Down to Ride

"So when you feel alone, when you feel alone,

baby just know I got you,

When you feel alone, when you feelin' lost,

baby just know I got you.

My love, my love, my love, my love

I wouldn’t be alone, cause,

I got a girl, who’s down to ride, with me.

Damn she looks good on the passenger side, with me.

No more time to waste, thinking 'bout the past,

just that rear view got my foot on the gas.

I got a girl, who’s down to ride, with me." Down to Ride by Gary Clark Jr.

"Do you think Ethan and I are opposites?" I asked Rocky.

"What?" Rocky breathed heavily, trying to catch her breath as we laid on the floor.

I hid my smile, remembering my first boxing class with Diego and how much I struggled. It was still a struggle some days, but I amazed myself by how much my body adapted and enjoyed it now.

"Trevor said we are complete opposites. And he called Ethan grim. What do you think?" I said looking over at her.

"Are you and Trevor really doing the whole friends thing?" She huffed turning from the ceiling to glare at me

"Yeah...like you're doing with Brandon... And Forrest. And Bilal."

"Not the same. I share Ace with Brandon. Forrest and I may or may not get back together. Bilal and I are like Facebook friends- we barley talk.  I wouldn't ask any of their opinions on who I am currently dating." She grunted as she stretched out.

"I didn't ask for Trevor's opinion. He just gave it. I don't know where it's coming from- him being a friend or an ex, you know what I mean?"

"I think you should take everything Trevor says with a grain of salt." She sat up, slowly.

"Because he's salty?" I grinned at my pun as I sat up too.

Rocky rolled her eyes at me. "That and he still has feelings for you."

I froze. "What? When did he tell you that?"

"Stop asking stupid questions and get up so you can help me off this dirty ass floor." Rocky ordered me. I stood up and helped her up as she winced in pain. After a minute, she turned to me. "He didn't have to tell me. I can tell he never stopped."

"He told me just wants to be friends."

"Maybe he does but if I were you, I would hold off until he's completely over you. And vice versa."

"I am over him!" I bristled at her as we left. That decided it for me. I was over him and he was over me. I decided to continue to work on our friendship and take his comments as a concerned friend.

"Alright. Alright. Slow down." She grumbled after me. "Why would you chose that evil instructor? That boxing class made me wanna fight his ass."

I laughed. "Exactly. Use that anger to fuel your workout. Besides, you'll need more training if you're going to take him on."

"I have street training. I'll pick up a chair and hit him with it." She menaced.

"Stop. Think about this. 5 weeks until Vegas- he's gonna have you feeling and looking great." I smiled. Bianca was hosting her birthday party in Vegas and I invited Rocky along with me for her final blow out before she went back to work.

"Ok. He's got 5 weeks of this bullshit, then I'll take him out." She threatened before we split up.

After our first work out together, I went home to shower and change before heading to work. Dr. Fahri was there, confirming the skeleton crew for 4th of July. I also told him I was training Dr. Goodman to be able to close when I was on vacation.

"He should be fine. He's used to opening, it's not that different from closing." Adil said, not looking up from his cell phone.

"Right." I said, grabbing a tablet off the charger.

"In fact, it's not hard to do both. Open and close. You do it on holidays."

I nodded, not really paying attention as I read over the clients and patients for the day.

"Do you concur?" Adil asked me.

I looked up from the tablet, training my face to stay passive as his questioning. "Right. Different sides of the same coin. Excuse me, I need to speak to Clayton before he goes to lunch." I said, leaving Adil and his need for validation.

Dr. Fahri stayed most of the day working in the office. He also had a meeting with Dr. Clayton; they ended up leaving together which I took as a good sign. They were talking on the way out so I figured they must have resolved whatever it was between them. 

On my lunch, I chatted with Ethan as we finalized our plans for the week. July 4th fell on a Monday, making it a three day weekend for most people who didn't have to work, unlike me. Gary Clark Jr. was performing Sunday night at the Winstar Casino in Oklahoma so Ethan figured we could spend the weekend and come back Sunday night after the concert.

"Ok. Did you invite everyone else?" I asked.

"Everyone else?"

"Yeah. Weren't we going to make this a group thing?"

"You told me not to worry about it."

"Um, I don't remember that."

"At dinner when I asked you about it." He replied.

"If I did, I change my mind."

"It's probably too late to get tickets together."

"That's fine. We don't have to sit together."

"Alright." He said, solemn.

I frowned, not understand his grimness. "It was your idea... But if you don't want to invite them we don't have to."

"I did want to invite them, but now it's last minute. I already bought our tickets."

"It's not that big of a deal. In fact, there's plenty to do- they might not want to go to the concert. I'll figure it out. EJ doesn't have a game Saturday right?" I asked, changing the subject.

"Right. I'm going to drop him off with Megan on Saturday instead of Sunday so we can head to Oklahoma in the afternoon."

"Can EJ and I hang out Friday night?"

"Sure. What do you want to do?"

"I don't know. I'll call him and ask."

"He's right here, I'll ask him."

"No. I'm going to call him." When I hung up with Ethan, I called EJ. He answered on the third ring.

"Hey EJ. What you up to?"

"On my laptop."

"Yeah? What are you doing?"

"Watching videos."

"What videos?" I prompted him.

"Nothing. YouTube videos." He replied, vaguely.

"Ok. Have you rode your hoverboard yet?"

"A little bit"

"Ok. Do you wanna come over Friday. We can ride our hoverboards together or watch a movie?"

"Did Dad say I have to?"

"No. He said you can, but only if you want to." I said, hopefully.

"Ok." He agreed lacklusteredly.

"Great!" I said, keeping my excitement up at his less than enthusiastic response. At least he agreed to come. "I'll see you Friday then."

"Ok. Bye."

I text EJ throughout the week, planning a Disney movie night once we got done hoverboarding. When I suggested Toy Story or Wreck it Ralph, he said he already seen them. I then said Beauty and the Beast, and he said princess movies were girly. I told him that was not true and I had the perfect movie to prove it to him. He said fine. My phone call and texts with EJ had me a bit discouraged, but I told myself once we talked and cleared the air things would be fine.

I was so wrapped up into getting things back to normal with EJ, I completely forgot about coordinating the group date to Winstar. Ethan already taken care of it. Amber, Will, Jordan, Blake, Sammy, Corey, Daniel and Staci were coming to Winstar with us. When I heard Daniel committed to going with Staci to Winstar and her relationship status changed online, I called Staci to get the details. Before I could ask her about Daniel, she asked me what I thought about Mia's and Amber's fight online.

I explained to her I had no idea. She told me she would send me screenshots. While I waited, I went on Amber's page. I didn't see anything on her Facebook or Instagram and I didn't follow Mia so I waited for Staci to come through with pictures. She did, with screenshots of Mia and Amber's back and forth. It started with a picture Mia posted on her Instagram with her and Christian.

Amber commented on it, stating: Congratulations! Y'all make a cute couple... Couple of fake hoes. Lol

Mia replied on her comment: Ain't nothing fake over here! Ask your girl about being a hoe! I've never been fucked in a strip club.

Amber replied: Ur dumb as fuck. He's only using you to get back at her! The gag is, she don't give a fuck about either one of you. FAKE HOES!

Mia: He hasn't thought of Lily at all once he started talking to me!!!

Amber then posted screenshots of Christian texting her, saying how much he missed me and how he just wanted to talk to me and make things right between us. She captioned the screenshots: 🤔 You sure?... When did y'all start talking? This wasn't that long ago.

Mia: Bout the same time I stopped talking to Quintin... You still mad? 😚😝😂

Amber posted another screenshot with a text from Quintin. The text read: Stop playing girl. She's a bird. We met and smashed the same night. If I knew you knew her, it wouldn't have happened.

Amber captioned the screenshot: LMAO. Doesn't sound like y'all talked at all. Mad about what? Him fucking an easy hoe?  @ChristianWilson Hope u strapped twice! 🔥😺🍆😷

Once I read through everything, I called Staci back.

"Mia deleted the whole post yesterday-" Staci started. "They both made themselves look stupid, not you."

"I don't even care about that. Is Quintin Q, the guy I work with? And why is he explaining to Amber who he hooked up with?!?"

"You need to ask her."

That's so dumb. Why would Amber expose herself cheating to get back at Mia?"

"You don't know if she's cheating. You need to talk her." Staci repeated.

"Why should I? She doesn't listen nor has she been telling the whole truth!" I exclaimed.

"I know but y'all are friends. Ethan and Will are friends. You gotta clear the air- especially before this weekend."

"Fuck this weekend. Ethan was right. It should have been just us two." I complained.

"Rude! Daniel and I are official. We gotta celebrate."

"That's what I called about! I want details!" I switched gears.

"Ok so a few weeks ago I went out with this guy I met on OkCupid. There was no chemistry, no sparks nothing between us. So after a drink, we both begged out of the date. I text him that same night and said thanks for the drink but I wasn't feeling it between us. This fool sent me a picture of his dick and asked if I wanted to feel it."

"Ohmygod what a pervert!"

"I know! So I don't repsond, block him and tell Daniel about it the next time we hang out. He got mad."

I gasped. "Why would you even tell him?"

"Because we talk about our dates all the time! That wasn't even the most intimate thing I told him but it was the first time he got mad. He didn't speak to me for a week! Then last weekend, he showed up with flowers, my favorite wine and a beautiful gold necklace and told me he didn't want me seeing anybody but him."

"He didn't want you seeing anybody else's dick." I giggled.

"That too!" She laughed.

"Awww, I'm so happy for you two!"

"Me too! So let's make this a great 4th of July weekend. No drama." She encouraged me.

"Sure." I said, and meant it. I was not getting caught up in whatever Amber had going on. This was clearly about her, Quintin, and Mia- I was staying out of it.

Friday, my therapist was on vacation so I didn't have an appointment. After work, Ethan dropped EJ off at my house. Ethan and I kept our greeting friendly with just a smile and a brief hug. I noticed EJ purposely not watching us so I quickly shooed Ethan out before detailing our evening to him.

"I figured we can go hooverboarding until it gets dark and watch Mulan, a Disney Princess who takes her father's place in the army. She's Chinese, so I figured we'll have Indian food." I kidded.

"Ok." He said.

"No. Not ok. She's Chinese. We're having Chinese food of course. You don't even like Indian food." When he just went on fiddling in his backpack, I asked "What do you want to eat?"

"I don't care."

"Alright. Eel and octopus it is." I said pulling out my phone and ordering a variety of food. After I ordered, we went out on the hoverboards as planned. I asked him about his basketball camp, the videos he uploaded and his new laptop. He answered all my questions, but I felt like it was out of obligation not because he wanted to talk to me. He got a GoPro with all his gift cards and birthday money so he filmed himself and ignored me.

We got back to my place and the food arrived shortly after. We put on Mulan and I sat the food out in the living room on TV trays. We settled in to eat and watch the movie. After I made him put his phone down, he picked at the food and stared blankly at the movie. I was at a lost of what to do; I didn't know if I should push the issue and try to talk to EJ myself or let him be. I pulled out my phone and text Ethan.

Me: He's barely talking or eating. I think he's mad at me.

Ethan: Why would he be mad at you?

Me: Maybe not mad, just weirded out about us dating. I think I should bring it up.

Ethan: I don't think that's necessary. I'm not sure what you mean by weirded out, but if he's disrespectful or not responding when you speak to him, call me.

"I thought you said no phones." EJ said, narrowing his eyes at me.

"You're right." I said after I text Ethan back.

Me: 👌

I put my phone down, knowing I wasn't going to call Ethan and decided to make small talk about the movie with EJ. He did talk to me, but it was harsh criticizing remarks about the movie. I got to the point I stopped talking to him so I wouldn't hear his negativity.

"That's not hard. It's like climbing rope." EJ sneered as we watched each solider in the movie struggle to retrieve the arrow from the top of the post.

"Ok. Let's put it to the test." I said, pausing the movie and standing up.

"You don't have a pole in your backyard." He smarted back, reminding me of his mom. I took a deep breath and smiled at him.

"No. I don't so put on your shoes if you think it's so easy."

He accepted the challenge and as he tied up his shoes, I looked up an indoor rock climbing facility. I found one in Plano and we drove over. When we got there, I saw a little nervousness in his eyes as we looked at the expert climb, but we went to the kid's course. It took a few attempts, but he finally made it to the top.

"See? They had to pull their own weight plus the weight of the medals. That's a lot of upper body strength." I told him as when he came back down.

"Dad said I need to work on my  upper body strength. He makes me do push ups and planks when I don't have practice." EJ stated when he was back on he's feet.

"Yeah, that's important in basketball. You're legs are strong from soccer. You did great though. You wanna try a bigger one?"

He nodded and we went to the beginner's adult course. We made it up together and had fun helping and laughing at each other. As we walked to my car, he said next time to remind him to bring his Gopro. I grinned happily at him bringing up us hanging out again. I was glad whatever awkwardness between us was gone.

When we got back to my house, EJ eyed the food with renewed interest. "Is that really eel?" He pointed to a Styrofoam container.

"No. It's seafood delight. That sesame chicken, sweet and sour shrimp, spicy lo mein, egg rolls, dumplings and crab wantons." I pointed everything out.

"This is a lot of food. Dad would never order this much." EJ commented.

"Well, I didn't know what you wanted so I got what I liked. Besides, Chinese taste just as good the next day." I explained as I set back up the movie. He let me show him how to use chopsticks and he tore into the food enthusiastically. He was back to his normal self, cracking silly jokes and making fun of me as I sang along to the music. As we finished off the fortune cookies, I thanked him for coming over.

"Are you going to marry my dad?" He asked out of nowhere.

"I don't know EJ. It's still really early in our relationship." I said, carefully.

"I don't want you to move in and fight with dad." He declared.

"What makes you think that?" I asked.

"Dave moved in and now he and mom fight. I don't want that to happen with dad and you." He responded.

I tensed at the word fight. "Everyone disagrees sometimes. That's all your mom and Dave does right? Disagree?"

He nodded and I relaxed.

"Ok. People argue. Don't you argue with your friends sometimes?" I continued.

"But it's different with your friends." EJ said, looking up, his eyes filled with concern. "Adults break up and don't want to be around each other again. Or they get back together and fight over the same stupid stuff."

"EJ, I've known your dad since you were 4 years old. We've had fights and disagreements but we always moved past them." He didn't look convinced so I continued. "I promise you, no matter what, your dad and I will always be friends. Just like you and I will always be friends even though we disagree about Disney movies being girly and you hating Indian food."

He was thoughtful for a minute before he nodded. After the movie, he showed me more YouTubers on his laptop that he watched. When I told him goodnight and went to bed, I saw Ethan texting me asking how everything went. I text him back that things were better and to call me in the morning. Early the next morning, Ethan called then came over while I was cooking breakfast. While I mixed pancake batter, I told him about my conversation with EJ.

"Dave and Megan better not be fighting in front of him." He stated, taking that from our conversation about EJ's fear that we would break up and not be friends again.

"What are you doing?" I said, putting my whisk down.

"I'm going to call her and ask." He said, tapping on his phone.

"Ethan, stop." I said, walking over to him and snatching the phone from him. "Couples argue."

Ethan frowned fiercely, looking away from his phone in my hand to my face. "So they should do it in front of my son?"

"No but you confronting her and telling her what's she better not do in front of both of your son is not right either." I paused, giving him his phone back. "Her and Dave's relationship is not something you can control but you can control your relationship with her."

He exhaled deeply and asked, "What do you mean? We don't argue in front of EJ." Ethan pointed out.

"You don't have to. He thinks you two can't stand to be around each other and I see where he's coming from. It might help if you try treating Megan like a friend and not... A subordinate who had your kid." I stated. It looked like he wanted to refute that comment, but he remained quiet so I continued.  "He's scared that we will break up and not be friends anymore. I promised him it wouldn't happen. He might believe me more if he saw you being a friend to his mom." I advised.

"Fine." He responded, pensive.

"Fine... Like good plan fine? Or fine like shut up?" I asked for clarification.

He thought about it for a moment. "Both." He said, unapologetic.

"Excuse me?" I put my hands on my hips.

"You're right about Megan and how I speak to her so I'll change that." He admitted.

"And the part about me shutting up?"

He grabbed my hands on top of my hips. "It would be nice so I can kiss you."

"Oh..." I said, grabbing his hands in response and moving closer. "I'll be quiet now."

I moaned when he pressed his lips against mine. Heat swelled between us instantly and I pushed against him to quell the fire. It did nothing but ignite the flames. He was lavishing my lips with soft, but needy kisses when we heard a "Eww gross" from the kitchen entrance way.

We pulled away and saw EJ looking at us in disgust. "You promised you wouldn't do that in front of me Dad."

"I didn't know you were up. Good morning." Ethan greeted him.

"Morning. You owe me a dollar." EJ shuffled into the kitchen and sat at the table.

"A dollar?" I asked, confused.

"Yep. Dad has to pay me one dollar every time I see y'all kiss." EJ explained while I smiled at Ethan. He left that out of our conversation.

"It doesn't count if you sneak up on me." Ethan countered.

"Hey EJ." I said. When he looked at me, I gave Ethan a peck on the lips. "I want 50 cents for ever dollar." I said, returning back to the pancake batter I neglected.

EJ laughed. "No way. I have to see it."

"But I have to kiss him." I laughed too

"How about I leave and you both get nothing?" Ethan smirked as we laughed.

After breakfast, I said goodbye to EJ as Ethan took him to his mom's house. Originally, I was going to ride along, but Ethan was going to talk to Megan. I finished packing and changed into skinny jeans and a black tank top. I was finishing my make-up when Ethan came back. Before he could grab my bag, I wrapped my arms around his neck and gave him a long, lingering kiss. 

"I didn't want you to think I have to get paid to kiss you." I teased him as I pulled away.

Once we were heading to Winstar, he told me he did like I suggested and actually spoke to Megan, asking how she was doing. He even causally mentioned EJ heard arguing and he wanted to make sure everything was fine.  She shared she and Dave had a disagreement when EJ was supposed to be in bed, but everything was ok between them. Ethan left them telling them both to call if they needed anything.

"Do you believe her about it being just a disagreement?" I asked.

"I don't know. I invited them to my parents' for 4th of July so we'll see what happens."

"Do you like Dave?" I asked him.

"I don't have an opinion on him either way as long as he treats EJ right."

"And Megan right."

"Of course." He agreed.

"You never tried to get to know him or anything?"

"Why? He's Megan boyfriend- and they would break up and get back together all the time."

"He's seems pretty permanent now. It might be time to start the whole blended family thing-"

"Nothing's permanent... Not even marriage, but that would start the whole blended family thing." Ethan responded.

"Being friends with Megan means being friendly with him..."

"Ok."

"Ok like I'm right or ok like shut up?" I grinned.

"No comment." He smirked.

I ended the conversation and turned on his jazz station. We got caught in a little traffic leaving Texas, and I actually dozed off. Ethan woke me up once we arrived. We walked through the massive casino to the hotel lobby to check in.  Ethan asked me to call Amber. While he checked in, I sent her a text that we made it. I wasn't too excited to talk or see Amber. Staci told me to reach out to Amber before the trip, but I never did. A few minutes later, Amber, Will, Staci and Daniel came in the lobby. I left Ethan's side to greet them.

"Hey guys!" I smiled. "Did y'all get here at the same time?" I asked, hugging everyone.

"I would hope so considering we drove together." Staci cracked.

"Thanks for the invite on the carpool." I said, pulling away to hug Amber.

"We drove. Our car didn't have enough room." Amber said, apologetically.

"I'm just kidding. It's all good. We'll have carpool karaoke some other time." I patted her on the back, awkwardly. She flashed a uncomfortable smile and took a step back.

"Speaking of which... We listened to one Gary Clark Jr song... It's a no for me dog. I might skip the concert." Staci broke the tension with a smile.

"One song? You judged him off of one song?" I cocked my head at her.

"Yep. Nobody was feeling it." Staci continued.

"Speak for yourself... It put me to sleep. I had a great nap." Daniel added with a grin.

"I put on my headphones and listened to his whole album. It was good." Will told me.

"Thank you Will. Apparently, they don't appreciate anything they can't twerk to." I said as Ethan joined us. After he said hello to everyone, we headed to our rooms. Their rooms were in a different towers so we went to check out their room before they checked out ours.

"I wished we had the pool view." Staci mentioned over our window.

"Like you're going to have time to enjoy the view." Daniel told her, with a grin.

"True." Staci smiled while I ewwed at them.

We planned to hang out in our respective rooms until Sammy, Corey, Blake and Jordan arrived. I collapsed on the king size bed with the remote. I watched as Ethan put his clothes away, hanging up a few items before putting the rest in the top drawer.

"You're making me feel like a slob." I complained.

"Do you want me to put your things away?" He offered.

"No, then I'll feel lazy. Come lay down with me."

"In a moment."

He was putting his toiletries away when Sammy called and let me know they made it to the hotel. Jordan, Blake, Sammy and Corey drove separate vehicles, but trailed each other so they arrived together. We all went to the lobby to meet them and make plans for the evening. Ethan made dinner reservation, but other than that we were open. We decided after dinner to do drinks and gambling and maybe the night club.

"Are we coordinating our outfits like last time?" Amber asked me.

"I don't know. We didn't plan like last time." I shrugged, not interested and already having the dress I wanted to wear in mind.

"Everyone brought something black right?" Jordan asked.

"No. It's summer. I like colors." Staci chimed in.

"Let's all dress up. The theme is high rollers." Sammy suggested.

We agreed to dress up and get ready together in Amber's room.

"Fellas, we gotta coordinate too." Blake said, mockingly. "What do we all have?"

"Pants?" Ethan stated sarcastically.

"No. It's summer. I only brought shorts." Daniel teased.

"Shirts? Everyone good on shirts?" Will added.

"I was planning to go shirtless, but if everyone is wearing shirts..." Corey joked.

"Nobody wants to see you shirtless." Sammy shot him down, ruthlessly.

"I might..." I kidded.

"Shut up Lily." Sammy laughed with everyone else as Ethan raised an eyebrow at me.

"Just to see his tattoos. That it." I smiled, innocently as I wrapped my arms around him.

We went back to our room and I took a quick shower before grabbing my clothes and make-up and heading to Amber's room. I chose a green striped dress and nude heels. I planned to straighten my hair and do a classic smokey eye with red lipstick. As we got ready in Amber's room, I faced time Rocky to see how she was doing.

"What are you eating?" I asked her as she put down a green burrito.

"Veggie wrap." She said, making a face.

"What did I tell you about diets?"

"It's just until Vegas." She told me.

"Vegas?" Staci asked us.

"Yeah. My cousin is hosting her birthday bash in Vegas so we're going."

"Thanks for the invite." Sammy snorted.

"Ok. Here it is. You're all welcomed to come. It's last minute and the only thing I'm planning is where I'm eating." I told them.

"As cool as that sounds, I'll pass." Jordan laughed. Once we were all ready, we said our goodbyes to Rocky.

"Y'all look great." Rocky smiled and waved at everyone.

"We wish you came!" Amber shouted to her over my shoulder.

"On a couples weekend? With who? Ace?" Rocky chuckled.

"You could have left Ace with his dad and came with Forrest..." Jordan mentioned.

"Is Forrest back in Texas yet?" I asked.

"He's been back in Texas." Rocky nodded.

"I feel like I'm gonna have to just pop up on him one day..." I plotted.

"He's going to be at Gabriel's 4th of July party. You and Ethan should come." Jordan told me.

"I'm working and going over to Ethan's parents' house after." I declined.

"Meeting the family..." Staci awwed.

"I've already met them. They love me." I smiled at her before turning back to Rocky.

"Alright ladies. Y'all have a good time." She waved at us.

"Bye Rocky..." We all chorused to her.

We met the guys at the restaurant waiting for us to be seated. They all looked great, but my attention was solely on Ethan. He looked incredible in black fitted slacks, black Henley and a black coat.

"You look sexy." I said, giving him a hug and kissing his lips gently to not smudge my lipstick.

"So do you." He said, looking me over slowly. Twice. He kept his arm around my waist as we checked in with the hostess and was led to our table. He pulled my chair out for me and we sat, holding hands under the table. Sammy ordered shots for the table and we were perusing the menu together when Daniel pointed out some columns to Ethan. Staci looked at me in sympathy when Daniel and Ethan began to discuss the architecture.

"Camila was part of the redesign?" Daniel asked Ethan. When he nodded, my ears perked up.

"Camila?" I asked.

"She was someone I went to school with." Ethan explained.

"Oh. Like classmate or girlfriend?" I questioned after we ordered our food.

"Real subtle Lily." Jordan laughed at me as Staci shook her head.

"What? I'm just curious." I defended myself.

"What if he was curious about all the guys you dated in college? Is it up for discussion?" Staci questioned me.

"Sure. It would be a short discussion because I didn't date anyone." I answered.

"No one?" Jordan gasped.

"No one." I confirmed.

"Why?" Daniel asked me.

"Probably because I was overweight and guys suck!" I exclaimed.

The girls laughed but the boys said nothing.

"No comments guys?" Jordan chuckled.

"No. When women start talking about weight and guys sucking-" Blake shook his head.

"It's time to shut up." Corey finished for him.

"Or change the subject." Will agreed.

The starters and drinks came out and the subject changed to food and plans for the rest of the weekend. Will, Daniel and Ethan made plans to golf in the morning while Sammy, Blake, Jordan and Corey were going to hang out at the pool. Staci invited me to go to the spa for facials with her and Amber. I agreed to go, knowing Staci wanted us to talk.

After dinner and another rounds of shots, we walked around the casino, gambling a little bit. Our group split up as we played different games. Ethan and I didn't gamble at all, mostly walked around. I people watched while he checked out the design and structures of the different gaming areas based of popular cities.

We eventually sat down at a bar in the New York City section. Ethan led me to a booth before getting my drink order. When he returned with a bourbon for himself and a whiskey sour for me, he sat in the booth next to me. I crossed my legs towards him, sipping my drink.

"Can I ask you a question?" He started, scooting closer to me and resting his hand on my crossed leg.

"Always." I said, his light cologne and touch enticing me.

"When did you start dating?" He asked me.

"Oh- grad school. A lot of first dates and no boyfriends." I smiled.

"Follow up?" He asked.

I nodded, putting my drink down, intrigued.

"Was I your first time?" He asked me.

I nodded again. "How could you tell?"

"I couldn't back then. I thought you were shy, but I didn't think anything of it. Now that I know you, things are starting to make more sense to me." He said, holding my hand.

I looked down at our hands. "It took therapy for me to see what happened before you wasn't consensual. It's weird. At the time, I didn't think of you as my first time."

"I'm sorry he hurt you. I wish the circumstances of us being together were different."

I shook my head. "If the circumstances were different, it wouldn't have happened with you. My feelings with love and affection were tied to sex and I couldn't... handle it back then. That's why I agreed to no strings attached sex. I still struggle with sex and intimacy, which explains my need to take things slow with you now so I don't confuse sex with love." I finished, fidgeting with his fingers. "My therapist is on vacation this week so I guess I'm analyzing myself with you. I'm sorry. "

He stilled my hand in both of his. "Don't be sorry. This is one of the things I like about you."

"How fucked up I am?" I flashed him a nervous smile.

"How open you are. It's something I struggle with so I admire it about you."

"Right. We're kinda opposite, but we go together."

"Opposite?" He sat back, puzzled.

"Yes. Like... Peanut butter and jelly."

"Peanut butter and jelly?" Ethan repeated, even more confused.

"Yes. Completely different- but perfect together." I leaned closer to him, drawn in by the way his dark brown eyes bore into mine. He suddenly pushed his lips into mine. I tasted the bourbon on his lips and knew that the drinks had to be the cause of this public display of affection. He was normally pretty private.

I had no complaints as I kissed him back. His hands moved over my knee, rubbing up my thigh before repeating the motion all over again, driving me crazy. We kissed for a good 5 minutes before Ethan caught himself, pulling back with an adorable sheepishly look on his face.

"Can we discuss it some more upstairs?" He grabbed my hand again.

"Discuss what?" I said, grabbing my drink with a sly smile.

"Us being perfect together."

"There's not anything to discuss. I'm peanut butter, you're jelly." I said before sipping my drink.

"There's plenty to discuss." He persuaded me. "Why peanut butter and jelly? Why do you get to be peanut butter. If you're peanut butter, why can't I be something else? Like chocolate? Or celery."

I giggled. "You're thinking too much about this. You want to be celery?"

"No particularly, but these are all things we can discuss upstairs."

I nodded and we both downed our drinks before we left the bar. When we got back to the room, he headed straight for the bed this time. He sat down before sitting me next to him. He ran his fingers through my hair, resting it on the back of my neck before moving in for a kiss. It was languid but just as passionate as our kiss at the bar.

"Can I take your dress off?" He asked when we pulled back to catch our breath.

"Only if we keep it just kissing." I bargained.

"Of course." he said, guiding me up so I was facing away from him. He pulled the zipper down before turning me back around. His eyes were glued on my face as he pulled the dress off me. I held his glaze as I stepped out of the dress, kicking it away as I stood before him in demi cup red bra and a matching red boyshorts.

I straddled his lap, slipping off his coat before tugging off his shirt. "Still think I'm shy?" I asked, running my hands over his bare chest.

"No." He said, sliding his hands over my hips as he tilted his lips to mine. I closed the gap between us and kissed him, hungrily. We stayed like that, lips locked and feeling over each other's body until he laid me back on the bed.

"Ethan, we said just kissing-" I started as he pulled me against him, his erection rubbing against me through his pants.

"That's all I'm going to do. We can stop right now if you want." He assured me, pulling back.

"No." I said, inhaling deeply. "I mean, we said just kissing. Will you kiss me, down here?" I motioned down my body, seductively. His eyes followed my hand down my chest, over my stomach, pass my navel until it rested on top of my panties.

"Where? Here?" He asked, kissing my breasts that was exposed by my bra.

"Lower." I moaned at his mouth moving over my skin.

He kissed my stomach next, nibbling on me, causing me to shiver. "Right here?"

I shook my head wildly, thrusting my hips up into him. He looked at me, a sexy gleam in his eyes. "Show me baby."

I desperately moved his head down between my legs and used my other hand to move my panties to the side.

"Right here Ethan. Kiss my pussy."

His lips quirked into a smile as he pulled my panties down my legs. "Definitely not shy."

The smart response I had on my lips turned into a cry as he tongue kissed me between my legs. He swirled his tongue, sucking greedily as he moaned against me. It was incredible. There was no rhyme or reason to his mouth. He didn't eat me out like he knew how to get me off, but like he loved it as much as I did. I was coming in record time, as he continued to kiss me.

I was still spasming when he finally pulled back. I knew what I just said about sex and love and wanting to take it slow, but at that moment, I wanted him more than anything. I could tell he felt the same way about me. He looked starved, barely in control as his eyes racked over my body.

He got up without a word, heading to the bathroom. I took of my bra as I waited for him to return. A few minutes turned into 5, then almost 10 minutes passed before he returned back to the bed. He lost his pants, and his erection was gone too.

"Did you jack off?" I accused him, sitting up.

"How did I ever think you where shy." He said, laying me back down.

"Did you?" I repeated.

"Yes." He said, pulling the sheets and comforter over us.

"Why? I would have taken care of you." I pouted.

"You don't have too." He tucked me in his arms.

"I wanted to." I laid against his chest.

"Next time." He kissed my forehead.

"Ok. Is it next time yet?" I yawned, looking up at him.

"No. It's sleep time."

"You coulda at least let me watch." I murmured against his chest.

"Not shy and a voyeur. What else don't I know about you?"

I giggled. "I'm Smooth... And nutty... Like peanut butter."

"Go to sleep." He said. I could hear the smile in his voice as I did just that.

The next morning, I woke up to the bathroom door closing and the shower running. I got up, brushed my teeth and ran my fingers through my hair before opening the door to join Ethan.

"I'll be out in 5 minutes." Ethan told me.

"I want to join you." I said, stepping over to watch him. Ethan wasn't lying when he said I was shy when we first started hooking up. I was too shy to appreciate how amazing his body was back when we first started hooking up. I was appreciating it now as he ran a soapy towel over his flat stomach, defined arms and powerful legs. I smiled to myself as he harden as I watched him. I looked back up at Ethan's face to see he was checking me out as well.

"Tee time is in 30 minutes." He said, regretfully, when he looked back up at me.

"Cancel." I urged him.

"I can't."

"Be late."

"No." He said, turning off the shower and wrapping a towel around his waist before stepping out.

"What if I told you all the things I want to do in the shower with you?" I said, lecherously.

"Make a list. We'll have some time before the concert tonight. We can do them then." He said, walking past me.

I got back in bed, sprawled out naked. I watched him as he brushed and flossed his teeth, trimmed up his goatee, moisturized his skin, brushed his hair, applied some cream to his facial hair and another one on his head, put on deodorant, and spray on cologne. I smiled as I watched him, now knowing his effortlessly good looks weren't so effortless.

"What are you smiling about?" Ethan asked me as he got dressed in gray Nike golf pants, a blue Nike long sleeve collared pullover and matching golf shoes.

"Nothing. Just compiling my list. After watching you get ready, I think I want to ride your face first." I said, casually.

His eyes darkened with desire, but he maintained withdrawn as he put on a gray Nike cap. "Put that on the top of your list."

"I already having sucking you off on the top of my list. If I do it now, I can cross it off all together." I said, seductively.

For a brief moment, I thought he would take me up on my offer as he came over to me. He leaned over, kissing me on the lips. "Later." He said before heading to the door.

"I might not be in the mood before the concert." I warned him as he left. He just waved as he left.

Once he was gone, I laid back in bed, contemplating getting myself off but deciding to go exercise instead. I was surprised to see Sammy already there, pounding it out on the treadmill.

"Richard introduced me to an everyday challenge. 100 squats, 100 sit ups, 100 push ups and 10 km everyday." Sammy explained as she took a break.

"That's awesome. Is Amanda doing it too?" I asked.

Sammy pshed. "She quit being my workout partner once she hooked up with Alvarez."

"Really? They're together?" I asked, surprised.

"They're sleeping together.  She said she's keeping it causal, but she doesn't seem like the type."

"Her heart is in her vagina?" I smirked, remembering how she insulted me with the line the last time we were at Winstar.

Sammy grinned. "Exactly."

"How's Corey doing?"

"He's good. Works good. He's taking an online class so that's good too." She replied.

"Good. You know you two have been together the longest-"

"Cut the shit. We're not moving in, getting married or having kids." She snapped at me.

"Damn!" I said, holding my hands up in surrender. "I just wanted the secret of staying together that long. I'm trying to make this last with Ethan."

"Ohh. We just work." Sammy shrugged.

I laughed. "Yeah... I know we're different, but we work too. Kinda like peanut butter and jelly. I'm peanut butter."

"Don't ever tell him that." Sammy snickered at me.

"Why not?"

"Because that is the secret to a long lasing relationship- not jinxing yourself with corny bullshit like that." Sammy laughed at me.

I laughed too. "Fuck. I already told him."

"Yep, it's over." She joked, dryly as we continued our workout.

I was feeling wonderfully sore after we worked out and went back to my room to shower and change for breakfast. I met Amber and Staci for breakfast before we headed to the spa. We got manicures and pedicures before we sat with facial mask.

"I'm sorry Mia and I dragged you into our fight. It's over. I'm moving forward and not speaking to Mia anymore." Amber said after we were left alone in the relaxation room.

"Who were y'all fighting over? Quintin? The guy I worked with?" I question her since she brought it up.

She fidget with her hands. "Not really."

"Not really how?"

"Quintin and I just talk. I guess Mia thought I would be jealous that she hooked up with him."

"How long have you and Quintin been talking?" I questioned here.

"Maybe a couple years."

My mouth dropped open.

"I'm not going to say I didn't entertain the idea of something happening with him, but at the end of the day, nothing happened. It was just talk." Amber said, vehemently.

"Does Will know?"

"No." 

"And you still talk to Q?" I said, shocked.

"Not really."

I still was confused, not understanding how you can talk to someone else, entertain the idea of an affair, but not consider that cheating. I really didn't want to know, so I left it at that. That way, I could play ignorant to whatever was going on between them when it came out like these things always did.

After the spa treatments, we put on our bikinis and joined everyone at the pool. Ethan, Will, and Daniel already returned from golfing and were at the pool lounging. I made a show of removing the matching cover up I wore over a peach string bikini Noelle gifted me in front of Ethan. After I adjusted my bottoms, I stretched out on a pool chair beside him, thrusting my boobs out when I asked him to help me put sunblock on my back.

"Damn..." Blake said, turning away from us when Ethan threw his shirt over my cleavage. "Sweetheart, do you need some sunblock?" He asked Jordan.

"No. I'm good." Jordan smiled.

"You sure? You got your back and everything?"

"Yes I did. Geez, what are you? Sunblock patrol? You burn worse than I do!"

I laughed and tossed Ethan's shirt off me as soon as he was done. I toned down my teasing to just flirty smiles and occasional touches for the remainder of our time at the pool. When a waitress came by and asked if we needed anything, we all ordered beer, margaritas and a round of shots. I laughed at Will's and Ethan's outrage out how much the drinks were overpriced at the outside bar.

"Guess y'all haven't been out clubbing in a long ass time." Daniel laughed.

"You won't be either." Staci said as she lounged beside him.

"Thank you. You have no idea how much money I'll be saving." Daniel boasted.

"That's what you think." Staci muttered, playfully.

"It might have made more sense to buy a bottle." Ethan said, still caught up by the shots prices.

"They don't sell bottles at the pool. How much do you think they are at the club Sammy?" I asked. Sammy looked away from her phone and broke down the mark up of wells and premiums alcohols at bars. When she started to get into bottle service and table fees, Blake whistled and Ethan shock his head.  

"Who would pay for that?" He pondered, flabbergasted.

"I have." I grinned.

"Why?"

"For the reserved table sign and the pleasure of knowing I can do it!" I laughed. He made me laugh harder when he started listing off better ways to invest my money. I gave him a kiss and order another round of shots just to taunt him.

Afterward, we went up to our respective rooms to get ready for the lunch reservation Blake made. Ethan and I took a shower together. He was all business, washing up quickly before rinsing off. He even moved my hands away when they lingered too long on his body. He left me in the shower alone once he was done.

I was leaving the bathroom wrapped in a towel, a little tipsy, still horny and extremely disappointed when he asked me if I had lotion. I got my body butter out of my bag and handed it to him, confused because his lotion was sitting neatly on the counter. I quickly caught on when he started to rub the cream on my arms.

"I like this scent." Ethan commented, his hands working to my shoulders.

"Me too." I breathed, as he massaged my shoulders turning me around to face the mirror. "I got it from a stripper." I ended on a gasp as he removed my towel to rub the cream on my breasts.

"Tell me about that." He said, focusing on my nipples and moving his mouth to my neck.

"I... Was at... A strip... Club. I.... Got a private dance.... She...ohh...she smelled amazing... I asked... Asked what she used... This was it." I panted watching him in the mirror kiss my neck, fondle my breasts and tease and prod my nipples.

He looked up from my neck and into my eyes in the mirror as his hands began to caress lower. "A private dance? Did you enjoy it?" He said, stopping over my navel.

"I enjoy you more." I moaned, widening my stance so he had access between my legs. He read my mind, sliding his fingers over my slit. My knees weakened, and I gripped the counter in support, looking down.

"I thought you liked to watch." Ethan commented.

I looked up and caught his eyes in the mirror, him watching me as I watched him. Impatient and desperate, I guided him straight to my clitoris, trying to show him how to get me off.

"I remember." He nibbled on my ear as he rubbed me in tight circles. One of his hands stayed between my legs while the other tugged on my nipples. His touch, his scent, the sound of his breathing in my ear, his eyes drinking me in, it was sensory overload. I watched until I came, moaning my pleasure as I threw my head back against him. He held me, kissing my shoulder softly.

"You ok baby?" He asked me.

"I'm great." I looked up at him, giving him a satisfied smile. I turned around and kissed him deeply on the mouth, sliding my hands between our bodies to cup his erection.

"How are you?" I asked, pulling back and stroking him.

He stiffened. "Good."

I then dropped to my knees. I took him in my mouth and tasted him for the first time. He let me explore him with my tongue for a few minutes before he buried his fingers in my hair. I let him take control as he thrust in and out. I followed his motions, sucking him deeply in my mouth.

"I'm close." He groaned. I nodded my consent at him and continued sucking. A few moments later, he came. I swallowed, running my tongue over him.

"Still just good?" I asked him as he gave me a hand up.

"No. Great. Perfect." He pulled me in, holding me by the waist.

"As perfect as peanut butter and jelly?" I said with a teasing smile.

He smiled. "You're not going to let that go are you?"

"Not until you agree with it."

After we got cleaned up and dressed, we headed down to the casino to meet everyone. Blake led us to Toby Keith's Bar and Grill.

"Great food, better music..." Blake boosted as we sat down.

"Why am I not surprised?" I rolled my eyes as the waitress handed me my menu.

"Why am I not surprised you have a problem?" Blake asked me.

"I will always have a problem with music snobs like yourself." I clarified.

"Oh no." Jordan shook her head.

"Here we go again." Corey muttered while Sammy grinned.

"Yes. Here we go again. Why am I a snob because I like what I like?" Blake asked.

"Because you talk shit about everything else." Sammy spoke up.

"Exactly." I exclaimed.

"I don't put down everything. I only hate rap. It's all profane and  sex and money and guns." He said.

"He's right about that." Will piped up.

"No he's not. That's not all rap." Amber argued.

"Name someone who's not." Blake challenged us.

Sammy, Amber and I were silent.

"Exactly." Blake clapped, cheering himself on.

"It's out there, we just don't listen to it." Staci laughed.

"Common. The Roots. De La Soul." Ethan helped me out.

"Thank you." I smiled at him.

"You have no idea who they are." Daniel laughed.

"That's not the point. The point is you can't judge a whole genre of music based on what's popular. That's like me saying I don't like country because I don't like Taylor Swift or Sam Hunt." I declared.

"You don't like Sam Hunt?" Jordan gasped.

"No. I love Sam Hunt." I told her.

"Me too! He's so sexy." Jordan gushed.

"Ohmygod yes. Country and built. My two favorite things..." I agreed.

"Wait a minute." Blake looked at Jordan. "He's sexy? Is that why you wanted to go to the concert?"

"Yes!!!" I burst out laughing when Ethan turned to me.

"What's so funny? I thought you were talking about music, not who you're attracted to." He asked me.

"Same thing. It's not like you like Beyoncé just for her vocals." I deflected.

"I don't even like Beyoncé-" Ethan stated.

Amber, Staci, Jordan and Sammy gasped.

"See, now I'm mad at you!!! Not like Beyoncé? What the hell is wrong with you?!?! Boy, bye!" I said, dramatically, waving my hand at him as we all laughed again.

In the end, Blake chose a great restaurant. The causal atmosphere and drink specials made for a fun, laugh filled lunch. A Sam Hunt song came on in the restaurant so Jordan and I sang it to each other, at the amusement of most people sitting around us. I sang it to Ethan too, he gave me a smirk before ignoring me, thinking I would stop. I didn't.

After lunch, we hit the casino together. Sammy wanted to show me what game she hit on the night before, so I went with her to check out a slot machine while Ethan told me he was going to step outside to make a phone call. I played the slot next to Sammy for a few minutes and ended up hitting a bonus for $200. I took a video on snapchat and quickly cashed out and went outside to show Ethan.

"Ethan! I hit a bonus!!!" I squealed happily when I saw him sitting out by the pool.

"One second Lily." He told me, motioning to his phone. "EJ says hi."

"Tell him I said wassup. And I won $200." I sat besides him.

"Did you hear Lily? She won on a casino game out here." Ethan said, putting it on speaker.

"Yeah, what game did you play? Poker? Black jack?" EJ asked me.

"It was a Willy Wonka machine. What do you know about gambling?" I replied.

"My mom used to let me play those games on her phone and I play Blackjack with my grandpa. You played a candy game?" EJ asked.

"Willy Wonka is a movie and our next movie night. And I won 200 dollars. I was thinking we should plan a trip to a real mountain while you're out of school so we can climb it!" I suggested.

"You could barely get up the fake mountain." EJ burned me.

"Fake mountain?" Ethan asked.

"We went indoor rock climbing." I explained to Ethan. "I was wearing the wrong shoes. I'm going to get some Jordan's just like yours so I can jump over the mountain." I told EJ.

"Good luck Lily." He laughed at me.

"Thank you!" I laughed too when I heard Megan in the background tell EJ to finish up his phone call.

"Ok. Mom said we need to go. Bye Dad. Bye Lily."

"Bye."

"Bye EJ."

"When did you go rock climbing with EJ?" Ethan asked me.

"Friday night. Give me your phone." I requested. He handed it over no questions asked and I went to his Apple store to download Snapchat.

"You and EJ are not climbing a mountain. You know that right?" He informed me.

"Why not? Are you planning to take EJ anywhere over the summer?" I said, looking up from creating Ethan a Snapchat account.

"The summer is my busiest time but Megan is taking him to Florida. I'm sure there will be no mountain climbing."

"Not a real mountain. Maybe on of those outdoor parks that have rock climbing, zip lines and ATVs. It can be a weekend road trip somewhere close so you don't have to take time off." I suggested as I requested his friends and family contacts on his phone.

"We'll see. What are you doing?" He finally asked me.

"Making you a Snapchat account. If you would have had it, you would've seen that EJ and I went rock climbing."

"Or you could just tell me and send me the pictures."

"It's not the same. Snapchat has all the cute filters."

"What?"

I turned the app over to him. "See? Now you can be a puppy. Or wear a flower crown."

"I'm never going to use this."

"Yes you are. I will send you pictures and tag you on my postings. You need to snap me something everyday."

"Snap?"

"Send me pictures or videos."

"Why?"

"Because it's boyfriend/girlfriend law." I lied. "Come here."

I posed and took a selfie of us together. I captioned it: Thx @Lily for introducing me to Snapchat 😍

I showed it to him before handing him back his phone.

"Did you really thank yourself?" He asked, putting his phone away.

"No. You thanked me." I grabbed his hand. "And you're welcome."

We headed to the theatre for the concert. We were the first ones there and Ethan pulled out our tickets so we could scope out our seats. Ethan original got us tickets in the back of section A, now we were in the middle of section C to sit with everyone. By the time we came back out, everyone was outside waiting. We took pictures before we went inside to our seats.

I absolutely loved the show. I was afraid no one else would enjoy it, but Corey, Jordan, and Will were familiar with Gary Clark Jr. and Blake became a fan. Once Staci and Amber had a few drinks, they were dancing on Daniel and Will and trying to sing along. Sammy stayed seated playing on her phone even when Corey tried to get her to listen to a few songs. Ethan was seated for the most part too, listening to the music unless I forced him to dance with me.

When Gary Clark Jr. started to play "Down to Ride", I sat in Ethan's lap.

"I love this song!" I said, loudly in his ear.

"You want to dance?" He asked.

"No. I want to sit here and listen."

I leaned against him, listening to the chill, soulful love song. His seductive guitar paired beautifully with the sweet lyrics he sang in falsetto. I closed my eyes, vibing to the song and singing to myself.

"Baby I want your love
Baby I need your love
Baby I want your love
From the first moment I knew
I really want to know you
I ain't never met nobody like you
You make me want to show you, the world"

As the music faded out, I opened my eyes to see Ethan staring at me. My stomach flipped violently when I saw the admiration and desire in his eyes. I struggled to maintain eye contact with him as my heart raced in my chest.

"It's a great song." He said, breaking eye contact to look at the stage, but at the same time holding me closer.

"Yeah? You liked it? I didn't ruin it with my singing?" I joked to relieve the tension as I caught the breath I didn't know I was holding.

"Not at all." He said, rubbing my back.

I nuzzled up against him. "Well, it can be our second song."

"What's our first song?"

"It's peanut butter jelly time!" I sang in his ear.

He chuckled at me. "Whatever you want Lily."

"Really?"

"Really."

I tilted my head to give him a kiss, showing him what I wanted.

Shake it Out

"And I've been a fool and I've been blind

I can never leave the past behind

I can see no way, I can see no way

I'm always dragging that horse around

All of his questions, such a mournful sound

Tonight I'm gonna bury that horse in the ground

Cause I like to keep my issues drawn

But it's always darkest before the dawn

Shake it out, shake it out

Shake it out, shake it out, ooh whoa

Shake it out, shake it out

Shake it out, shake it out, ooh whoa

And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back

So shake him off, oh whoa" Shake it Out by Florence and the Machine

"Are you sure you don't want to come?" Ethan asked as he got ready to go to EJ's basketball game.

"Yeah, I need to call my dad and tell him about...everything. I want to get it over with before EJ's birthday party." I was dreading telling anyone else about the woman who gave birth to me. I knew I had to tell my dad- he been asking about it since I told him I wrote her.

"You know you can skip the party?" He stood up after tying his shoes, looking effortlessly handsome with a little stubble on his face, black cargo pants and his team penguin shirt.

"Why would I skip the party?" I asked, after I was done checking him out.

"To take time for yourself." He responded.

"I had time to myself all week, this party is the highlight of my week. I'm going." I told him, gathering up my confidence.

"Ok." He said, moving in to give me a hug. I stepped into his arms, tilting my head back to give him a kiss. He kissed me tenderly, but I deepened the kiss as he held me close. My body molded against his and I ached with desire. I pulled away, abruptly, afraid I was using our attraction to each other to make myself feel better.

He let me pull away, but studied me carefully, before his phone rang. He looked down at it. "It's Megan." He said, apologetically as he turned away to answer the phone.

"Hello... Everything is fine...I'm on the way to his game right now... I'll check in after the game... Text me how many more we need... Ok." He hung up and turned to me. "Do you want me to pick you up after the game so we can ride to his party together?" He asked.

"No, I have a few errands I need to take care so I'll meet you there." I declined, walking him to the door.

"Call me if you change your mind or need anything." He told me as he stopped in front of the door.

"I will." I nodded.

"Seriously. You said you didn't want to be excluded last weekend, I feel the same way. Keep me informed." Ethan said.

I smiled, sincerely. "I promise, I will." I leaned in for a quick peck, pulling away before it developed into anything else. "See you later.

"Later Lily." He said before leaving.

After I watched him leave, I fed Justine and let her outside before I checked my phone. I had texts from Amber, Staci, Rocky, and Forrest. I decided to respond to them before I called my dad.

Amber: I'll be at the birthday party so we can deal with that bitch!

I didn't know who she was talking about until I read Staci's reply.

Staci: Mia lives off attention. Positive or negative. Ignore her... And Christian too. They both ain't shit.

Amber: I can't see her at work and not say anything. She's foul and needs to be called out!

Me: Staci is right- don't give her any attention.

Forrest: Rocky told me what you said to her. That was harsh Lily. She's going through a lot right now. You should be supporting her, not criticizing her.

Me: Wow, so your phone does work!  I think the best support I can give her is telling her the truth. Maybe the delivery was wrong, but the message wasn't. And it got her to talk to you, so you're welcome!

Rocky: I'm sorry and I promise I'm going to do better.

I held off on responding to her, planning to talk to her in person. I decided to text Cam, Bianca, and Benjamin the news about the woman who gave birth to me and her refusal to tall to me. Cam and Bianca both called me back, but I told them that I still needed to call Dad and I really didn't want to talk about it. Cam understood and told me he and Jenna were a phone call away if I needed anything. Bianca made me promise to come out for her birthday to celebrate how great our lives were without our mothers. 

After I talked to her, I gathered all my strength to call my dad. He answered on the 2nd ring.

"Good morning dad." I started.

"Good morning Lily. How are you? Is everything ok?" He asked.

"Uh, yeah. Everything's ok. Work's good. I'm good." I said, stalling. I took a deep breath before I revealed why I called. "I heard back from my- the woman who gave birth to me. She said she made the decision not to be a part of my life and sticks by it. She doesn't want to talk to me or me to reach out to her again."

My dad was uncharacteristically silent before he finally responded. "Damn her!" It was my turn to be silent. Any show of emotion was rare for him, but cursing out of anger was a big never in his book. "The best decision she made was staying out of your life." He proclaimed.

I blanched. "I was hoping to get some clarity about why that was. Or is."

"She's selfish Lilian. Always been. I know you wish there was more to it than that, but she incompatible of caring about anyone but herself." He said with vitriol.

Part of me believed that too, but another part of me understood there was a reason she turned out that way. "Ok. I didn't want you to be upset. I just wanted to let you know what happened. " I said, exhausted by the conversation already.

"I'm not upset. If anything, I'm glad she showed her true colors so this can be over and done."

"Right. I gotta get going. Tell Beatrice I said hello."

"Sure."

As soon as I got off the phone, I saw I had a message from Benjamin.

Benjamin: I know something happened Lily. At the very least you deserve answers. Now that you know her information, don't give her a choice about talking to you.

The thought of confronting her about her past never crossed my mind. I let it go for the time being to get ready for the party.  I chose my bikini with a tankini top and boyshort bottoms with my tank cover up and jean cutoffs to wear to the party. When I was done getting dressed, I called Rocky as I put EJ's present and a change of clothes in my car. She told me she was dropping by the party to give EJ his gift and pick up Ace from Brandon. I asked if we could meet up before the party and she invited me over. When I arrived at her house, she let me in with a nervous smile on her face.

I immediately gave her a huge hug. "I'm sorry."

"No, I'm sorry for lashing out at you." She said, hugging me back.

"I was lashing out at you too. I was 50% frustrated with you and 50% upset about other shit that had nothing to do with you." I said as I pulled back.

"But you were 100% right. Kids don't cause messes, they're born into them. I'm cleaning my mess up." She said as we sat on the couch.

"Does cleaning up mean a reconciliation with Forrest? Because he tried to scold me via text about what I said to you." I questioned.

She shook her head. "I apologized and told him that you going off made me realize how badly I handled everything."

I smiled. "I told him that too! I literally texted him that me going off got him a phone call from you."

We both laughed before she asked. "What other shit is going on with you?"

I waved it off. "I'll tell you another time. I don't want to get into it right now."

"Ok. Let's go to the party." Rocky stood up.

"You don't plan on swimming?" I eyed her black capris and blue blouse.

"No. Ace is too young for all that."

"I don't have a kid and I plan on going down at least one slide."

"You don't need a kid- you are one." She snorted at me, good humoredly.

I laughed. "Whatever mami."

I ended up riding with her, figuring Ethan or Amber could drop me off to get my car. I caught up with her about Forrest, Ace and Brandon on the drive. She and Forrest both decided the timing wasn't right but left the possibility open for trying again in the future. Brandon applied to and got an executive position at a new Target in the Colony. It was a little far from his and Rocky's places, but he would have a set schedule. He also proposed taking care of Ace's childcare when Rocky went back to work and told her to pick whatever she was the most comfortable with- daycare, nanny- whatever she wanted.

"I don't know if I'm team Forrest or team Brandon now..." I teased.

"Neither! Team Racqelle. I am figuring out what I want and all I want right now is to find a good daycare, lose this baby weight, and get back to killing it at work."

"Amber and Staci know good daycares. I can help with the baby weight. We can work out together until you go back to work. And you need to let me know what date you plan to go back so we can turn up before you do!"

We were planning times to work out together when we arrived at Great Wolf Lodge. We found the closest parking spot, which was still a good hike to the entrance. On the way, I text Ethan to let him know Rocky and I made it. He texted me back his room number. We welcomed the cool ac when we finally made it into the lodge theme resort. We dodge the kids and adults, scrambling around in swimwear and street clothes as we made our way the to the elevators. We walked to Ethan's extra room and were let in by Brandon.

Deborah was sitting on the couch, feeding Ace. "Hey ladies. How are you two?"

"Good. Thank you for asking. How are you?" I smiled, brightly. I was expecting to feel nervous or uncomfortable, knowing she knew I was dating her son, but she never made me feel anything but comfortable.

"Good for now. Ask me in about half an hour when the party starts and we're dealing with 12 boys all hyped up in a water park." She smiled, patting the couch for us to sit down by her.

"I hope Ace didn't give you any trouble." Rocky said, as Deborah burped him.

"No. He is such a good baby. He's perfectly content as long as he's sitting up and able to move his head around."

"Yeah, momma's little busy body." Rocky cooed at him, taking him from Deborah's arms.

"I wonder who he gets that from?" I teased Rocky and Brandon.

"His daddy."

"His momma." They accused each other, simultaneously. Deborah and I laughed at them while they gave each other a smile. It was so touching seeing them bond over Ace.

Ethan and his dad Albert joined us in the hotel room, and after greetings and hugs we sat down together and caught up.

"I have a beautiful family. We need to take a picture together." Albert announced, smiling widely at Brandon, Rocky and Ace before turning to Ethan and I sitting together.

"Stop Al." Deborah chided him in a playful tone.

"Stop what? When's the next time we're all going to be together?" Al smiled.

"Hopefully 4th of July." Deborah responded

"Am I invited?" I asked Ethan with a smile.

"I don't know. You know what happen last time you came..." Brandon joked while they laughed.

"He has a point." Ethan smiled too.

"Whatever. I have to work anyway." I laughed.

"You do?" Ethan asked me.

"Yeah, I told Dr. Clayton he could get 4th of July if I got Memorial Day. We just alternate." I explained.

"What time do you get off?" Deborah asked me.

"5pm."

"That's plenty of time! Swing by when you get off." Albert invited me.

"I will... If Ethan wants me there." I nudged him. He wrapped his arm around me as his mom replied.

"You're always welcomed whether he invites you or not. You're family: come over anytime you want." She stated, sincerely.

I nodded, wanting to thank her, but suddenly choked up. I warmed at the fact that she meant every word but the part that complete strangers were willing to embrace and accept me while the woman who gave birth to me wanted nothing to do with me hurt. That hurt brought tears to my eyes, and I stood up before anyone could notice.

"Excuse me." I said, heading to the bathroom. I ran the water, willing myself not to cry. I was in the bathroom for a few minutes when there was a knock on the door before it opened. I didn't have to look up to know it was Ethan. I felt him in the silence. I hid my eyes from him when he stood behind me. He held me by the waist, gently.

"I'm sorry. You were right. I shouldn't have come." I said on a shaky breath.

"I'd rather you be here with me." He said, rubbing my back in calming circle. "You can stay in the room and relax or I will drive you home. Whatever you want."

"No. I'm ok. I just need to say my affirmations and get myself together."

"Affirmations?"

"It's a stupid thing from therapy but it makes me feel better." I explained, looking up in the mirror at him.

"Say them." He instructed me, still rubbing my back.

I forced myself to look at my reflection, took a deep breath and recited. "I am strong. I am confident. I am worthy. My feelings may be hurt, my emotions will change, but it doesn't change who I am."

I said it a few more times until I felt strong, confident and worthy. When I looked back at Ethan in the mirror, he was watching me, looking deep in thought.

"I'm ok now." I nodded.

"Ok." He said, pulling away to grab my hand. We went back into the room and everyone was gone.

"They headed to the Megan's room before the party starts." Ethan explained.

I sighed. "This is the first time I hung out with your parents as your girlfriend. They probably think I'm a crazy person who cries at birthday parties now. I bet your mom is regretting that family comment." I lamented.

"No. Even before we started dating, my parents viewed you as family. Because of your connection with EJ, that is never going to change. You can view them as your family too, if you want." Ethan said, simply.

The sweetness of his genuine statement had tears threaten to fall again, but I blinked them back and gave him a quick kiss instead.

We joined everyone in the bear den suite that Megan rented for the weekend. It was massive and EJ immediately took me upstairs to the loft bedroom him and the few friends he invited to send the night with him were sleeping. His excitement was infectious and soon I was smiling, joking and laughing along with him.

On the way to the party room, Rocky walked beside me, asking if I was ok.

"My mom finally reached out and she doesn't want to be a part of my life so I'm dealing with it." I said, going with the rip the bandaid off approach. Strangely, it didn't hurt as much as when I told my dad.

"I'm sorry Lily." She said, sympathetically. "But it's like you said, kids don't cause messes- they are born into them. There's nothing you can do if she refuses to fix it herself."

"I'm finally understanding that. That I might have been born into her mess, but I don't have to be a part of it."

Rocky nodded in agreement. "That's right. You deserve better."

We arrived at the party room which Megan had decked out in birthday decor. Kids dropped off presents and got their wristbands to go into the water park. Amber and Will were waiting in the room chatting with a few of the other parents. Most of the parents were fully dressed, planning to stay in the party room while their kids played.

I was trying to secure Will's wristband under the guise of helping Amber with her kids when Ethan approached me with a electronic band. "It's the room key too. You don't have to scheme for one." Ethan smirked at me, putting the band on my wrist.

"I have no idea what you're taking about. I'm just trying to help." I smiled as he snapped it on me.

"Sure you are-" he started before Megan called him away to help with something.

I was pulling off my cover up when Amber pushed her phone in my face.

"Look at this!" Amber demanded. I squinted to make out Mia in a darkened room with Christian sleep beside her. I didn't even read the caption.

"Amber, I don't care." I said, putting her arm down.

"How can you not care? She's purposely went after him knowing y'alls history. You can't let her get away with it." Amber said heatedly.

"Get away with what? Dating a guy I don't like? I don't like her either. Maybe they'll be perfect for each other!"

"Did you read the caption? She's subbing you!" Amber continued.

"Amber. I. Do. Not. Care." I reiterated sternly. "I can't see her post because I never friended her and I blocked Christian. If it upsets you this much, you need to do the same."

She reluctantly put her phone away and we followed the kids into the water park. Krista ran off with the boys to the water slide and I followed her. We chatted as we waited in line before sliding down the huge slide. We slid a few times before we rejoined Amber, April and Robbie playing in the wave pool.

Robbie kept running away from Amber and I eventually gave Amber a break and ran after Robbie for awhile. We ended up in the kiddie splash area with Tatiana, Alex's mom and another woman I didn't recognize. I gave Tatiana a nod of recognition.

"Lily right? Ethan's girlfriend?" Tatiana asked me.

"Just Lily." I replied with a small smile since Ethan hadn't told EJ yet.

"Hi just Lily. I'm Alyssa. Tommy's mom." The woman next to her held out her hand with a smile.

Tommy, the coach's son.

"Nice to meet you." I shook her hand, taking my eyes of Robbie to greet her. She was looking over my swimsuit critically and I had to look away from her to keep from rolling my eyes.

Alyssa pointed out Robbie. "How old is your son?"

"5 in a few months and he's not my son." I said as Robbie headed for the outside door. I let him out and he headed straight for the wade pool with a giant wolf sculpture in the middle. It occasionally howled as Robbie splashed at it, asking me a million questions about wolves. I sat with my feet in the water as I tried to answer his questions.

"How fast can wolves run?" Robbie asked me.

"Umm-" I thought about it, wishing I had my phone.

"It depends on the type of wolf." Will answered, joining him in the water. Ethan was with him and sat by my side.

Satisfied with his dad's answer, he continued playing.

"Good answer. Why didn't I think of that?" I asked Will.

"A lot of his questions I answer with it depends. Sooner or later, he's going to realize I don't know anything but electronics."

"That's better than me. If it's not reality tv or food, or reality tv about food, I'm out." I kidded.

"I hear you. Gordon Ramsey is my guilty pleasure." Will admitted.

"Who's Gordon Ramsey?" Ethan asked.

"British chef? Hell's kitchen? Master Chef? Kitchen Nightmare?" When Ethan didn't recognize any show, I imitated Ramsey. "It's raw, you donkey! Shut it down!!!"

Will smiled while Ethan just shook his head.

"I have so much to teach you." I sighed, mockingly.

"About food, reality t.v. and reality t.v. about food?" Ethan commented.

"Yes!"

"No thanks."

"Donkey!" I called him.

"What sounds do donkies make?" Robbie asked.

He proceeded to ask me a million and one questions about donkeys. When his dad took him to the basketball hoop, Ethan looked at me with a satisfied smile."You feel like a donkey, don't you?"

"Shut up." I laughed, pushing at his chest. He smirked and grabbed my wrist. His light touch sent sparks up my arm as he stared into my eyes.

"How are you feeling?" He asked, circling my wrist.

"Better now. How bout you?" I breathed huskily.

He gave me a full smile. "Good."

I smiled at him, and was about to ask if the offer of spending the night with him was still on the table, when Megan joined us.

"We need to set up the room." She said, no preamble.

"They don't do that?" Ethan asked.

"No, but never mind. I'll do it by myself." She said, turning to leave.

"Let me go help her."

"I can help too."

"No. Relax. I'll find you in a bit."

"Ok."

I went inside and found Amber, Krista, April, Will and Robbie drifting through the lazy river. Not wanting to interrupt their family time, I went up to my room to change into a sundress so I could help set up the room. When I came back down, the room was set up and the kids in swimsuits and towels filed into the room.

Megan threatened them with no pizza if they didn't put on the wolf ears for one picture. They all begrudgingly complied and I took a few pictures of EJ with his birthday themed wolf ears. I sat down with Rocky, Amber, Krista, April and Robbie. Krista chatted about what she wanted to do at the hotel. Amber reminded her they were only staying for the party but Krista just planned their next trip there. Amber looked exasperated, but eventually ignored her as I talked to her about everything she wanted to do for the summer. She talked until the food was served.

The kids devoured the pizza, leaving little for the adults. Megan offered to order more, but the other parents politely declined. I leaned to Rocky and asked if she wanted me to get her anything from the various food stands.

"No. Ace is getting sleepy. I'm going to head out with him."

"Before the cake is cut?" I clutched my invisible pearls. 

Rocky laughed at me. "Girl! I told you I'm trying to lose the baby weight. You're supposed to be my trainer."

"I am! First rule, you can't deprive yourself. When you deprive yourself, it becomes a craving. Then you crave it until you finally give in and you overeat. If you want it, eat it- in moderation!"

"Fine. Bring me back a slice. Two if it's kid size."

I laughed. "Sure. Come on. I'll walk you out."

We got up and Rocky said good bye to everyone. I didn't need to walk her out as Brandon did. After everyone ate, we sang happy birthday and cut the cake. Then, EJ opened his presents. His friends got him video games, basketball gear, a selfie stick and gift cards. His best friend Jayden got him a 24 pack of Takis, mountain dews and a new headset for his xbox. EJ loved it.

EJ also loved the Jordan's basketball shoes Ethan got him. He had been asking for them forever, but Ethan wasn't one to overspend for a brand because an athlete endorsed them or because Tommy had them. I understood Ethan's position, but they were awesome shoes and matched his teams colors and I kinda wanted a pair for myself. He loved the hoover board I gifted him too, but nothing could compare to the new laptop Megan and Dave got him. He and his friends flipped out about it. I could tell Ethan wasn't pleased as his lips tightened. I stood up and walked over to him.

"She didn't tell you she was getting him a laptop?" I asked him quietly.

"She mentioned it. I thought we decided he was too young and didn't need one right now." Ethan muttered.

I looked at Megan as EJ gave her and Dave a big hug. I grabbed Ethan's hand behind his back and squeeze it reassuringly.

"I'm going to sneak out and get a burger from the bar and grill. Do you want something? Burger? Beer? Bourbon neat?"

He smiled at me. "No but if you can hold off an hour, after the party we can go out to eat."

"Really? Aren't some of the kids spending the night? Is Megan going to need help?" I asked, intrigued.

"That was Megan's deal with EJ to let them stay after the party. She can handle them."

I smiled at his reasoning. "Ok, sounds good but invite your parents too so I can redeem myself."

"You don't need to, but I will." He agreed.

The party broke up at the designated time. A group of 5 kids were spending the night. Once all the other kids were picked up and EJ's gifts were put up in his room, Ethan and I went out to dinner with his parents.

"Some of the other moms refer to me as your girlfriend. When are we going to tell EJ about us?" I asked Ethan as we drove to the restaurant.

"Soon. Let's talk about it after dinner." 

We went out to a seafood place near the hotel. It was a great dinner, with Deborah being her normally sweet self and Albert mildly teasing us about how long it took us to get together. When we got back to the hotel, we decided to stop by Megan's room to stay goodnight to EJ. We waited after he knocked on the door. There was no answer.

Ethan called Megan and learned they were at the arcade. We went down and found EJ playing with his friends and Megan watching, looking exhausted. When Ethan mentioned calling it a night, she glared at him. "Are you going to tell the birthday boy he has to go to bed?"

"His party is over. Tell him it's time to go back to the room and play with his new gifts." Ethan suggested.

"Or you can hang out with him, especially since you bailed last night and again today as soon as the party was over." She said smartly.

"You can't bail on something that wasn't part of the plan." Ethan corrected her.

"Why don't I take them on the magic quest?" I offered. "I kinda want to do that; explore the hotel a little more. Then afterward, they can go to bed."

"That's a great idea. Is that ok Ethan? Can that be a part of the plan?" Megan said, chirpy.

"Fine." He said, in a monotone voice.

"Of course it's fine. Thanks Lily." Megan said, in the same tone.

"They'll be up in an hour or so." Ethan told her. She shot him the peace sign before heading towards the elevator.

While we waited for the kids to run out of money, I asked Ethan, "Are we at the point of our relationship where we can ask about past relationships?"

"What do you want to know?"

"Everything! Like how did you and Megan meet? What about her were you attracted to? Did she change...a lot?" I asked, somewhat confused by their dynamic. They co-parent EJ fine for the most part, but they didn't really seem like friends. I was having trouble even imagining them in a relationship.

"We met the beginning of my senior year. We had a few classes together. She was smart and sarcastic, not silly like most girls were at her age. We got along well and we decided to be in a relationship. It never progressed past that. We actually broke up when I went to college, but we still talked when I was back home. When my grandfather died, she was there for me and we got back together. Then EJ happened. I wasn't there for her like she wanted and it caused friction between us. We didn't get along anymore."

"That's it?" I said, hoping to hear why she cheated and why it seemed like she carried some resent now.

"You were there when we broke up. You know how that happened." He mentioned.

"Oh." I was still curious but I didn't get the chance to ask anymore questions as the boys one by one began to join us. Once everyone was out of money, we went to buy magic wands and go on the quest. Majority of the boys thought it was lame at first, but once we made it a competition, we all got into it. Even Ethan was enjoying himself as we battled dragons, saved pixies and found jewels. After awhile we started working together instead of competing.

Instead of going to bed, we went to the howl dance party afterwards. We danced around and I recorded the boys dance off before forcing Ethan to dance with me. It was more of him standing while I danced around him but it was still fun. We had a great time and when the dance was over, Ethan rallied the boys up to go to the room.

He told them they didn't have to go to sleep, but keep the noise down as Megan was sleeping. We said goodnight and went back to Ethan's room. When we got back to the room, Ethan let me shower first and after I did, I stretched out on the bed, exhausted. I was dozing off when Ethan joined me freshly showered in a t-shirt and gym shorts.

"How are you feeling?" He asked, running his fingers over my hair.

"Tired." I exhaled. "But good. Very good."

"How did talking to your dad go?" He asked me.

"Um... I think he's relieve she didn't want to talk to me but that's not shocking. He's never thought me reaching out to her was a good idea." I revealed.

"Did he ever mention why?"

"Because she's a selfish, horrible person." I sighed. "I don't know. My cousin Benjamin thinks I should confront her with the little I do know."

"Do you want to do that?"

"No. I think I have to let it go. I tried, now I should move on." I explained.

"Whatever you decide to do, I'm here for you." He wrapped an arm around me.

"I know." I snuggled against him before we fell asleep.

We woke up the next morning and got dressed for the character breakfast buffet. Woodland characters walked around, waving and taking pictures with kids as we ate breakfast. The boys weren't into the characters, but they enjoyed the massive quantities of food. Everything tasted pretty much average, but they loved the waffles, french toast, bacon and donuts. They had a donut eating contest that would have put Homer Simpson to shame.

After breakfast, the boys went back to the water park. Ethan went to supervisor them outside while Megan and I found a table to sit at inside with everyone's belongings. I tried to make small talk with Megan, showing her the videos of the boys the night before dancing. She didn't seem interested in small talk or the videos and when Dave arrived, she ignored me completely.

The other parents came to pick up their children around noon and after we packed Ethan's truck with EJ's presents, we said goodbye to Megan and left with EJ. Ethan dropped me off at Rocky's so I could get my car. I waved at them goodbye before they left. When I got home, I took Justine to the dog park. When I got home, I took a shower and started a load of clothes. I was letting my hair dry as I vacuumed my living room when my phone rang. It was Ethan.

"I wanted to let you know I talked to EJ about us dating." He informed me.

"I thought you wanted us to talk about it."

"We are."

"I meant before you told him. I kinda wanted to be there so we could tell him together."

"He wouldn't have been honest because he doesn't want to hurt your feelings."

I didn't believe that, but I decided to follow his lead when it came to EJ. 

"Ok. How did he take it?"

"He was ok with it. He did ask if you were moving in with us."

I gasped. "What did you tell him?"

"I told him no one would live with us unless we were married and you and I haven't been dating long enough to know if we want to get married." He explained.

"Ok. Did he have any other questions?"

"Only if we would all have to hang out now and go on dates together. I told him no."

"That's why I wanted to be there so I could tell him that the friendship between him and I will never change."

"I told him that the only thing changing is that you and I will be spending more time together because we are dating."

"Still, maybe we should plan a weekend or something were it's just me and him like we used to."  I suggested.

"We can do that." Ethan agreed.

Once I got off the phone with Ethan, I saw I had a text message from Trevor.

Trevor: Booked my flight to L.A. Any suggestions to where I should go?

Me: My brother's house. He'll take care of you.

He didn't respond right away so I went to blow dry my hair. I was almost done when Trevor responded.

Trevor: I'm trying Lily. I really wish you wouldn't make me try so hard. Maybe you don't need me, but I need you in my life.

He completely misinterpreted the tone of my text. I video called him right back to explain. Besides, he was the only person that didn't know about Ethan and me. I needed to tell him.

"I was kidding. Like, hahaha, I made a funny." I said when he answered.

"I didn't know. Last time we talked you were not joking." He said, a half smile on his face.

"That's why I video called you so you can see my face expressions and hand gestures." I said, waving my hands, dramatically, knocking over my opened hair product in the process. "Shit." I exclaimed, quickly picking it up.

"What was that?" He laughed.

"My hair mask. This shit is like $50 an ounce. Stop laughing." I giggled too.

"You overpaid."

"Oh, so it's not working?" I cut my eyes at him, in mock anger.

"Your hair looks good, but I'll need to see it in person. Speaking of which, you wanna watch Thor while I'm in L.A.?" He asked.

"Send me the dates. If I don't have plans with my boyfriend, absolutely." I said, trying the bandaid approach again.

He gave me a crooked smile. "It's about time you told me about him."

I gasped, then close my mouth before responding. "Who told you? Amanda or Sammy?"

"No one did. You're brother eluded to you dating someone, but he didn't tell me." He answered. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I was going to. It's just the last few times we talked it was awkward, and I didn't want to make it more uncomfortable by telling you about him."

"Why would you telling me about your boyfriend be uncomfortable?" He crossed his arms over his chest.

"It was uncomfortable for me when you brought your new girlfriend to my best friend's birthday party. But maybe that was because you rubbed her in my face, and sang our song with her..." I said, matter of factly.

"Savage Garden was our song?" He smiled, avoiding everything else I said.

"Don't change the subject. I just didn't want it to be awkward and uncomfortable so I was waiting for the right time."

He uncrossed his arms to rest them on his legs. "Honestly, I kinda already knew. You wouldn't have gone to a formal event and take pictures like that if you're not together."

I shook my head as I thought about the pictures with Uriel at the Mavs Ball he was referring to. "I'm not dating him. That was a bad date. My work friend Monica posed us like that. I don't even talk to him anymore." I explained.

Trevor's brow furrowed with confusion. "So who is your boyfriend?"

"Ethan." I said, watching his reaction closely.

His brow furrowed deeper, he opened his mouth to respond, then stopped before trying again. "I wasn't expecting that." He shook his head, his hair falling over his forehead.

"Awkward and uncomfortable huh?" I joked, slightly.

He pushed his hair off of his face. "Y'alll being together is."

"What? How?"

"How y'all met, everything that happened between you two, EJ. None of that is awkward?" He questioned me.

"I mean, we addressed all of it before we committed so no, it's not."

"Ok. If you say so." He said, doubtfully.

I changed the subject. "So your girlfriend can't watch Thor for you?"

"She's not my girlfriend. Just someone I was dating."

"Was?"

"Was." He confirmed with a head nod. "If Ethan is not ok with you watching Thor-"

"He won't care." When he raised an eyebrow at me, I continued. "Really. He's always trying to train Justine and get her to calm down. He'll probably like Thor more than Justine." I smiled at Ethan's wasted attempts on my hyper dog.

"That doesn't shock me. He's pretty stern. Disciplined. Grim." He listed.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Grim?"

"Just... Not easy going like you. Honesty, the complete opposite of you."

"Sure." I replied, flatly.

"I didn't mean it in a bad way."

"Grim? Complete opposite? How is that not a bad thing Trevor?"

He grinned. "I don't know. Opposite Attraction?"

"You needed suggestions right?" I changed the subject.

"Suggestions?"

"Places to go while you're in California."

"Right. Shoot."

We talked a little bit more about the places I liked to go, places Cam would take him and places Cam wouldn't take him but he should still go. We hung up and Trevor's comment of Ethan and I being complete opposites lingered in my mind. When I couldn't shake them, I turned on my music to tune out my thoughts and finished cleaning.