Fate (The Edge of Forever) by D.C. Gambel

“It was a special thing you gave to me. The least I could do was send you flowers, even though it’s not enough to show you how much it meant to me.” Rachel came around the corner tapping her imaginary watch. We had a business lunch with our boss and one of his clients to discuss options for their fancy business party.  
    “Hey, sweetheart, I gotta go.”  
    “Real quick, Gaby. You mentioned yesterday about me meeting Shawn?”
    “Yes?” I held up a finger to Rachel who was getting anxious waiting for me to get off the phone. 
    “Well, I have lunch for tomorrow open if you wanted to get together then.” I smiled at the fact the Grayson was making an attempt to get to know the people in my life. What people he could, anyways.  
    “Okay. Let me talk to Shawn and I’ll get back to you, but I really do have to go.”  
    “Alright. Bye, baby.”  
    I grinned at his endearment. “Bye.” I was biting my lip as I hung up my phone. Rachel rolled her eyes at my grin. “If you two were any more adorable, I’d puke.”  
    I shook my head. “Come on, Rach. We’re going to be late.”
     
    ***
     
    The meeting went great. The clients wanted their party to be an A list event, as A list as a bunch of suits could get. Rachel’s and my boss, Ralph, convinced them that we were just the group to get the job done.  I sat there and handed papers out or agreed when needed.
    When we got back to the office, I picked up the phone and called Shawn.  “Hey, baby girl. What’s up?” 
    “I wanted to see what you were up to tomorrow for lunch,” I asked.   
    “I’m guessing hanging with you. Am I right?”  
    I giggled, “You are.”
    “You wanna do the Italian cafe two blocks from your work? I can make the rez.” 
    “Sure. But make it for three.”  
    The line went quiet for a minute, then Shawn spoke, “Alright. Three. I’ll see you tomorrow then at 12:30?”  
    “Yeah.”  
    “Bye, baby girl.”  
    “Bye, Shawn.” I hung up feeling a little bit accomplished. Two of the most important people in my life were going to meet. The thought suddenly made me feel queasy.
     
    ***
     
      I was sitting at my favorite lunch place with Shawn waiting for Grayson and I was a nervous mess. My best friend was meeting my boyfriend. God I still wasn’t used to that word. I wanted nothing more than for them to get along. 
    “Check out the hottie.” I turned in the direction Shawn’s eyes were pointing. I watched Grayson make his way to us. He was wearing a light tan suit that hugged him in all the right places.  
    I turned back to Shawn, “My hottie.” I pointed a finger at him that said more than words.  
    “That’s your...” He voice trailed off when Grayson made it to our table. I stood, wrapping my arms around his neck, he leaned in and kissed me, not chastely, but not too passionately that we might get carried away.  
    “Hey, beautiful,” he whispered pulling back.  
    I beamed at him. “Grayson, I want you to meet my best friend Shawn. Shawn, this is Grayson.”
    Shawn stood, shaking Grayson’s hand. “Heard a lot of things about you.” I glared at Shawn’s emphasis. 
    “Good things, I hope.”  Grayson glanced at me.
    “Great things,” Shawn winked at me. My face flushed a deep crimson red. They both chuckled at me. Grayson unbuttoned his jacket before taking the seat next to me, holding my hand in his resting them on his thigh.
    The waitress came and took our drink order. Her eyes widened at the delicious set of man candy I had at my table. She seemed a little flustered, but managed to bring our order without messing it up.
    “So, Shawn, Gaby tells me you’re a werewolf.” The sip I just took of my drink lodged in my throat. I started coughing profusely.  
    “You okay, Gaby?” Shawn asked with a huge grin plastered on his face while Grayson rubbed circles on my back. I nodded and they both laughed.  
    “She also tell you she’s a half breed vampire?”  
    “Shawn!” I