Free DREAM by Mary Smith

It’s the first time I’ve not seen him in his signature outfit. I hear him groan in a good way when he sees the back of my dress. I keep walking toward the door, and he hurries to catch up with me.
    When Gable opens the door to the limo, I’m startled when I see Gideon sitting on the bench along the windows.
    “Hello, Dream. You look like,” he tilts his head to the side, “eight thousand dollars tonight.”
    I purse my lips at him as Gable jumps in the car.
    “What, no smart ass comment?” Gideon continues to pick on me.
    I turn away. I’m going to have a good night, and he’s not going to ruin it.
    “Gideon, I’ve told you stop and you will. Right now.” Gable tells him in a lethal tone. I hadn’t heard this tone, and I feel a small sense of pride at Gable sticking up for me.
    “Fine.” Gideon concedes and we drive to the Wall’s Ball in silence.
    When we pull up to the Grand Hotel, the usher opens my door and I gingerly step out. Gable is quickly at my side and the flashes of light bulbs temporarily blind me. Gable holds me tightly as we pose. I keep a bright smile on my face, and I make sure my left hand is on Gable’s chest for everyone to see my ring. It gleams off of each flashing light.
    We finally make it inside and I see the wave of people in the grand ballroom. Everything is silver and gold as it’s been every year, but it’s elegant as always.
    Gable keeps his hand on my lower back and occasionally glides it up and down. I shouldn’t be enjoying it as much as I am, but he’s causing a number of shivers. I shouldn’t react this way. I’m blaming it on involuntary bodily responses, but I know Gable is smirking under his straight face because I see it in his eyes.
    People start coming over and talking to us. I plaster a smile on my face and stay close to Gable’s side. It feels almost...right. We seem to be a power couple . I’ve always been Ulrich’s daughter, Dream. Never just, Dream. However, this feels very different.
    “Dream.”
    I turn at the sound of my name and see Larissa in a dark green, flowing gown coming toward me.
    “Larissa,” I say, happier than I need to. She hugs my neck and pulls me away from Gable.
    “I’m happy to see you.”
    “Same here.” Even though, Larissa is over bubbly at times, she is the only friend I have. I may not confide in her all the times, but she’s an extremely honest person.
    “Let me meet your husband.” She rushes past me to Gable and sticks out her hand. “Mr. Butler, I’m Larissa Dapont. I’m Dream’s best friend.”
    Gable takes her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Ms. Dapont.”
    “I must say I was completely floored when I heard about you two.” She wags her finger in between us.
    “We all were.” Gideon comes up next to us. “A huge shock.”
    Larissa looks him up and she seems confused for a moment. “Aren’t you Gideon Butler?”
    “Does my reputation precede me?” He smirks at her.
    “Something like that.” Larissa turns to me. “Have a good evening, Dream. We’ll get together for lunch this week.”
    “Sure.” I’m confused about her abrupt change in personality and watch her walk away.
    “Something I said?” Gideon takes a large gulp of his dark liquor.
    “Maybe it’s your cheap cologne.” I say.
    “Oh my God,” he mimics a girly preppy teenager. “You are so funny.”
    “Enough, Gideon. Why don’t you go find our table before the auction starts?” Gable’s voice stops my response to Gideon.
    “Fine.” He growls at his brother, but walks away from me.
    Gable places his hand on my back again as another couple I don’t know come up to talk to us. I’m usually good with names and faces, but a lot people here know Gable. Every time someone new comes up, he proudly shows me off. He does it in a way that makes me feel like I’m my own person, but still a part of him. .
    “This is Dream Butler, my wife and CEO of Jackson Enterprise.”
    Even though I hadn’t been sure I would change my