What About Your Friends

Mini Bonus Post

What about your friends? Will they stand their ground? Will they let you down again? What about your friends? Are they gonna be low down? Will they ever be around or will they turn their backs on you?- What About Your Friends by TLC


I kept walking even as she called my name. I couldn't believe her! I vented to her about Derek. Did she go back and talk to him about everything? Who all knew? Why didn't she tell me?

"Lily-" I stopped when I got outside.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked calmly. I really just wanted to understand.

"Because we didn't tell anyone but Ann. You know the policy on fraternizing. We didn't want to make it a big deal."

"So why tell me now?"

"Cause I hated lying to you. I do consider you my friend. Derek just thought it will be best if you didn't know, but now that he gave his notice, it's not going to be an issue."

"Did you ever talk to him about me?" I asked.

She nodded. When I scoffed angrily, she explained.

"It was always in general, what I thought about you. Then later on to defend you." Jordan said.

"Defend me?" I asked, outraged. Calm was fucking out the window. "You're the reason why I needed defending. I told you stuff I would have never told you if I knew it would be pillow talk with my boss!!!"

"He had a bad opinion about you before we even talked!" Jordan stated.

"So what? He sent you to spy?" I deflected back on her. I knew it was a stretch when it came out my mouth.

"Ohmigod Lily. No! You asked me to hang out, remember? I just thought he got the wrong idea about you. Which I was right and he agreed." Jordan finished.

"I just... I just can't right now. I gotta go." I said.

I got into my car and sped off. My mind was racing. I was thinking about every conversation I ever had with her. I was trying to find missing clues and incriminating evidence that Jordan had been spying for Derek.

I was still fuming when I called Jake.

"Hey Cariño."

"Hey. Are you at home?" I asked Jake.

"No. I'm still at work. I'm waiting for an officer to show up."

"Oh. Ok." I said.

"He should be here in the next 30 minutes. Wanna meet me for dinner?" He asked

"I'm sorry babe, I'm not in a real social mood. Just had some work drama."

He sighed. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing I can't handle. Enjoy your dinner. I'll talk to you later." I said, getting off the phone.

 Not going lie, I was a little put off by him sighing. I went home and took a long hot shower. I then went to bed. I hadn't even eaten and the sun was still out. I grabbed my phone.

"Hey Lily." Ethan answered the phone on the second ring.

"I need work advice." I said simply. I called Ethan cause I admired his cool and reasonable reactions to everything. Yes, it drove me up all wall, but this situation required it. Rocky would have blown up at being lied to. Trevor would have laughed it off. So I called Ethan.

"Ok. What's going on?" he asked, questioningly.

"What would you do if you found out your work friend was dating your boss?"

"That would be surprising considering they all are mostly married or male, but as long as it didn't affect the work place, it would be a non-issue." Ethan replied.

"I just made a complete ass of myself." I moaned.

"Explain."

"Jordan, the nurse you met at my housewarming. She told me she had something to tell me and I might have gotten the idea that she was admitting her feelings for me. So I turned her down. Then, she told me not only did she not like me like that, but she's dating Derek, my boss, who just announced he's leaving." I moaned.

Ethan was silent. "Hello?" I asked.

Next thing I knew, I heard a chuckle over the phone.

"Ethan! It's not funny!" I said, holding back my smile.

"I know. I'm sorry. I can't believe you turned her down before she even asked you out." He chuckled.

"I wouldn't have embarrassed myself if she would have told me the truth. I talked about him! I think I might have called him an ass once or twice."

"I'm sure the way their relationship works is by keeping work at work."

"No. She told me she talked to him about me. Apparently he had a bad opinion of me before I met her." I said.

"Did he have a reason to?"

I thought about. Really really thought about it.

"Yes." I admitted to Ethan and to myself. I sighed. "I called off on a weekend I was on call. I had Christy cover for me and she's super close with Derek. I even went over Derek's head on things. Not to mention when I moved back I was focused on moving and you- uh, I mean, and other things too. Urgh. I suck." I lamented.

"You don't suck Lily and you're not going to have to worry about his opinion for much longer. Just focus on work. And in the future, don't talk negatively to anyone that works with you. I'm here if you need to vent. It's the least I can do for distracting you." Ethan told me.

I smiled. "I'm just not looking forward to tomorrow. It's gonna be so weird with Jordan." I said.

"If she's a good friend, y'all will get over it." He said.

"Thanks Ethan." I said.

"No problem. Thank you for the laugh." He said.

"I'm glad my life is so entertaining for you."

My phone beeped, indicating another call. I pulled away to see it was Jake. "Alright. I'll let you go. Have a goodnight Ethan."

"You too." He said, before I clicked over.

"Hello?"

"Hey. Come open the door." He said.

I got out of bed and opened the door. I saw him standing there with Whataburger takeout bags.

"I brought you dinner." He said.

I smiled." Thanks babe."

We went and set up in the living room.

"So what's going on at your job?" Jake asked.

"Nothing. Just a non-issue." I answered, before digging into my food.

Before Jake and I went to bed, I texted Jordan.

Me- Thanks for telling me the truth. Sorry I freaked out.

Jordan called me back.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner." She started.

"Don't be. That was y'all's choice. Can we just put this behind us? Especially the whole I just like you as a friend thing?" I asked.

Jordan laughed. "Yes. And I've learned my lesson. I'll never make a lesbian joke again."

I laughed. "See you tomorrow."

"See ya!"

Do You...

"Mama said the greatest things in life are free What about lust, what about trust. What about fun? She said, you know that I do"- Do you?.. by Miguel



"Thanks for showing up Lily. I know it was last minute, but today is the only day we're all scheduled to work together and I have news to share." Derek said, as I joined everyone in the meeting.

I just nodded and sat down. I was 30 minutes late to work, but only 5 minutes late to the meeting. A couple more stragglers came in after me, so I was happy I wasn't the only one late. If Jake would have had his way, I wouldn't have been here at all.

We spent the night consummating our new official relationship. When I tried to head home and get ready for work, he pulled me back into his bed. He spent the next 20 minutes trying to sway me to call in with him. I was an orgasm away from being convinced when I got a call from Derek informing me of a meeting. So I left him as he got up and ready for work.

"Effective September 15th, I will be leaving the clinic. I've been offered a position at a children's hospital and I've accepted." Derek announced. "Steven and Christy will be joining me."

Congratulations and well wishes went around the room. I wasn't expecting this. I felt a mixture of emotions. We had a few rough patches, but I feel like Derek and I had finally gotten on the right path. I was finally used to his expectations and procedures. Now I had to get used to someone else's. And a little part of me was envious that he didn't consider asking me if I wanted to leave, but I knew Christy and Steven had more experience and worked with Derek longer. So I pushed my jealousy away.

"The new senior therapist is going to be moving from Tucson, Arizona. She's very excited to meet and work with you all. Ann from HR asked me to inform you all that we are accepting applications, so if you can refer anyone, please do so as soon as possible." Derek finished.

After the meeting, we all went about our day and scheduled appointments. I got an email before lunch from Quintin, another therapist, about a Bon Vonage party on September 12th for Derek , Steven, and Christy. Details were to come.

While on my lunch, I sent a quick group Facebook message to the few physical therapist I graduated with and I finally checked my Facebook notifications. Jake kept me occupied the night before, so I didn't have time to even reply to his message. A fact that didn't go on unnoticed by our friends.

Amber- Aww, sweet. Answer the man!

Cam- Is that a maybe?

Jasmine- Say yes Lily!!!

Brandon- Wish you could delete that post now huh? #FacebookFail

I didn't read anymore. I quickly changed my status to in a relationship with Jake. Then I added a new post:

Of course I said yes to @Jake! Just had to work out a few details. Y'all know how long deliberations can be ;-)

Darren was my last appointment of the day. He brought me a copy of his football schedule. His first game was next Friday. I already told him I would try to make the home games. I was definitely keeping that promise Friday.

When I got off work, I saw I had a missed call from Rocky.

"I'm coming over. I want to know EVERYTHING." She announced when I called her back.

I laughed.

When I got home, Sammy was already there. I told her Rocky was coming over. I invited her to hang out with us if she wanted to hear the details of Jake and me. She did. We made quesadillas and a salad as we waited. By the time Rocky showed up, we were finishing up.

We sat down to eat. Well, they ate. I told them everything that happened between Jake and me. How he asked me to date, the list of dates we completed, and finally the Facebook message they saw the night before.

"I knew he liked you. I told you he treated you differently from any other girl." She sent Sammy a look. "No offense."

"None taken. Besides, he's too controlling for me." Sammy said, as she flipped her hair.

Rocky gave me a look that said, "Talk Bitch."

"I'm sure that was just because we weren't official. Now that were are, it shouldn't be a problem." I said, convincingly because I believed it. Just calling him my boyfriend gave me all the confidence in the world.

Sammy scoffed. "And how did he ask you? On Facebook, so that everyone can see. Especially the person he didn't want you hanging out with." She pointed out.

"Who?" Rocky asked. "Trevor?"

"No. Ethan." Sammy replied. "Does he even know about Trevor?"

I ignored that question. "I told you the story about the note. It was just an inside joke." I started. "And he never said he didn't want me hanging with Ethan."

"Right. Just let him know if you are." Sammy smirked.

"Quite frankly, I wouldn't want my boyfriend hanging out with his ex at all. I really don't care how he did it. At least he did. I'm happy for you Lily." Rocky smiled.

I smiled too. "Thank you."

Honestly, I loved how he did it. One of the first real conversations we had was him telling me not to worry about never having a boyfriend. To enjoy being single and dating until I found someone that was worthy of the honor of being my first boyfriend. That's exactly what he was doing; waiting for someone that made all the negatives worth it.

And I knew he saw my negatives. I opened up to him more than any other guy I've dated. And not just with secrets, but with how I acted. Before we were even friends, I told myself I couldn't date a guy like Jake. I didn't put him on a pedestal, so I didn't feel like I had to catch up to him or pretend to be someone I wasn't. I was completely myself with him and he wanted me. And regardless of his flaws, I wanted him too.

But most importantly, I knew what a big deal it was for him to make that leap with me. He knew what a big deal it was to be my first boyfriend. We were on the same page of finally finding each other. And the fact that he was willing to announce it on Facebook just confirmed to me I found the right one.

"Now did y'all exchange I love yous?" Rocky asked.

I shook my head. "No! Way too soon for that." I replied.

"Interesting." Rocky said, thoughtfully.

"What?" I said, finally able to eat.

"Brandon and Jake definitely heard what you said at the movie theater." Rocky informed me.

"Fuck..." I muttered

"What did you say?" Sammy asked.

"Basically that love was softening me up." I explained.

"Well, he didn't freak out. That's a positive." Sammy shrugged.

"She's right. If he didn't feel the same or thought y'all were moving too fast, he would have waited in asking you to be his girlfriend." Rocky agreed.

I nodded.

"So what's up with Labor day?" Rocky asked.

"I don't know. I need to talk to my boyfriend about that." I smiled.

"Well I'm working that weekend. So y'all have fun planning." Sammy said, before taking her plate to the kitchen.

"Ethan mentioned a game night. Or more like day." Rocky said.

 "A game night? On Labor day weekend?" I grinned. "Ethan would suggest that. I love how his brain works. "

Mr. all work no play would pick the holiday dedicated to workers to have a game night.

I pulled out my phone to text Jake about plans for Labor Day.

"Lily. I have something to tell you. And it's not meant to freak you out or make you question anything. I just thought you should know. Especially if Jake is having issues with you hanging with Ethan." Rocky started.

I looked up, concerned.

"Ethan doesn't think it's serious between you and Jake. He thinks y'all are just fooling around." Rocky informed me.

I took a deep breath. Wow. No wonder I got no reaction from Ethan. On the 4th of July, he implied that he thought I might be hooking up with Jake. Last weekend, I just confirmed what he already thought he knew.

"Sometimes." I said.

"Sometimes?" Rocky repeated.

"Yeah. I love how his brain works. Sometimes." I clarified.

Rocky shook her head.

"Ok. Thanks for letting me know."

"That's it?"

"Yeah. Let him think what he wants. Besides, if that keeps the peace between us, maybe that's best for the time being. Jake and I know what we have. I don't care what anyone else thinks." I responded.

Rocky nodded. My phone beeped.

Jake-My family is going out to Lake Texoma. Wanna spend the weekend with me?

Me- So basically, you, my boyfriend, want me to meet your family? As your girlfriend?

Jake- Yes or no little girl.

Me- I need clarification first...

Jake- Yes. As your boyfriend, I want you to meet my family. As my girlfriend.

Me- I'll pencil it in and get back to you.

Jake- Lily...

Me- JK boyfriend. I would love to.

Jake- Why aren't you over here working out the details of us being together? I don't remember us coming to an agreement this morning.

He obviously read my Facebook status. I grinned at what we were really doing this morning. Close, but there was no coming at all.

"Alright. Get back to me on Labor Day. I can tell y'all are not discussing plans." Rocky chided me with a smile.

I blushed. "We did. Looks like we'll be free Monday."

"Cool. I'll hash out the details and get back to you." I walked Rocky out before packing an overnight bag to take to Jake's. I texted him before I left.

Me- On my way. Be ready to negotiate.



The negotiations started as soon as I walked in his apartment. We traded kiss for kiss and clothes for clothes before he picked me up and carried me to his bed. We both used dirty bargaining tactics. He used his strength and talented mouth to hold me down and seduce me. I used my body and my words to sway him. I pressed up against him and moaned out his name. I knew it drove him crazy when I called out for him. He would give me anything I wanted when I did. It was no different that night.

Were we able to come to a settlement that was mutually satisfactory for the both of us. Normally, I wanted to be the clear winner while the other side was the loser. But I loved win/win situations with him.

"I can't wait to get you on the lake...in a little bikini..." Jake said, holding me tight against him.

"Nuh uh. Your family is going to be there. A tasteful two piece." I corrected.

He grimaced. "No Cariño. That sounds awful. Besides, my sisters already saw you in just my shirt."

"Urgh. Don't remind me, but I didn't have any other options. I normally sleep in my workout clothes." I groaned.

"That's why you should let me take you shopping. For lingerie and swimsuits and workout clothes."

"What's wrong with my workout clothes?!?" I demanded.

"Nothing..." he chuckled. "I just can't see your body in them."

"Show off." I mumbled.

"That's right. I wanna show my beautiful girlfriend off. Starting this weekend." He admitted.

I grinned, warmth spreading throughout my body. "Ok. I'll let you pick out my clothes, but I get to plan Monday. Rocky is planning a game night."

"Works for me." Jake replied.

"Good." I smiled, snuggling up against him.



Thursday afternoon, Jordan and I set up drinks at Dave and Buster's for Corey and Sammy. We figured it would be low key and causal. And worst case scenario, if they didn't get along, we could leave after a drink.

"How do I look?" Sammy asked me.

"Hot!!!" I exclaimed proudly, looking her over as I sucked down an ice tea. She just got off, but changed from her sensible shoes to killer stilettos. Paired with tight denim jeans and a low cut black halter, she looked the perfect combination of causal and sexy.

She rolled her eyes. "I know. You don't think it's too much?"

"It is just enough." I assured her. "Ok. Here they come."

I stood up and smiled as Jordan and Corey made their way over. Sammy looked him over in appreciation. He looked so much cuter in person. He had a little bit of a hipster vibe going on with his skinny black jeans, buddy holly glasses and rolled up flannel shirt, but I was hoping that would provide the edge Sammy liked. Without the douchebag-ness.

"Hey." I said, excitedly. "So glad y'all could make it." I smiled.

"I know! We haven't hung out outside of work in forever." Jordan agreed.

"So Lily, this is Corey." Jordan introduced us. "Corey this is Lily and her roommate Sammy."

"Nice to finally meet you." I said, shaking his hand before sitting back down. Sammy shook his hand too and smiled.

"You too. Gotta say, I'm a little relieved. If you we're the brunette in the picture I saw, I would be more disappointed." Corey said.

My mouth dropped open in shock.

Sammy tried to hold back her laugh, but failed. I shot her a glance.

Jordan didn't hold back. She laughed out loud. "Corey stop. He's joking." She reassured me.

Corey smiled. "Had to break the awkwardness somehow." He said, choosing to sit in the chair closest to Sammy. Jordan sat next to me.

"I think it was less awkward before you said that." I mumbled.

Sammy laughed. "It definitely broke the ice with me."

"Mission accomplished." Corey smiled at her.

The waitress came over and took our drink orders.

"So I'm having a hard time understanding why either one of you would need to be set up." Corey asked.

"Well I date assholes. One that happens to be her boyfriend now." Sammy offered, with a smile.

Corey looked at me and smiled too. "No wonder I didn't have a chance."

"Ok. If y'all bonding is going include bashing me, I'll just leave." I announced, only halfway kidding.

They all laughed.

"I'm sorry. It was too easy." Corey smiled. He looked at Sammy. "Let's talk about you. You work here right?"

"Yes and I just started working for a private bartending company. We host parties and events. Loving it so far."

"Tell him about the swinger's party." I prompted Sammy.

She did. And he laughed and asked all the right questions.

Jordan and I smiled at each other. So far so good.

"So I hear you like drugs?" Sammy quipped.

I sputtered in my drink. Jordan looked wide eyed. Corey just laughed.

"I do. I always say I'm a street pharmacist. Minus the street. And with degree. Basically, I push pills to old people." Corey explained.

Sammy laughed. "Love it. I call myself a mixologist without the bitchiness."

We all laughed at that.

When the waitress returned to take food orders, I opted out, saying I needed to get home. Jordan followed my lead. Sammy and Corey decided to stay.

Jordan and I left together. I was beaming. I was so happy Sammy and Corey were getting along. Jordan had a perturbed look on her face. We were nearing the entrance when she stopped me.

"Lily. I need to tell you something." She started.

I looked at her. "Is it about Corey?"

"No. It's about me, and my boyfriend. I need to tell you the truth. I feel like this is the best time to do it-"

Oh God. I swear, I can hear my heart pumping through my chest. I hadn't thought about Sammy's wild predictions, but it look like it was coming true. I had to stop her.

"Jordan. I already know what you're about to say." I cut her off.

"Really?" She said, confused.

"Yes. And I like you. But only as a friend."

The confusion on her face was replaced by shock. "Lily. No! I'm not a lesbian. I'm not into you. My boyfriend is Derek." She blurted out.

I stood there, momentarily shocked. When she opened her mouth to say more, I stormed away from her.

Exclusive (No Excuses)

"Exclusive (No Excuses)"- Day26

The conversation at lunch/dinner was normal. We hadn't talked in 2 weeks, so Trevor and I caught up. The only difference was, I was super aware of every little thing Trevor did.

Cam and Trevor were telling a funny story about a coworker, but Trevor made sure to watch my reactions. His smile widened when I laughed. His blue eyes brightened. And I couldn't help wondering what he was thinking.

Cam asked me how Jake was doing. I told Cam he was ok and that thanks to him, Jake and I were taking it slow and dating. I swear I saw Trevor stiffen. It made me fidget uncomfortably.

I changed the subject. I told Trevor I was sorry to hear about him and Becca.

He looked me in the eyes and shrugged. He told me he didn't want to lead her on because he didn't see a future with her. I looked away from him.

Jenna and Cam took over the conversation from there. I ate and engaged in conversation, but avoided looking at Trevor. The few times our eyes met, I looked away.

After we ate, Jenna and Cam started to clear the table. They refused Trevor's and my offers of help, so I took this as an opportunity to finally talk to him.

We went out on their small patio to talk.

"I just wanna start by saying I'm sorry Lily. I know I've been a jerk for a really long time now and you didn't deserve that." Trevor started.

"Neither did Sammy." I added. When he hung his head, I continued.

"The past is in the past. You both made stupid decisions, but why would you sleep with her again, when you knew how she felt about you?"

Trevor just shook his head. "Alcohol and stupidity is a dangerous combination."

"Well, you're way too smart to act so stupid." I said, throwing that line back at him.

He gave me a half smile. "Thanks. No one accused me of being too smart before."

I smirked and shook my head.

"But in all seriousness, I never meant for Sammy to be in the middle of us. I never meant for there to be an us at all." Trevor confessed.

I nodded. "I understand. Rocky told me how you felt. I honestly didn't know."

"Is there... a chance for us?" Trevor asked.

"Trevor, I'm with Jake-"

"I know. I've been trying to let my feelings go. I stayed with Becca, thinking that if I had feelings for her, then the ones I have for you would go away. That failed, miserably." Trevor said. "I just need to hear you say it Lily."

I thought it over, hard. I knew what I said next would forever impact our friendship.

"When I went back to California, I missed you so much. I felt like I was missing a part of me. When I came back, I promised myself I would never let anything come between us and I'm keeping that promise. No one will. Not Sammy. Not Jake. And not even you." I said.

He looked hopeful until I added him to the list. Now he looked confused.

"Trevor, we were closest when I let go of my feelings for you. You have to do the same because I need you in my life. I love you, but like a brother. It will never be more than that." I finished.

Trevor nodded, but didn't speak.

"Trevor? What are you thinking."

"About the Wedding Singer." Trevor replied.

Now it was my turn to look confused.

"Remember at the end? When the old guy said women rip your heart out through your ass? It kinda feels like that, but less funny." He said, with a little smile.

I hugged him tightly.

"Everything is going to be alright." I said, quoting the old guy from the movie.

Trevor smiled.

"Just one thing though." Trevor said, holding me to him. "How did you not know I had feelings for you?"

"After 4 years of over analyzing everything you said or did to see if you might like me back, I just stop noticing all the little things." I explained. "And it's not like you told me."

"You never told me...but I knew." Trevor commented.

The patio door slid open. It was Jenna.

"Y'all ok out here?" She asked.

"Yes." I said, stepping away from Trevor

"Yeah, let's go inside. It's hotter than balls out here." Trevor joked.

I smiled and we headed inside.

I spent the rest of my Sunday hanging with them. We watched the VMAs before I headed home.

-------------------------------------------------

"So is Corey still willing to go on a blind date?" I asked Jordan, as we ate lunch together. We both had salads from Starbucks.

Jordan shook her head. "What's going on between you and Jake?"

"Nothing! We're great. I meant for my roommate Sammy." I replied.

I knew it was a stretch, but Sammy needed to meet a nice normal guy and if he was like Jordan described, he might be perfect for her to dive back into the dating pool. And I meant dating, not hooking up with scumbags. Yes, Jake included, but he's my scumbag now.

"He's not going to let me set him up again. It went so well with you."

"We don't have to set them up. They could just meet while we're out together. Soonish." I explained.

Jordan smiled. "Ok. We can do that. Let me see when he is available."

After work, I went home to an empty apartment and started to cook dinner. I was boiling water to make fried rice and checking my Facebook. I thumbed through all my friends posting pictures of their kids going back to school

 Megan tagged Ethan in a picture of EJ standing outside his classroom in his school uniform. He had a backpack on his back. He was wearing a bored expression on his face. I smiled and texted Ethan.

Me- EJ looked thrilled to be back at school on Megan's Facebook picture.

Ethan- Give me 30 minutes. I'll post a better one.

True to his word, as I fried some eggs to add to the rice, Ethan posted more pictures. He tagged me in the caption.

Better? @Lily. Btw, he was upset he missed the back to school blow out. We need to plan to get all the kids together again.

I scrolled through the pictures. EJ's pictures were much better at home. He was grinning and making silly faces through the course of him getting ready for school.

Ethan also posted pictures of our day at the splash park and McDonald's. There was an adorable picture of the Krista, April and Robbie sitting underneath the plastic blue wave. It was too cute!

I commented on the picture.

Me- Awww, much better. And it's a three day weekend coming up. Let's make it happen!

I finished cooking and put my phone away. I was sitting down, eating, when Sammy came home. She was loaded down with shopping bags.

"Ooo retail therapy?" I said, grinning at her.

She smiled. "More like I got my first check from Honey B's."

"Even better. We should go out and celebrate soon." I said, thinking of Corey.

"Umm, it would have to be Thursday. I have gigs everyday this weekend."

"Really?" I said surprised.

"Really! I told you I just needed a few events. They love me. I'll make my rent money through tips alone!" Sammy predicted.

Afterwards, she modeled all her clothes and shoes. I wanted to point out she had her rent money in her purchases, but I bit my tongue. Everyone grieved differently. Besides, operation nice guy was about to be in full effect.

"So, remember that guy Jordan was trying to set me up with?" I asked when she put her clothes away and sat down to eat with me. When she nodded, I continued.

"I think you should talk to him." I suggested.

Sammy cocked an eyebrow at me. "Don't you think we've shared enough guys?"

I laughed. "Corey and I didn't even meet in person. Besides, even if we did, you have my blessing."

"I don't know. I kinda met someone this weekend. Waiting on a callback." Sammy debated.

"Well have a drink with us while you wait." I said, getting up to put my plate away.

"Let me see his picture again!" Sammy called to me.

I retrieved my phone. I saw I had a new text from Jake. I smiled and read it.

Jake- I didn't know you and Ethan went to the splash park together.

Me- Yep. He helped me out with the kids. Will didn't trust me on my own. I told you he was an ass  ;-)

Jake- I would have helped you.

Me- I know babe. But I didn't even ask for help. I just invited him, thinking he had EJ. But he switched weekends with Megan.

"Do you have that picture up?" Sammy asked.

"Yeah." I said, closing out my messages. I pulled up Corey's instagram and I showed Sammy.

"He's nice and chill. I think a change of pace will be good for you." I explained.

"What the hell. Set it up!" Sammy agreed, flipping through pictures. My phone beeped, indicating a text.

"Next time, let me know. I don't wanna find out you're hanging with other dudes on Facebook. And I wanna talk to you before you make Labor Day plans." Sammy read. She gave me a look. "You're hanging out with other guys?"

"No." I sighed. "I hung out with Ethan, and Amber's kids."

"Sounds real intimate." Sammy scoffed, handing me my phone.

"Exactly!" I shook my head, trying to figure out how to respond.

"How's that control thing going?" Sammy asked.

I glared at her.

She laughed. "Don't get mad at me. I told you what to do. You caved."

Whatever. I texted Jake back.

Me- Yes Daddy. I hung out with Trevor and my brother yesterday. A bunch of dudes at my job today and I'm plotting a threesome with Ben and Jerry. Maybe a orgy if Sammy wants to join.

Jake- That doesn't qualify as an orgy. That's two couples swinging.

Me- You would know what qualifies as a orgy, Scumbag. We're gonna watch the VMA's and add Usher to the mix.

Jake- Let me guess. He wrote Good Kisser about you?

Me- Actually we wrote it together about each other ;-)

Jake- Is this a California thing? Your obsession and fake relationships with singers? Are all California girls like you?

Me- First of all, Fake??? And second of all, I'm completely original.

Jake- I see that Cariño

I smiled.

"Y'all good?" Sammy asked.

"Yep. Wanna share some half baked and watch the VMAs?"

"Hell yes." She said, pulling the ice cream from the freezer.

I texted Jordan before we got settled.

Me- Thursday. Drinks. Let's make it happen!

-----------------------------------------------------------

The next day, Jake texted me the address to a location in Addison. We were going to meet there for a date. I grinned when I saw it was Bowlmor, a bowling alley. Jake was taking the whole list thing too seriously.

I wore cute navy blue tiered lace shorts and a sleeveless blouse that buttoned and tied up in the front. I left 3 buttons undone at the top. I wore sneakers and my hair down over my shoulder.

When I arrived before Jake, I went ahead and got us a lane and my bowling shoes. I paid for Jake's, even though I had no idea what size shoe he wore.

I sat down, changed shoes, and was picking out my ball when Jake showed up. He surprised me by not even announcing himself. He just wrapped his arms around me from behind.

"I was three seconds from pulling out my Sai on you." I joked, cuddling in his embrace.

"Oh yeah? Took you to one ninja turtles movie and now you think you're a ninja. You can't have a Sai. You are no Donatello."

"I've always been a ninja. Mortal Kombat remember? And Donatello had a bo staff. Raphael had the sais."

Jake laughed in my hair. "I knew it. You were more into the movie than I was. You're such a nerd."

I turned around to let him have it about calling me a nerd again, but he kissed my protests off my lips.

"Go get your shoes. We'll see who the nerd is after I kick your ass in bowling." I demanded.

Jake laughed again. "That makes you a bigger nerd though."

I mockingly huffed and pushed him away. After he got his shoes (size 13) and picked out his ball, we set up to play. I ordered food and beer while he set up our names on the screen. He put my name followed by 'da nerd' and his name followed by 'da winner'. He laughed when I threatened to kill him.

Our first 5 frames were abysmal. I giggled when he complained about the lanes being too dry so he couldn't get a good spin.

I laughed at him.

"But I'm the nerd?" I said, while munching on mozzarella stick.

"Yes." Jake replied, grinning.

"Would a nerd do this?" I asked, dancing to Katy Perry "This is How We Do" that played on the big monitors above the lanes. I danced as I retrieved my ball and walked to our lane. I rolled it down, posing at the end. It went straight into the gutter.

Jake burst out laughing.

"No Cariño. That wasn't nerdy. Only a crazy person would do that." He laughed as I sat down next to him.

"Shut. Up." I replied, laughing too, as I kissed his dimple.

He held my face close and gave me a thorough kiss on the lips.

We finished up and we decided no one won because we were both so awful. I went to the bathroom before we decided if we were going to play again or shoot some pool.

When I came back, Jake was on his phone.

"Check your Facebook." He said, softly.

I sighed. Fuck Facebook. Fuck my life right now. We were having such a great time. I thought we were over his Facebook disapproval of me hanging out with other guys. I know I just joked it away. But I thought he got my use of sarcasm to point out the fact that I didn't need to reason or explain who I hung out with. He is not my dad.

"Jake. I don't know if this is just about Ethan or being controlling or whatever, but I'm going to do what I want. And hang out with whoever I want. I mean, technically, you're not even my boyfriend and even if you were, you can't dictate to me who I hang out with." I said, frustrated.

"Are you going to check it or not?" Jake said, simply.

I pulled out my phone and checked it. Jake tagged me in a picture. It was a note that said" will you be my girlfriend? yes or no" He captioned it:

We did everything on your list. Ready to make it official?

My face broke out in a smile. I felt like an idiot for going on a tirade, but I'm the happiest idiot in the world. I jumped into his lap.

"Yes! Yes! A million times yes!"

He smiled as I smothered kisses all over his face.

Tunnel Vision

Tunnel Vision- Justin Timberlake

Saturday morning I woke up and immediately got dressed. I volunteered to watch Amber and Will's kid while they finished up their back to school shopping. Amber and Will were going to drop them off. I wanted to do something special with them, but the only thing I could think of that an 8, 6 and 3 year old could enjoy outside the house in this 100° degree heat was Chuck E Cheese or swimming. Will vetoed swimming. He didn't think I could handle 3 kids by myself. So Chuck E Cheese it was. I texted Ethan to see if he and EJ wanted to join us.

Me- Hey I'm taking Amber's kids on a back to school blow out at Chuck E Cheese. Wanna join us?

Ethan: Chuck E Cheese is going to be packed with kids.

I didn't think about that.

Me- I don't have that many options. It's so freaking hot. Will doesn't trust me with them at the pool.

Ethan- Let's take them to a splash park. Text me Will's number.

Me- Ok

Obviously, Ethan was able to convince Will, cause when Amber and Will showed up, the kids were already dressed in swimming gear. They gave me the run down on sunblock and hydration. I just let them talk even though I knew everything they were telling me. Ahh parents. No one knew their child better, not even someone who majored in how the body works.

Thankfully, Ethan showed up a little after them. I was shocked that he didn't have EJ.

"He's with his mom this weekend." Ethan explained when I asked, as he put the kids car seats in the backseat of his truck.

"Oh. You didn't have to hang with me. I thought it was your weekend with him." I said.

"It was." Ethan said, offering no other details.

 We said goodbye to Will and Amber and loaded the kids in the car. The girls were chatting incessantly among themselves while Robbie stared out the window.

Ethan drove to Carrollton. It was quiet, which wasn't that surprising. Ethan wasn't a chatty person. I was the one that had to fill the silence with talking, but his demeanor was different. He just seemed... off.

"Everything ok?" I asked.

"Yes." He looked in the backseat at the kids. "We'll talk later."

"Don't we always." I joked.

He just shook his head.

We arrived at a small, community splash park. There were kids running around, shooting water guns, sliding down the small slide, sitting underneath a plastic water wave, and playing in the other water spraying items. We found an empty bench on the side of the park. It was next to a little bridge where the water collected and drained. Robbie sat in the water and splashed around while the girls ran off to explore.

Ethan kept an eye on the girls while I played with Robbie.

"Megan is moving in with her boyfriend." Ethan said out of nowhere.

"Oh Wow. When?" I asked, sitting Robbie in my lap so I could observe Ethan. He said it like he was telling me the weather, but I could tell it was bothering him.

"Next weekend. That's why Megan wanted to switch. We told EJ together last night." Ethan answered.

"How did he take it?" I asked.

"Fine. Like it was no big deal. I guess it's not to him because Dave is moving in. I don't know if he understand what it means."

"What does it mean?" Ethan looked at me puzzled. "I mean, to you?"

"I don't know." Ethan replied, honestly. And I knew that what was bothering him the most. The uncertainty of the future.

"Do you like Dave?"

"I don't have anything against him. He doesn't interfere with Megan's and my parenting. He makes Megan happy. Which I know how difficult that is." Ethan smirked.

"I think that's most important. Megan being happy is the best thing he can do for EJ."

"True." Ethan nodded.

Robbie was squirming and whining on my lap, so I put him down to play. I turned to Ethan.

"So what's bothering you the most?" I asked.

"It's not really bothering me. I don't like the idea of me not being around and EJ turning to Dave for anything." Ethan explained.

"That's probably already happened Ethan."

"I realize that, but it'll be different now." Ethan said.

"How so?"

"Cause now they're living together. If they get married, that will make him step dad." Ethan admitted.

"Ethan, you can't be questioning your place in his life. You're his dad. He looks just like you. He has your name. Most importantly,  that boy adores you.  It doesn't matter who comes into his life. No one can take that from you." I said.

"I know. I just never imagined  I would have to deal with sharing my kid with another family." He shook his head.

"I know you didn't imagine having EJ so soon, but life happens. Sometimes it works out better than we plan."

When he didn't respond, I continued.

"I admire your ambition and how focused you are on your goals and what you want, but if you spend all your time planning every little aspect of the future, how can you enjoy right now?" I asked him, before getting up to follow Robbie as he walked around.

Ethan got up to follow us.

An hour later, we got the kids dried off. I took the girls to get changed in the bathroom and Ethan took Robbie.

We then took the kids to McDonald's. Amber called during our lunch. They were finished and came to McDonald's to meet us. Afterwards, we split up and Ethan took me home.

"Thanks for listening Lily. I appreciate it."

"Anytime Ethan." I smiled, getting ready to leave his car.

"Is it serious with that guy?" He asked, before I got out.

"Huh?" I responded, turning to him.

"You and that guy, Forrest, is it serious?" He asked.

"No! He's just a friend. I'm friends with him and his fiancee." I said.

Before he could say anything else, I took a deep breath. "I am dating though. Jake. I'm dating Jake." I confessed.

I couldn't read his facial expression. Really, he didn't have a reaction. He just nodded. After a tense moment, I got out the car.

"Thanks Ethan." I said, before closing the door.

"Anytime Lily." He replied, looking thoughtful again. I walked to my door before I was tempted to ask anymore questions.

When I went inside, I showered and hopped back in bed. I woke up a couple hours later. I got up and saw that I had missed calls and texts. I had a call from Trevor, Jake and my cousin Bianca. I called Bianca and went through my texts.

Jake- Call me when you get this

Rocky- Double date or nah?

Amber- The kids are worn out! Thanks again Lily.

Bianca didn't want anything. She was just calling to check in. After I spoke to her, I called my aunt Patricia to check in with her. After that, I called Jake.

"So we're double dating tonight?" I asked when he picked up.

"Up to you. I've been trying to call you to see if you wanted to." He said.

"I see that. I was asleep. I watched Amber's kids this morning.  We went out to a splash park. Between the heat and chasing after a 3 year old, I was exhausted, but I'm up now." I explained.

"No big deal. Let me give Brandon a call so we can set it up."

"Ok. What should I wear?"

"I think we're going old school. Dinner and a movie. So anything sexy." He replied.

I smiled. "Will do."

I texted Rocky back.

Me- Double Date night! So excited! Who's picking the movie? Is Ninja Turtles in the running?

Rocky- Yes! Brandon is buying the tickets as we speak. Just let the guys think we don't wanna see the Ninja Turtles Movie. So we can plan the next outing.

Me-Will do!

I got up and changed into a floral pleated skirt with a fitted white scooped neck tank. I threw on a white, thin, oversized cardigan. My red booties completed the outfit. My hair was wavy from letting it air dry after my shower, so I used some coconut styling milk  that Jasmine recommended to me to define the waves and de-tangle it. I spent majority of my time on my make-up. I watched a YouTube video on a soft rosy pink and taupe make-up tutorial. There was a knock on my door as worked on applying a cat eye with my eye liner.

"Come in!" I called.

Sammy came in wearing her Dave and Buster's uniform.

"Hey. How was work?" I asked.

"Long. You have plans tonight?"

"I do. Movies with Rocky, Brandon and Jake."

"Cool. I got invited to a party by one of the honey B's. Supposed to be Maverick players there."

"That sounds fun." I said, concentrating on not fucking up my eye.

Sammy held out her hand for my liner. She did a cat eye on both of my eyes in a minute.

"That looks really good." She commented.

"Thanks." I smiled. I wished her a goodnight before I grabbed my overnight  bag and drove to Jake's apartment. He was going to drive us to the Cinema Movie Grill.

When he answered the door, he looked me over and smiled.

"Glad to see you followed my instructions. You look amazing." Jake said.

"Thank you." I said, leaning in to give him a kiss. "You look amazing too."



When we arrived at the movie theater, Rocky and Brandon were already there. They bought the tickets already. Jake frowned at the seats they got. They were a few rows back from the screen.

"Yeah. This is all they had with 4 together. I called as soon as I knew we were all coming." Brandon said, sending me a look.

"Hey. Don't blame her. I told you to just buy the tickets. Why wouldn't she want to see a childish movie about mutant turtles?" Rocky said, sarcastically.

"Hey. This was our childhood. You don't see me hating on horror shows or whatever scary shit your parents showed you to turn you into the person you are today." Jake joked.

"It was a reality show called Houston 24/7. Just look out the window." Rocky quipped.

I laughed at them.

"Still doesn't explain why it took you so long to respond." Brandon commented to me.

"I was sleeping. Besides, It's date etiquette to ask a girl out way before the day of. I coulda had plans." I smiled at Jake.

"Yeah? Like another date?" Brandon asked.

I furrowed my eyebrows at him.

"Ethan mentioned he saw you on a date Thursday afternoon." Brandon threw out there. I didn't even flinch. Not even when Jake eyed me suspiciously.

"Yeah, he saw me at lunch with Forrest. I cleared that up by telling him Jake and I are dating. No drama by the way." I informed him.

Rocky gave Brandon a look that said 'don't you feel stupid'.

Jake just looked at me. "En Serio?"

"En Serio." I smiled.

"Hey Brandon, lets go to the bar." Jake said, leaving no room for argument.

Awkward. I looked at the menu.

Rocky turned to me.

"So you know your boyfriend is giving mine the business right now right?" Rocky commented.

I chuckled, relieved it's not weird between us.

"He's not my boyfriend yet, but when he is, y'all can't be our couple." I informed her.

"Good. Peyton and Chris are our couple anyway. " Rocky replied.

"Sounds lame."

Rocky laughed. "Speaking of lame, you handed that so calmly. I was waiting on you to go off."

"Nope. Had enough of that for the week. Besides, I've learned that the only people that need to understand our relationship are me and Jake."

"So mature. What happened to my headstrong, stubborn, crazy friend?"

"Love. Apparently it's my Achilles heel." I smiled.

Rocky's eyes widen and she looked over my shoulder. I turned to see that Jake and Brandon returned. I smiled at them, willing my face to stop flushing.

If he heard me, Jake didn't let on. We ordered dinner and enjoyed the movie. Afterwards, on the way to our cars, Brandon pulled me aside to talk.

"Jake wants me to apologize. So I'm sorry I was wrong about the date, but I'm not going to apologize for looking out for him. I feel like it wasn't that long ago you wanted to be with Ethan. Now it's Jake. But I'm glad there's no drama."

"Ok. Just like you don't feel the need to apologize, I don't feel the need to defend our relationship. As far as looking out for him, I understand that he's your brother, but Ethan chose not to be with me. It wasn't the other way around." I corrected him.

Brandon shook his head. "I wasn't talking about looking out for Ethan."

Before I could ask why Jake needed looking out for, he walked off to join Rocky. I met Jake by his car.

I pushed it out of my mind when I went back to Jake's apartment. He took me straight to his bedroom. Jake was always in control. I really didn't mind. Everything he did was for our mutual pleasure. Seducing me was always his main agenda and I loved that.

But that night, he was different. He laid me down on the bed, fully dressed, and positioned himself on top of me. He kissed me and I hugged him close to me, before he trailed kisses down my neck. He pulled my tank and bra down so he could explore my breasts with his mouth. I moaned when he sucked on my nipples.

When I ground my pelvis into his, he sat up, kneeling on the bed, pulling me up with him. After removing my tank and bra, he gathered me into his arms. I gasped as he hoisted me up. I wrapped my arms and legs around him. I know how strong he is, but it took me by surprise when he lifted me.

He kissed me, passionately. I just held on to him, rubbing my half naked body into his fully clothed body; trying to relieve the tension building inside me. I moaned as his hands gripped my butt under my skirt with both hands.

"Estoy loco por ti. Pienso en ti todo el tiempo. Solo puedo pensar en ti." He groaned in my ear between kisses.

I moaned at his confession. Between his words, kisses, and hands all over me, I was desperate for him.

"I'm always thinking about you too. Get naked and I'll show you." I replied, panting, running my fingers through his hair.

He smiled and kissed me one more time, before placing me back on the bed. He undressed quickly and joined me on the bed. I removed my skirt and panties. I grabbed a condom and kissed down his chest and abs. He moaned when I kissed the head of his penis, swirling my tongue around the tip. I sucked on him until he was hard and ready. I put a condom on him, then straddled him.

I rocked my hips over his, so that he rubbed against my clitoris.

"Ohhhhh..." I breathed, loving the sensation of him rubbing against me. So I kept grinding against him.

"Carino..." He said, impatiently reaching between us to position himself inside me.

"Jake!" I cried out, as I sank on top of him, pushing him all the way inside of me.

"Asi es Cariño. Eres mía." He said, gruffly. One hand moved to tease and caress my breasts. The other moved to rub my clitoris. I continued to ride him as pleasure tore through my body during my climax.

He rolled me over, and lifted my legs so that they rested on his shoulders. He kissed my ankles, before pushing back inside of me. He thrust into me until he came too. He collapsed beside me. After throwing away the condom, he wrapped his arm around me. I rested my head on his chest and fell asleep.



I woke up the next morning to kisses on my neck and fingers tracing my spine.

"Lily?" Jake said, waking me,

"Hmmm?" I answered.

"I gotta go to my building. There was a false fire alarm. My guards need help resetting the panels. Do you wanna stay here?" Jake asked?

"What time is it?" I asked.

"9:30. It might take me a couple hours." Jake answered.

I sat up, rubbing my eyes.

"No. I better go." I said, stretching.

I got up, took a quick shower and got dressed.

We kissed goodbye and I headed home. I called Jenna on the way.

"Good morning Lily." She said, happily.

"Hey Jenna. How are you?"

"I'm good. Are you trying to get in touch with Cam? Cause he's out golfing." She replied.

"No. I actually wanted to talk to you. I need your advice. About Trevor." I said.

"Come on over. I'm cooking dinner right now. We can talk and cook and you can join us." Jenna commanded.

I agreed and headed to their apartment instead.



"So I don't know what to do. I wanted your advice because you're on the outside of the situation. Everyone else is kinda biased." I explained to Jenna.

We already had dinner going. It was their Sunday tradition. Jenna cooked a huge dinner early on Sunday. After Cam came back from golfing, they spent the day lounging and eating. We made baked chicken, potatoes, glazed carrots, spinach and rolls. When I commented on how much food she made, she informed me that sometimes his friends join them. Including Trevor.

I then explained to her the whole situation with Trevor. She listened, offering no advice. Just asking me to explain or clarify how I felt about certain things, like how Trevor treated Sammy. Honestly, I was torn. I hated that Sammy got hurt, but she knew what she was doing when she started fooling around with Trevor. It wasn't cool for him to call her a slut, but Sammy should understand name calling out of anger. She called me a immature brat Tuesday.

"So have you decided you want to maintain a friendship with Trevor?" Jenna asked when I finished.

"I want to. I just don't know how to forgive him."

"Either you do or you don't." Jenna said.

"It's not that simple for me. I don't know how to just forget and move on like it didn't happen." I stated.

"Forgiveness is not about forgetting or excusing behaviors. It has nothing to do with Trevor. Forgiveness is all about you. It's letting go of resentment, anger, or in your case, disappointment." Jenna said.

I thought about it. "Ok. Regardless of what happens, I forgive Trevor. I don't want hold grudges. But I would like to be friends with him too. I just don't know how to fix us."

"You and Trevor have to talk it out."

"I feel like we've had talks before. I end up right back here." I shook my head.

"This time, you have to set boundaries. Don't expect him to just change overnight. But if he can show that he's willing to respect boundaries, then change will come over time." Jenna explained.

I nodded. "Ok. Thanks."

She looked at her phone. "They should be finishing up soon. Should I tell Trevor not to come?"

"No. Let him come. At least over here you can be a mediator. Or referee." I said.

Jenna smiled and called Cam. She let him know I was here. And to make sure Trevor knew I wanted him to come over.

We had finish setting the table when I heard the front door open.

My brother came into the kitchen first. He smiled at both of us.

"Hey sis. Nice to see you."

"Nice to be seen." I said, smiling at him briefly.

My eyes were trained on Trevor. He gave Jenna a little smile and wave, but his eyes were locked on me too. I was sure he was trying to read my mood. I was doing the same to him.

He looked the same. Same blue eyes. Same handsome face. Although I wasn't used to the serious expression etched of his face.

"So are we gonna eat? Talk? Or just have a staring contest?" Cam asked after a moment.

Jenna smiled at Cam. Trevor looked at him.

"Thanks Cam. Real helpful." Trevor said.

"I win." I told Trevor.

"Won what?" He said, confused.

"The starring contest." I smiled.

Trevor finally grinned.

"Why don't we eat?" Jenna suggested, looking at me.

I nodded. We then went to the table and had the most awkward meal of my life.


Spanish to English

*Correct in Comments if necessary!*

I'm crazy about you. I think about you all the time. I only think of you.

A Sky Full of Stars

A Sky Full of Stars- Coldplay 

"Hello again." I said as Forrest sat across from me in the booth at Italian Villa late Thursday afternoon. This was going to be our last opportunity to meet up for lunch before school officially started and he wouldn't be able to join me.

My last appointment of the day cancelled, so I decided to check out Darren, Forrest's student and my patient, at his second football practice of the day. His team was doing two-a-days; running to build up endurance in the morning then going through drills in the afternoon.

While I sat in the stands, I gave Rocky a call. On Wednesday, I spent the afternoon with Sammy. We got our nails done and went out to dinner. Things are returning back to normal. I asked her if she ever felt like she and Trevor could be friends again. She answered she didn't know. She asked me the same. I told her I didn't know how we couldn't be friends. He was my brother's close friend and Rocky's best friend too. He was like family. I didn't know how to move forward, but I knew I was going to have to. I was disgusted by his actions, but that didn't mean I could write him off. I just didn't know what to do.

"Lily, ultimately it's your choice. I just feel like if you can forgive Sammy, why not Trevor?" Rocky asked as I explained how I felt.

"Trevor was such a dick." I said, quietly into the phone.

"I know, but they both played a role. Sammy forced him to confront his feelings and she sold you out to do it. Who knows what would have happened if he discovered it on his own? He panicked, thinking he lost you. He was in panic mode. And I know for a fact he is trying to get over his feelings for you." Rocky defended Trevor.

It was on the tip of my tongue to ask how, but Darren got clipped at the knees while getting tackled. He was slow getting up.

"Oh shit! Rocky, I gotta let you go!" I said, putting my phone away.

I stood up, but Forrest waved me off, jogging on the field to assist him. I watched Darren get up, a little gingerly. Forrest walked him off, but after talking to him and checking out his knee, he let him get back into rotation.

Darren looked great. After practice, I told him so. He grinned and said thanks while his teammates teased him. Boys.

After the practice ended, Forrest asked if I wanted to grab some food before he headed back to Fort Worth.

I did, and since we were close to Carrollton, and I hadn't had anything besides take out pizza from there, I chose Italian Villa. I headed to the restaurant, freshened up in the bathroom, and was gulping water when Forrest finally showed up from after practice treatments.

"All those boys have a crush on you now." Forrest said, after we decided what we were going to order.

"Teenage boys aren't that particular, but I gotta tell you, I have a crush on Rachel." I admitted.

Forrest laughed. "I think the feeling is mutual. She couldn't stop talking about you."

"Really?" I smiled.

"Really. She said not only did she have a conversation not pertaining to the wedding, but she felt like y'all have been friends forever." Forrest explained.

"I knew I felt something! I was going to go the whole Facebook friends route, but now that I know she feels the same, I'm gonna go for it!" I smiled.

"Go for what exactly?" Forrest questioned.

"Friends first. Whatever happens after that is fine with me..." I shrugged, playfully.

"And how does Jake feel about that?" Forrest asked, after the waiter took our order.

I winced. I had gone the last two days without talking to him. Sammy said we started phase 2 this weekend of going out and making him jealous, but I was over it. I missed him.

"Uh oh. What did you do?" Forrest asked, noticing my face.

"Nothing... it's what he's making me do." I explained the whole Philip drama to him.

"So let me get this straight. He defended you, paid off the dude, and you're mad why?" Forrest asked.

"It's the way he talked to me. Like it was my fault. Like I wanted that asshole to see me like that." I explained.

"Ok... Describe what you were wearing again?" Forrest asked.

I raised my eyebrows at him.

"Just go with it. I'm trying to get in his frame of mind." He smiled.

I laughed and pulled up a picture on my phone of something similar to what I was wearing. I slid into the booth, next to him, to show him.

"Wheeew." He whistled. "Ok. That's worse than what I was imagining. I thought it was a nightie."

"Why does it matter?" I rolled my eyes.

"He rolls up, early, thinking he's taking his girl on a date. He sees his girl, half naked, talking to a man outside her door..." Forrest laid it out for me.

Ok. That did sound bad...

"His adrenaline is already pumping, he's probably mad or jealous. Then he sees him grab you?" Forrest shook his head. "I don't even know what I would do if it was Rachel. I don't think there would be much talking involved."

I grinned. "You would round up the posse?"

"You know it. Cowboy justice requires no talkin'" Forrest nodded.

I laughed. Our food came out, so I decided to stay on his side, so we could share.

"Ignoring Jake isn't helping." Forrest said, already splitting his meal in half for me.

"You might be right." I agreed, splitting my meal as well.

"In the future, when you and Rachel become close, can you suggest the apron lingerie thing to her?"

I laughed. "Of course. Maybe a fondue night. Hot melted cheese..." I teased.

"Lily. Stop. You're giving me a chubby." Forrest smiled at me.

I busted up laughing loudly. "Gross Forrest."

"Lily?"

I looked up to see Ethan with Daniel, his co-worker. It's not fair how attractive Ethan is. I swear, he looks cool in a suit when it's hot and humid outside. I was sweltering in basketball shorts and a tank at the football practice.

"Hi Ethan. Hi Daniel." I smiled, standing up to give him a hug, so glad I freshened up.

"I thought I heard you laughing. Crazy running into you here, small world." Ethan said, hugging me. I hugged Daniel too as Forrest stood up.

"Not really. Rocky told me about this place. And she discovered it through you right?" I chatted.

"More like Brandon." Ethan answered, looking over at Forrest.

"This is my friend Forrest." I introduced them, quickly.

"Nice to meet you." They all shock hands. As they did, the hostess called Daniel's name.

"That's us. Enjoy lunch." Ethan said, before they headed to their table.

I took a deep breath as I sat down across from Forrest. He gave me a questioningly look.

"The boy that's on my Facebook? EJ? That's his dad." I explained.

"I can see that. Do I wanna know who he is to you?" Forrest said, intrigued.

"Even if you did, I don't have the time to explain it." I said.

We relaxed and finished our lunch. On the way out, I waved to Ethan and Daniel. They waved back as we left.



I texted Jake when I made it home. Forrest made me see how childish I was being. I wanted to talk to him and work it out. Not ignore him like it was a punishment.

Me- Hey Jake. What are you doing?

Jake- Nothin. At the gym.

Me- Can I join you?

Jake- Can you?

I shook my head, but smiled. He put the address in the text.

I left to meet him at the gym. When I got there, I texted Jake that I made it. A moment later, he met me at the front. He got me a visitor's pass and we made our way inside. His body looked amazing in a black training pants and a fitted black tank.

I smiled as I noticed how we complimented each other. I was wearing all white. He looked me over in my white basketball shorts and muscle tank that read: I flexed and the sleeves fell off.

"Lies." He smiled as he read my shirt.

"Whatever. I can spot you if you finally wanna work on your upper body." I teased.

He led me to a bench press. After loading it with 300 lbs, he laid down and began to bench the weight easily. He did a rep of 10, before resting.

"Aren't you gonna spot me?" He grinned, before starting another rep.

Normally, I would be turned off by such an arrogant display. I hated people who just went to the gym to show off, but I loved watching Jake. Too much. It almost made me forget we still needed to talk about what happened.

"No. Looks like you got it." I said, snapping myself out of my trance. "Can we talk for a second?"

He put the bar up and sat up. He motioned for me to sit on the bench next to him. I did and took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry I didn't call you. I was upset at first and then Sammy suggested I ignore you to prove a point." I explained.

"I got the point that day. I was angry and took it out on you. I'm sorry for that. If you would have called me, I would have told you." Jake said.

"I know. It's just, it reminds me of how my dad and brother treated me. My dad still does. I understand that is just how he is, so I accept it. I can't accept that with someone that I'm dating."

"I know. Your brother told me that." Jake said.

I looked surprised. "When?"

"At the airport. I told him I just wanted a chance with you, but I felt like you were pulling away from me. He told me you would if you felt like you were losing control. He suggested taking it slow." Jake explained.

That really shocked me. I didn't know Jake reached out to my brother like that. I was even more surprised my brother gave him such insightful advice. I'm sure Jenna had something to do with that.

"I'm trying Lily. It's hard for me to give up that control, but I'll do it for you. You just gotta promise that you'll always be honest with me."

I nodded enthusiastically. "I promise and I'm sorry." I said, before kissing him on the lips.

"I'm sorry too. That I lost control and made you upset and messed up what looked like a great date." Jake said. "I'm especially sorry Sammy got to benefit from it."

"She's going through a lot. She needed it." I explained.

"I don't even wanna know what she is going through. As long as she keeps it away from you and doesn't give out anymore relationship advice. Or any advice at all." Jake shook his head.

I laughed.

I let Jake do his workout routine while I did some ab work. Afterwards, I jogged on the treadmill. I didn't want to be super exhausted, so I stopped while he was still working out. I explored the workout facility. Jake found me taking selfies on a rowing machine.

He laughed at me. "You ready?"

"Ready." I smiled.

"Wanna go on a date tonight?" He asked.

"I do."

"Ok. Go home and change. I'll pick you up after I shower here." Jake said.

"Geez, still bossy." I said, smiling so he knew I was joking.

"Sorry. Do you wanna go change? If you want, you can stay sweaty and nasty." Jake corrected.

"Shut up. I'll see you in a bit."

-----------------------------

"Super Walmart?!? Really Jake? That's our date? Are you punishing me now?" I pouted, faking disappointment as we got out of Jake's Escalade. I was really curious to what we were doing here. If I would have known this was the plan, I would have stuck to my workout clothes and not the pretty, low cut maxi dress I was wearing.

"Yes. Picnic was on your list of lame date stuff." He said, wrapping an arm around my waist as we walked into the super store. "We can buy the basket on the Wal-Mart side. Food on the super side." He explained.

I smiled. I loved that idea and I was pleased he remembered my silly list.

We got a cart and Jake navigated it through the store. We found a picnic basket and a blanket to sit on. We then went to the food section to pick out our dinner. We stuck with finger foods and picked out deli wraps, a fruit bowl, mixed nuts and cheese cubes. I frowned up when he wanted to buy fried chicken from the deli.

"Trust me." He said, before ordering ranch chicken wings.

We selected bottled pink lemonade and waited in line to complete our purchases. We carried our bags to the car. We put everything in the picnic basket before I navigated him to a park close to my apartment, but it was super crowded. Lots of kids and dogs.

"Why don't you search for another one?" Jake suggested to me.

One Google search later, I navigated to another park in Addison. It's called Celestial Park and was small park hidden in a residential area. As we walked through the park we saw jogging trails, plant identifiers and a cool sundial. We went down a set of steps to sit in a grassy area. We laid the blanket down and set up.

We were the only ones in the area. Most people were on the trails, walking their dogs or jogging. There was no playground, so I didn't see any children. Because it was in the middle of the residential area, there were no signs of the city. It was like being isolated with Jake. It was an amazing feeling.

"Well?" Jake asked me, as I took a bite of a chicken wing.

"Oh wow. That's really good. I'm shocked." I said after I chewed and swallowed.

Jake smiled. "Told you so."

"Enjoy that. You'll never say it again." I told him. He laughed. "But really, what made you wanna try it?" I asked him.

He smile faltered. He cleared his throat. "This girl I knew. Her family didn't have a ton of money. Her brothers and sister thought Wal-Mart chicken was the best. I just thought it was cause they couldn't afford wingstop. Until I tried it."

I laughed. "Wingstop flavors are the best. But I'm not even a huge ranch fan and these are so good."

He fed me a green grape (I was picking them out of the bowl. They're my favorite.) and smiled. "Glad you liked it."

We finished eating and sat enjoying each other's company til it started to get dark. When Jake started packing up, I groaned.

"No babe. Let just stay here. Away from everything. Forever." I said, dramatically. I didn't want to leave. I was enjoying learning more about him. His likes and dislikes. It was small things, like Wal-Mart chicken, but I loved that he was opening up to me.

"Aren't you going to miss your apartment?" He asked with a smile.

"Not at all. It's funny. When my cousins saw my house in California, they couldn't believe I wanted to leave, but my aunt said she'd rather live in a box and have peace of mind then live in a mansion with turmoil." I explained. Jake finished putting the food and trash away and sat down next to me.

"My dad's house is not a mansion, but at the time, I was like fuck a box." I continued. Jake chuckled at me. "But I kinda get it now."

"I get what she's saying too. I think it might take some work, but I don't see why you can't have both." Jake said, pushing my hair behind my ears. He rested his hand on the side of my head.

"You think so?" I asked, staring into his eyes.

"I think you can have anything you want Carino." He said, before bringing my face closer to his. He kissed me delicately. It was like he was relearning my mouth, only brushing his lips against mine at first. When I pressed against him and parted my lips, he explored my mouth with his tongue.

"Can we go to my place tonight? I'll make sure you get home in the morning for work." Jake asked, when he pulled back.

I nodded, my lips still tingling from his soft embrace.

We stood up. I folded and hung onto the blanket. When we walked up the steps, we noticed the steps were glowing with stars. Famous quotes and poetry were inscribed on the steps. Quotes from George Santayana, Robert Frost and Blaise Pascal lined the steps. I read each one as we climbed. I stopped on Nathaniel Hawthorne's quote from The Marble Faun. It read: "Time flies over us, but leaves it's shadow behind."

"So do you like this kinda stuff?" Jake asked, motioning to the steps.

"It's fun to think about." I said.

"Not for me. I hated English in high school."

"Me too. It was my worst subject." I explained.

"Good. I don't think I could date you if you we're a studious nerd type." Jake said.

I smiled. "I still got an A. Just hated it. I actually loved to read, but I hated analyzing every little thing, like metaphors and allusions and themes and literary images. It just killed the enjoyment of reading for me."

When Jake just looked at me, I smiled. "And I sound like a studious nerd type huh?"

"A little."

"So... how bout them Cowboys?" I grinned. He finally smiled and grabbed my hand as he lead me to his car.

Black Widow

Black Widow- Iggy Azalea ft Rita Ora



***Flashback. (Sammy's perspective)***

"How come instead of picking girls apart, you just admit the truth?"

I leaned over the bar closer to Trevor. It was a typical Friday night and Trevor was waiting for Lily to get off work so they could hang out. Amber and Lily were closing the shift while I finished the rest of my drink. I should have been wiping down the bar, but someone else would do it.

"I'm not picking them apart. I just don't get the point of committing to one unless I could see myself marrying her." Trevor answered me.

"Uh-huh. I get that. So what was wrong with Ashley?" I asked.

"Her goal in life was to be a housewife. I plan on freelancing eventually. I need my wife to have a steady paycheck for back up." Trevor joked.

I smiled. "Ok. Tonya had a good job."

"And she had claw feet. They hung over her sandals." Trevor pointed out. He made a stupid hand gesture with one hand acting as the sandal. And the other like a claw trying to devour it.

I laughed. "Do you have a foot fetish now?"

"Not at all. But I couldn't love my kids if they had those feet." Trevor smiled.

"Ok. Katie?"

"Dumb...Dumb. Dumb. Dumb. She made Jessica Simpson look like a marine biologist." Trevor laughed.

I laughed harder. When we both stopped laughing, I walked out around the bar to sit by him. He stared down at my cami. I wore it under my work shit, with no bra. I was sure my nipples were visible and he was taking a nice long look.

"All those girls have one thing in common." I said, placing my hand on his shoulder. "They're not Lilypad." I said, making fun his ridiculous nickname for her. How old is too old for nicknames? I seriously hoped they grew out of that soon.

He looked confused, shocked, then amused as he laughed.

"Lily is like a sister to me. That's all."

"Well, I've never seen a brother and sister so into each other." I laughed, running my fingers through his curly locks. His hair was cute, in boyish way. Not my type though.

"There's only one way to test the theory: Come home with me." Trevor said, flashing his adorable grin.

"Ha. Nice try." I said, pulling away from him. "What would that prove?"

"Cause Lily would never date anyone who's been with her friends. She's too..."

"Scared." I supplied. That girl was afraid of offending her own shadow.

"Loyal." Trevor finished. "If we go home tonight, not only will we have a good time, but it would crush any chances of me and Lily and I wouldn't do that if I had feelings for her."

"Go hook up with another one of her friends." I put my hands on my hips, knowing it made my boobs thrust out. Trevor glanced at them, before returning his eyes to my face.

"You're the only one that would matter. Rocky's not an option because my best friend is her ex and Amber is faithful to Will." Trevor sighed, in mock desperation.

Too bad he's not faithful to her...

"And besides, I've been dying to see what you look like naked since the first time I saw you." Trevor finished.

Of course he had. I teased him mercilessly with no intention of following through. He was cute and funny, but the quintessential nice guy. Nice guys didn't finish last with me. They didn't finish at all. At least, not with any help from me.

I smiled at him, seductively. "You can't handle this." I waved him off, finishing my drink.

He grinned and plucked the cherry garnish from my drink. "Maybe not, but a man can try." He tossed the cherry in his mouth. I never noticed how sexy his lips were. Not super full, but just enough to look soft and sensual. A flash of arousal hit me as he openly pursued my body with his eyes.

"Done!" Lily said, coming out to join us. And breaking the spell between us. Amber followed. "You can clock out Sammy."

I left, making sure to sway my ass as I walked away. When I looked back at them, Trevor was still staring. I smiled to myself as I clocked out.

When I returned, they were discussing what they were going to do tonight.

"I'm beat." I announced. "I think I'm just gonna head home." I said, giving Trevor a pointed look.

"Ok." Lily smiled at me. Lily looked at Trevor, hopeful.

"Me too." Trevor added. I smirked, pleased, but not surprised. Pussy beat out whatever activity Lily had planned.

"Aww. I guess I'll just head home too. I think Cam might need me to babysit tomorrow anyway." Lily ranted on about the kid she was babysitting.

I'm not surprised she gets along so well with the kid of the woman her brother is dating. She has the naivety of a kid sometimes. By the way Amber is watching us, even she can pick up on the tension between Trevor and me. Lily is totally unaware.

Trevor walked us all out. He made sure Lily got in her car and drove off before approaching me.

"Your place or mine?" He asked, with a grin.

"Mine. So you can make the drive home afterwards." I said, flirtatious.

He got in his car and followed me.

He didn't go home till Sunday night. I had sex for a lot of reasons. Because he was hot. To seduce a guy. Because he was my boyfriend. To get what I wanted. And my favorite, I was drunk. All reasons why I had sex in the past, but never have I done it to prove a point.

Which we proved the first time. I knew no one but me was on his mind the first time we fucked. We continued because it was fun. It's never been just fun for me, but Trevor kept me smiling and laughing.

I loved how much I turned him on. He was willing to try anything and everything once. Sometimes twice. And he never made me feel dirty about it. He always treated me well. Even after we'd fucked like porn stars, he'd kiss me on the forehead and wished me a good night or morning before he left.

Lily eventually found out about us. One day, she just asked me if we were hooking up and I told her the truth. She didn't make a big deal out of it. She just nodded and let it go. At the New Year's Eve Party that year, we went public when we made out at the end of the countdown. Trevor gave Lily a peck on the cheek, before I tongued him down. At first, I was afraid he would push me off in front of Lily and his friends, but he just grabbed my ass and sucked my tongue in his mouth.

After that, we were inseparable. He wasn't my type at all. I liked sexy, fun, smooth, player types that I could pursue and conquer. Trevor was none of those. Well, he was hiding a sexy body underneath his clothes, but his pick up lines included quotes from the guys from Jersey Shore. But every time he sent me that "DTF?" text, I responded "hell yes."

 He had me stuck. I should have been living it up, pursuing any guy I wanted. But I just wanted to spend my time with Trevor. And not just sexually. We had so much fun together with our crew.

 Everything was great until Lily started fucking Ethan.

She had less time to hang with us. Trevor would always question her absence. I swore to secrecy, so I made up school excuses. Or babysitting. Anything. Until I had too much to drink and got sick of Trevor asking questions all the damn time.

I got drunk on gator punch at Razzoo's with Lily. I barely made it to Trevor's place but I did. I passed out in his bed while he undressed me. I woke up in the morning with his hard on nestled between my ass.

I woke him up with my mouth on his dick before I jumped on top and fucked him to ecstasy.

"Where did you go last night? You were wasted." Trevor grinned when I rolled off him.

"You shoulda saw Lily. She got fucked up." I giggled, stretching out.

"What!?! How'd she get home?" Trevor, exclaimed.

I pouted. "I got here okay."

"Lily doesn't drink like that. I can't believe y'all didn't call me. I would have drove y'all home." He said, reaching to grab his phone.

"She had a ride home." I said.

"Rocky?"

"No. Ethan." I said, matter of factly.

I knew I swore to Lily. I knew I was being a bitch. But I needed to see how he would act. I had to know how he felt about Lily.

"You saw Ethan out drinking?" Trevor asked, confused.

"No. We met up with them."

"Why?" Trevor asked.

"Cause Ethan and Lily are fucking." I said. Bam. There it is. I sat up to watch his reaction.

Trevor sat up too and smiled. "Stop playing."

"I'm not. Think about it. She's always busy, extra happy, spending all that time babysitting..."

"Sammy, stop lying. It's not funny. She wouldn't do that to Cam." Trevor said.

"Do what to Cam? Sleep with the guy whose fiancee he was fucking? She would. She is." I stated.

"She's not stupid. She wouldn't let him use her like that. She's too smart." Trevor said, hopping out of the bed.

"I've seen a lot smarter girls go dumb over dick. She's letting him. It's not using. It's called hate fucking. When you let all your aggression and anger out in sex. He's doing that to her. Probably as we speak. And she's loving it- " I explained, trying to push his buttons. It worked.

"Shut up Sammy! She's not a slut like you. She would never do that. Get the fuck out!" He erupted.

I gathered my things as he got dressed. At least I knew how he felt about me. He followed me out the apartment. He jumped in his car and sped off. I knew he was headed to Rocky and Lily's place. I just had to wait for this to blow up in my face.

But it didn't. I felt bad for Lily, but I never told her I was the reason Trevor found out. I just moved on. I acted like it didn't faze me, like his words didn't hurt. He apologized. I accepted it. Lily left for California, so our crew officially disbanded.

It didn't matter anyway. The crew had been fucked up after I told Trevor about Lily and Ethan. Rocky tried to get in touch with me, but I didn't want to see Trevor, so I ignored her attempts. I tried to move on to the next one but sex just felt like a chore for me again. I didn't hear from Trevor til he came back from his visit to California. He came into Dave and Buster's.

"How's Lily?" I asked.

"I don't know. I don't even know who the fuck I just saw. That wasn't Lily. She cut off her brother,  she's living with her dad, eating non-stop. She's gonna get fat and insecure and miserable all over again." Trevor moaned. "And it's all my fault."

I poured him a drink. I drank too. By the end of the night, we were betting how much weight she was gonna gain. We laughed to mask our guilt and pain. Mine for telling Trevor. His for telling Cam. We ended up going home together that night.

Afterwards, he was getting ready to leave. I stopped him.

"Trevor? Do you think about us? And what we're doing? I mean, this is fun right? And I like you. We should just be together." I said, finally admitting my feelings to myself and to him.

"Of course I thought about it. You're sexy and fun." I grinned when he said that. "But you were right. I didn't know until she left. Lily is it for me." Trevor announced.

The smile fell off my face. My blood ran cold. "She'll never forgive you."

"Yes she will. It's just a matter of when. I'm willing to wait."

"Not for this." I gestured between us.

"Maybe not. But she's my heart, my future. I have to try." Trevor said. He kissed me on the forehead and left.

I sat in the bed and told myself he wasn't worth shit and that I could do better. It was easy to lie after that. Lying to myself made it so much easier to lie to everyone else. I was lying anyway, every time I saw Trevor, I pretended like it didn't hurt.

----------------------------------


***Present(Back to Lily)***

"I'm the one who told him he had feelings for you. He always denied but I knew it. And I have feelings for him anyway." Sammy sniffed.

It was the first thing she said to me. I held her as she cried. I've never seen her cry like this. I've seen tears of frustration, anger and beer tears, but never tears of a broken heart. It made me cry with her. She explained the sordid tale to me. She was right. I was blissfully unaware. I couldn't believe she told Trevor about Ethan. I thought it was just bad fucking luck Trevor showing up. A part of me was upset, but I let it go. Especially after knowing the depth of feelings she had for Trevor.

"He slept with me to prove he didn't have feelings for you. Then he told me he did after I told him I had feelings for him." Sammy finished, sniffling.

Fuck. My head hurt. This was more fucking complicated then I imagined. Part of me wished it was about Jake. I didn't know how to fix this.

"Do you have feelings for Trevor?" She asked, softly.

"I used to. I felt the same way. That we were meant to be. That I would always love him." I started. She shrank into herself. "But now since I met Jake, I know it was just a phase. Jake knows me better than anyone now. He knows things I would never tell Trevor because he's safe. Trevor makes me feel comfort. But Jake makes me feel... everything. And even when I'm pissed at him, I don't want him to leave me." I explained.

"I didn't know it was that serious between you two." Sammy said to the floor.

"Yeah. It's hard. Maybe I don't know him. I'm already insecure and scared because he's been with my beautiful, fun loving roommate but I can't walk away from him either." I confessed.

"I'm sorry for the things I said about him. I don't know him, so I can't judge." Sammy finally looked up at me. "Maybe we should make them off limits. Trevor for you. Jake for me."

"Does it count if you've already been with mine?".

"No...have you ever been with Trevor?"

I shook my head. "Never."

Sammy sighed. "Well, effective right now, they're off limits."

"Do we shake on it?" I grinned.

"How bout drink to it?"

"Works for me." I got up and grabbed a couple of beers, tequila and shot glasses.

I sat cross legged on the ground across from her and poured us shots.

"So what happened Friday night with y'all?" I asked.

She drank her shot. "A stupid mistake. He came over,  he wanted to talk to you. I rubbed it in his face that you were out with Jake. He rubbed it in my face that I couldn't keep a boyfriend. We ended up drinking and fucking, but you walked in on that part." Sammy explained, chasing the shot with her beer.

"You know what I think? I think Trevor only wanted us when we were a challenge. I crushed on him hard while in college. He never gave me a second glance. As soon as you gave into him, he bailed. That kid has major commitment issues." I finished, sipping my shot.

"He wouldn't with you." Sammy replied, emotionless.

"We'll never know." I said, standing up. "C'mon. Lets eat."

I set up the table and Sammy joined me.

"You did all this for Jake? Call him. I'll disappear." Sammy offered.

I shook my head. "No. He pretty much ruined it..." I explained to her his attitude and how he got upset with me. I made our plates as I did it.

"Lily, he was just upset. With Philip and with me." Sammy said.

"But you're right. I don't know anything about him. I mean, I'm learning, but this is not the first time he has ordered me around. I can't take it. I really can't." I explained, handing her her plate.

"I know you still wanna be with him. You just gotta show him that you're not gonna put up with that shit." Sammy suggested.

"How do I do that?" I asked.

"Friend me on Facebook and I'll show you." Sammy said. I smiled.

I did. She took a pictures of the food and drinks. She posted the pictures and captioned it.

To my beautiful, fun loving roommate. So glad we're friends again. #DinnerAndDeepTalks #SurfAndTurf #HoesOverBros4Ever

I shook my head. "Ok?"

"That's phase one. Let him sit on that for a couple of days. Then we'll start phase 2." Sammy smiled.

"We need to start the grieving process for you." I said, leaving the table. I came back with the strawberry cheesecake.

"We already cried. Now let's pig out and talk shit about Trevor." I smiled.

"He has no game at all..." Sammy started. We went back and forth while eating and drinking. We laughed so hard we cried.

I didn't know how I was going to proceed with Trevor, but at least I knew my roommate situation was intact. That's was more important to me. I couldn't live somewhere I was uncomfortable.

After a good amount of tequila, we called Philip on speaker phone. Turns out, Sammy took Jackie to get a tattoo redone. Philip thought he was giving the boyfriend discount, only Sammy didn't want him as her boyfriend. He got pissed, and wanted the money for the work. Sammy blew him off.

When Philip picked up, Sammy went off on him. She told him if he ever showed his face around here again, she would get her cousins to burn down his shop. I could barely stop my laughter.

"Whatever bitch. Your roommate's boyfriend already paid me. So it's cool. Watch who you're fucking with next time." He sneered.

"I see who I'm fucking with. A bitch. That's why I didn't want you." She hung up the phone and we laughed out loud.

 After cleaning up, I went to bed. I looked at my phone. The urge to call Jake was strong, especially after learning he paid Philip but I didn't. I was too worn out and tipsy for that conversation. I turned over and went to sleep instead.

Cater 2 You

Cater 2 You- Destiny's Child

I spent the rest of the weekend enjoying the thunderstorms with Jake. He told me about his family and shopping with his sisters. He had 3. 1 older and 2 younger. His older sister Julissa was married with 2 kids and lived in Prosper, a city close to McKinney. Jasmine lived in Irving with her boyfriend. And Jocelyn still lived at home with her daughter.

Their mother got remarried and Jocelyn was her only child with her current husband. Jake told me about growing up and how his step dad tried to spoil them all, but his real father never allowed it with his children. So Jocelyn was the only one spoiled rotten. Now his step dad was regretting giving into all her wants but couldn't make Jocelyn fend for herself because of her daughter Isabella. Isabella's dad passed away from a drug overdose.

Jake said he tried to talk to her numerous times, but she lived in her own little world. Where everyone owes her everything. Jake said she was one of the reasons he didn't like hanging out with his family as much. There was always drama surrounding her and Jake didn't like to be around it.

He told me that he was afraid it was rubbing off on Isabella.

"She's adorable, but she's so bad. She threw a tantrum in the middle of the store cause I refused to buy her another pair of shoes. I bought two for Maryann and Isaac. And she felt like she needed two." Jake explained.

"That's just kid behavior. They want what other kids want. They think everything should be fair." I reasoned.

"Life's not fair. Good lesson for her to learn."

"At 4?" I grinned. "I just learned that, like last weekend."

"Besides that, she's too old to be screaming and crying like that. It was embarrassing. I wanted to take her to the car but Jocelyn bought her candy to calm her down. She got rewarded for acting bad."

I nodded but didn't say anything. I probably would have done the same thing...

We moved on and ordered dinner from Chili's. He braved the weather to go pick it up. Over dinner, I opened up to him about my family drama. About my mom. And my adoptive dad. And my aunt's family.

"Would you have preferred if you lived with your mom's side of the family?" Jake asked.

"I don't think so. I feel like I wouldn't be who I am without my brother and dad. I wouldn't trade them for anything. I wish I would have known my mom's side though. My aunt is brutally honest. I needed that growing up."

"I think you turned out ok." Jake winked at me. I smiled. "You and your cousin look so much alike. In one of her pictures of y'all together, y'all look like sisters."

I beamed. "You think so? She's so pretty."

"I know so and you're beautiful." Jake commented.


I left late Sunday night so I didn't have to deal with Sammy. At least Trevor got the point and stopped calling and texting.

Monday during my lunch, I made plans to hang out Amber. I knew she took the day off work to get her kids registered for school and I wanted to get the Kinect to them so they could have it before school started. After work, I headed straight to her house. It was a 30 minute drive.

She came to the door, holding her 3 year old son Robbie.

"Hey little man." I said, taking him from Amber. I kissed him on the cheek and followed Amber into the house.

"Krista, April. Say hello to Lily." Amber coached them as they sat at their table.

"Hi Miss Lily." They both greeted me before returning back to their pictures.

"Hey girls. What are y'all doing?"

"Coloring while momma cooks." Krista, the oldest at 8 answered.

"Cool. Can I join y'all?"I asked.

They both nodded. We colored and I watched Robbie play with blocks on the floor while Amber finished. I helped clear the table when dinner was ready. I don't think Amber sat down once while they were eating. She efficiently handled every one of their needs while I helped out as much as she would let me. I was in awe. And kinda frightened. When did she relax and eat?

"After they go to bed. Will gets home around 9pm so we try to have dinner together before we go to bed." Amber explained, as we cleaned the table. The girls went to pick out a movie to watch. I wanted to set up the Kinect, but Amber wanted to make sure Will would be okay with it.

"That might be why you're struggling to lose weight. Eating before bed." I stated.

"I know but it's one of the few times we get to be together. Just us." Amber explained.

I nodded. The girls came running back with A Goofy Movie VHS.

"Y'all have a VHS player?" I asked, surprised.

"Yes. Will found one at a yard sell. It came with a ton of Disney movies for 10 dollars. Will was able to fix it up. They love it." Amber explained.

I hadn't seen the movie in forever, but all the songs came back to me. We were singing and dancing to the songs while Amber cleaned the kitchen. The girls were good dancers. I made a mental note to buy a dancing game on the Kinect for them.

Amber eventually joined us. After their movie, it was time to get ready for bed. I asked if we could watch one more movie, but Amber said no. Will liked them in bed when he came home.

After they were in bed, we sat down on the couch and chatted.

"Have you talked to Sammy?" I asked.

"I have. And you need to too." Amber answered.

"I tried. She's being really defensive."

"And so are you. Do you have feelings for Trevor?" Amber asked

"I haven't had feelings for Trevor since college. And even if I did, what does that have to do with Sammy? She knows I have feeling for Jake. That's why she is upset." I explained.

"Like I said, you need to talk to her."

"We'll see." I shrugged. "As soon as you talk to Will about being an ass." I suggested.

Amber rolled her eyes. "What now?"

"We can't play the Kinect until we run it by him. They need to be in bed when he gets home. Blah Blah Blah." I listed.

Amber smiled. "Compromise. You and Jake will get to the point where you disagree and there's no wrong or right. And you're gonna have to compromise."

"Whatever." I said, rolling my eyes. Amber just gave me a smile.

When Will came home, I said hello and got ready to go. He was polite, but that didn't mean I cared for him. Amber might be able to forgive and forget everything he put her through and I forgave him too, but I never forget.

When I got home, I called Jake. I complained about Amber's submissive behavior. Jake laughed at me.

"It works for them. Why knock it?" Jake asked.

"Cause it works for him. He gets exactly what he wants. Kids taken care off, food on the table, he's freaking king of the castle." I said, exasperated.

"Ok..." Jake said.

"Ok...And what does she get?"

"Some women get pleasure taking care of their man. Just because you and Rocky like busting balls-"

"Shut up. I do not." I gasped.

Jake laughed. "It's ok. I'll deal with it. As long as you're submissive in bed, I'm straight."

I laughed.

"But honestly, if Amber is happy, what's the big deal?" Jake asked.

"He just doesn't deserve her." I admitted.

"And what has he done..." Jake started. I was ready to spill out a list of the shit he pulled, "...since they've been married that says he doesn't?"

I had no response. From everything I heard since they got married, he's been on the up and up. He's worked as a manager over the tech guys at Best Buy for the last 3 years, he got them in a house, and supported her going back to school.

"Just give him another chance. For Amber's sake." Jake said when I was silent. I agreed and we said goodnight.

    --------------------------

I was off Tuesday, so I slept in. When I emerged from my room, Sammy was gone. I don't even know if she came home. I texted her.

Me: Can we talk please? It seems like it's long overdue.

I made breakfast and ate with no response. I sighed and texted Jake.

Me: Hey. How's work going?

Jake: It's going. How are you?

Me: Annoyed. Sammy's avoiding me like I did something wrong.

Jake: I'm sorry. Would planning our next date help you feel better?

Me: Yes! Today?

Jake: Sure. I should be able to get outta here around 4.

Me: Ok. Come pick me up when you get off.

I decided I wanted to make dinner for Jake. Classic submissive wifey behavior. I wanted to show him I could cater to him as well and not just in the bedroom. I decided to make it extra special and planned a dinner of steak, shrimp cocktail, twice baked potatoes (since he didn't get a chance to try it the first time!) and asparagus. I went to the store and bought the ingredients as well as his favorite beer and a cheesecake.

I stopped at a lingerie store for something new and sexy to wear under my dress. I found something even better. A white lace apron style baby doll with a matching lace boyshorts. It has a pink trim. It screamed submissive housewife. I got the naughty idea to wear that instead of the dress. With a new pair of pink heels.

Yes, I knew I couldn't walk in heels, but I planned to have dinner ready for him. And would have it set up so it would require very little walking. And the heels were only 2 inches.

I went home, super excited to put my plan in motion. I made the potatoes and seasoned the steaks and asparagus. I was searing the steaks when I got a text from Jake.

Jake- Headed home. Gonna shower and change. I should be there in 45 minutes.

I finished the steaks and put them in the oven to stay warm. I raced upstairs to get dressed. I put on the lingerie. I straightened my hair. I did my make-up light, with a pink lip. I grabbed my heels and went downstairs. I was pulling out the shrimp cocktail when the doorbell rang.

Fuck. That wasn't even 30 minutes. 

"Just a second." I hollered. I grabbed a beer from the refrigerator and slid on my shoes. I walked carefully to the front door. And opened it. The sexy smile on my face turned to a frown.

"Philip?"

His eyes roamed over my body, before he looked past me. "Where the fuck is Sammy?" He exclaimed.

"Not here." I sputtered, embarrassed and confused. The last time I saw him was at our housewarming. Last time Sammy spoke about him was when she was telling me she was ending it because he was too clingy. Were they still even dating?

"Can I come in and see for myself?" He said.

I looked at him crazy. "I'm in the middle of something. So no. I'll tell her you stopped by." I said, moving to close the door.

He put his hand up to stop the door as I tried to close it. That force made me stumble in my heels and he gripped my arm tightly to steady me. He pulled me up so I faced him.

"You tell that bitch-"

"Get your fucking hands off her!" I looked away from Philip to see Jake. He was striding towards us with a look of pure fury on his face.

Philip let me go. "No disrespect bro."

"Too late for that shit." Jake growled. He looked at my arm where Philip grabbed me.

"{Get inside. Lock the door. Call Sammy. Open the door for me only. Understand?} " Jake demanded.

I nodded and did as he said. I grabbed my phone and called Sammy. She didn't answer.

A few minutes later, I heard knocking on the door.

I walked to the door and looked through the peephole. I saw it was Jake. I opened the door.

"I told you to open the door only for me." He said, harshly. He looked me over disapprovingly.

"I did." I defended myself.

"How did you know?" He interrogated me.

"The peephole."

"Did you use the peephole when you answered the door for him in that?" He asked, angrily.

I shook my head, ashamed. "No. I thought it was you. You said you'd be here in 45 minutes-" I started.

"I was here in 30." He cut me off. "Did you call Sammy?"

I nodded quickly. "No answer. I'm going to text-"

He didn't even let me finish as he pulled out his phone. He pressed a button. Next thing I know, he's speaking in Spanish, rapidly with Sammy. I understood motherfucker and tattoo and money, but that's all. He was talking too fast.

Of course she would answer for him. And what? Did he have that bitch on speed dial? I felt rage build up in me. How dare she not answer me! How dare he talk to me like that. Fuck this!

I stood up and kicked off my heels. That got Jake's attention and he took a breath and looked at me. His eyes darkened when he looked me over again. I stomped up to my room. I ripped of the lingerie and pulled on basketball shorts and a t-shirt. I scrubbed the make up off my face and pulled my hair up in a bun. When I stomped down the stairs, Jake was off the phone. He was watching me, warily.

"Where is she?" I asked, pissed.

"On her way."

"Good. You need to go." I said, turning away and walking to the kitchen. He followed me.

"Why?" He asked.

I took my time answering him. I pulled the steak and potatoes out the oven. I let them hit the counter with a slam. I took pleasure when he winced. I grabbed the shrimp cocktail and put it back in the refrigerator. I pulled the beers out the freezer. I popped one open and drank half of the bottle in a few gulps. Jake was watching my every move. He looked remorseful now, but it was too late.

"Because Sammy and I are gonna have it out when she gets here. And having you here, the reason why we are fighting, is not going to help the situation." I said, putting the bottle back to my lips.

"I'll just go up the street. And when it's over, just give me a call and I'll come back."

"No."

"No?"

"No. I don't even wanna talk to you right now. So I'm sure I'm not gonna wanna see you." I said icily.

"Give me a call later?"

I just stared at him.

"Lily?"

"I'll think about it."

"What does that mean?" Jake asked.

"It means I don't wanna fight with you. And I don't wanna lie to you either. I don't know if I'm gonna want to talk to you later. So I might not call." I explained.

"Just give me a call when you are ready to talk." Jake said, softly.

When I didn't respond, he just sighed and left. I stared down at the counter, contemplating how things ended up so badly. I finally heard the front door open.

The answer to my question walked into the kitchen. And I let her fucking have it.

"What the fuck Sammy?!? Did you get my fucking text?"

"Yes. I just didn't wanna argue with you." She said. At least she was being honest, but I was too fucking mad to care.

"Well, I didn't want your ex fuck buddy's hands on me! So I guess I'm not going to be the only one who did things I didn't wanna do today."

Sammy's eyes widen. "That bitch put his hands on you? In front of Jake?"

"Jake got here when he grabbed my arm, but let's talk about Jake. Since you can answer his call after you ignored mine. Obviously you're more concerned for him than you are for me."

She fidgeted. "That's not true."

"It's not? Cause things didn't start falling apart until you learned he had feelings for me." I said.

Sammy scoffed. "Why should I be surprised? Everyone has feelings for you."

"Just admit it. Jake is the problem. A big fucking problem because I have feelings for him now." I said, crossing my arms.

"I don't give a fuck about you and Jake. I told you it was not like that between us!" Sammy declared.

"So why are you acting like this? You didn't start until you saw that Jake treated me differently than you!" I asked, frustrated.

"Everyone acts like you're so perfect. Fucking perfect Lilypad. You can do no fucking wrong. You've had everything handed to you. You are a selfish, insecure, immature, spoiled brat. And I'm the only one that can see it! I'm sick of it." She yelled.

I was shocked. I couldn't believe she thought that about me. Tears welled up in my eyes as her words embedded into my skin. One word stuck out though. And it resonated in my head, like a bell ringing out.

Lilypad.

Fucking Trevor.

"Sammy... is this about Trevor?" I accused her.

Her face morphed from anger to sadness. She crumbled to the floor. I rushed to her and wrapped my arms around her as she cried.


Spanish to English

Ve adentro. Cierra la puerta. Llama Sammy. Abrir la puerta para mí sólo. Comprendí?- Get inside. Lock the door. Call Sammy. Open the door for me only. Understand?

So apparently Google translate sucks lol. From now on, if I don't know how to say it, Spanish will be in {Brackets}