Instead of going back to her place tonight, they go back to Gavin's house in Echo Park. Shay is suprised to see the house lights on & music pouring out the windows. Gavin's roomates must keep some pretty late hours. As they walk in, they are greeted by a delicious smell & though they had an excellent dinner at El Coyote, that was several hours, and few drinks & dances ago, and Shay can feel her stomach rumbling in response to the aroma. "Are you hungry?" Gavin asks her, "Because it smells like Justin is cooking & he's an awesome cook..." Shay blushes, afraid her tummy rumbling was audible even over the blaring stereo, "We can't just barge in on him & eat his food," she says. Gavin laughs, "Justin always cooks enough for 6 people, even when he's alone, Shay. He would consider it an insult if we don't eat with him, now that we're here." And a guy who must be Justin then leans out into the hallway from the kitchen, demanding that Gavin not go to bed until they try his new recipe. "Shall we dance?" Gavin offers, since they have some time before Justin finishes cooking.

Another housemate, Zach, comes in just as the meal is being served & joins them. Shay is usually shy about meeting so many new people at once, but Gavin's friends are very friendly & open & treat like she's one of them, & they even tease Gavin a little for not having been home much this past week that he's spending with her. And this Justin guy can cook: this is even better than the restaurant in Beverly Hills.

When they finally get up to Gavin's room, he suprises her with a gift.

Of course, he has excellent taste & it's a beautiful locket, inscribed with poetry, he says its his favorite poem, 'She walks in beauty, like the night...' "But I didn't get you anything," Shay says, dismayed that she didn't even think of it...their whole relationship came up on her so suddenly, she still can't believe she's involved with him.

"Don't you know you are my gift?" he answers, and she just melts.

Happy Valentine's Day.

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