Make You Feel My Love

"When the rain is blowing in your face,
And the whole world is on your case,
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love.
When the evening shadows and the stars appear,
And there is no one there to dry your tears,
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love.
I know you haven't made your mind up yet,
But I will never do you wrong.
I've known it from the moment that we met,
No doubt in my mind where you belong." Make You Feel My Love Adele Version 

After the rehearsal dinner, I grabbed my bridesmaid’s swag bag and dragged Trevor to our room.  I wanted, no I needed to show him how much I loved and appreciated him.

Yeah, I knew I did before. I told him I loved him all the time, but I'm a natural skeptic; Going to Baylor, becoming a physical therapist, moving back to California, moving back to Dallas, all of my relationships to this point: I had doubts about every one of those decisions. This was the first time I was 100% sure about anything. I no longer had any doubts about Trevor and me.

Maybe it was the wedding fever or whatever, but I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Trevor. There was no one who understood me better or made me smile more than him. I called him my personal sunshine before, but it was more than that. He has always been my biggest supporter, trusted confidante, and best friend. He was everything I wanted; everything I dreamed of: a man so loving and kind hearted. He could never hurt me. I always felt safe with him.

I knew without a doubt he was in love with me. He proved it time and time again. Even the speech for my brother's wedding showed how much he loved me and I felt the exact way about him. I wasn't the best at expressing my emotions with words, but I could definitely show him.

I knew Trevor was being weird about my dad possibly being next door to us, but I was willing to do whatever it took to seduce him. It didn't take much. After a few kisses inside our room, he was unzipping my dress. While I stepped out of it, he began removing his clothes too. When we were both undressed, he kneeled in front of me and buried his mouth between my legs.

When my knees started to buckle from pleasure, I pushed him away and returned the favor. It wasn't long before he was pushing me away too. He signaled me up by gripping at my hair. I stood up, and we embraced again.

As we kissed passionately, Trevor lifted one of my legs to his waist and entered me. I held on to his neck desperately as he pumped inside of me. We didn't need to worry about the noise. The only sounds were our bodies coming together, moans and gasps when our lips weren't exploring each other's skin. We both came quickly.

After Trevor slid my leg down, we still held on to each other. I looked into his eyes, panting lightly. He was still catching his breath too. After a moment, he ran his fingers through my hair before kissing me again. When he pulled back, we both smiled at each other. There were still no words, just love between us.

The spell was broken between us as our phones rang simultaneously. Our smiles turned into chuckles as we pulled apart and raced to get dress. I pulled on my black fitted capris, a purple, razorback tank with "Bridesmaid" in rhinestones on the front and purple flip flops. The last two Jenna gifted to us. Trevor was jealous that the guys didn't get gift bags.

"I'm sure that money was budgeted for the strippers tonight." I grinned at him as I pulled my hair up in a high ponytail on the elevator.

"What strippers? You heard Doug. We're going to a sports bar..." Trevor responded, like he was reciting a written speech.

"Bullshit." I snorted.

We made our way to the lobby where the group was waiting. We weren't even the last ones down, but my dad had to make a comment about what took us so long.

"All that hair." Trevor answered. “It took her forever to get ready. You're right Mr. Ortiz. She really does need that haircut." He lied, smoothly.

I hid my grin when my dad didn't reply.

When everyone was in the lobby, we took turns taking pictures. After the pictures, the women and the men separated for bachelor/bachelorette parties.

We started our night getting mani-pedis at a nail shop in the Country Club Plaza where the hotel was located. It was tempting, but I stuck with the norm and didn't get any nail art. I was getting a pedicure when Alessandra, Cam's mom, came beside me.

"Is this seat taken?" She asked me.

I looked for Amanda. We started our nails together and I was hoping she would be joining me soon.  I tried to hide my disappointment when I saw she was getting her eyebrows threaded with Carly.

"No, have a seat." I said, politely.

I focused on my toe nails, the TV, Jenna and her mom chatting, basically anything other than Alessandra. I was shocked when she started to make small talk with me. First, it was about the wedding, and my dress. Then she started talking about Cam and Jenna's move to California.

"Cameron really struggled with moving away from you." Alessandra commented.

"He knows I visit California. Even more so since he's moving back." I said.

"Would you ever consider moving back to California?" She asked me.

"No. It's never felt like home to me." I answered.

"Don't let Cam or Carlos hear you say that."  Alessandra replied. I had to look away to keep myself from making a face at her. What did she know about it? And why do I care? That's right, I shouldn't. So I didn't worry about it.

After everyone was finished, we made our way over to a bar named Point. It was more like a lounge with a DJ, dance floor, darts and it was hosting a "power hour". For $15, you could purchase an arm band and get all you can drink, well drinks and beers. I quickly bought one.

Everyone had drinks and a great time. At 11pm after they finished their one drink, Elena and Alessandra were done drinking and babysat the drinks and purses for us. We spent the next few hours drinking and dancing. I loved Amanda's personality after a few drinks. She opened up and was a riot!

On the way back to the hotel, Elena and Alessandra commented how dancing required no skill nowadays, just rubbing against each other.  That comment led to us debating which one of our "generations" had the best dance moves. Alessandra questioned what dances we would be able to show our children.

There wasn't that many years between us, but the dance styles that were popular when we graduated high school were so different. Jenna and her friends were the age of bubblegum pop music and cheesy dance moves, mine and Carly's was hip hop and instructional dance moves and poor Amanda's was anything you could twerk too.

"I can teach my kids the shoulder twerk!" Amanda declared when we got back to the hotel.

"What is that?" I asked.

"Let me show you!"

The guys were on their way back to the hotel and Jenna wanted to see Cam before they went back to her mom's house. Amanda and I sat in the lobby waiting for them. She showed me a video of shoulder twerking. I busted out laughing.

"Ohmygod. That is the stupidest dance ever!" I declared.

"I know! I should do it down the aisle." Amanda laughed too.

"I would have paid you to do that in front of the event coordinator."

"She would have tackled me!" Amanda laughed harder. I was crying I was laughing so hard.

"Someone had too much to drink."

I looked up to see Trevor. "Hey baby."

"Hey." He said with a little smile. "You ready to go to bed?"

"No." I giggled. "But I probably should." I gave Amanda a hug before turning to tell everyone goodnight. I went to say goodnight to Jenna and Cam, but they were hugged up together, whispering sweet nothings, grinning and kissing, so I let them be.

The next morning, I woke up at 8am. I was so excited about the big day, I couldn't sleep anymore. I changed into workout clothes and went to the fitness center.

I put on my headphones and hopped on an available treadmill. I ran off my nervous energy for about 45 minutes. I wasn't surprised when my dad walked into the fitness room too.

"How was it last night?" I asked my dad, hopping off the treadmill.

"It was fine." My dad answered simply, wiping down the machine I just got off of.

Oh, so what happens at the bachelor party stays at the bachelor party? Fine.

"Ok Dad. See ya later." I said, turning away.

"You're looking good. Healthy." My dad called after me.

I kept waiting for the 'but' or the way I could be doing better. None came. I turned back to look at him, but he was already on the treadmill.



We spent the rest of the day preparing for the wedding. It was a circus of hair, make-up and pictures. We toasted each other, wore matching robes and got glammed up for the big day.

I examined Jenna's dress when her mom pulled it out the closet; it was a elegant and unique simple column dress with delicate details. The purple sash around the dress matched all the bridesmaid's dresses perfectly. I noticed how Carly, Amanda and my dress all had lace details, matching Jenna's dress. I felt so honored that she considered me a sister now.

I watched Jenna smile and joyfully get ready for the biggest day of her life so far. She looked flawless; her makeup was ethereal and stunning, her curly hair fell in soft ringlets pass her shoulders, her dress glided over her body beautifully. Her glee radiated from her.

30 minutes before the ceremony, the event coordinator ushered everyone but Jenna and her mom out the bridal suite. We waited outside the ceremony space with the groomsmen. They were already waiting, looking dapper in black tuxedos, purple bow ties, and purple pocket squares.  I immediately went to Trevor's side.

"You look so handsome." I gushed, running my fingers down the satin lapel of his suit.

"You look amazing." Trevor complimented me. "Can I kiss you?"

"Only if you don't mind rose lipstick." I smiled.

"I actually prefer it." He smiled before kissing me on the lips.

I cleaned up Trevor's face before we lined up together behind Amanda and Mike. The ladies received bouquets of purple tulips. We were told to wait in line as the processional would begin soon.

I got out of line briefly to give my brother a hug as he made his way to the ceremony with the officiant and his best man and boss, Bill. I looked at Cam with admiration in his black tuxedo and black vest. His only color was his lapel pin that was a purple flower.

The instrument version of "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele started, and that was Carly's cue to walk down the aisle. I held Trevor's arm as we walked down the aisle together. I gave Cam a reassuring smile before I parted ways with Trevor to stand beside Amanda and Carly. I don't even think Cam registered my smile: he was starting down the aisle anxiously. Finally, Emily, Jenna's matron of honor, came down the aisle last.

Everyone stood as Jenna and her mom appeared at the doorway. Jenna was positively beaming while her mom cried silent tears. Tears welled up in my eyes and I had to look away from the touching scene. I focused on my brother instead, who looked completely in awe of Jenna as she made her way to him. A few tears escaped my eyes and I quickly wiped them away. The song ended when Jenna stood before Cam.

"Who gives this woman in marriage?" The officiant asked.

"I do." Elena sniffled, giving Jenna one last hug before sitting down. Jenna then turned to face Cam and they held hands.

Tears were steadily streaming down my face by the time Cam was told to salute his bride. They were simple, traditional vows but I knew Cam and Jenna meant every word. It was heart felt and touching and I tried so hard not to cry, but I couldn't help it. I wiped my tears away and cheered excitedly along with everyone else when they were announced "Mr. and Mrs. Ortiz".

Trevor teased me about my crying and I lied and told him I had something in my eyes.

After at least an hour of photos, we made our way to the reception room. Jenna and Cam were announced again and everyone applauded. The room was majestic with the combination of the large windows, white draperies, purple table cloths, black linens and purple and white flower arrangements. It was gorgeous.

We were staggered to the large buffet of salads, traditional antipasto, Italian coq au vin, espresso encrusted sirloin, asparagus, mashed potatoes and of course, the risotto station. Trevor secured us Prosecco from the bar while I custom made my risotto.

We sat with the rest of the wedding party, eating and drinking in between greeting and talking to everyone. Beatrice, my dad's wanna be girlfriend, made sure to make an appearance and introduced herself to Trevor. When we were done eating, I made sure to introduce Trevor to the Reynolds. Tom Reynolds mentored my dad in business and was always good to me and Cam. I respected his opinion and I was thrilled when he and Trevor started up a conversation.

I left Trevor's side to get us another drink before the bar closed. I was on my way back when the lighting changed. The dance floor was illuminated and the DJ announced the first dance. "You are the Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne blared from the sound system. I smiled as I watched Jenna and Cam dance to the music.

"You are the best thing. You are the best thing. You are the best thing. Ever happened to me." Trevor sang softly in my ear, as he wrapped his arms around me. I tightened my grip on our glasses, but relaxed in his arms. I swayed gently against him as he sang in my ear. I felt warmth spread all throughout my body.

After the first dance, the DJ invited everyone out on the dance floor. Trevor and I drank down our drinks before joining everyone. We had a blast. 

We took a break for Jenna and Cam to cut the cake. Cam sweetly fed Jenna a piece of cake and she smashed his piece into his face. I laughed as he tried to get her back. At the end of the night, Jenna tossed the bouquet and one of her cousins ended up catching it.

"I like mine better anyway." I pouted as I sat next to Trevor when I didn't get the bouquet. "What do they mean anyway?" I asked.

"I'm not sure about tulips, but purple is royalty. So you're a queen." Trevor smiled at me.

"Bow down bitches!" I exclaimed.

"Jenna's purple roses bouquet means love at first sight." Trevor informed me.

"See, I already have that. I need a kingdom." I grinned.

"I'll work on it." Trevor said, leaning over to give me a kiss.

Truly Madly Deeply

"I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish, I'll be your fantasy.

I'll be your hope, I'll be your love, be everything that you need.
I love you more with every breath, truly madly deeply do
I will be strong, I will be faithful 'cause I'm counting on a new beginning.
A reason for living. A deeper meaning.

I want to stand with you on a mountain.
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever.
Until the sky falls down on me" Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden.

"Hi Dad." I smiled, trying to hold back my laughter while Trevor struggled to recover.

The water was out of his eyes, but now he was trying to get the "oh-fuck-I-just-got-caught-trying-to-disrobe-your-daughter-in-public" look off his face. My dad still had his eyes trained on Trevor as we made our way out the pool. I quickly dried off before I wrapped a towel around my body and gave my dad a hug.

"We have plans tonight. Why on earth would you go swimming without talking to me or your brother?" My dad questioned me.

I rolled my eyes before pulling out of his embrace. "Cause I'm an adult. I can go swimming without talking to you or Cam. Even though I tried to call Cam numerous time." I listed, matter of fact.

"Sorry Mr. Ortiz. It was my idea; I wasn't thinking. It's good to see you again." Trevor added. After he dried his hands repeatedly on his towel, he extended it to my dad. My dad studied it, and him, for an agonizing moment, before finally accepting his handshake.

"Trevor, correct?" My dad said, shaking his hand

"Yes sir." Trevor replied. My dad nodded to him before turning to me.

"Your brother and Jenna are already at her mother's house waiting for us. Dress like you would for dinner at my house."

"So our matching emoji onesies it is." I told Trevor with a grin.

Trevor chuckled, which earned us a hard glance from my dad.

"I don't know what that is, but I can tell by your tone it's not appropriate. It doesn't require much thinking, but if you can't manage it-"

"Alright dad. It's too soon for a lecture. They're waiting for us, remember?" I cut him off. He silently conceded, because he turned and headed to the elevators. Trevor gave me a surprised look before we followed behind him.

"When did you get in, Mr. Ortiz?" Trevor asked my dad, taking long strides to catch up and walk beside him.

"Yesterday." My dad answered simply.

"How was your flight? I'm not even sure how far Missouri is from California." Trevor asked, trying to be friendly, as we entered the elevator.

"A little over 3 hours. I flew all the time when I played baseball. Nothing's changed." My dad pressed the lobby button. Trevor went to press 4, the level we were on, but I stopped him.

"Wrong floor silly." I slapped his hand away, playfully.

My dad eyed us both curiously as I pushed the 5 button.

"No, Lily-" Trevor started.

"Yes Trevor. It's ok. It's been a long day." I comforted him, giving him a look.

Trevor pressed his lips together, but didn't say anything.

When the elevator stopped on the 5th floor, my dad looked at me. "I'll be in the lobby waiting. Call me if there's any confusion."

"See ya soon dad." I waved, as we stepped off the elevator. As soon as it closed and went down, I pushed the down button.

"I told you we were on the 4th floor." Trevor pointed out.

"I know, but my dad doesn't need to know that."

"Well thanks for making me look stupid." Trevor complained as we got on the elevator.

"Better stupid than perverted right?" I smiled at him.

Trevor didn't reply, but I could tell he was holding back a smile. "I thought your brother was intense when I met him."

"I told you. They're both so similar: that's why they couldn't get along."

"I'll win him over. Just like I did with Cam," Trevor said, confidently.

I snorted. "Good luck with that."

We went in the room and quickly showered and dressed. In 15 minutes, I was dressed in a cobalt maxi dress and Trevor looked handsome in a white button down and khakis.

"You think I should wear the blazer from Easter?" Trevor asked as I pushed my towel dried hair behind my ears.

"No, aren't you wearing that to the rehearsal dinner?" I asked, quickly sweeping some gold shadow on my eyelids before lining them in a dark brown liner.

"Yeah, but your dad is wearing a sports coat."

"'Cause that's his lounging clothes." I put on pink chapstick before looking myself over on the mirror. "Come on, let's go!" I said.

We then went to the lobby to meet my dad. He gave Trevor a brief glance before examining me. I saw approval in his eyes, until he got to my hair.

"I'll make you an appointment tomorrow to get your hair styled." He told me as he led us to the valet.

"No thanks." I declined.

"What are you going to do for the wedding?" My dad questioned.

"I haven't decided yet..." I said, mockingly. I knew I was going to curl it, it just wasn't any of his business.

"You need a cut." Dad decided as the valet brought around his rental.

"I'm growing it out. Trevor likes my hair long." I winked at Trevor as he sat in the backseat of the car. His eyes widened at me.

"No matter how he likes it, it needs to be styled." Dad countered, starting the car.

"She knows I like her hair however she wears it." Trevor quickly said as we drove off.

"Not true. You hated my hair when it was blond. That's something you two agree on." I commented.

Trevor and my dad were silent, meaning they couldn't argue with that.

The rest of the ride Dad navigated to Jenna's mom's house. Trevor made small talk with my dad about what he and Cam have been up to as far as getting ready for the wedding.

"Jenna's mom has all that under control. I've been focusing on their move." My dad turned to me. "You're going to have to come out soon to see the house."

"I'll try Dad. My vacation time from my job is dwindling. I just took time off." I answered, noncommittally.

"That's right. Japan. Cam told me it was a business trip. How did that work it?" Dad asked Trevor.

"It was a good experience, even though the website didn't sell." Trevor answered.

"Hmm." was my dad's only response. I didn't even try to explain. All my dad heard was 'didn't sell'. Which meant failure in his eyes.

Thankfully, we arrived at a house in large neighborhood. All the houses looked similar in the dark, but it was nice nonetheless.

It was a little unnerving pulling up in the driveway. My dad's presence wasn't helping. As much as I tried to brush off his little comments, I would be lying if I said they didn't bother me a little bit. I was feeling a little self-conscious.

I grabbed Trevor's hand as we walked up the driveway. He flashed me a little smile and most of my nerves melted away. No matter what, I had Trevor. That gave me all the confidence in the world.

I really had nothing to worry about. We were let in the house by Jenna's mom. She was easily the sweetest woman I've ever met. She greeted my dad warmly, and gave Trevor a hug before turning to me.

"You're so pretty, Lily! So nice to finally meet you." She smiled at me, looking me over.

"Thank you. It's nice to meet you too, Mrs. Rossi." I said.

"It's Elena. Come here!" She exclaimed, giving me a hug.

She then ushered us into the kitchen where a delicious aroma was emanating. Trevor and I stopped to greet Cam and Jenna who were eating large plates of pasta in the dining room.

"About time you guys made it! We started eating without you." Jenna smiled.

"I heard you two got caught up at the pool." Cam grinned at us.

"Thanks for the heads up." Trevor said as Cam laughed.

"I tried. Neither one of you answered the phone."

"Lily, Trevor, come make your pasta. Amanda and Carly are ready." Elena called to us.

"You go ahead Mr. Ortiz. I can wait; we had pizza a little earlier." Trevor offered.

Elena frowned. "I have a pasta bar set up since there won’t be one at the wedding."

"There's a risotto station. We didn't need pasta!" Jenna injected.

"I'm joking dear." Elena replied. "You two really don't want to eat?"

"Trevor speaks for himself. I can eat!" I said quickly.

"Don't worry Elena. Lily can always still eat." Cam stated.

"Shut up Cam." I laughed.

"Something she and Amanda have in common." Carly laughed. It would have been lighthearted if I didn't see how Amanda flushed with embarrassment.

"Then I guess I'll trust my fellow foodie to help me make my pasta." I smiled at Amanda.

She smiled back briefly before walking me through everything. Amanda started with olive oil and garlic in a skillet and I chose spinach, mushrooms, red peppers, broccoli, and shrimp as add ins. I then chose tortellini as my pasta. Amanda suggested alfredo and pesto for my sauce, and I took the suggestion.

I ignored Carly's flirty laughter as she made my dad's pasta. She complimented his watch while offering him every fucking ingredient set out on the island of the kitchen. It was so gross, I almost lost my appetite.

 Thankfully, I powered through it because the food tasted amazing. I sat beside Trevor at the dining room table as I ate. Trevor tried to sneak a tortellini from me, but I stabbed him with my fork.

"Ow!" He exclaimed.

"There's plenty of food Lily. Don't be a savage." Cam smiled at me.

"Whatever. This is mine. Plus, it has mushrooms and red peppers in it. You don't eat that Trevor."

"You're picky like Carlos." Carly mentioned as she brought a glass of wine over for my dad.

"I'm health conscious, not picky." My dad corrected her.

"Yeah, me too." Trevor commented playfully.

Oh, the lies my boyfriend tells...

“I don't consume red meat, shrimp and catfish because it’s unhealthy. Refusing to eat vegetables is not health conscious.” My dad said dryly.

“I know-" Trevor started to explain.

“What's unhealthy about shrimp?” I asked, cutting him off.

“It’s a bottom feeder.” My dad said simply.

I took out a piece of shrimp and took a big bite. I smirked as I chewed.

“Elena, do you want to go over the itinerary for tomorrow so everyone will be on the same page?” My dad asked, ignoring me.

Elena went over the plans for the weekend. I was surprised how laid back and relaxed Jenna was about everything. I don't even remember the last time I saw my brother so happy and carefree. It was beautiful. It reassured me that not all wedding planning was full of drama and bullshit. I knew a few future brides that needed that lesson...

We left after dinner and headed to the hotel. We pretended to go on the 5th floor again while my dad went to the 4th. We returned to the 4th and ran from the elevator so we didn't get caught. After getting undressed, we snuggled in bed. When my hand crept down Trevor's body, he stopped me.

"No. Your dad is somewhere on this floor." Trevor said.

I laughed. "My dad knows I'm not a virgin! And he caught you trying to take off my bikini top. In a public pool."

"I was kidding." Trevor said.

"If you haven't notice, my dad has no sense of humor." I responded.

"I still plan to win him over, so having sex when he might be next door is not going to happen." Trevor finished.

"Urgh, you kiss ass." I complained, turning away from him.

"None of that either." Trevor said, spooning me from behind.



I was awoken by Trevor's alarm on his phone going off at 8am.

Geez, he must have forgot to turn off his work alarm.

"Turn it off!" I grumbled.

Trevor did, but instead of laying back down, he got up.

"Where are you going?" I asked.

"Breakfast. Then golfing with your dad." Trevor informed me.

"Baby, stop. My dad barely tolerates me. You don't need his acceptance. It'll never come!"

"I don't want his acceptance, just his approval." Trevor said, kissing me on the forehead before heading to the bathroom.

"Why? Who cares?" I yelled after him.

"One day, I'm gonna ask his permission to marry you. It took 4 years for your brother to warm up to me. I gotta start on him now if I want you, kids, and a chocolate factory before I turn 50." Trevor answered, pulling away.

I sat up in the bed. "Trevor!" I called.

He came back in the room, flossing his teeth. I motioned him back to me. I sat up on my knees on the bed and threw my arms around him. I gave him a kiss and a swat on the ass before telling him, "Go secure our chocolate factory!"

I watched him get dressed in slacks and a polo shirt. He gave me one last kiss, before slapping the doorway and leaving. I laid back down, the grin never leaving my face.


I got up a few hours later and met Jenna downstairs, as planned, for breakfast. After a continental breakfast, we headed to her mother's house. We had a few last minute things to do before the wedding.

After I tried on my dress for the wedding, I helped Jenna, her mom and her sisters finish the bridal party gift bags. We then went over a last minute checklist, called the vendors to confirm times, and made sure everyone had the address and transportation to the hotel.

Around 2, we headed to the hotel. Cam was there with his mom and our dad. While Elena and Jenna went over to meet her, I snuck away to the elevators. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw Trevor back in the room, playing on his laptop.

"Hey T-Rev. How'd golfing go?" I asked, smiling.

"Good. All those Sunday sessions with Cam and Bill paid off. I won." Trevor answered.

"Really?" I exclaimed, equally shocked and thrilled.

"Don't sound too surprised." He said, looking back down at the laptop.

"There's nothing my dad loves more than a winner!... and he's definitely in the lobby now with Cam's mom....wanna come shower with me?" I asked, suggestively.

A dark look crossed his face. "I wish I could. I need to finish this before the dinner."

Fucking stupid website!

"Ok..." I said, before giving him a kiss on the lips.

After my shower, I spent an insane amount of time getting ready for the dinner. The only person that made me nervous was Cam's mom. I made the game plan to stay far away from her at all cost, but I still wanted to look good, even from a distance.

Once my make-up was done and my hair was swept up in a sleek high ponytail, I slid on a fitted, simple, navy dress. Trevor had gotten dressed in his blue suit, but was searching through his bag.

"What's wrong?" I asked him.

"I think I left my tie." He responded, standing straight. "Dammit!"

Maybe it was the lack of sex, but him in a suit and cursing, two things he normally didn't do, really turned me on. "Good. You look hot with no tie."

Trevor shook his head.

I nodded. "Yeah, come here."

When he stood in front of me, I unbuttoned two of the top buttons on his black dress shirt.

"Perfect." I smiled. "And sexy."

Trevor smiled too. "As long as you like it."

"I love it. Almost as much as I love you."

"I love you too Lilypad."



We made our way to the Artist's Foyer where everyone was meeting before the dress rehearsal.  Trevor and I made the rounds, chatting with his coworkers, a few of my brother's air force and high school friends, and Jenna's sisters, co-workers and college friends. Thankfully, the parents of the happy couple were getting acquainted so I didn't worry about any interactions with Cam's mom.

At the dress rehearsal, there was no time for anything other than complete obedience. The event coordinator was a short, tiny woman, but she got loud and fierce when it came to the instructions for the big day. She even cut Carly off as she searched for the tallest guy to walk her down the aisle. It was hilarious... but my giggles were cut short when she looked in my direction. I hid behind Trevor while she searched for the culprit who dared to have fun during her wedding rehearsal!

After the rehearsal, everyone made their way up to the 7th floor restaurant. My dad rented a private room at the restaurant. It had red walls and was dark, swanky, intimate and romantic. I led Trevor to the opposite end of the table from where Cam, his mom, our dad, Jenna and her family sat. We had a great time joking and laughing with Trevor's coworkers.

After dessert was served, my dad stood up and made a nice speech, thanking Jenna's mom for her hospitality and complimenting her on raising such a lovely daughter. During his speech, Trevor stood up and left. I watched him briefly, before turning back to my dad. He was toasting Jenna's family and welcoming them to our family.

Cam stood up next and quickly thanked everyone for coming. He also thanked Jenna for agreeing to marry him, which got 'awwws' from everyone.

Trevor returned, with the event coordinator, pushing a cart. The event coordinator pulled out a large, blank, white screen.

"One more thing before everyone separates." He said, loudly over everyone.

"C'mon Trevor! You know I made plans at the strip-err, sports bar!" Doug cleaned up while the guys laughed.

"I promise, it'll be quick." Trevor smiled, turning to Cam. "Cam, if you would have told me 8 years ago, when you were scaring me away from your sister, that I would be here today, I wouldn't have believed you." Trevor started.

"I wasn't trying to scare you... just warn you about her." Cam chuckled.

"Shut up Cam!" I exclaimed, while everyone laughed.

"I don't scare easily, and I'm glad I don't. Not only did I find an amazing woman-"

I couldn't help blushing at his words.

"I found a lifelong friend in you." Trevor continued. "As your friend, I couldn't be happier when you took my advice and stalked Jenna."

Everyone laughed at Cam and Trevor corrected himself. "I mean, pursued her. I know it sounds corny, but watching y'all date and fall in love was like a fairy tale come to life."

"Corny!" Carly blurted out.

Trevor laughed. "I know it is, but it's true. An amazing, beautiful woman said romance normally is corny. So, I made you the corniest video, with the corniest song, to wish you the corniest happily ever after." Trevor finished before starting the projector on the cart.

The lights dimmed and on the screen played a beautiful video. It started with pictures of Jenna and Cam as children and progressed to pictures of them together. "Truly Madly Deeply" played in the background. At the end of the video was a gorgeous picture of Jenna and Cam and the phrase: Love Conquers All.

Congratulations and their wedding date ended the video. Everyone applauded and cheered

Tears welled up in my eyes. There were so many emotions building up inside me. Pride, admiration, joy, but mostly love. Love for my brother who was embarking on a new phase in his life; love for Jenna, who chose to take the journey with him; and love for Trevor: The man I knew without a doubt I wanted to take the same journey with.

"Are you crying?" Trevor asked me. I shook my head and wiped my eyes, ruining my make-up. "Did you like it?" Trevor asked, nervously.

"I loved it. Truly, madly, deeply."

Blinded by the Light

***Sorry it's late you guys. No excuse except my husband made me and the boys go out to watch the Dallas Mavericks lose last night... ok, I kinda had a taste for wings too.

 Please excuse the errors. I posted without Danielle proofreading.

Thank you all for an incredible year! Here's to the next one!***



"‘Cause she was blinded by the light.
Revved up like a deuce,
Another runner in the night.
Blinded by the light.

She got down but she never got tight
She's gonna make it to the night
She's gonna make it through the night...

Mama always told me not to look into the eyes of the sun
But mama, that's where the fun is." Blinded by the Light Manfred Mann's version

The smile never faltered on Trevor's face as I secured the elastic band of the blindfold around his head. When his eyes were covered, I waved in his face. He didn't flinch an inch.

"Can you see?" I asked him, kneeling on the couch next to him.

"Not a thing." He responded, reaching up to fidget with the blindfold. I swatted his hand away.

"No, you can't move it. In fact, keep your hands down." I commanded him.

"Yes ma'am." He said, smiling wider as he placed his hands in his lap. I stared at him, contemplating my first move. My thought process didn't really go further than blindfolding him. Most of the movies I saw consisted of the woman being blindfolded. I bit my lip, thinking about the best way to proceed.

"Lily..." Trevor said, his voice gruff. His hands were rubbing over his pants legs and I could see his erection through his shorts. "What are you doing?" He asked, strained.

I smiled. He was already excited and I hadn't even done anything. That power gave me the confidence to start.

"Whatever I wanna do." I said, stilling his hands in mine, before tracing my fingertips up his legs.

"Do you trust me?" I asked softly before trailing little kisses around his ear.

He nodded quickly, inhaling sharply. I ran my hands down his chest, his abs, and his contracting stomach before pressing my lips against his. He eagerly tried to slide his tongue in my mouth, but I pulled away, keeping the kisses teasing and light as I played with the waistband of his shorts.

"Lily-" Trevor's protested when I stood. His protests stopped when I tugged on his shorts. He lifted his hips to help me pull them off. I kneeled between his legs and massaged the lean muscles of his calves and thighs before stopping at his hips. He groaned in pleasure when I put my mouth on his growing hardness.

"Lily..." he breathed, his hands shaking in my hair, trying to guide himself deeper into my mouth.

"Trevor." I reprimanded him, pulling away.

"Ok, Ok. I'm sorry. I'll be still." He sighed, putting his hands behind his head.

I made him wait while I removed my clothes. When I was completely nude, and he started to fidget impatiently, I continued to tease Trevor with my mouth.

His moans, mixed with the knowledge I had control over him, created a powerful surge of arousal through my body. When he was rock hard, I got up and straddled him. He gasped when my bare thighs touched his.

He tilted his head, searching for my lips. I turned my lips away just as they met and took his shirt off over his head instead. When he was naked, (besides the blindfold), and we were skin to skin, I kissed his open mouth, slipping my tongue into his mouth as I swiveled my hips, guiding him inside me.

"Jesus..." he hissed against my lips, throwing his head back against his hands to keep them in place.

I leaned in closer, mashing my body against his and finding his lips again. I began grinding on his lap and he tensed, his arms tensing with restraint.

I broke the kiss and placed a trail of kisses to his ear before I sucked on it. He responded with a groan and a hard thrust.

I gasped and nibbled on his ear. "You can touch me Trevor-"

Before I finished whispering my sentence, his hands were all over me. He ran them through my hair to position my lips back to his; then to my breasts, squeezing before caressing my nipples; and finally my hips, holding me as he thrust up inside me hard.

"Trevor!" I moaned in pleasure.

"I need... MMM-" He broke off in a groan when I grasped his shoulders, bouncing on his lap, matching his pace. "I need to see you Lily."

I honored his request and pulled the blindfold off his head. He immediately looked between us, where our bodies were joined. He moved one of his hands to rub against my clitoris. I cried out as I rode him faster. His eyes moved up my body, stopping to stare at my breasts, then he finally met my eyes as I came. He maintained eye contact with me as he laid us on the couch. I held on to him while he finished.

"Next time... you're blindfolded." He told me, breathing heavy after he came.

I giggled, pushing my hair out my face. "No, I did my blind trust exercise. This was yours."

"No fair." He said, looking around. He stopped on a spot next to the little coffee table. I looked too and saw the blindfold. Trevor reached for it, but I was quicker. I leaned over and grabbed it first. I frowned as I looked at the table in front of his couch.

"What happened?" I asked him, pointing at the leg. There was duct tape around it that wasn't there before.

"The leg broke." Trevor shrugged, then quickly reached for the blindfold.

"Nice try." I chuckled at him, securing it in my hand.

"I have a particular set of skills; Skills that make me a nightmare for you." Trevor said, in an unconvincing menacing voice.

I laughed at him. "You sir are no Liam Neeson."

“I don’t have to be…”

I laughed at him before we play wrestled on the couch. We called a truce when we fell to the floor. I still kept the blindfold.



Monday I went to work and began preparing for my brother’s wedding. Trevor and I were flying out Thursday evening after work and I needed to call my patients and confirm the change of appointments for Friday.  I was able to move them all so I didn't need more vacation time. Thankfully, none of my patients had a problem having their Friday appointments moved or canceled. Go figure. At lunch, I joined Jordan and asked about her weekend.

“It was good. I hung out with some high school friends, including Corey. It was relaxing. How was yours?” She eagerly asked me

“Good.” I nodded. “Went to EJ's soccer game, hung out with Trevor.” I said, borrowing Ethan’s bare minimal approach to recap my weekend.

“Cool.”

I then showed her a picture of the dress Jenna picked out for me.

“Oooo, it's gorgeous. I love dresses you can actually wear after the wedding.”

“Yeah, I’m not sure if my back is up for low cut.”

“Your back is fine. Ask Trevor. I’m sure he’s seen it plenty of times, or are you normally on it?” She asked, suggestively.

“Both, but I blindfold him now.” I said, jokingly, even though it was true.

Jordan just laughed at me.



Tuesday, I was waiting for my last appointment of the day when Q got assigned a new patient. The patient had swelling and tightness in one leg only, but she didn't know what caused it. She was a Zumba instructor but didn't have any recent trauma. Her doctors believed it might be compartment syndrome. It was the most interesting case I’ve seen since I’ve been with the clinic. I was so jealous that Q got it.

I was looking over the chart when I felt my phone vibrate. I normally left it in my locker, but since I had a two hour window between appointments, I kept it in my pocket. I was surprised when I saw it was Serena.

"Be right back." I told Q, handing him the chart before I stepped into the lobby.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hi Lily. How are you?"

"Hey Serena. I'm good, you?" I answered confused.

I didn't know what to think. I hadn't heard from Forrest, but I understood that. It was for the best. I didn't expect to hear from Rachel ever again. I figured the next time I ran into Serena, she would just give me withering stares like she gave Jackie at the birthday party. Or maybe worse since I actually slept with Ethan.

"I'm ok. I wanted to speak to you if you have time." She requested.

"I'm at work right now. I'll be off in a few hours." I told her.

"Ok. We can met wherever you want." She offered.

"Ok."

I hung up the phone and went back to work. I worked with Q and my last patient of the day before I texted Serena back. I figured Starbucks would be causal and public enough for anything she wanted to discuss.

I arrived there first and ordered an iced coffee and a muffin. I was waiting for my drink when Serena arrived. I waved at her as she stepped in line. She waved too, with a little smile, but I kept my guard up.

We both retrieved our drinks before we found a table to sit at.

"I don't think I've tried their muffins before." Serena commented.

"Yeah, they're pretty good. You can try some of mine."

Serena smirked. "I think we've shared enough."

I huffed an annoyed sigh. "What do you want from me Serena? To go back in time and not sleep with him?"

Serena sat up straighter, with a somber look passing on her face. "That was my attempt at a joke."

"Considering I spent the weekend being called a whore, I don't find it funny." I said, impatiently, so ready to leave.

"I heard. I'm sorry." Serena apologized.

"Why are you sorry?" I asked, surprised by her apology. A lot of theories of why she wanted to see me passed through my head. Her being sorry wasn't one of them.

"I vented to Rachel about you and Ethan. I didn't think it would cause a problem between her, Forrest, and you." She sighed.

"Why is it a problem? It was 3 years ago. I didn't know you, neither did Ethan. Why does it fucking matter?" I said, exasperated.

"Jackie just made it seem like you passed him off to me. She told me the reason Ethan gave me a chance and not her is because you approved it." Serena said.

"Jackie told you that?" I said, shocked.

"Yeah, at the birthday party. I felt like an idiot: like everyone knew and I didn't. Even Forrest knew, that's what made Rachel upset. She feels like you two confide in each other and go behind her back."

"Forrest knew after my ex got pissed over a joke about me and Ethan getting married. Rachel was there; I told Forrest because he asked." I sighed again, frustrated. "As for Jackie, she never had a chance because she likes to stir up drama. I'm sorry you felt like an idiot, but it wasn't my place to tell you. It was Ethan's. If you haven't noticed already, Ethan is stubborn. I couldn't make him do or not do anything unless it's what he wanted. "

"I've noticed. He was upfront about everything." Serena nodded.

"So you know we're only friends now. My best friend is going to be his sister-in-law. Our paths are going to cross. I want us all to be cordial with each other."

"I know. He said the biggest mistake he made with you was being more than friends." Serena said, studying me carefully.

I shrugged. Whatever. It wasn't like it was my crowning achievement...

"He's told me the same. That he appreciates me as a friend. I feel the same way." I answered diplomatically.

"Then there's no reason why we can't all be friends." Serena finished. "I'll talk to Rachel. She's just not being reasonable right now."

"Don't worry about it." I shook my head.

"Lily-"

"No, I'm serious. I probably screwed up any chance at a friendship in the beginning. I accept that. I don't have to be friends with Forrest." I informed her.

Serena frowned up, but nodded. After a tense moment of silence, she took a big chunk out of my muffin.

"Hey, I said you can try some. I share boys, not my food." I smiled.

Serena choked on the piece of muffin she was eating as she laughed. She drank some of her coffee before clearing her throat and smiling. "You know that expression when you sleep with one person, you sleep with everyone they've slept with?"

I chuckled. "Yeah..."

"That's all I think about when y'all all get together. Everyone slept with everyone."

"My cousin called it an incestuous little family. Welcome to the family Serena." I grinned.

"I'm not a member yet."

"Really?" I said, shocked.

"Yes really. I told you I was celibate. At least for the first three months." Serena confirmed.

"Good for you. Can I ask you a question?" I said, eating some of the muffin too.

"Shoot."

"Will it be weird to talk about sex with me?"

"No, because it's not happening." Serena shook her head.

"Thank you! I feel the exact way. Sammy tries to talk about sex with me and she has slept with Trevor." I agreed.

"Threaten to sleep with her man. That seems to be your secret weapon." Serena joked.

"I might try that..." I smiled.



I honestly felt ten times better after clearing things up with Serena. It made me feel both relieved and sad hearing that Rachel's best friend thought that she was being unreasonable. Maybe it was the wedding, maybe it was me, but regardless, I was still removing myself from the situation. Considering I hadn't heard from Forrest, he must have agreed with me.

I decided I would deal with Jackie when I came back from my brother's wedding. She needed to know that not only was her meddling ineffective, it was childish and she needed to grow the fuck up. But, I couldn't focus on the negative. I was staying focused on the positive. I was going to let the light from the wedding blind me of all the other bullshit.

Trevor and I arrived in Kansas City, Missouri after a quick flight. I guess everything was quick compared to the flight to Japan, but we arrived Thursday around 7pm.

I texted my brother to let him know we made it and to see where he was at. He didn't respond, so I assumed he must have been finishing errands for the wedding or the dress rehearsal the next day. We got a cab and headed to the hotel.

"This is so nice." Trevor said of the Hotel Sorella as we walked into the hotel lobby. The hotel had a cool, Mediterranean vibe including tile mosaics in the marble floor, carved wood paneling and Renaissance artwork on the walls. The chandeliers floating above us gave the hotel an upscale feel. I wasn't too into a hotel wedding, but this hotel was changing my mind.

After we checked in and found our standard, queen size bedroom, I called Jenna. It went to voicemail, so I called Cam. No answer. I sighed and texted my brother that we were at the hotel.

"Let's go for a walk and find someplace to eat." Trevor suggested. The hotel was nestled in Country Club Plaza, with shopping and entertainment in walking distance.

"No... I can't get in touch with anyone and I told Cam we're going to be here. Let's not make a bad first impression on the family. We can snack on something here for now." I said.

"A bad first impression for you. Jenna's family knows and likes me." Trevor bragged. He grabbed the amenities folder, checking to see if they had room service.

"How did you meet them?" I asked, referring to Jenna's family

"Jenna's 30th birthday. They had a huge party for her when you were in California." Trevor responded. "Hey, they have a rooftop bar and pool! Let's go up there."

I checked my phone again. No response. "Fine." I agreed, digging through my bag for a swimsuit. "Did you and Carly hook up back then?" I asked him straight out. They definitely seemed friendly, and she was attractive. Urgh, maybe I shouldn't have asked, especially considering the talk I had with Serena, but I wanted to know.

"No." He paused from getting undressed to look at me like I was crazy. "I don't make enough money to be Carly's type. And her sister was dating the brother of the girl I wanted to be with. That wouldn't go over well even if Carly wanted to hook up." Trevor explained, continuing to pull off his clothes. I turned around, grinning triumphantly as I removed my clothes too.

I finished slipping on my short bottoms and tying my bikini top strings before I turned to Trevor. "So Carly... I'm not saying she's a gold digger-" I sang.

"Uh, she is." Trevor responded.

I shook my head. Christian totally would have got that...

I sent one more text to my brother before we headed to the rooftop pool.

We rode the elevator to the top of the 7 story building. The pool was lit up with cool lighting on the sides that gave it a party like atmosphere. The upbeat music playing from the bar added to the mood. I snapped a quick picture of me and Trevor at the bar and uploaded it to Instagram. We drank Peronis, Italian beers and snacked on a Margherita pizza poolside. There was a crowd of young adults hanging around the pool as well. The group eventually left after getting in trouble with security. A couple of the guys thought it would be funny to try to untie a few of the girls' bikini tops. Security was not having it and the group left.

"Idiots." I shook my head at them.

"I know. You gotta be sneakier about it." Trevor grinned.

"You're dumb." I laughed at him.

We hopped in the pool and splashed around for a little bit. The pool was rectangular shape, and wasn't very big, but we found an unoccupied space against the side of the pool. Trevor put his arms around me and massaged my shoulders.

"Mmm..." I moaned, relaxing against him. I froze when I felt him pull at my bikini strings. Not hard enough to untie them, just to get my attention.

"Trevor!" I gasped at him, pulling away. He trapped me against the wall and laughed.

"I told you I had a particular set of skills..."

"Untying bikini tops?" I glared at him.

"Yep, lots of practice." He smiled.

I splashed him in the face.

"That doesn't stop me. I can do it blind!" He threatened, laughing.

"Try it!" I dared him, splashing him again.

I grinned when he shut his eyes closed against the water I splashed at him. He felt around my back, grabbing for the strings. I wiggled in his embrace, giggling. When he actually fingered the strings to my top, I splashed him faster.

"You perv!" I shrieked at him, pushing him away.

"Is there a problem here?" The stern, familiar voice caused me to stiffen in attention. I didn't even have to turn around to know who it was.

"No problem. I'm just messing around with my girlfriend." Trevor answered good humoredly, rubbing the water out of his face.

"She's my daughter..." My dad replied, not amused in the slightest.

Flirtin' with Disaster

"We're flirtin' with disaster
Y'all know what I mean
And the way we run our lives
It makes no sense to me
I don't know about yourself 
or what you want to be, yeah
When we gamble with our time
We choose our destiny" Flirtin' with Disaster by Molly Hatchet

It took everything not to laugh at Rachel’s outraged face. I really didn't understand why she was so upset. Obviously, she thought I was a whore who was after her fiancé. If anything, my fake confession should have made her happy. I told her how much I admired her and Forrest's relationship, but she didn't hear me. I tried to show her I wouldn't be disrespectful to her relationship, but she didn't see it. I tried over and over again to convince her that I would never cross that line with Forrest, but she didn't believe me. So fuck it, let her think she was right. Maybe she would finally stop playing her little games and speak up.

"At least you’re finally being honest." Rachel said her face twisting up in a scowl. She gathered her things and stood up from the table. I watched her leave, surprisingly neutral about it, until I saw Forrest's face. I felt sick to my stomach as he called after her, standing up, digging in his pocket.

He pulled out his wallet. “Just put this on my card. I’ll get it from you later."

I stood up too, shaking my head, refusing to take the card.

"No, I got it. It’s the least I can do." I said, giving him a hug. "I'm sorry Forrest. Good luck with everything." I said goodbye, sadly.

He must have heard the finality in my voice because he shook his head. "Everything is going to be fine. She's just stressed with the wedding and stuff. I'll talk to you later." He called as he went after Rachel.

I sat back down and rubbed my face. When I looked up, Trevor was staring at me, incredulously.

"I'll explain everything to you." I promised him softly. He just pressed his lips together in response.

I opened my mouth to apologize again, but Chad returned.

"How are we doing over here?" He asked.

I looked at everyone. The kids were all congregated around Amber's phone watching some video. Amber looked completely loss, Megan looked amused, Rocky was staring at me expectantly, and Ethan finally spoke to Chad.

"We're good. We're ready for the check and 4 to-go boxes.”

 I smiled at him, gratefully.

Amber made small talk as we boxed up the wings and settled the bill. Trevor and I drove separately, so we agreed to meet at his place. I followed him, conflicted.

If Rachel really felt that way about me, we couldn't be friends. I accepted that; I guess that's why it didn't bother me when she left. The only thing that upset me was losing my friendship with Forrest. Forrest said Rachel didn't mean it. Even if she didn’t, I didn't want to be around someone like that, and by extension, that meant Forrest too.

I knew once I explained it to Trevor, he would understand. As soon as we got to his apartment, I told him everything. I started with my original behavior with Forrest, and how Bianca was the one to make me see how inappropriate it was. I told him about how I met with Rachel, without Forrest, to apologize to her and let her know I had no intentions of being inappropriate again.

Ever since then, I tried, without much result, to be friends with her. She stopped playing games like the wedding coordinator and trying to hook me up with guys, but she never opened up to me. I honestly believed Forrest when he said she was just an introverted person. I thought we were friends, until she made that comment.

I repeated the comment Rachel made under her breath at lunch about me sleeping with all the guys at the table to Trevor. Trevor blanched, mimicking exactly how I felt when she said it. It was so uncalled for and completely out of nowhere...

Or maybe it wasn't.  Serena finding out about me and Ethan might have had something to do with it. The comment made sense in that regard. Either way, I was done with it. I was willing to forfeit a friendship with Serena so she and Ethan would have a chance if it bothered her. I had no choice with Forrest. If our friendship caused Rachel that much turmoil, it wasn't worth it. For me, or him.

"So you thought threatening to sleep with him would help?” Trevor asked, irritated when I finished explaining.

“No…” I said, quickly. “No, I just figured I could tell her what she wanted to hear and be done with it. It was the simplest way to end our friendship.

“And you couldn’t just say, “I don’t want to be friends anymore?”

“I could have, but this way cuts ties with Forrest too. I can’t be his friend either if his future wife has a problem with me.”

Trevor sighed and rubbed his hair. “You understand why she has a problem with you?”

“In the beginning, but I changed.”

Trevor looked at me, skeptically, and I placed my hands on my hip.

“What was that?”

“What?”

“That look.”

“Nothing.”

“It was something.”

“Promise you won't get mad?” Trevor asked, in a tiresome voice.

“I will get mad if you don’t tell me.” I replied.

“What's changed?" He asked.

"What do you mean?"

"What's changed in the way you act since y'all first met?" He clarified.

"I stopped the one on one lunches and tried to include Rachel more. I don't get overly affectionate! There was even a period of time I didn't even hug him."

Ok, St Patrick's Day was the only exception to that rule, but I needed his help shopping for Trevor and it was a holiday. I went back to hugging, but I literally hugged everyone. Like Ethan said, non-romantic hugs only!

"Lily, I never remembered you being all over our guy friends in college." He replied.

"I was all over you." I countered.

"Yeah, and you liked me." Trevor pointed out. "I'm just saying, I know you, and I can understand Rachel's feelings."

I stared at him blankly.

Where was this coming from?

"Ok... since you agree with Rachel, when was the last time I was 'all over a guy'?" I said, mockingly.

"No! I don't agree with Rachel. I just get how the way you act can cause discomfort-"

"Ok, what was the last thing I did that caused you 'discomfort?'" I asked.

He shook his head. "Never mind Lily."

"No, I need to know when I act whorish so I can fix it." I pressed.

"Just forget it Lily." Trevor sighed, frustrated.

"Well if I'm all over guys and cause you discomfort, why are you with me?" I asked him, sighing just as frustrated.

"All I'm saying is that you like attention from guys-"

"Oh, so now I'm an attention whore?!?" I laughed bitterly.

His face turned red. "I don't care what you want to call it, but you do flirt with other guys. I love you despite that, because for some reason, you just don't get it. You asked me to text another guy for you."

"Christian? He's your fucking friend." I exclaimed.

"No he's not. And even if he was, why would I be ok with you flirting with him?" Trevor questioned me.

I had no answer to that. I didn't think I was flirting with him. I grabbed my purse.

"Where are you going?" Trevor asked me shortly.

"Home. I need to check on Justine." I said turning around and fleeing. As soon as I slammed the door shut, a heard a huge thud behind the door from inside the apartment. I didn't stick around to investigate: I left.

When I got home, I changed into work out clothes and grabbed Justine. We went on a long run together and I tried to run off my anger and frustration. I don't think I ran them off, just exhausted myself. When I got back to my apartment, Jasmine was downstairs with a group of friends, including her sister Jocelyn, looking like they were getting ready to head out.

"Lily! You wanna come out with us? We're celebrating my new job!" Jasmine cheered.

"Congratulations!" I said, genuinely happy for her. "I just went for a run and it'll take me forever to get ready."

"We'll wait." Jasmine offered.

"30 minutes." Jocelyn added, bitchily. I was in no mood.

"No, go out. Have fun. I'll take you out to brunch tomorrow to celebrate." I forced a smile.

"Alright." Jasmine said with a little shimmy.

After they left, I fed Justine, took a long hot bath, and forced myself to sleep. When I woke up Sunday, I was well rested but still upset. I read the texts I received for Trevor, Rocky and Amber the night before.

Amber: Is everything ok?

Rocky: What happened with Rachel and Forrest?

Trevor: I'm sorry Lily. I love you.

I sighed and texted them back.

Me(to Amber): Everything's fine.

Me(to Rocky): You would have to ask them. I'm out of it.

Me(to Trevor): Ok. I love you too.

Trevor texted back immediately.

Trevor: Can I see you?

Me: I'll be over later.

I knew we would talk it out eventually, but I couldn't help being hurt and angry over what he thought about me. Every time he said he loved me, now I also heard despite of.

I got out of bed and decided to go get my nails done. Maybe I would get a contact high from the fumes and forget everything Trevor said. I knew it wasn't going to happen and I was stalling, but getting my nails done would at least make me feel better.

I was in the middle of texting Sammy when I heard a knock on my door.

"Come in." I called.

Jasmine stumbled in my room, wearing a cute maxi dress, a messy ponytail, and oversized sunglasses. "No Trevor?"

"No."

"Is he coming for brunch?" Jasmine asked.

Oh shit, I promised her brunch, didn't I?

"What brunch?" I asked, smiling.

"The brunch you promised!"

"Are you sure you weren't drunk and hearing things?" I taunted her.

"No, you promised. Now get up! I want Los Lupes." Jasmine poked at me.

I got up and went into my closet. I picked out a tank top and a blue checkered skirt before retreating to my bathroom to get dressed. I left my hair down in waves and rejoined Jasmine in my room.

"Ready." I told her.

We drove to Los Lupes and to my surprise, and disdain, Jake, Malik, Jocelyn, Omar, Kelly, Colten, and Rachel's friend Taylor joined us. Apparently, Taylor and Colten were dating now. Taylor greeted me warmly, so she must not have heard of my falling out with Rachel.

As much as I would like to be friendly with Jake, I didn't want to see him. I already had enough on my mind after my talk with Trevor. Jake was the walking, talking reminder of my failures as a girlfriend. One of them being a untrustworthy attention whore. I thought Jake was just being a jealous control freak when he expressed dislike of my relationship with my guy friends. Apparently, it was me.

I barely touched my food and focused on being jovial and excited for Jasmine. It was brutally painful. I felt every forced smile, but I did it and no one seemed to know the difference.

Or that's what I thought until I was leaving and Jake asked me what was wrong.

"I'm good. Great actually. Thanks." I said, forcing another smile as I continued to walk to my car.

"Lies." Jake stated. All my patience was used up at brunch, cause I snapped.

"Fine, you're right. I'm miserable, but it's none of your business." I said, rudely.

He threw his hands up in the air in mock surrender. "Sorry I asked."

He turned to walk away, and I blurted out, "Apparently, I'm an attention whore."

Jake stopped and turned back around. "Tell me what else is new?" He smiled.

"It's not funny... well, I guess it's kinda funny considering you and Trevor agree on something." I admitted.

"What do we agree on?" He asked.

"How much I flirt with other guys." I confessed.

"Hmm, is there a guy in particular? The one at Rocky's birthday party?"

"How'd you know?" I asked, surprised.

"I kinda noticed it at the party. I was going to say something, but I didn't think it was my place-"

"Wait. That's what you were going to tell me?"

"Yeah."

"Oh..." I said, thoughtfully.

"What did you think?" He asked.

"Nothing... but the thing with Christian is I thought he was Trevor's and my friend. I don't think I was flirting." I said, changing the subject back to Christian.

"Ok, even if you weren't flirting, you encouraged him. You can't do that with a guy who likes you: whether he's a friend, family or stranger." Jake informed me.

"I don't think he likes me. Besides, he has a girlfriend." I argued.

"He does like you and he wouldn't be the first person to cheat." Jake said simply.

Well, he wasn't lying about the second part.

"Isn't your brother getting married next weekend?" He said, interrupting my thoughts.

"Yeah."

"You should probably go make amends with Trevor if you want a wedding date."

"Urgh..." I moaned. I owed Trevor a huge apology. I hated being wrong.

"Or I could make myself available." Jake smirked at me.

"No way. Not going to encourage that at all." I shook my head.

Jake laughed. "Good answer."

"Whatever Jake."



I left and after a stop at a sex store, I headed to Trevor's apartment. He let me in and the first thing I did was apologize.

"I'm sorry for leaving yesterday. That wasn't fair." I said as we sat down on the couch together.

"It's ok. I'm sorry too." Trevor started.

"No, don't be sorry for how you feel. Even if I didn't understand it, I should have heard you out, not fought with you about it. I do get it now."

"You do?"

"I do. I just felt like you were saying you didn't trust me." I told him.

"I wasn't trying to say that. I do trust you." Trevor replied.

"I know you trust that I would never do anything to hurt you purposely; But if I do, I need you to tell me. Trust that I will correct it and won't just get mad and storm off like I normally do. Trust that I'm really working on that too." I said with a little smile.

"Alright." Trevor smiled.

"Prove it." I grinned, pulling out the blindfold I just bought out my bag.

Fireball

"I was born in a flame
Mama said that everyone would know my name
I'm the best (that's right) you've ever had (that's right)
If you think I'm burning out, I never am
I'm on fire (x4)
Fireball" Fireball by Pitbull ft John Ryan


“Ok, so tell me what she said, word for word.” I requested of Ethan as I sat down on the bench next to him at a park by his house in Carrollton. We just got the 3D kite I bought for EJ in Japan up and flying. It was a beautiful day to fly a kite and the perfect excuse to speak to Ethan face to face. I needed to after he asked over the phone Sunday night if I told Serena about our past.

“She just asked how long we were together, when we broke up, why we broke up.” Ethan explained. 

“What did you tell her?” I asked, not really sure how I would answer any of those questions.

“That we got together briefly after Megan and I broke up and when you moved back to California, things just ended.”

I nodded thoughtfully, looking down. I tried not to be bothered about his description of us. It was the very watered down, but still truthful, version of our relationship. I watched him place his hands in his pockets. He was still wearing his work pants and his muscles flexed under the fitted slacks as he stretched his legs out before speaking again.

“I know it's the bare minimal, but I decided that is all she needs to know right now. I thought we would have more time to get to know each other before we got into that.”

I nodded understandingly. "Right, that’s one of the reasons I didn’t say anything to her…” I lied, well, partially lied. That was a good reason not to tell her. I just wasn't thinking about it at the time that I was going to tell her.

“Dad, Lily, watch this!!!” EJ exclaimed. We both looked up and saw EJ race down a hill while the kite flew higher in the air.

“Nice EJ. Is that all the string?” I called out to him. He nodded.

“Where did you find that?” Ethan asked.

“A 100 yen store.'

 “So one dollar? No wonder it’s short.”

“Boys don’t worry about size like men do.” I joked.

“And I just walked into that.” Ethan shook his head.

I smiled. “So how did Serena respond?”

“She didn’t; she was just curious. I was really thrown off by the question. It came out of nowhere. I assumed someone told her.”

“I understand, but it wasn’t me.  I make it my business not to get into other folk's business.”

“Maybe Rocky-" He started, before I cut him off.

“No, she wouldn’t have. In fact, all my friends knew not to say anything to her about it. I can figure out who did…” I offered.

Ethan smiled at me. “What happened to staying out of people's business?”

“You asked, so now it's my business.”  I smiled.

“It’s not important; I was just curious. No harm, no foul.”

“Sure Ethan.” I said, even though his words fell on deaf ears. I was already plotting my next move...

"Dad, Dad! Can we get ice cream?!?" EJ asked, racing over to us, dragging the kite. A man with an ice cream cart was circling the path of the park.

"Pick up the kite. You know you don't have ice cream before dinner." Ethan told him.

"Remember that talk about different cultures we had?" I asked, picking up the kite and helping EJ roll up the strings.

"No, let me guess, there's a culture that has ice cream before dinner?" Ethan smirked.

"No," I shook my head. "but some people have sherbet to cleanse their palates."

"What's that mean?" EJ asked, looking at me and Ethan curiously.

"It's like washing your taste buds so you fully enjoy the taste of your food." I explained, looking at Ethan. 

"That's a stretch and you know it." Ethan commented.

I shrugged. "Just trying to expose him to some more culture."

Ethan took the kite from EJ as the ice cream cart approached our side.

"Go see if they have push pops." Ethan told EJ. 

"Thanks Dad!" EJ cheered, before running off.

When we had the kite put up, we joined EJ at the cart.

"The Sponge Bob isn't ice cream..." EJ said.

"If you get it, I'm taking the candy eyes." Ethan bargained.

"Ok!" 

While Ethan paid for the frozen treat, I bent down to give EJ a hug.

"I'll see you Saturday at your game. Are your colors still red and black?"

"No, orange. We're the Fireballs this year." EJ informed me.

"Awesome." I smiled. "I'll see you there!" 

I stood up straight and Ethan handed EJ his Popsicle. 

"Bye Ethan." I said, giving him a hug too. When I pulled away, he handed me a blue gumball and popped the second one in his mouth.

"Hey, no fair! Why can you eat candy before dinner?" EJ protested.

"We're adults, that's why. Let's go." Ethan said.

I smiled and popped the gumball in my mouth too before waving goodbye to them.


As soon as I got home, I called Forrest.

“I didn’t say anything to Serena, but I’ll find out.” Forrest assured me when I told him what was going on with Ethan. 

Wednesday during my lunch, Forrest called me back.

“I don’t know who told her, but she’s pissed.” Forrest explained.

“Really? Because I dated him? Kinda?”

“No, she feels like you were rubbing it in her face by asking a ton of questions and always talking about Ethan: Like you were passing off your leftovers.” Forrest answered.

“No…I wasn’t trying to do that at all! I was actually trying to get her to ask me how I knew so much about Ethan.” I denied vehemently. 

“Ok...”

I sighed. “I wanted to tell her! Rocky went off on me about wanting to tell her, then Rocky pissed me off; so I was being defiant by not telling her but hoping she would ask so I could tell her.” I explained.

“I’m so glad I was born with a penis. This is so stupid.”

I ignored him. "What should I do? I should call her right?" 

"No! I wasn't supposed to tell you. This is coming from Rachel who told me not to tell."

"Then why did you tell me?!? I can’t deal with someone being mad at me." I bemoaned. 

"You asked."

"Urggg!!!"

"Here's what we're gonna do. We're going to handle this like men and get together to clear the air."

"Ok, sounds good." I nodded.

"Yeah, at a sports bar. Is Pluckers good?"

I laughed. "You just wanna try Pluckers! This has nothing to do with handling things like men."

"Yes it does. That's how I would handle a disagreement with one of my friends: wings, beer and straight talk. Pluckers just happens to have a sauce called hallelujah. It's fate."

"Fine. This weekend. I have no plans but EJ's game on Saturday." I smiled

"Alright, we'll make it happen."

By Thursday, I had a text from Forrest when I got off work. 

Forrest: Serena said no to Saturday. She claims she's working.

Me: Do you think that's the reason? Or is it because of me?

He didn't reply until I was on my evening run. 

Forrest: I don't know. Let's re-strategize at Pluckers...

Me: lol. We don't have to have a reason. Let's just go to Pluckers after the game.

Forrest: Great idea



EJ's game was at 10am Saturday morning, so I got up and dressed in an orange top, and dark jeans. I put a white tank top underneath the top when I remembered how short the top was. My jeans were low rise and I didn't wanna flash my belly every time I moved my arms. I pulled my hair up into a bun, slid on a pair of sunglasses and was ready to go.

At 9:45, I headed out. Trevor wasn't coming with me because he had some work to do on Kenji's website that he had to finish before Monday. I didn't complain: now that he was getting paid, he had to meet his deadlines.

I arrived a little after the game started. Thankfully, Rocky, Amber and her kids were there on time and saved me a seat.

"No Brandon?" I asked as I sat next to Rocky. 

"No. He has to work this weekend." She answered.

We settled in and watched the game. Ethan was standing on the sidelines with a few other parents. Megan was sitting in the bleachers behind us. I immediately noticed the number one soccer mom and her kid were nowhere in sight.

"I don't see Joel..." I said to Megan, turning around to talk to her.

"No, he decided to play baseball. His future step dad coaches a team. Tried to get EJ to play, but he thinks it's boring, thank God." Megan answered.

I laughed and turned back around.

"Who's Joel?" Rocky asked me, confused.

"Karen's son."

Rocky just turned away from me.

Whatever, I was just curious.

Around the 2nd period, Forrest showed up. I knew he was in the area because his school was still in baseball season and he had to be in the training room that morning. I just wasn't sure if he was going to come to the game.

"It was either this or sit around the training room." He said, sitting next to Rocky. 

We chatted over her about the game before Rocky traded places with him with a huff. After the game, which EJ's team lost, 6-4, we sat in the bleachers and waited for the team meeting to end.

"Where's Rachel?" I asked Forrest.

"Dress shopping with her mom. She's going to meet us."

"She doesn't have her dress yet?"

"This is dress number 2."

"Alrighty... how many are there?"

"I have no idea." Forrest sighed. "I just have one tux."

"It's probably just a reception dress and a ceremony dress." Rocky butted in.

"If you get married in Jamaica, are you gonna wear a bikini?" Amber asked her.

"Shut up Amber."

"It's just a question..." I grinned. "Maybe have those Jamaican beanies as souvenirs." I added with a smile.

“No, weed!" Amber laughed.

"No, it's a classy event. They will just serve space cake." I laughed.

"Do you two have nothing better to discuss?" Rocky asked, annoyed.

Amber and I traded looks, contemplating if we should continue to push Rocky's buttons.

"I'm enjoying the weather." Forrest commented.

"No rain till next week. It's going to be nice and mild." I added, deciding to leave Rocky alone.

"Yep, spring is perfect for a wedding." Amber grinned. When Rocky glared at her, she laughed. "Oh, come on. We're just excited for you. It's a celebration."

"I'm sick of talking about it. It's all I hear now. New topic!" Rocky snapped.

Thankfully, Megan and Ethan joined us with EJ. Forrest and I invited everyone to Pluckers. I called Trevor to invite him too. He told me he was on his way. 

We were seated on the patio. We got the kids settled in at the end of the table before picking seats. I left a seat open next to me for Trevor. Forrest did the same for Rachel. After we ordered drinks, and the kids ordered their meals, we began to look over the menu.

"Is everyone ordering wings?" Ethan asked.

"I know I am." I answered.

"Me too." Forrest added

"I think so, why?" Megan asked.

"Cause we can do a 50 piece-"

"100." I quickly corrected.

"Really Lily?" Rocky cocked an eyebrow at me.

"Yes! 10 a piece with just us is 60. That's not including Trevor and Rachel-"

"Rachel is not going to eat wings." Forrest added. "But we should still do 100, just for the sauces. We can always take them home."

"Exactly.  Besides, the kids might want some. What kind of sauce do we want?" I asked everyone.

"Lemon pepper."

"Hallelujah."

"What's gold rush?"

"Buffalo hot."

"Is fire in the hole really hot?"

"One second, let me write it down." I pulled out a pen from my purse and grabbed a napkin. "Gold rush is like a honey mustard. I've never tried fire in the hole, but I heard it's super hot." I said, while I scribbled down the flavors.

"Just get ten of fire in the whole." Forrest suggested. 

"No!"

"C'mon. I like a good burn." Forrest said.

"Your mom likes a good burn." I replied, while writing down his flavor.

Rocky groaned at me while Megan and Amber laughed. 

"So I made it in time for your mom jokes?" Trevor asked as he sat down beside me. 

"Nope, your mom jokes are dead. Lily officially killed it." Forrest said.

Trevor laughed and gave me a kiss. He pulled back, licking his lips.

"What are you drinking?" He asked.

"Angry orchard beer and a fireball shot."

"I might get one." Trevor said, looking at the drink menu.

"It's called an Angry Balls." I told him.

"Nevermind. I'll stick to the Batman."

I smiled. "You don't like balls?"

"Not as much as your mom." He winked at me.

"Apparently." I laughed, handing him my menu. "We're picking wing sauces. What do you want?"

"Dr. Pepper." Trevor answered.

"Eww. Only 5."

"I wanna try them too." Forrest said.

"They're super sweet." I warned.

"The kids will eat them." Amber said.

"Get 20." Ethan agreed. 

"Fine." I said, marking out 10 and putting 20.

"Just do Roman numerals, than you can just add an X." Rocky instructed me.

I nodded, following her advice. 

By the time the waiter returned, we got the wing order down. I just handed the napkin to the waiter. "I can read it to you. The X's mean 10."

"Everyone knows that Lily." Rocky stopped me.

"Actually, I didn't." The waiter smiled. I stuck my tongue out at Rocky, triumphantly. 

He confirmed the order. "You got fire in the hole?" Forrest asked, when Chad, our waiter, read them off.

"Of course. That's what you wanted. But can you put those 10 on a separate bill? I'm not putting in money for them." I kidded. Everyone laughed at me.

"Seriously, can we make sure the fire hot wings are on a separate plate?" Megan requested." I don't do spicy at all."

"Of course. Do y'all need any sides?" The waiter asked.

"Yes, waffle fries!" I added.

"Where are the sides?" Forrest asked.

"Right here." I said, moving over to the empty seat to show him. I read over them with him.

"Do we need another menu?" 

I looked up to see Rachel standing over us.

"Hey!" I said, pulling away from Forrest and moving back to my seat. "Just in time, we're ordering." I smiled at her. She sat down between Forrest and me and looked at the menu.

"I'll just take a water and sweet potatoes fries." Rachel order.

"Make sure her order is completely separate as well. I'm not putting in on that either." I joked. Forrest burst out laughing, and I did too. Rachel didn't even crack a smile. 

Tough crowd...

We ordered chips and queso and fried pickles for sides. When the waiter left, Rachel smiled at EJ. 

"How was your game EJ?" Rachel asked him.

"We lost." He replied.

"Sorry to hear that. What was the score?" Rachel asked.

"6-4. I scored 2 goals." EJ answered.

"Aw man, you're like the MVP. You need to tell your team to play better." Trevor smiled at him.

"I tried!" EJ exclaimed.

"There's no "I" in team." Ethan said.

"There's one in winner." Trevor teased.

"Or champion." I joined in.

"And selfish." Forrest contradicted us.

"Whatever." I laughed.

We then discussed work. Thankfully, my job had been drama free. I don't know if Jasmine said something to Kendal, but he was back to treating me normal. He even apologized and thanked me for trying to work out an arrangement. When the food came out, I made sure to snap a picture and upload it to Instagram before we dug in. 

"I can't believe y'all ordered so many wings." Rachel said.

"We're not going to finish them. We'll take them home." Forrest replied.

"The last thing you need is more junk at my house." Rachel said, smiling, but it didn't feel friendly or like a joke to me.

Obviously, Forrest didn't think so either. "Then I'll take them to my apartment." Forrest said, cooly.

The waiter asked if we needed anything else.

"Fireball shots?" I suggested.

"A little early for that?" Rocky questioned.

"Not really, day drinking is my thing now." I smiled.

"I need a new hobby. I'm in." Amber said.

"Me too." Trevor agreed.

"I'll do one." Rocky nodded.

"Megan, Ethan, Forrest, Rachel? Peer pressure time..." I smiled.

"Why not?" Megan agreed. 

"I'm down." Forrest said.

"Just to set a good example against peer pressure, I'm saying no." Ethan smiled. I chuckled and turned to Rachel. 

"No." She said, flat out. 

When the waiter left, we dug in. All the sauces were as good as I remembered. Forrest loved their wings. It was his new favorite.

"I'm actually mad at you that this is my first time having them." Forrest commented as we stopped to take our shots.

"Hey, you lived in Texas long enough, you should have known." I argued.

"This should have been the first place you took me last summer." Forrest disagreed.

"I'll write a list of my favorites and send it to you."

"Fair enough."

I took pictures of me and Trevor with our shots before we cheered and downed them. Before I started eating again, I posted them on Instagram with the caption: 

I'm a fireball.

I drank Rocky's shot too after one sip, she declared it to "cinnamon-y". Duh, it's a FIREBALL!

We ate, drank, and chatted merrily. Or all of us did but Rachel. She picked at her fries and looked miserable. The only time she perked up was when she was speaking to EJ. I wished she would just eat and loosen up.

"How did the dress shopping go?" I asked her, wiping my mouth. 

"Fine." She said, briskly. 

"Be honest. I know you've been dreading it all week." Forrest smiled at her.

"Exactly why I don't wanna talk about it." Rachel responded, shortly. Her tone wiped the smile off his face. I gave him a sympathetic shrug. He smiled at me and I returned it.

He then talked me into trying a fire in the hole wing. I took a deep breath before biting into one. I chewed a few times before it burnt my entire mouth.

"Ohmigod, Its fire!!!" I choked, finishing my angry balls. I then grabbed Trevor's Batman and drained the rest of that. Tears were welling up in my eyes as I tried to soothe the burn. Trevor was tearing up too: from laughter.

"Lily, eat the dressing. It'll cool your mouth." Ethan instructed me.

"Here." Forrest chuckled at me as I stuck out my tongue, panting. He handed me a fry covered in dressing over Rachel and I ate it; it helped tremendously. I made him keep them coming until the burning subsided. I glared at Trevor, which only made him laugh harder.

"I hate you." I said, holding a piece of ice to my tongue.

"I didn't tell you to eat it." He laughed.

My phone started beeping, signaling a text.

"See who it is." I asked Trevor, passing him my purse as I still nursed my tongue.

"It's Christian." Trevor frowned up.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Nothing. He wrote: I came, I saw, I conquered." Trevor read.

I thought about it for a second, than it hit me. "Text him back: Or should I say; I saw, I conquered, I came!"

Trevor gave me a weird look, but before I could interpret the look, Rachel laughed dryly.

"Fitting, you've tried to sleep with every guy at the table." She said under her breath.

My face flushed with embarrassment and anger. She did not just say that. I must be hearing things...

"Rachel." Forrest said, his eyes widened in shock, signifying he heard her too.

"Lily, are you ok?" Trevor asked, looking at me.

I pulled the ice away from my tongue. "I'm fine, and I'm sorry."  I apologized to Trevor. 

"For what?" He asked, confused before I turned to Rachel. I channeled Regina George as I gave her an evil smile.

"I plan to sleep with all the guys at the table."