Blind Date With the Billionaire Part 3: Back to You Read Online Free PDF Page B

right in front of her. Monica was somewhat comforted by Gabe's obvious look of disgust, but she wasn't going to sit back and let them disrespect her any longer.
    "As you can see, he's on a date with me," Monica answered, trying to keep her voice calm.
    Both women turned to look at her then. She recognized the look of derision on their faces, and it fueled her growing anger. She wanted to claw their eyes out and wipe that smug look off their faces, but she held herself in check. She didn't want to embarrass herself or Gabe in public.
    "Oh I'm so sorry," Carla said insincerely, "I didn't notice you there."
    Monica gave Carla a curt nod of her head, before turning back to Gabe, not even deigning to reply.
    "Have we met before? You look familiar?" Carla asked sweetly. Suzanne sniggered behind her hands at Carla's snide remark. Monica knew full well that Carla recognized her. She had brought it up to remind Monica about that night at the ball when she was kissing Gabe.
    "I don't think we've been formally introduced," Monica said coolly. "But let me guess, you must be Carla. And you must be Suzanne," Monica said turning to her. "Gabe's told me so much about you two . I believe were discussing gossiping harpies, and speak of the devil… "
    Monica gave her a sweet smile, not letting Carla ruffle her feathers. She looked over to Gabe to see such a look of admiration and love, her anger instantly melted away. These women meant nothing to her. Not when she had the love of a man like Gabe. They could continue being catty and miserable, and talk about her behind her back and she realized she didn't care. She wouldn't let them come between her and Gabe any longer. Monica shot Gabe such a bright smile, filled with love. Carla was momentarily caught off guard by the look she saw on their faces. She knew she had lost her power over them and retreated in surrender.
    "Well it seems we are interrupting," she said as she walked away without another backwards glance. Though her voice was pleasant, there was an edge to it. Monica assumed Carla wasn't used to being dismissed so callously. Suzanne scurried behind and followed Carla to their table on the other side of the restaurant.
    "You really are amazing, Monica," Gabe said as he grabbed her hand over the table. "You know that?"
    "Thank you Gabe." Monica replied. "You make me feel amazing."
    "I think that's the last we'll hear from them. At least I hope," he said.
    "Oh it better be," Monica said. "Otherwise I won't be responsible for what I do to them if they come near me again. I can't stand them."
    "Remind me not to get you angry. Ever," Gabe joked.
    "Don't you forget it," Monica smiled back.
    "I like this Monica," Gabe said after a pause. "You're different, more confident."
    "Thank you for noticing," Monica said happily. "I took some of what you said to heart."
    "Really? What did I say?"
    "You were always telling me not to get too down on myself. I realized when you left that you were right. I had to stop thinking you were too good for me, and start giving myself more credit. I think that's what messed things up the first time."
    "I'm just glad I could help."
    "Oh you did."
    Gabe called the waiter over and asked for their check.
    "Don't even think about trying to split this bill with me," he joked, as he saw Monica reaching for her purse.
    "What can I say, old habits die hard," she answered sheepishly.
    Gabe paid the bill and helped Monica out of her seat. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed the top of her hair.
    "Come on, let's go home," he murmured against her ear. Monica leaned back and closed her eyes, enjoying the strong arms wrapped around her. When she opened her eyes, she saw Carla and Suzanne shooting daggers at her. She smiled at them before turning back to Gabe and nodding her head.
    "That sounds great," she said.
     
    *****
     
    Monica and Gabe were silent in the car, enjoying the new understanding they had between them. As they got closer to his house, Monica began to