damnit."

 Tanya finally spouted off what she was feeling after all this time.

"Who pissed in your wheaties this morning?"

 “You, babe I love you - you know that but its been 15 years since asshole its time you grow up and put it in your past and mature beyond that time in your life. Its over."

"You don't think I know that? I'm really trying with this but I don't want it to turn into a business. When i think of business I can't help but think of making money off these woman. Thats not what this is about."

 “Thats not what he means by business in this sense, its just that you have to smart about it you can just wish things to be you have to work through the and think and God knows I know how much you hate that.”

"I know that's not what he means but thats the first thing that comes to mind when I hear it.

 “Well then get over it if you want this to work. He’s the only one that showed long term interest after your fundraiser that says something about him.”

"That is true I guess, he's actually funding it with his own money."

 “his own money? Do you have any idea how thankful you should be to him right now? He’s letting you have your dream dork."

"I know but god he such a pain in the ass!" She told her with a laugh. "Sexy as hell to but thats a whole different story."

 “Wow you actually saw him.” Tanya laughed.

"It was kind of hard not to when he was standing beside me."

 “Well he’s single.” Tanya reminded her.

"Yeah I heard that." she told her looking down at her laptop. "But I'm also sure he has women lined up around the block."

 “Ones with better attitudes. Gabs seriously you need to wake up and change your attitude."

"What? I just made a simple statement that is more than likely true."

 “Well try shaving your legs and dressing for your body for a change and he might look at you.  You could do worse hon, you have done worse.” Tanya told her giving her the tough love she’s used to."

"That means I'll need to go shopping, I have no dresses except for the one I was wearing during the fundraiser. Are you up for lunch and shopping today?"

 “I can’t until after work.  I’m here til 430. Wanna meet me here."

"Sure." She smiled. "That will give me some time to do my homework."

 “He gave you homework?” Tanya laughed.

"Yes he did." she laughed.

 “OH I love that, someone not settling for your attitude. He could be good for you."

"We'll see." She smiled. "I'll see you around 430 okay."

 “OK. See you then.” Tanya hung up and smiled at the fact that Jon got under her skin.

After about three hours of doing research on gardening she had a good list of things she would need. And much to her surprise it wouldn't be costly. She itemized everything from the tools she needed down to the seeds they'd have to purchase to plant. Once that was done she went up to her room to take a quick shower before going to meet her best friend for an early dinner.  She'd slipped on a pair of jeans along with a christmas sweater, after all it was only a few weeks until that big day. 

As she was headed downstairs she spotted two of the women in the kitchen talking. "How are you ladies?" She asked walking over towards them.

 “We’re doing good thanks Gabrielle, where are you off to?"

"To meet Tanya for lunch." She smiled. "Would you two like to go to the mall and look around?"

 “No thanks, I can’t afford anything."

"Doesn't cost a dime to look." she told her with a smile.

 “Um, no thanks Gabrielle. Thanks for the offer though.”

"Well if you or any of the others need anything you have my cell."

 “Ok we’ll call thank you.”

She nodded then waived as she walked out the door and to her car.  It was only about a 15 minute drive to Tanya's work and the mall was just a couple blocks away. When she pulled up, Tanya was just walking out the door.

 “Hey girl.” Tanya got into Gabs car, “Lets go shopping girl."

"How was work today?"

 “It was good, I’m glad I did some prep last night for that meeting, I needed it but everything came out my way."

"That's always a plus." She smiled pulling out onto the main road. "I got part of my work done, I just need to figure out how to pull of the second part."

 “What was your homework exactly?"

"I had mentioned to Jon that I wanted to do a garden out back and have some type of room where the women can get together and watch movies or just socialize.  He told me to come up with a detailed plan of what I wanted then call him if I wanted him to help."

 “Ok that seems logical he doesn’t want a vague idea he wants details.”

"He's still a pain in my ass," She told her with a laugh. 

 “Cos he’s not putting  up with your bullshit I like him so much for tht.”

"I'm not putting up with his either, he got pissed when I called him a jackass. But that's exactly what he was acting like."

 “I think from what you’ve told me he was being logical.  You don’t tend to do well when people don’t agree with your way of looking at things."

"No I don't, especially when they've never been in my position."

 “You aren’t in that position anymore and I’d hope to hell by now you’ve moved beyond it.  Stop dwelling Gabs."

"I know I'm not but I was and i know what they are going through. I cant seem to make people understand that."

 “You can feel empathy for them without putting yourself there - thats not all that there is in the world.  You miss out on so much holding yourself in the past like you do."

"Maybe so." she sighed.  "I'm just afraid to even be in a relationship, I know that all men aren't like him but it's just so damn hard to trust again."

 “Because you refuse to try. You just keep pushing what happened a lifetime ago up in everyone’s face and its honestly disgusting after all this time.  Your stuck in the past Gabs its so sad."

"You're absolutely right, I need to change that."

 “So change it, it might hurt but you have to change it no one else can."

"I know that." she sighed. "It's just so hard to let anyone close again you know?"

 “No I don’t know. Gabs I’ve been hurt and my trust has been damaged but I never completely closed down.  Thats how Andy was able to show me what love is.  Because I actually let him try.”

 **Anthony

"Ive never really had anyone put forth the effort to try except for Ben."

 “Because you give off a vibe that tells the world to fuck off unless they see things your way - thats not the way the world works hon."

"Maybe it's time to be a little more open huh?" She told her just as she pulled into a parking spot at the mall. "Alright, let's go get some shopping done."?

 “I’m game. Lets do this."

They went into the mall and headed straight for the one store that sold all types of dresses. No matter the occasion they had a dress for it. "Okay so I want to get something that is casual but not slutty."

 “Why are you looking for a dress? Are you wanting to get busy with him?” Tanya teased.

She just looked at her shaking her head before walking back towards the wall.

 “Hey dresses make it easy access. Anthony loves me in a dress."

"Would I like him to be attracted to me? I guess but that doesn't mean I'm ready to take it to that next level just yet."

 “Well then don’t get too sexy because something tells me he’s not the type to just hold hands for months."

"I dont' even think he'll try anything anyway.

 " She answered looking through the dresses. "I didn't realize there were so many different styles."

 “things have changed in 15 yrs bud."

"Obviously." She took a white dress with a revealing neck down and looked at it. "What do you think about this one?

 “If you’re planning on going to a party then yes.

 "

"So no on that one." She looked through a few more finally settling on a blue one with a cutout back. "This one?"

 “Better, that’ll turn some heads."

 Tanya laughed, “You better watch out that one is form fitting so he’s going to see your hot little body."

"So should I get something bigger? I don't want to give him the wrong impression."

 “Girl its about time you show your body, besides he’s an adult he can handle himself."

"You think?" She laughed. "He is male after all."

 “I bet he’s handled himself on more than one occasion.” Tanya laughed.

"I'm sure." She looked for a dress her size then went into the dressing room to try it on.  When she came back out a few minutes later the dress was hugging every curve of her body. "What do you think""

 “I say damn girl I didn’t know you have tits”

She laughed rolling her eyes. "Really nice Tanya."

She turned around letting her see the full view. "Do you think this one would be okay? I just feel so......just so something."

 “Well he’s going to suspect something if you’re wearing that around the center, thats more for if he takes you to dinner to discuss something.  Anything off site thats good for- at the center I’d say dress down more."

"Help me find something then. I'll get this one so if he ever asks me to go out for something i won't be scrambling for something to wear.."

 “Good, how about some jeans that hug your curves."

"But i've been in jeans everytime i've seen him. Apparently those don't do anything for him." she joked.

 “Not when they are 30 sizes too big and stained everywhere.”

 “If you want get a skirt but it’ll seem obvious.”

"I'll just stick to jeans I guess. Let's go pay for this dress though because I do like this one."

 “Well how about a skirt that’s casual.”

"But you just said that would be to obvious."

 “Something form fitting will be something like this though  - won’t be that obvious.”

 She hands her a long ankle length white skirt with flowers around the bottom.

"Let me try that on and see how it looks."

 “OK try this one too, little different style see what feels better?”

She took both then let her see each one. "I think I like the first one better.?

"

 “Ok let me see them on you. I’ll decide.”

She went and tried each on one and looked in the mirror each time. "I still like the one with the flowers.:

 “Ok that one looks semi professional the other one looks like you’re kind of carefree.  I think you should get both."

"You're really good at spending my money." She laughed.

 “I know I’m good at spending my own too. You have to spend money to look this fine.” She swung her ass back and forth.

"You're awful." She laughed walking up to the registers to pay for her new clothes.

 “I’m good at it at least.

 "

"Yeah you are that's for sure." She grabbed the bag then walked out with her. "Alright let's go get some jeans then we'll go grab something to eat. I haven't had anything all day."

 “Alright lets hit Maurices I need a pair too and I know the right ones to get.”

"You do huh?"

 “OH yeah theres a certain cut that Tony can’t seem to stop touching my ass in so thats teh kind I want.”

"How did you get so lucky and find a guy like him any way?"

 “I didn’t settle. I refused to lower my standards just to find a guy.  I think thats the key Gabs, you have to know what your standards are first then you can find someone.”

"I don't have high standards, I just want a guy that will love and respect me  for who i am, not who he wants me to be."

 “Thats the issue though Gabs, you need to know the details thats what causes you grief.  You need to know if him smoking will bother you, if him spanking you will turn you on or revolt you, if him telling you to wear skirts will get you upset.  If you don’t know this shit before you date a guy its bound to fail.  He can’t fulfill your needs until you can define them."

"It's going to depend on the guy I think."

 “Depend on him for what?"

"I just mean if he's demanding then no i'm not going down that road again. If he wants to ask or suggest something to me I'll be more inclined to listen.

 “I think your heading down the road to disaster."

"What? YOu mean to tell me that Anthony tells you what to do?"

 “In some regards yes, but my point is I talked to him up front about what I would go for and what I wouldn't."

"If I find a wonderful guy i'll be sure to talk to him first."

 “How will you judge if he’s wonderful or not?”

"if he doesn't hit me the second I ask a question I consider him to be good."

 “That right there has to go, its been 15 yrs Gabs get a new gage of good vs. evil."

"I'm going to need your help Tanya." she told her walking into the store.

 “For what?”

"I've been living in my own little world for so long I don't know what people are going to expect from me."

 “You need help - more than I can give I recommend a therapist.  I can give you the tough love version but I’m not sure if it’ll help or hurt you."

"I feel so bad for treating Jon the way I did, but I just didn't know how to handle the situation.  I think that I may have been scared because I did see him as something else other than just a man."'

 “What did you see him as?"

"I know that i've only met him two times but there is just something about him. I mean he is willing to give his own money to me so I can create somethign I've only dreamed about until now."

 “Well whatever you do don’t play with fire unless you’re willing to get burned.  He doesn’t seem like the guy that likes indecisivness."

"I noticed that myself."

 “I like that about him.  Personally it makes it easier to deal with him if you know it has to be all or nothing."

.

"That is one way to look at it."

 “Look at it externally, isn’t it kind of comforting to know that he’s strong and confident and self assured.”

"all that and he's got a butt you could bounce a quarter off of." she smirked.

 “Oh hell yeah.” Tanya laughed.

"Okay putting that aside, where are these jeans you're talking about?"

 “Over here.” Tanya pulled her to the side.

"I guess I could get myself a couple pairs but then i'll need shirts to go with them." She really hadn't shopped for herself in quite some time so it was nice just to be out with a good friend shopping.

 “OH no.” She looked around, “Julie I have a new convert.” She said to a sales clerk she knew.  “You have to be measured to get the right size bud."

"Hey Tanya."She smiled walking around the corner. "If you want to step behind the curtain we can get your measurements."

 Tanya smiled and pushed Gabs behind the curtain. “GO”

"You see how she treats me?" Gabs laughed.

 “Well she brought you here for these amazing Jeans so she must love you.”

"What's so special about them?" she asked curiously as she started taking her measurements.

 “Well there are panels in them that boost and tighten different spots than normal jeans.” July measured not only Gabby’s hips but the widest part of her butt and right under her butt cheeks.

"Do they generally fit really tight?"

 “Well they fit appropriately.  Tanya is wearing them now.”

"Those aren't to bad then. I just don't want something that's going to make my butt looks like its about to bust out."

 “Oh no thats why we do all the measuring, women all have differen curves and these jeans are made for that.” She wrapped her tape measure around Gabby’s thighs too.

"I look forward to finding a pair that fits perfectly."

 “Alright here’s where we get odd. I need you to bend over at the waist and touch your toes.”

"She looked at her like she had three heads. "And why do I do that?"

 “So we get the inseam and stretch needed properly measured.”

She did what she asked as akward as it was.

 Julie got done measuring her and then smiled. “OK your size is called SassyRed.  Its on the shelf I bet you’ll need a 34 length.”

"I'm guessing Tanya can direct me in where to find those." She smiled.

 “Oh its just on that wall.” She pointed her way.

 “Im sure you can find them.”

"Thank you." she answered just before walking over toward the section she needed.

 Julie went off to the next newbie to these jeans to measure her.   “Ok whatever you do, don’t get a shirt that covers you completely. Give him a reason to look at you like a woman.”

"I feel so naughty even encouraging him to look."

 “Why you’re a woman, men like looking at women.”

"I know but it's just strange to me. I can remember ever wanting to do anything like this."

 “its called being a woman and knowing what you can play with that you own."

"What kind of shirt should I get? Theres a really cute one with lace around the bottom, but im not sure it's in my size."

 “Are you trying to find a top for the jeans or your skirt?"

"Actually both, i'm sure no shirt with a skirt would get his attention though." she laughed.

 “He’d probably think you were a slut and walk away, remember this man has class, he’s seen it all.”

"True but i'm still sure it would get his attention.

 “True.  How about this one.” She handed her a dark navy top that has a  sleeveless design has a cut-out at one side of the neckline and a gleaming faux jewel trim. A hidden back zipper and ruching at the front deliver a secure, flattering fit.

"Do you think that would match the skirt?"

 “The 2nd skirt it will not the one with the flowers.”

"I figured as much with that one." She picked one up in our size. "YOu know I'm actually starting to look forward to seeing his reaction.

"

 “Well you just have to look casual and no matter what you wear you have to be prepared business wise or he’ll probably never come back.”

"Yeah I know."

 Tanya then grabbed a grey and white top and showed it to her.  How about this?”

"Oh I love that one! It's almost kind of Christmassy in a way."

 “See you can show skin and not be a slut."

"That with a pair of these jeans and I'll be all set."

 A few days later Jon walked into her center again after she called him and told him she had her homework done.

One of theen walked by her office letting her know

One of the women walked by her office letting her know that she had a visitor.  She stood up wearing her new jeans and the white shirt that she'd gotten the other day and was getting things together for him.

 “Hey Gabrielle.” Jon said walking over and putting his bag down on his desk.

"Hi Jon." She answered softly putting his papers in a stack.

"Thank you for stopping by on such short notice."

 “NO worries, I was coming over here anyway for the foundation.  So what’s up?” He asked and smiled at her body, so she was a woman after all. He thought.

"I've been working on some ideas for the garden." She then walked around her desk and over towards the door. "I want to show you something."

 “OK.” He followed her really liking that she was in charge right now.”

She took him to the backyard where she'd roped off two areas that she wanted to start planting in. "I was going to see if my neighbor could help me get the tiller over here and go ahead and start this process. Granted we can't plant anything right now but it will be ready for when we get ready to."

 “What’s the cost of the garden?” Jon asked.

"For everything, including all the fertilizer, seeds and equipment to work with it will be nearly $2500.  But that will include plants and seeds which we can buy in bulk so we should be good for a couple of years at least."

 “Ok so if I was to say you could spend 1500 on this no more - what would you change? Get creative."

"We could do all the digging by hand I suppose."

 “No instead of buying equipment, rent or borrow from people. Its all about building relationships in the community that will benifit both parties, do you have parents or siblings or friends that already have a tiller?”

"My neigbor has one, he does a garden every year. And I was going to ask him but he's out of town at the moment."

 “One thing in a Not for Profit is thinking outside the box, you’ll need a tiller maybe once a year instead of buying it - rent one possibly or search online other tools besides power tools you can use.  Remember its not against the law to ask the women that live here to lift a hand.  You’re giving them a hand up not a hand out."

She nodded in agreement crossing her arms across her chest. "Let's go back inside, it's getting kind of chilly out here."

The back door was at the kitchen so once they were inside she walked over to get the milk from the refrigerator. "Would you like a hot chocolate or coffee?"

 “Coffee would be great thanks.”

She took a cup down and filled it with milk then put it in the microwave. Once that was in she got another mug and filled it with coffee. "How do you take yours?"

 “Black please.” He smiled still liking that they were getting along better today.

"I always have to have a ton of sugar and cream before i even think about drinking it." She told him sitting it in front of him.

 “Too many years on the road without those luxuries in countries that havent figured out the finer things in life yet.  I’ve adapted.” He smiled.

"I bet." She fixed herself a cup of hot chocolate then leaned against the counter. "So if you don't mind me asking, how did you end up with your foundation?"

Just then Amy who had moved in just a few days ago walked in. "I'm so sorry! I'll come back down later."

"It's okay honey, go ahead and get what you need." Gabriella told her assuring her it was okay.  The girl quickly went over to get herself a bottle of water and bowl full of potato chips before leaving again.

 “IS she new?” Jon asked picking up on how timid she is.

 He asked and although he didn’t get an immediate response he answered her other question.  “I created it when I bought a football team. I wanted it to mean more than just football to the area."

"That's good that you had the means to do that and yes to answer your question she's only been here 3 days. Her husband kept her locked up." She told him honestly letting him know what some of them go through.

 “A lot of hard work for 20 years prior gave me that means. How does that even happen though, being locked up that can’t be something that just gets sprung on you there has to be signs?” He asks not understanding this whole world of abuse.

"From what I've gotten from her they had dated nearly 4 years before getting married.  It started with small things like him being upset if she went out with her friends.  If she wasnt home when he got back he would hit her.  Sometimes just a slap across the face other times it was much worse.  But to make a long story short with her particular story, he found out that she was leaving the house while he was at work.  And from then on he'd either lock her in the bedroom or the closet for the entire day."

 Jon just shook his head, he didn’t know what to say because he figured no matter what he said he’d be wrong in her eyes.  He took his coffee and walked back to her office.

She followed him into the office. "Is that not what you wanted to hear?"

 “Why would you even say something like that?"

"Well you just walked away without saying a  word. What else am I supposed to think?"

 “I walked away because I’ve already figured you out, no matter what I say if its not what you want you go ape shit crazy and yell at me and thats not what I wanted after hearing that.”

"Why don't you try me?"

 “Nope I’m a smart man I learn from history."

"I guess you are pretty smart then." She took the itemized papers she had then sat them on the desk for him to look at.

 “This is the type of stuff I’ll need to write the checks, I’ve created an account for the center that I deposited money into.  I still wanna be the one that writes the checks out of it for things needed until I feel you get the budgeting needed."

"I'm trying to get all of this organized to make it easier." Some of the women were talking down the hallway she walked over and closed the door while taking a deep breath. Turning back towards Jon she exhaled.

 “What?"

She looked at him unsure of what he was talking about.

 “What was that really big sigh over?"

"Nothing at all." She told him walking back towards her desk. Closing that door was a  huge step for her.

 He looked back at the door, “Wow there’s some trust between us huh?"

"You're trusting me with your money and I'm trusting that you help take this place down the right path, so yes I'd say there's some trust there."

 “Good that’ll make working together so much easier.  So what did you come up with on the rec room?” He asked having already talked to a few contractors he knows and got bids at 1/2 her rate for the bathrooms.  The next two hours they spent in that closed office working together amiciably.  “Wow its been a good afternoon but i have to get going to the Foundation.”

"So soon?" she looked down at her watch then realized they had been there for a while.

 “yes but I think we’re making some serious headway,  any chance you could have dinner with me tonight and we can continue this before I head back to the city."

"Sure." She smiled, but inside she was as giddy as a teenager. "I'd like that."

 “Awesome,” He looked at his watch, “Give me about 2 1/2 hrs and I’ll be back.  So say around 6.  I’ll have my assistant get us some reservations somewhere."

"Okay that sounds good, it'll give me some time to straighten up around the office."

 “Fantastic I’ll text you when I find out the name of the restaurant so you’ll know the attire.”

She stood up and walked over towards the office door. "Jon?"

 “Yes?"

"I want to apologize for calling you what I did. That was entirely uncalled for."

 He smirked.  “Which time?"

"The jackass comment." she smiled at him.

 “Thanks lets try to keep the name calling to a minimum shall we?” He smiled. “I’ll talk to you later.” He then walked out to his car to head to the office.

She calmly walked back to her office but the second she closed the door. She squeeled in excitement that she'd get to wear her new dress for him.

 It took only 30 minutes for jon to text her, “Looks like dinner is at Il’Alligos’ Italian good for you?"

*Sounds good to me.  See you soon.* She answered then went up to her bedroom to take a shower and shave per Tanyas request. Plus it wouldn't be the best look if she was wearing a dress and had the legs of a gorilla."

 Jon did what was needed at the foundation and turned around and headed back to Gabby’s right on time.

She walked downstairs after she'd gotten dressed and fixed her hair. She'd forgotten how hard it was walking in heels though.

 As Jon walked in he smiled. “Ella you look great.”

"Thank you, so do you."

 “I’ve got the notes from earlier in the car so you ready?”

"I am." She grabbed her purse then walked out towards his car which happened to be a classic. "This is yours?"

 “Yes, this is one of my babies.” He smiled and opened the door for her.

She smiled at that gesture then sat down letting him close the door. Once he was in the car she looked over at him. "This is 67 Chevelle right?"

 “yes it is, how do you know cars?”

"Years of being dragged to car shows with my dad." She laughed.

 “Good past time with a daughter.” He smirked.

"Well he didn't have any sons so I had to do I guess." she joked.  "But I enjoyed it sometimes."

 “Well let me tell you its nice when a woman can appreciate a great car.” He smiled as they got to the restaurant.  “So that’s close to your place.”

"It is but I've never been here before."

She reached over to open up the door.

 “Excuse me but that’s a man’s job” He told her and opened the door instead.

"Aren't you a complete gentlemen." She teased getting out of the car letting him shut the door.

 “I was raised properly. By two marines."

"So you come from a strict household then?"

 “I wouldn’t say strict so much as traditional.  Men open doors and say please and thank you and don’t burp at the table that type of stuff.” He smiled opening the door to the restaurant too.

So far she was impressed by him but this was just a dinner date so that they could talk through more of her ideas.

 Jon even had had hsi hand on her back when they walked to the table and held her chair as she sat down.  Showing her that men aren’t like what she knew.

"Did you get all your work done at the foundation?" She asked getting the menu to look at.

 “Its never all done but today’s requirements are.” He smiled.  “The world we live in means there’s always need.”

"Sad but true I guess. But at least you're in the position to help people, alot of people aren't that lucky."

 “You know when you say that it makes it sound like you think this was given to me, I earned this ability."

"No I didn't mean it like that really."

 “Ok.” He said trying hard not to get angry with her. She’s actually really pretty when she’s not trying to piss him off.

"I understand you've worked your butt off to where you are now. I admire you for it actually."

 “Thank you.  So what looks good on the menu for you?”

"I am all about anything Italian."

 “Ok then you better pick one because otherwise I’m going to order you the most expensive thing on the menu and its got anchovies in it.”

She scrunched up her nose at that one. "Thanks but I'll find something."

 “Not an issue I’ll give you a few."

"I wonder if the Lasagna is any good? Either that or the Ravioli."

 “I’ve had both and I actually prefer the Ravioli.  I’m partial to my mom’s Lasagna.”

"She's a good cook I take it?"

 “Very very good.” Jon smiled. “100% Italian and proud of it.”

"Oh I bet that is good." She smiled finally deciding on her dinner. "I think I'll have a tossed salad with the lasagna."

 He closed his menu and then when the waiter came over he ordered for both of them.  With her order first and then his.  After the waiter left he apologized. “I’m sorry I didn’t confirm first if you drink wine. Its a habit to order it for me.”

"I typically don't but I can this once."

 “If you’d rather not I can order you something else to drink."

"Would you mind?" She asked not wanting seem rude but she never drank any type of alcohol. "I'd be fine with a water."

 He called the waiter back over, “Water or Soda?” He asked before he got there.

"Water is fine."

 As the waiter came over Jon ordered her a water and stated he’d only need one glass with the wine.

"I'm sorry I'm just not a wine drinker." She told him.

 “Oh that’s totally ok, do you not drink alcohol at all or is it just Wine you don’t like?"

"I used to drink when I went to parties in high school and college but after I got married I just couldn't do it anymore."

 “Why is that?”

She looked around making sure everyone else was in their own conversations then quietly answered him. "When my husband drank that's when he started......." She closed her eyes briefly trying to fight back the tears.  "Let's just after he drank it wasn't good for me."

 “Ok so are you fearful of another man drinking around you? Will this set you off?”