These events take place tonight. So if it bothers you that I posted too early, don't read till 8pm! Thanks for all the comments and compliments! Y'all are awesome!
Cooler than Me- Mike Posner
"Wakey wakey wakey!!!" Sammy called, knocking on my door, before opening it. I looked up from my vanity, surprised that she's already up. It's Saturday. I figured she'd be sleeping in.
"Oh, you're up! Come on. Lets finish cleaning so we can get ready for the housewarming!" She said. We had talked all week about having people over tonight.
"I can't. I made plans-" I started.
"What do you mean? You invited people!" Sammy said, throwing her hands on her hips.
"I did. I'll be back before 6. That's what time I told people to come. Right now I have a hair appointment. You were the one who told me it was way past time. So I'm finally going to do that." I answered.
"Well, I'll go with you. Then we can clean when we get back. Where are you going?" She said.
I shrugged. "I'm not sure. Jasmine is going to send me the address."
"Who's Jasmine?"
I furrowed my eyebrows at her. "Jake's sister. She's a beautician." I explained.
"Oh, well never mind. I'll stay and get ready for the party."
"Alright, what's really going on? Cause I invited both Jake and Jasmine, so if there's a problem-"
"There is no problem. I'm just more worried about the townhouse looking good." She said, defensively.
I could tell that wasn't the truth, but I didn't press it. Besides, she should be the one putting her stuff away.
"It will. As soon as you put your things out in the storage."
I stood up and followed her out of my room. I said goodbye and headed to the city of Irving. I contacted Jasmine Friday about the housewarming and setting up a hair appointment. She agreed to do my hair today as my housewarming gift. But only if I agreed to let her have total freedom on the style. I agreed. Worst case scenario, I could invest in hats. Or a wig.
The shop she works at is in a strip mall. But it's cute and crowded. Jasmine is finishing up with a client, so I sat and flipped through a hair style book while I waited.
"Nope, put it down. No input from you today." Jasmine said, before leading me to her booth.
"Just killing time..." I said, sitting in the chair. "I trust you. Completely."
"Famous last words." One of her co-workers laughed at me.
"Cierra la boca. No me chingues." Jasmine snapped at her. I chuckled.
Jasmine looked at me surprised. "You speak Spanish?"
"I understand a lot more than I speak" I explained.
She nodded. "So I better watch my mouth."
I shrugged. "No problems here."
3 hours of cutting, dying, washing, blow drying, cutting some more, flat ironing, and curling and Jasmine is done. I looked in the mirror in front of me. My hair is now falling down to my shoulder blades in sleek spiral curls. And it's also caramel blonde.
I'm in awe as I look in the mirror.
"Say something..." Jasmine said, smiling.
"Jasmine...I can't believe this." I said, examining my head. "I look completely different."
"Is that a good thing?"
"It's an amazing thing!" I said, smiling widely. I loved it. My whole face is brightened. My skin looks glowing. It's amazing what a new dye job can do. I feel brand new. Like I can be anyone I want to be...
I paid Jasmine, even though she declined. I couldn't not pay for her amazing work. I made sure she had the right address before heading off. Sammy texted me a list of things she needed. I made a trip to the grocery and liquor store.
I made small talk with the liquor store clerk. When he finds out I just moved in the Addison area, he handed me his business card and told me to give him a ring if I need help getting accustomed to the area. I smiled and took it. I'm in no way interested in him, but it's fun just to flirt a little. And he gave me demo light up shot glasses, so it was worth it!
When I get back to the apartment, I gotta give Sammy her credit. It was spotless! I was so excited to show off my new apartment and my new look. So excited in fact, I decided to respond to Ethan text.
Me: It's cool. We're having a get together at my new apartment. Stop by any time after 6 if you don't have plans.
Simple, causal and cool. That was the new, blonde me.
I hopped in the shower, carefully watching not to get my hair wet. I checked my phone after I got out the shower. No new messages. Afterwards, I pull on white jean shorts and a peach lace tank. The scooped neckline showed a sexy hint of cleavage.
Simple, casual, cool. My new mantra. And style, with just a hint of sexy.
I keep my makeup light, and opted for no shoes. Just an ankle bracelet. I checked my phone again. When I still see no new messages, I went downstairs. I purposely left my phone in my room. I saw Amber, Sammy and my ex co=worker and friend from Dave and Buster's, had already made it.
"Amber!!!" I squealed, rushing towards her.
"Lily!!! You look fantastic! I love your hair!" She said, when I hugged her. She looked me up and down, in awe.
"Sammy is such a liar. She said you're all depressed and moody over a guy. You don't look upset." Amber said.
I looked over at Sammy. "I'm not. I'm cool." I said, breezily. Cool.
"Great! Jasmine hooked you up. I told you would look great as a blonde." Sammy smiled at me. "Alright bitches! We got a party to get ready for. Lily, we're already two shots deep! You need to catch up!"
I caught up with tequila before our first guests arrived. I met and re-met a lot of Sammy's friends from Arlington. And the new guy Sammy is talking to. His name is Phillip. He's alright looking. Definitely not more attractive than Jake. He works at a tattoo shop and told us to check him out if we're looking for any tattoos or piercings.
Sammy sat on Phillip's lap on the couch. Directly across from Jake as he chatted with Brandon, Rocky and Jasmine. A look of disgust passed his face, before he headed to the kitchen. I excused myself from talking to Jordan and Peyton and followed him.
"So, as someone that was in your position, say,... a week ago, I have some advice for you." I said to him, as he poured himself a Crown and 7.
"And what position is that?" Jake asked, looking down at me.
"You know, Sammy and Phillip..."
"Whoaaa... I assumed you had feelings for Ethan?" He cut me off.
"Whatever." I said, noncommittally. Causal
He smiled. "Then we are not in the same position. I don't wanna cuss that guy out. I wanna thank him. And warn him. Your new roommate is treacherous. Watch your back."
I laughed. "Ohmigosh. What do you have against my friends?"
"Nothing. Just her." He said, sipping on his drink.
"You don't like Rocky either." I accused.
"Why do you think I don't like Rocky?"
"Umm, cause you were an ass to her!" I exclaimed.
"Nah... I just don't root for losing teams." Jake explained.
I wanted to ask him to explain that. And why Sammy was treacherous, but I heard Sammy calling my name.
I looked up at the walkway of the kitchen. I saw Sammy. And Ethan trailing behind her. As much as I tried to be cool, my stomach dropped.
"Good luck." Jake said, under his breath, before heading to the living room. Sammy followed him.
"Hey. You made it" I said. My cheerfulness sounded forced even to my own ears.
"I did. Did you get my text?" He asked, stopping in front of me. He handed me a huge gift bag.
"Thanks." I said, setting it on the counter. He looked so good, I normally would've been intimidated, if I didn't know how good I looked. Everyone complimented me on my new hair color. Everyone but Jake. He made a dumb blonde joke. But his compliment was in how he looked me over.
I shook my head at him. "Nope. What did it say?"
"Just that I wanted to speak to you. In private."
My body clenched at "in private", but I pushed it away.
"Sure. I need to get my phone anyway. Follow me." Simple.
I led him upstairs to my room. Rocky sent me a questioningly look which I responded to by sticking my tongue out at her.
When we got to my room, I grabbed my phone off my charger. I checked it really quick, my back to Ethan. I needed a moment to compose myself. Coming up here alone with Ethan probably wasn't my best idea. I did receive a text from him, asking if we can talk. I had another from my brother, saying he and Trevor are on the way.
I flopped on to my bed and crossed my legs. I'm pleased when I see him glance at them. Even if it's only for a second, it gave me a boost of confident.
Cool, causal, simple.
"So talk." I said, cocking my head at him.
"I just wanted to apologize in person. I really just wanted to get through the bbq. But I understand how that must have felt for you. And for that, I apologize." He said, sincerely.
I nodded. "I understand. Apology accepted." I said, simply.
"About what I said, by the car..." Ethan started.
"Don't. Let's just forgive and forget and leave it at that, Ethan." I said, as calmly as possible. I don't wanna relive that conversation. No amount of chanting my mantra would keep me from feeling the sting of his rejection.
"Really?"
"Yep. Trying to keep things easy, not hard. I know how you like your women easy." I smiled, jokingly. He didn't return my smile.
"Speaking of, if Karen's okay with it, I would like if we could be friends." I suggested.
"I'm not with Karen. " He said, pointedly.
"No?"
"No. When she ignored me, then just showed up, unannounced, I was done. I don't have times for games like that. Her behavior just confirmed that." Ethan stated.
That would have made me ecstatic. If he hadn't called me childish and turned me down too ...
"Well, perfect. We can be friends. Like before we decided to fool around and fuck everything up." I said, looking up at him.
"Lily-" Ethan started, sitting on the bed next to me. My heart was racing.
Causal. Simple. Cool... Fuck. It was all going out the window.
"LILY!!! We're here!!!" Trevor's voice interrupted my thoughts and cut Ethan off as he busted in to the room. He glared at Ethan when he saw him in my room, on my bed. I knew my brother couldn't be far away if Trevor was here.
This should be fun.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Thursday, July 10, 2014
You're My Fantasy
You're My Fantasy- Robin Thicke
"Lily wait..." Ethan pleaded with me.
I stopped walking, but kept my back to him. I had no idea why he was at Rocky's house. Nor why neither one of them warned me he was coming over. He was just there, in the living room. When I saw him as I left my room, I immediately turned around to flee. But I wasn't quick enough.
"What is it?" I said, trying to keep my voice even. So it wouldn't betray how much it hurt to see him.
I felt him approaching me from behind. "What do I need to do to prove to you that I'm sorry?" He asked, wrapping his arms around my waist.
A shiver ran down my spine. "Nothing..." I said, pushing it away. "I get it. You're sorry. Lets just move on."
"No." Ethan replied, turning me around to face him. "Baby, I'll never move on from you." He said, tilting his head down so his forehead brushed mine. My knees buckled. "I would never pick her over you. I couldn't pick anyone over you. All I want is you."
He didn't give me a chance to respond. He just pressed his mouth to mine in a passionate embrace. He held me tightly in his arms. When I pulled away, he just moved his mouth to my neck.
"Please. We belong together. I see that now. I'll do anything to have you back. I won't let anyone come between us again baby." Ethan murmured between kisses.
When I allowed him to kiss me again, he picked me up and carried me to my room. He laid me on the bed and started peeling off my clothes. I followed his lead and removed his clothes too. When we were both naked, he laid his lean body on top of me. He grinded into me, inches away from giving me what I so desperately wanted...
"Ring Ring Ring!!!" The bell of my alarm on my phone woke me up and out of my dream. My body was flushed with heat and arousal. I kicked my covers off the couch, but the cool air from the ceiling fan in Sammy's apartment was not helping.
Fuck. This is what I get. All day at work, I debated over whether I should text Ethan back. I came over Sammy's apartment after work to help her finish packing and assess what we still needed to buy. Before I went to bed, I decided not to text Ethan. I didn't have anything to say to him.
Unfortunately, he was on my mind before I forced myself to sleep Monday night. I didn't have time to analyze my sex dream with Ethan. I had to get Sammy up so she could get ready for the movers. And I could be at the apartment when our new furniture arrived.
At the townhouse, the furniture is delivered right on time. I decided to wait to put my bed together till Sammy could help. Sammy and the movers showed up around 2 and they unloaded everything into the apartment. Sammy had to leave once they were done to clean her apartment. I got to work separating and setting things up. That's what Rocky found me doing when she came over.
"Where's Sammy?" She asked. She's wearing jeans, a cute top, and sneakers.
"Cleaning her apartment." I answered, pushing the red living room set around. Since I already had the boxes out of the living area and into Sammy's room or the kitchen, I figured I could see where everything looked best.
"She couldn't do that later?" Rocky asked, looking around the apartment.
"I don't know. I was too busy trying to organize boxes. I guess I could call and ask, but I have to get my bed set up and buy freaking kitchen stuff if I wanna actually live in my apartment!" I exclaimed.
Rocky chuckled and shook her head.
"Come on. You need a break. Lets go shopping and get you situated. Brandon is at work so we can use his discount. Leave some stuff for Sammy to do. We'll put the bed together when we get back." Rocky ordered.
I decided not to argue with her, cause I knew I was getting overwhelmed. I'm thankful she didn't say anything else about Sammy's disappearing act.
I'm so glad she suggested Target. Not only did I get new plates, silverware, and cooking supplies, but I got things I didn't think about, like trash cans and a comforter for my bed. Rocky also bought me an awesome oversized mirror to go in the den. Brandon checked out with us and used his 10% discount. He helped us put our things in the car.
When we got back to the townhouse, we brought in the bags. Rocky and I set up the mirror first. I stood in front of it, making duck faces, while Rocky played on her phone.
"Ok. You need to go pick up the pizza. I'll organize the kitchen." She announced.
"What? No. Just have it delivered. Then we can work together." I argued.
"No. I want good pizza. From this place called Italian Villa. That's the least you could do for all the work I'm about to do." Rocky countered.
I made a face, but left to pick up the pizza. The restaurant is in Carrollton. It's small and casual. It's BYOB, and I see a group with a box of wine on their table. Only in Texas. But I love it. If the ambiance didn't win me over, the smells radiating from the place did.
While I waited for the pizza, I got to check out the eye candy that are the workers. Especially a cute busboy. He has an alternative look, with skinny jeans and a red work shirt. His hair cut had his bangs falling in his face as he bused a table. When he caught me looking, he winked at me. I blushed and looked away. Thankfully, my pizza is ready a little after that.
When I pulled up to my townhome, I'm pretty sure I see Trevor's Honda in the parking lot.
"There's a surprise for you in your bedroom." Rocky smiled, confirming my suspicions.
I put the pizza down on the dining room table before heading up the stairs.
"Is it Channing Tatum as Magic Mike?" I yelled, loudly, so Trevor could hear me from the top of the stairs. "Cause that's the only person I would allow in my bedroom right now."
When I walked through the door, Trevor is standing in the middle of my room. He already started putting together my bed. He lifted his shirt, and started doing a body roll.
"You know I look better than Channing Tatum." He smiled at me.
I smiled back. "Keep dreaming T-Rev!" I said, before giving him a hug. I really missed him these last few days. "I brought pizza. Let me feed you before I put you to work." I laughed at him.
He laughed too, before putting his arm around me. We went down the stairs together.
"How was your Fourth?" I asked him, when we made it down the stairs.
"Crazy... but good. How bout you?" He responded.
"I bet you mine was crazier than yours."
"Doubtful."
"Try me." I asked, when we arrived in the kitchen.
"Well, did you get a girlfriend?" Trevor asked.
I froze.
"You and Becca?" Rocky exclaimed.
"Yep. We made it official." Trevor nodded.
"That's great. Right Lily?" Rocky said, handing me a plate.
I nodded, stunned. I couldn't even verbalize how I felt about that. He just smiled at me.
I cleared my throat. "Mine was still crazier. I called Karen a bitch and Ethan a dick. Before storming out singing we are never ever ever getting back together." I explained.
Trevor burst out laughing. "Liar."
"Yeah, about the Taylor Swift song. Everything else was the truth." Rocky confirmed.
Trevor smile faded as he looked between us. "Y'all are shitting me right?"
"Nope." I shook my head.
I explained to him everything. He looked pissed by the time I was finished. "Lily, if you get back together with him-"
"Save it. It's not going to happen. He could pull a Robin Thicke and write a whole album about me and name it 'Lily'. And I would be like, 'Ummmm creepy. No'." I responded, sarcastically.
He looked thoughtful for a moment. Then frowned.
"Why are you looking like that? You shouldn't be upset. I should be. You were completely right. I thought that would make you happy." I commented, jokingly.
"Nothing about you being upset would make me happy, Lilypad. I'm really sorry." Trevor said, sadly.
"Don't be. It's ok. Really. I'm not that upset." I smiled at him, weakly.
We sat down and ate. It was delicious. We had neapolitan pizza with sausage, peppers and olives. I can't believe it's the first time I've eaten from there.
"Rocky, you've been holding out on us. Why haven't you told us about this place?" Trevor asked, on his third slice. He took the words right out of my mouth.
"Because, Lily was in California. And you wouldn't have appreciated it, Chef Boyardee." Rocky smirked.
I smiled. That was a running joke ever since she learned in college he would buy canned spaghetti versus just making it himself.
"Did Ethan tell you about this place?" I asked casually. They both gave me a look. Whatever. It's not like I have Ethan on the brain. He never took me there. I'm really just curious. It was in Carrollton, where he lived. And it was unpretentious, good food, and reasonably priced. That screamed Ethan.
"He did. Brandon took me there on our second date. The first date was way too much. He was trying too hard. I fell in love with Italian Villa. Brandon told me later Ethan recommended it." Rocky recounted.
I smiled at her, but didn't comment.
We changed the subject and I talked about having a house warming/get together at the townhome once everything is unpacked. Maybe this weekend. I made sure to tell Trevor to invite Becca. Now that the shock has worn off, I'm happy for him. At least his relationship is working out.
Afterwards, we put my bed together and called it a night. I was so exhausted, I passed out immediately. Thankfully, I don't remember if I had any dreams.
----------------------
The next morning on Wednesday, I left for work, hoping Sammy would finish her unpacking today. Darren was my last appointment of the day. After we finished up, I was surprised to see Coach Sullivan waiting for Darren.
"Hello Miss Lily. How was your holiday?" Coach Sullivan asked, smiling.
"It was good. You?" I answered, simply.
"Beautiful. Florida always is." He answered. I pictured him, on a beach, in swim trunks. Yes. Beautiful indeed.
"Do you have family out there?" I asked, trying to get rid of those mental images.
"No, My fiancee does. That's where she's from." He responded.
Riiight. The fiancee.
"Your family soon enough." I said, quickly.
"Very true." He agreed.
"Lily. Tell coach what you were telling me." Darren said, cockily.
"Oh right. We're gonna to start weight training next week. I was going to email you and let you know." I explained.
"Boom! Told you! You're paying for dinner." Darrren exclaimed.
Coach laughed. "Looks like it. Where we going?"
"Where do you eat around here Lily?" Darren asked.
"There's a ton of places. There's a Mongolian grill. Or Friday's. Or Fuzzy's Tacos. Twisted Roots." I listed.
"Fuzzy's?" Coach Sullivan asked.
"We gotta go there. Best fish tacos ever!" Darren exclaimed.
"Ok. You joining us?" Coach Sullivan asked me.
"Um, no. I have to get home. I just moved, so I have a ton of work." I replied.
"It'll be fast. Come celebrate with us!" Darren smiled.
"Besides, this way, you don't have to worry about cookin'." Coach Sullivan added.
"Alright." I agreed. "Follow me."
---------------------------------
We arrived at Fuzzy's and got in line to order our food. Coach Sullivan and Darren ordered taco plates and I got a salad. Coach Sullivan insisted on paying. After we got drinks, we picked out a table to sit at.
"It's not too late to order more food. I'm still treatin'" Coach Sullivan said. His voice has a little country twang on certain words. The accent coming out of his perfect lips is mesmerizing...
Fiancee, Fiancee, FIANCEE.
"Obviously you've never seen their salads. They're huge." I smiled.
While we wait, we make small talk about the colleges Darren wants to apply to. He wants to play football, of course. So he's all about Division I schools. That gets me and Coach Sullivan talking about our colleges. He went to TCU. He loved Fort Worth so much, he lived there once he was done with school.
When our food number is called, Darren went to retrieve it.
"So I didn't think you would approve of weight training so soon." Coach Sullivan said, surprised.
"Yep. I figured we might as well since he plans on having 200+ pound boys chasing him down a football field this fall." I shrugged.
"Why Miss Lily...That sounds like anti-football talk. You can't live in Texas and be anti-football. "
I laughed. "Lily is fine."
"Only if you call me Forrest."
"Well, Forrest, I love football. But when I see kids MRIs like Darren's, that have wear and tear from playing football since 8 years old, it does give me pause." I replied.
"With that kinda attitude, I'm surprised you drive a car. Or even leave your home. You can get hurt doing that too." Forrest replied.
I shook my head as Darren came back with the food. "Not the same..." I responded.
"What are y'all talking about?" Darren asked.
"Nothing. Just how when my kids turn 4, I'm putting them in football." Forrest winked at me.
"I hope you have all girls. And not tomboys. I hope they hate sports and want to do only girly stuff." I said.
I cracked up laughing at his solemn face. Darren laughed too before listing all the things he had to look forward to. Dress up, princess parties, boyfriends...
---------------------
I spent the rest of the week working, organizing and shopping. I told my dad I was coming back to get some of the things I left, but I still hadn't booked a flight. I knew I promised I would go back, but it was easier to just buy new things. So I put off purchasing a ticket. Sammy had most of her things put away. She just had one more pile of stuff that needed to go out in the patio storage. One evening, when I came home, she had a guy friend mount a flat screen on the wall in the den. That reminded me to ask about Jake.
"So what's going on between you and Jake?" I asked, when her friend left.
She made a face. "Nothing. It might be about that time to move on."
"What happened?"
"Nothing happened. We had fun. Just exploring my options at the moment." Sammy explained.
"Oh... I don't know Sammy. I think you should give him a chance. He seems deeper than that." I said.
"Lily, I just wanted to have fun with him. Maybe if you knew how to do that too, you wouldn't have gone through all that drama with Ethan." Sammy said.
My face fell. I can't believe she brought up Ethan like that. I've been doing good not thinking or dreaming about him. I just left her in the living from and went to my room. On my laptop, I see I have a new email. It's from Forrest.
I sent it to him with a smile on my face. I began to search for my real reason of being on my laptop: porn. Thanks to Sammy, I have Ethan on my mind. Forrest did take my mind off of him, but I figured it would be inappropriate fantasizing about a guy who is engaged. I pull out my vibrator once I'm sure Sammy's gone. Come on nameless fantasy man.
"Lily wait..." Ethan pleaded with me.
I stopped walking, but kept my back to him. I had no idea why he was at Rocky's house. Nor why neither one of them warned me he was coming over. He was just there, in the living room. When I saw him as I left my room, I immediately turned around to flee. But I wasn't quick enough.
"What is it?" I said, trying to keep my voice even. So it wouldn't betray how much it hurt to see him.
I felt him approaching me from behind. "What do I need to do to prove to you that I'm sorry?" He asked, wrapping his arms around my waist.
A shiver ran down my spine. "Nothing..." I said, pushing it away. "I get it. You're sorry. Lets just move on."
"No." Ethan replied, turning me around to face him. "Baby, I'll never move on from you." He said, tilting his head down so his forehead brushed mine. My knees buckled. "I would never pick her over you. I couldn't pick anyone over you. All I want is you."
He didn't give me a chance to respond. He just pressed his mouth to mine in a passionate embrace. He held me tightly in his arms. When I pulled away, he just moved his mouth to my neck.
"Please. We belong together. I see that now. I'll do anything to have you back. I won't let anyone come between us again baby." Ethan murmured between kisses.
When I allowed him to kiss me again, he picked me up and carried me to my room. He laid me on the bed and started peeling off my clothes. I followed his lead and removed his clothes too. When we were both naked, he laid his lean body on top of me. He grinded into me, inches away from giving me what I so desperately wanted...
"Ring Ring Ring!!!" The bell of my alarm on my phone woke me up and out of my dream. My body was flushed with heat and arousal. I kicked my covers off the couch, but the cool air from the ceiling fan in Sammy's apartment was not helping.
Fuck. This is what I get. All day at work, I debated over whether I should text Ethan back. I came over Sammy's apartment after work to help her finish packing and assess what we still needed to buy. Before I went to bed, I decided not to text Ethan. I didn't have anything to say to him.
Unfortunately, he was on my mind before I forced myself to sleep Monday night. I didn't have time to analyze my sex dream with Ethan. I had to get Sammy up so she could get ready for the movers. And I could be at the apartment when our new furniture arrived.
At the townhouse, the furniture is delivered right on time. I decided to wait to put my bed together till Sammy could help. Sammy and the movers showed up around 2 and they unloaded everything into the apartment. Sammy had to leave once they were done to clean her apartment. I got to work separating and setting things up. That's what Rocky found me doing when she came over.
"Where's Sammy?" She asked. She's wearing jeans, a cute top, and sneakers.
"Cleaning her apartment." I answered, pushing the red living room set around. Since I already had the boxes out of the living area and into Sammy's room or the kitchen, I figured I could see where everything looked best.
"She couldn't do that later?" Rocky asked, looking around the apartment.
"I don't know. I was too busy trying to organize boxes. I guess I could call and ask, but I have to get my bed set up and buy freaking kitchen stuff if I wanna actually live in my apartment!" I exclaimed.
Rocky chuckled and shook her head.
"Come on. You need a break. Lets go shopping and get you situated. Brandon is at work so we can use his discount. Leave some stuff for Sammy to do. We'll put the bed together when we get back." Rocky ordered.
I decided not to argue with her, cause I knew I was getting overwhelmed. I'm thankful she didn't say anything else about Sammy's disappearing act.
I'm so glad she suggested Target. Not only did I get new plates, silverware, and cooking supplies, but I got things I didn't think about, like trash cans and a comforter for my bed. Rocky also bought me an awesome oversized mirror to go in the den. Brandon checked out with us and used his 10% discount. He helped us put our things in the car.
When we got back to the townhouse, we brought in the bags. Rocky and I set up the mirror first. I stood in front of it, making duck faces, while Rocky played on her phone.
"Ok. You need to go pick up the pizza. I'll organize the kitchen." She announced.
"What? No. Just have it delivered. Then we can work together." I argued.
"No. I want good pizza. From this place called Italian Villa. That's the least you could do for all the work I'm about to do." Rocky countered.
I made a face, but left to pick up the pizza. The restaurant is in Carrollton. It's small and casual. It's BYOB, and I see a group with a box of wine on their table. Only in Texas. But I love it. If the ambiance didn't win me over, the smells radiating from the place did.
While I waited for the pizza, I got to check out the eye candy that are the workers. Especially a cute busboy. He has an alternative look, with skinny jeans and a red work shirt. His hair cut had his bangs falling in his face as he bused a table. When he caught me looking, he winked at me. I blushed and looked away. Thankfully, my pizza is ready a little after that.
When I pulled up to my townhome, I'm pretty sure I see Trevor's Honda in the parking lot.
"There's a surprise for you in your bedroom." Rocky smiled, confirming my suspicions.
I put the pizza down on the dining room table before heading up the stairs.
"Is it Channing Tatum as Magic Mike?" I yelled, loudly, so Trevor could hear me from the top of the stairs. "Cause that's the only person I would allow in my bedroom right now."
When I walked through the door, Trevor is standing in the middle of my room. He already started putting together my bed. He lifted his shirt, and started doing a body roll.
"You know I look better than Channing Tatum." He smiled at me.
I smiled back. "Keep dreaming T-Rev!" I said, before giving him a hug. I really missed him these last few days. "I brought pizza. Let me feed you before I put you to work." I laughed at him.
He laughed too, before putting his arm around me. We went down the stairs together.
"How was your Fourth?" I asked him, when we made it down the stairs.
"Crazy... but good. How bout you?" He responded.
"I bet you mine was crazier than yours."
"Doubtful."
"Try me." I asked, when we arrived in the kitchen.
"Well, did you get a girlfriend?" Trevor asked.
I froze.
"You and Becca?" Rocky exclaimed.
"Yep. We made it official." Trevor nodded.
"That's great. Right Lily?" Rocky said, handing me a plate.
I nodded, stunned. I couldn't even verbalize how I felt about that. He just smiled at me.
I cleared my throat. "Mine was still crazier. I called Karen a bitch and Ethan a dick. Before storming out singing we are never ever ever getting back together." I explained.
Trevor burst out laughing. "Liar."
"Yeah, about the Taylor Swift song. Everything else was the truth." Rocky confirmed.
Trevor smile faded as he looked between us. "Y'all are shitting me right?"
"Nope." I shook my head.
I explained to him everything. He looked pissed by the time I was finished. "Lily, if you get back together with him-"
"Save it. It's not going to happen. He could pull a Robin Thicke and write a whole album about me and name it 'Lily'. And I would be like, 'Ummmm creepy. No'." I responded, sarcastically.
He looked thoughtful for a moment. Then frowned.
"Why are you looking like that? You shouldn't be upset. I should be. You were completely right. I thought that would make you happy." I commented, jokingly.
"Nothing about you being upset would make me happy, Lilypad. I'm really sorry." Trevor said, sadly.
"Don't be. It's ok. Really. I'm not that upset." I smiled at him, weakly.
We sat down and ate. It was delicious. We had neapolitan pizza with sausage, peppers and olives. I can't believe it's the first time I've eaten from there.
"Rocky, you've been holding out on us. Why haven't you told us about this place?" Trevor asked, on his third slice. He took the words right out of my mouth.
"Because, Lily was in California. And you wouldn't have appreciated it, Chef Boyardee." Rocky smirked.
I smiled. That was a running joke ever since she learned in college he would buy canned spaghetti versus just making it himself.
"Did Ethan tell you about this place?" I asked casually. They both gave me a look. Whatever. It's not like I have Ethan on the brain. He never took me there. I'm really just curious. It was in Carrollton, where he lived. And it was unpretentious, good food, and reasonably priced. That screamed Ethan.
"He did. Brandon took me there on our second date. The first date was way too much. He was trying too hard. I fell in love with Italian Villa. Brandon told me later Ethan recommended it." Rocky recounted.
I smiled at her, but didn't comment.
We changed the subject and I talked about having a house warming/get together at the townhome once everything is unpacked. Maybe this weekend. I made sure to tell Trevor to invite Becca. Now that the shock has worn off, I'm happy for him. At least his relationship is working out.
Afterwards, we put my bed together and called it a night. I was so exhausted, I passed out immediately. Thankfully, I don't remember if I had any dreams.
----------------------
The next morning on Wednesday, I left for work, hoping Sammy would finish her unpacking today. Darren was my last appointment of the day. After we finished up, I was surprised to see Coach Sullivan waiting for Darren.
"Hello Miss Lily. How was your holiday?" Coach Sullivan asked, smiling.
"It was good. You?" I answered, simply.
"Beautiful. Florida always is." He answered. I pictured him, on a beach, in swim trunks. Yes. Beautiful indeed.
"Do you have family out there?" I asked, trying to get rid of those mental images.
"No, My fiancee does. That's where she's from." He responded.
Riiight. The fiancee.
"Your family soon enough." I said, quickly.
"Very true." He agreed.
"Lily. Tell coach what you were telling me." Darren said, cockily.
"Oh right. We're gonna to start weight training next week. I was going to email you and let you know." I explained.
"Boom! Told you! You're paying for dinner." Darrren exclaimed.
Coach laughed. "Looks like it. Where we going?"
"Where do you eat around here Lily?" Darren asked.
"There's a ton of places. There's a Mongolian grill. Or Friday's. Or Fuzzy's Tacos. Twisted Roots." I listed.
"Fuzzy's?" Coach Sullivan asked.
"We gotta go there. Best fish tacos ever!" Darren exclaimed.
"Ok. You joining us?" Coach Sullivan asked me.
"Um, no. I have to get home. I just moved, so I have a ton of work." I replied.
"It'll be fast. Come celebrate with us!" Darren smiled.
"Besides, this way, you don't have to worry about cookin'." Coach Sullivan added.
"Alright." I agreed. "Follow me."
---------------------------------
We arrived at Fuzzy's and got in line to order our food. Coach Sullivan and Darren ordered taco plates and I got a salad. Coach Sullivan insisted on paying. After we got drinks, we picked out a table to sit at.
"It's not too late to order more food. I'm still treatin'" Coach Sullivan said. His voice has a little country twang on certain words. The accent coming out of his perfect lips is mesmerizing...
Fiancee, Fiancee, FIANCEE.
"Obviously you've never seen their salads. They're huge." I smiled.
While we wait, we make small talk about the colleges Darren wants to apply to. He wants to play football, of course. So he's all about Division I schools. That gets me and Coach Sullivan talking about our colleges. He went to TCU. He loved Fort Worth so much, he lived there once he was done with school.
When our food number is called, Darren went to retrieve it.
"So I didn't think you would approve of weight training so soon." Coach Sullivan said, surprised.
"Yep. I figured we might as well since he plans on having 200+ pound boys chasing him down a football field this fall." I shrugged.
"Why Miss Lily...That sounds like anti-football talk. You can't live in Texas and be anti-football. "
I laughed. "Lily is fine."
"Only if you call me Forrest."
"Well, Forrest, I love football. But when I see kids MRIs like Darren's, that have wear and tear from playing football since 8 years old, it does give me pause." I replied.
"With that kinda attitude, I'm surprised you drive a car. Or even leave your home. You can get hurt doing that too." Forrest replied.
I shook my head as Darren came back with the food. "Not the same..." I responded.
"What are y'all talking about?" Darren asked.
"Nothing. Just how when my kids turn 4, I'm putting them in football." Forrest winked at me.
"I hope you have all girls. And not tomboys. I hope they hate sports and want to do only girly stuff." I said.
I cracked up laughing at his solemn face. Darren laughed too before listing all the things he had to look forward to. Dress up, princess parties, boyfriends...
---------------------
I spent the rest of the week working, organizing and shopping. I told my dad I was coming back to get some of the things I left, but I still hadn't booked a flight. I knew I promised I would go back, but it was easier to just buy new things. So I put off purchasing a ticket. Sammy had most of her things put away. She just had one more pile of stuff that needed to go out in the patio storage. One evening, when I came home, she had a guy friend mount a flat screen on the wall in the den. That reminded me to ask about Jake.
"So what's going on between you and Jake?" I asked, when her friend left.
She made a face. "Nothing. It might be about that time to move on."
"What happened?"
"Nothing happened. We had fun. Just exploring my options at the moment." Sammy explained.
"Oh... I don't know Sammy. I think you should give him a chance. He seems deeper than that." I said.
"Lily, I just wanted to have fun with him. Maybe if you knew how to do that too, you wouldn't have gone through all that drama with Ethan." Sammy said.
My face fell. I can't believe she brought up Ethan like that. I've been doing good not thinking or dreaming about him. I just left her in the living from and went to my room. On my laptop, I see I have a new email. It's from Forrest.
To: Lily Harris
From: Forrest Sullivan
Subject: Facebook fact check
So I was checking out your Facebook, and it looks like your son plays sports. Kinda harsh cursing me with nothing but girls that like dress up and makeovers. How old is he? What made you decide to put him in sports?
I wrote back to him immediately.
To: Forrest Sullivan
From: Lily Harris
Subject: When stalking Facebook goes wrong...
First, he's not my son. So it wasn't my decision. Second, he plays soccer and he's 7. I never said I had anything against sports: Just collision sports like football. Third, I would let my kid play football. He or she would have to ask me. I wouldn't just make them play at 4 years old. And lastly, I think you would make a beautiful princess :-)
I sent it to him with a smile on my face. I began to search for my real reason of being on my laptop: porn. Thanks to Sammy, I have Ethan on my mind. Forrest did take my mind off of him, but I figured it would be inappropriate fantasizing about a guy who is engaged. I pull out my vibrator once I'm sure Sammy's gone. Come on nameless fantasy man.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Problems
Problems- Arianna Grande ft. Iggy Azalea
Rocky called me when I was 5 minutes away from the Carters' home. I took a deep breath before answering. She asked me where I'm at. After I told her, she told me to come back to get her. I said no and kept driving home. She threatened that she would just take Brandon's car. I told her if she did that, I just wouldn't go home.
She was silent for a moment. Most likely rethinking her strategy. I used that moment to explain to her that I'm ok. More embarrassed than anything. Her leaving would just make it worse. Besides, I don't wanna talk. I just wanna go home and forget everything for the next few days. I agreed to tell her everything when she and Brandon return on Sunday. She said ok and we got off the phone.
As I drove back to Dallas, over an overpass, I saw multiple firework shows in the sky. I couldn't help but think of all the happy couples or families together enjoying them. And here I was. Alone.
I felt so lonely growing up. Just hours ago, I thought that loneliness was over. I felt welcomed at Ethan's parents' house. Probably not anymore, after my little outburst. But with Ethan, I felt so lucky and happy that he wanted me there, by his side. But now, after being a part of that and losing it, I felt ten times worse than I ever felt growing up. Crazy how that works huh?
When I got home, I poured myself a huge glass of wine and downed it with a couple Tylenol PMs. I stripped down and took a hot shower. I washed up and shampooed my hair. I then just stood under the hot water until my muscle started to relax. I turned off the water and dried off. I pulled on a tank and yoga pants. I towel dried my hair. I put it up in a messy ponytail and dragged my drowsy self to bed.
I woke up at 9am, still feeling drowsy. I knew it was the pills. Even after a full night of sleep, I still felt drowsy. I'm grateful for them anyway. I slept the sleep of the dead that night. No lingering thoughts of Ethan nor Karen. They bombarded me in the morning though.
As I ate yogurt with granola, I couldn't help picturing them together. Maybe I shouldn't have told him anything. I should have just left. I imagined Ethan telling Karen everything. She probably had a good laugh about it. They probably discussed my obvious display of jealously, anger, and desperation while watching fireworks and making sure their kids didn't eat any more fattening junk food, like my fruit tarts.
That thought turned my stomach, and I got up to go for a run. I made a Girl Power playlist to listen to while I run. It's filled with Ke$ha, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Arianna Grande, Destiny's Child, Iggy Azalea and Beyonce. I knew I was just going through the same denial as last time. Pretending like I'm ok. But I figured I'll have enough grieving time with Rocky. Why start now?
When I got home from my run, I went ahead and started packing up my clothes. I don't have that much to move into Sammy's and my new apartment. The only thing I brought from California was clothes.
Rocky told me to take any furniture I wanted from the bedroom. But I wanted everything brand new. I was so glad I didn't take Rocky up on her offer. My furniture was being delivered on Tuesday. Now I could really make a new start. Nothing Ethan saw, touched, sat or fucked me on would be in my new apartment.
Unfortunately, that brought up the mental image of all the sex I was looking forward to with Ethan. Just that one kiss at the bbq, and I knew it would still be as amazing as I remembered. Now I imagined him having the same with Karen...
That thought made me giggle. Maybe I'm losing it, but I couldn't imagine it being that great between them. She's such a controlling bitch and honestly, so is he. That made me laugh harder.
I'm no sex expert. My experience prior to Ethan consisted of Mr. Perez, free internet porn and the rabbit vibrator Rocky bought me. After Ethan, it was just one sad attempt to get over him, then it was back to my rabbit. I burnt that thing out. But I can guess with both of their personalities, it can't be too much fun in the bedroom. Maybe Karen could fake it. You know, till she got what she wanted. After that, it would be awful.
I laughed some more as I pulled clothes out my closet. I started taking the clothes on hangers out to my car. I might as well make a trip to the apartment. After that, I'd see what Sammy was up to. I would rather be watching Game of Thrones with Trevor, but he is in Austin. With Becca. I wished them a horrible sex life too. Although I know that's not the case. If it was, Trevor would have stopped hanging out with her the first night.
I put my headphones back on. On my trips back and forth to the car, I sang and danced to Problems by Arianna Grande. I danced around in a circle, actually feeling the lyrics of the song as it applied to my life right now.
I was rapping Iggy's lyrics and just shut the car door with my hip, when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I shrieked, surprised. I yanked off my head phones and turned to see a grinning Jake.
"What da-... What are you doing here?" I said.
"Nothing much. Just watching you kill that song. Really, you murdered it. It's gone." He laughed at me.
"Ha ha ha." I said. I'm trying to play it cool, but my face heated up. I hate that he has that effect on me. With his obnoxiously hot face and stupid cut body. "Well, you've seen it. You can go now."
"I also came to check on you." Jake started.
"What makes you think I need checking up on?" I said, folding my arms.
"I don't know. Maybe how you stormed out, cussing folks out." Jake supplied.
"I didn't cuss anyone out." I said, stubbornly.
When Jake just tilted his head at me, I caved. "Okay. Maybe a little. But only because they deserved it. They should have let the kids have another fruit tart."
"Why do you care so much?" Jake asked.
"I don't. You just don't deny kids a second helping of my food. It's a California Dominican thing. It's very offensive. I don't expect you to understand." I said, lying my ass off.
"Oh, thanks for clearing that up. I thought it was because you and Ethan were eye-fucking each other the whole time." Jake commented.
I gasped. I'm so thrown off by his brutal honesty, I have no time to think of a response. Were we that obvious?
"I didn't think Ethan had it in him, juggling two girls at the same time. Much less having them over at the same time..." Jake continued.
"He doesn't. Ethan isn't juggling me around. So if you're done 'checking up on me'," I said using air quotes, "you can go."
He laughed. "Come on. I come bearing gifts. Leftovers." Jake said, raising his bag. "You gotta take them. Or Mrs. Carter will be offended. Its a Texas-Black thing. Only she won't cuss me out; she'll kick my ass."
I laughed, despite myself. The thought of Mrs. Carter kicking his ass is hilarious. I took the bag from him.
"Thanks." I said, smiling.
"No problem. Where are you headed anyway?" He asked me.
"New apartment. Me and Sammy officially moved in last week. Our stuff moves in Tuesday." I explained.
Jake looked confused. "I thought her lease wasn't up till October."
"No... her lease has been up. She's been paying month to month-" When he scowled, I backtracked. "Or maybe not. I don't remember all the details. A lot going on. You know, pining over Ethan and all..."
Fuck, why did I say that? Now I look even more pathetic. Sammy owed me.
He shook his head. "You shouldn't."
"Shouldn't what?"
"Pine over Ethan. Or any guy. You're way too hot for that." He said, seriously.
I smiled, pleased. It was genuinely flattering hearing that from him. "Thanks."
After he left, I ate some of the leftovers. It tasted amazing. I'm so upset I let Ethan and Karen take away the enjoyment of my first plate. After I ate and cleaned up my dishes, I finally checked my Facebook. I've been avoiding it, but Jake's visit and words have me feeling so good about myself, I feel like I can handle it. While I looked through my feed, I noticed neither Ethan nor Karen changed their status to "in a relationship." But they didn't before, so I don't read too much into it. I also noticed Jasmine's, Jake's sister, friend request. I'm sure she found my page through her brother's. I accepted her as a friend.
I then hopped in my car and went to my apartment. After unloading and putting my clothes away, I pulled out my phone to call Sammy.
"What up Girlie? " Sammy answered.
"Nothing much. Just seeing what you're up too..." I answered.
"Nothing. Unfortunately, just relaxing before I have to go to work." Sammy replied.
"Oh, ok. Maybe I'll come up there later. I need the distraction."
"Are you depressed over Ethan?"
"How do you know about Ethan?" I asked.
"Rocky wanted me to check in on you. Are you okay? Not trying to slit your wrist?"
"Nope. I actually just unpacked some of my new clothes, in my new room, in my new apartment, ready for a new start."
"Hell yeah! I'm so glad to hear that. Cause I'm over you being all depressed over Ethan. It's time to move on!"
"So true. Just call me Queen Elsa!" I declared.
When she went silent, I explained. "Frozen? Let it go? Nothing?..."
"Nope. Never seen it. If I date a guy with a kid, we're not hanging out with his kid like you did with Ethan." Sammy laughed.
I forced a laugh. I didn't tell her I saw it in California, with my cousin, who was 20 at the time...
I wished her a goodnight and told her I would call if I decided to go to Dave and Buster's. I ended up going back to the house and crashing instead.
----------------------------------
I woke up late again on Sunday. I'm surprised to see a text from Ethan on my phone. It read:
Ethan: I'm sorry for the way everything happened on Friday.
I put my phone back down. That didn't make me feel better. It pissed me off. You're sorry for the way it happened, but not sorry that it happened? Why be sorry at all? I'm not. It showed me a side of Ethan that I couldn't believe nor understand. And that was going to help me get over him.
By the time I was out of bed and dressed, Rocky and Brandon arrived home. I walked out to the living room to greet them. Rocky dropped her bag and gave me a hug.
"Lily, are you ok? How are you holding up?"
"I'm okay." I said, slightly amused. Another positive to Ethan being a complete ass. Rocky babying me instead of lecturing or going off on me.
"Give us a minute, Brandon." Rocky said, turning to face him.
"No, he doesn't need to go. In fact, I wanna apologize. To both of y'all. I'm sorry about my outburst. I know it was immature." I stated.
"No, immature would have been smacking her across the face. I swear, I was 5 seconds away from smacking both of them. You handled yourself beautifully." Rocky exclaimed.
"Yeah, please don't apologize. That was the best family bbq I've been to in forever." Brandon grinned.
"I should have just ignored her. I knew she was baiting me..." I explained.
"No. She had it coming. You had every right to speak up for yourself. Even Mrs. Carter said 'Jesus said to turn the other cheek. Not to turn in circles.'" Rocky declared. I burst out laughing at that analogy.
"Really? I thought your parents would be super pissed about everything." I said to Brandon.
"Naw. Karen left right after the fireworks. But as soon as Ethan came back from walking her out, my dad asked him 'is it ok If I get a fruit tart?" Brandon explained.
Rocky and Brandon both laughed at the memory. I smiled, very surprised. My dad would've been mortified by my behavior. I shook my head in disbelief.
"We spent the whole weekend spelling out cuss words. It was so funny." Brandon continued.
"The only person who didn't think it was funny was Ethan. But he wouldn't, considering he brought the b-i-t-c-h to the bbq." Rocky added.
"Even this morning, my mom was like 'get the h-e-l-l out my house." Brandon finished. We all burst out laughing.
Tears streamed down my face, until they turned into a real cry.
Brandon excused himself, volunteering to unpack their bags. I knew I must have freaked him out if he was offering to clean. That made me laugh/cry harder.
"Alright, tell me what happened." Rocky said, after we went to my room.
I explained everything to her. The Facebook message I sent back to Karen. Me and Ethan's conversation over the phone about it. Our kiss outside. The conversation we had when Karen showed up and the last conversation I had with Ethan before I left.
"So basically, after all that, he chose Karen. Cause she's consistent. Even if she's just consistently a bitch."
Rocky took this all in and looked thoughtful. "No wonder..."
"No wonder what?" I asked her.
"When he came back, without you, I pulled him to the side and asked where you were. When he told me you left, I went off." Rocky explained.
"What did you say?"
"I told him that I said I was staying neutral. But if you were to get back with him, after the way he treated you, I would discourage you every step of the way." Rocky admitted.
I smiled sadly. "I don't think that's going to be an issue."
"He said the same thing." Rocky stated. "Lily... I'm going to play devil's advocate here. And I promise, I haven't talked to Ethan nor has Brandon. But after hearing everything, I gotta wonder, what if he already chose you-"
"It doesn't matter." I cut her off. "Maybe I am inconsistent or childish or whatever. But I need someone that at the very least respects me. Jake stood up for me more than Ethan. I just can't be with someone like that."
Rocky nodded. "I understand."
"And if you forgive me for all the shitty things I said, I'll forgive you for sending Jake here to check on me." I said, smiling.
"I forgive you...but I didn't send Jake to check on you. I called Sammy. She sent Jake over here instead?!? What a..." Rocky went off.
I let her vent. Hmm, Sammy didn't mention that. I gotta remember to talk to her about that.
Rocky called me when I was 5 minutes away from the Carters' home. I took a deep breath before answering. She asked me where I'm at. After I told her, she told me to come back to get her. I said no and kept driving home. She threatened that she would just take Brandon's car. I told her if she did that, I just wouldn't go home.
She was silent for a moment. Most likely rethinking her strategy. I used that moment to explain to her that I'm ok. More embarrassed than anything. Her leaving would just make it worse. Besides, I don't wanna talk. I just wanna go home and forget everything for the next few days. I agreed to tell her everything when she and Brandon return on Sunday. She said ok and we got off the phone.
As I drove back to Dallas, over an overpass, I saw multiple firework shows in the sky. I couldn't help but think of all the happy couples or families together enjoying them. And here I was. Alone.
I felt so lonely growing up. Just hours ago, I thought that loneliness was over. I felt welcomed at Ethan's parents' house. Probably not anymore, after my little outburst. But with Ethan, I felt so lucky and happy that he wanted me there, by his side. But now, after being a part of that and losing it, I felt ten times worse than I ever felt growing up. Crazy how that works huh?
When I got home, I poured myself a huge glass of wine and downed it with a couple Tylenol PMs. I stripped down and took a hot shower. I washed up and shampooed my hair. I then just stood under the hot water until my muscle started to relax. I turned off the water and dried off. I pulled on a tank and yoga pants. I towel dried my hair. I put it up in a messy ponytail and dragged my drowsy self to bed.
I woke up at 9am, still feeling drowsy. I knew it was the pills. Even after a full night of sleep, I still felt drowsy. I'm grateful for them anyway. I slept the sleep of the dead that night. No lingering thoughts of Ethan nor Karen. They bombarded me in the morning though.
As I ate yogurt with granola, I couldn't help picturing them together. Maybe I shouldn't have told him anything. I should have just left. I imagined Ethan telling Karen everything. She probably had a good laugh about it. They probably discussed my obvious display of jealously, anger, and desperation while watching fireworks and making sure their kids didn't eat any more fattening junk food, like my fruit tarts.
That thought turned my stomach, and I got up to go for a run. I made a Girl Power playlist to listen to while I run. It's filled with Ke$ha, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Arianna Grande, Destiny's Child, Iggy Azalea and Beyonce. I knew I was just going through the same denial as last time. Pretending like I'm ok. But I figured I'll have enough grieving time with Rocky. Why start now?
When I got home from my run, I went ahead and started packing up my clothes. I don't have that much to move into Sammy's and my new apartment. The only thing I brought from California was clothes.
Rocky told me to take any furniture I wanted from the bedroom. But I wanted everything brand new. I was so glad I didn't take Rocky up on her offer. My furniture was being delivered on Tuesday. Now I could really make a new start. Nothing Ethan saw, touched, sat or fucked me on would be in my new apartment.
Unfortunately, that brought up the mental image of all the sex I was looking forward to with Ethan. Just that one kiss at the bbq, and I knew it would still be as amazing as I remembered. Now I imagined him having the same with Karen...
That thought made me giggle. Maybe I'm losing it, but I couldn't imagine it being that great between them. She's such a controlling bitch and honestly, so is he. That made me laugh harder.
I'm no sex expert. My experience prior to Ethan consisted of Mr. Perez, free internet porn and the rabbit vibrator Rocky bought me. After Ethan, it was just one sad attempt to get over him, then it was back to my rabbit. I burnt that thing out. But I can guess with both of their personalities, it can't be too much fun in the bedroom. Maybe Karen could fake it. You know, till she got what she wanted. After that, it would be awful.
I laughed some more as I pulled clothes out my closet. I started taking the clothes on hangers out to my car. I might as well make a trip to the apartment. After that, I'd see what Sammy was up to. I would rather be watching Game of Thrones with Trevor, but he is in Austin. With Becca. I wished them a horrible sex life too. Although I know that's not the case. If it was, Trevor would have stopped hanging out with her the first night.
I put my headphones back on. On my trips back and forth to the car, I sang and danced to Problems by Arianna Grande. I danced around in a circle, actually feeling the lyrics of the song as it applied to my life right now.
I was rapping Iggy's lyrics and just shut the car door with my hip, when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I shrieked, surprised. I yanked off my head phones and turned to see a grinning Jake.
"What da-... What are you doing here?" I said.
"Nothing much. Just watching you kill that song. Really, you murdered it. It's gone." He laughed at me.
"Ha ha ha." I said. I'm trying to play it cool, but my face heated up. I hate that he has that effect on me. With his obnoxiously hot face and stupid cut body. "Well, you've seen it. You can go now."
"I also came to check on you." Jake started.
"What makes you think I need checking up on?" I said, folding my arms.
"I don't know. Maybe how you stormed out, cussing folks out." Jake supplied.
"I didn't cuss anyone out." I said, stubbornly.
When Jake just tilted his head at me, I caved. "Okay. Maybe a little. But only because they deserved it. They should have let the kids have another fruit tart."
"Why do you care so much?" Jake asked.
"I don't. You just don't deny kids a second helping of my food. It's a California Dominican thing. It's very offensive. I don't expect you to understand." I said, lying my ass off.
"Oh, thanks for clearing that up. I thought it was because you and Ethan were eye-fucking each other the whole time." Jake commented.
I gasped. I'm so thrown off by his brutal honesty, I have no time to think of a response. Were we that obvious?
"I didn't think Ethan had it in him, juggling two girls at the same time. Much less having them over at the same time..." Jake continued.
"He doesn't. Ethan isn't juggling me around. So if you're done 'checking up on me'," I said using air quotes, "you can go."
He laughed. "Come on. I come bearing gifts. Leftovers." Jake said, raising his bag. "You gotta take them. Or Mrs. Carter will be offended. Its a Texas-Black thing. Only she won't cuss me out; she'll kick my ass."
I laughed, despite myself. The thought of Mrs. Carter kicking his ass is hilarious. I took the bag from him.
"Thanks." I said, smiling.
"No problem. Where are you headed anyway?" He asked me.
"New apartment. Me and Sammy officially moved in last week. Our stuff moves in Tuesday." I explained.
Jake looked confused. "I thought her lease wasn't up till October."
"No... her lease has been up. She's been paying month to month-" When he scowled, I backtracked. "Or maybe not. I don't remember all the details. A lot going on. You know, pining over Ethan and all..."
Fuck, why did I say that? Now I look even more pathetic. Sammy owed me.
He shook his head. "You shouldn't."
"Shouldn't what?"
"Pine over Ethan. Or any guy. You're way too hot for that." He said, seriously.
I smiled, pleased. It was genuinely flattering hearing that from him. "Thanks."
After he left, I ate some of the leftovers. It tasted amazing. I'm so upset I let Ethan and Karen take away the enjoyment of my first plate. After I ate and cleaned up my dishes, I finally checked my Facebook. I've been avoiding it, but Jake's visit and words have me feeling so good about myself, I feel like I can handle it. While I looked through my feed, I noticed neither Ethan nor Karen changed their status to "in a relationship." But they didn't before, so I don't read too much into it. I also noticed Jasmine's, Jake's sister, friend request. I'm sure she found my page through her brother's. I accepted her as a friend.
I then hopped in my car and went to my apartment. After unloading and putting my clothes away, I pulled out my phone to call Sammy.
"What up Girlie? " Sammy answered.
"Nothing much. Just seeing what you're up too..." I answered.
"Nothing. Unfortunately, just relaxing before I have to go to work." Sammy replied.
"Oh, ok. Maybe I'll come up there later. I need the distraction."
"Are you depressed over Ethan?"
"How do you know about Ethan?" I asked.
"Rocky wanted me to check in on you. Are you okay? Not trying to slit your wrist?"
"Nope. I actually just unpacked some of my new clothes, in my new room, in my new apartment, ready for a new start."
"Hell yeah! I'm so glad to hear that. Cause I'm over you being all depressed over Ethan. It's time to move on!"
"So true. Just call me Queen Elsa!" I declared.
When she went silent, I explained. "Frozen? Let it go? Nothing?..."
"Nope. Never seen it. If I date a guy with a kid, we're not hanging out with his kid like you did with Ethan." Sammy laughed.
I forced a laugh. I didn't tell her I saw it in California, with my cousin, who was 20 at the time...
I wished her a goodnight and told her I would call if I decided to go to Dave and Buster's. I ended up going back to the house and crashing instead.
----------------------------------
I woke up late again on Sunday. I'm surprised to see a text from Ethan on my phone. It read:
Ethan: I'm sorry for the way everything happened on Friday.
I put my phone back down. That didn't make me feel better. It pissed me off. You're sorry for the way it happened, but not sorry that it happened? Why be sorry at all? I'm not. It showed me a side of Ethan that I couldn't believe nor understand. And that was going to help me get over him.
By the time I was out of bed and dressed, Rocky and Brandon arrived home. I walked out to the living room to greet them. Rocky dropped her bag and gave me a hug.
"Lily, are you ok? How are you holding up?"
"I'm okay." I said, slightly amused. Another positive to Ethan being a complete ass. Rocky babying me instead of lecturing or going off on me.
"Give us a minute, Brandon." Rocky said, turning to face him.
"No, he doesn't need to go. In fact, I wanna apologize. To both of y'all. I'm sorry about my outburst. I know it was immature." I stated.
"No, immature would have been smacking her across the face. I swear, I was 5 seconds away from smacking both of them. You handled yourself beautifully." Rocky exclaimed.
"Yeah, please don't apologize. That was the best family bbq I've been to in forever." Brandon grinned.
"I should have just ignored her. I knew she was baiting me..." I explained.
"No. She had it coming. You had every right to speak up for yourself. Even Mrs. Carter said 'Jesus said to turn the other cheek. Not to turn in circles.'" Rocky declared. I burst out laughing at that analogy.
"Really? I thought your parents would be super pissed about everything." I said to Brandon.
"Naw. Karen left right after the fireworks. But as soon as Ethan came back from walking her out, my dad asked him 'is it ok If I get a fruit tart?" Brandon explained.
Rocky and Brandon both laughed at the memory. I smiled, very surprised. My dad would've been mortified by my behavior. I shook my head in disbelief.
"We spent the whole weekend spelling out cuss words. It was so funny." Brandon continued.
"The only person who didn't think it was funny was Ethan. But he wouldn't, considering he brought the b-i-t-c-h to the bbq." Rocky added.
"Even this morning, my mom was like 'get the h-e-l-l out my house." Brandon finished. We all burst out laughing.
Tears streamed down my face, until they turned into a real cry.
Brandon excused himself, volunteering to unpack their bags. I knew I must have freaked him out if he was offering to clean. That made me laugh/cry harder.
"Alright, tell me what happened." Rocky said, after we went to my room.
I explained everything to her. The Facebook message I sent back to Karen. Me and Ethan's conversation over the phone about it. Our kiss outside. The conversation we had when Karen showed up and the last conversation I had with Ethan before I left.
"So basically, after all that, he chose Karen. Cause she's consistent. Even if she's just consistently a bitch."
Rocky took this all in and looked thoughtful. "No wonder..."
"No wonder what?" I asked her.
"When he came back, without you, I pulled him to the side and asked where you were. When he told me you left, I went off." Rocky explained.
"What did you say?"
"I told him that I said I was staying neutral. But if you were to get back with him, after the way he treated you, I would discourage you every step of the way." Rocky admitted.
I smiled sadly. "I don't think that's going to be an issue."
"He said the same thing." Rocky stated. "Lily... I'm going to play devil's advocate here. And I promise, I haven't talked to Ethan nor has Brandon. But after hearing everything, I gotta wonder, what if he already chose you-"
"It doesn't matter." I cut her off. "Maybe I am inconsistent or childish or whatever. But I need someone that at the very least respects me. Jake stood up for me more than Ethan. I just can't be with someone like that."
Rocky nodded. "I understand."
"And if you forgive me for all the shitty things I said, I'll forgive you for sending Jake here to check on me." I said, smiling.
"I forgive you...but I didn't send Jake to check on you. I called Sammy. She sent Jake over here instead?!? What a..." Rocky went off.
I let her vent. Hmm, Sammy didn't mention that. I gotta remember to talk to her about that.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Burn
*This is Monday's Post. Just a little early.
Burn- Usher
Ethan and I then went back inside the house. I sat down on the couch. Jasmine, Jake's sister, is sitting on the couch with Jake now. Jake hands me a wine cooler.
"Thought you might want something stronger than lemonade." He offered.
I took it. He had no idea.
Thank God for the food. I can pretend I'm occupied with it and not freaking out about Karen being here. Rocky keeps looking over at me from the table, but I ignore her glances. Ethan's parents look surprised at first, but then welcome Karen and Joel warmly. Brandon just looked amused by the whole situation. I try to not look like anything. Especially when Ethan and Karen sat at the dining room table together. I just try to look like I'm enjoying the food, but its lost its taste.
Everyone else is enjoying it. Mr. Carter really loves my beans. His beans are more traditional baked beans, with a sweet brown sugar taste. My dad's recipe calls for beer, peppers and liquid smoke. So they're more savory with a smoky kick. I explained to him that it's my dad's recipe with a couple of twists.
"My dad doesn't eat red meat. So he normally uses turkey bacon. I used real bacon. I just can't with turkey bacon." I explained.
Jake laughed at me. "What's up with that face?"
I put my beer down. Maybe I need to slow down. I don't recall making a face.
"I didn't make a face." I turned to him, smiling.
"Yeah you did. Like turkey bacon offends you." Jake countered.
"It kinda does though. It's an abomination to call it bacon." I laugh.
Jake and a few others laughed with me.
"Don't get me wrong, while in California, when I lived with my dad, I didn't eat any red meat. Cause my dad didn't buy it. I probably could live without red meat-" I stopped when I saw Rocky cut her eyes at me. "Don't look at me like that Rocky. It's true. I could."
"So I guess that's why the first place you went when you came home was Whataburger?" Rocky commented.
Everyone laughed at that. Karen a little too hard. I ignored Karen and smiled at Rocky.
"I coulda got a Whatachicken sandwich." I declared.
"You didn't. You got a bacon cheeseburger with jalapenos." Ethan joined in.
I grinned at him. "Nope. I got a Jr bacon cheeseburger with jalapenos. I wanted fries too. Besides, she didn't know that." I corrected him.
"Close enough." Ethan said.
"Close, but no cigar." I countered. Ethan just smiled at me.
"Why are we talking about your fast food preferences?" Karen asked me.
I didn't like Karen's tone, but I finished anyway. "The point was that I really could live without pork. I just still would never eat turkey bacon."
"You probably just need a detox. When you're used to eating fast food and junk, it ruins your taste buds. I see kids like that all the time. Their palates are so bad, they don't even like the taste of water." Karen told me.
Did this bitch just compare me to a kid? She probably just needed a foot in her ass.
"What do you do?" Mrs. Carter asked Karen. She explained how she was a nutritionist for the state of Texas. She works with low income families to make sure they can get healthy foods for pregnant women and children. She goes on and on about the obesity crisis like she's freaking Michelle Obama.
"Thank you first lady." Jake muttered. I burst out laughing. Jasmine was grinning too while everyone else glanced at us.
"Have something to add Jake?" Ethan asked. I covered my mouth, guiltily.
"Not at all. I was just explaining to Lily I drink enough water to know it doesn't really have a taste. I just drink it because it's healthy." Jake added."You can prefer certain things. It's about moderation."
"Well of course" Karen agreed. "But most kids don't understand moderation. Sometimes you have to take those choices away so they don't develop bad habits. I'm sure Lily's job as a personal trainer is why she doesn't gain weight-"
"Therapist." Ethan corrected. "She's a physical therapist."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize there was a big difference." Karen said, apologetically. Ethan nodded. What a fake bitch. She knew exactly what she was saying. Could he not see that?
"Yeah, about 7 years of school." Jake explained to her.
"Well anyway, I'm just saying obesity is an epidemic that is easily controlled. It's a shame to set our kids up for failure." Karen continued.
"As someone who struggled with my weight, my whole life, I know it's not always easy to control. In fact, when I was in school, during those 7 years, there were studies going on that would classify overeating as an eating disorder just like bulimia and anorexia ." I debated her.
"Were you a test study?" Karen asked, curiously.
I wanted to punch her face in. "No. I wasn't. By then, I knew the cause of my overeating. My adoptive dad was a professional baseball player, so it had nothing to do with low income. He raised us on his own and would restrict what my brother and I could eat. So my rebellion was junk food. As soon as I moved out of his house, I had no cravings for it. But good luck with taking kids choices away." I finished, coolly. I couldn't hold back the sarcasm in the last sentence.
"So your dad was a baseball player?" Mr. Carter asked me, officially changing the subject.
Dinner was pleasant after that. I was still fucking pissed. Not only at Karen. I knew why she had it out for me. I understood it. I truly regret that I wrote her back on Facebook. What I didn't understand was why Ethan didn't defend me. He sat there and let her attack me. Maybe passive aggressively, but attacking none the less. Even Rocky was shooting me sympathetic looks, and she was mad at me. And Ethan, who just an hour ago was kissing me, ignored it.
I was seething by the time dinner was over and we all went outside by the pool. I opted for the backyard instead. Karen was watching Joel swim. I was afraid I was going to lose it if she said one more thing to me.
I put myself on a time out and helped EJ make snow cones for everyone. Ethan rubbed my shoulder when he came over to help EJ set up the machine. I ignored him but I couldn't help watching him when he wasn't looking. When he did catch my eye, I looked away. After the snow cones were made for everyone, Ethan and EJ went back to the pool
Jasmine was leaving before the fireworks, so she opted not to get back in the pool. Brandon hooked up his phone to some speakers and we were jamming and eating snow cones. We were making small talk when Jason Derulo's "Wiggle" came on.
"This is my song!" Jasmine cheered. We both started wiggling in our lawn chairs and whistling.
"YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THAT BIG FAT BUTT" Jasmine sang.
"Wiggle wiggle wiggle!" I sang back to her. We both started laughing.
"BRANDON! Turn that off. I don't wanna hear that mess." Mrs. Carter yelled at him as she headed inside the house.
"Patty cake, patty cake with no hands..." Jasmine and I continued to sing to each other when Mrs. Carter went inside, before Brandon turned it off.
"I can't believe how inappropriate music is today." Karen commented loudly to Ethan. I ignored her. There was not enough rum (thanks Brandon!) in my snow cone to deal with her bitchy-ness.
"I have a kid friendly playlist. It has a little of everything." I told Brandon, handing him my phone. He plugged it in. I put it on shuffle, but since I know Mr. Carter is old school, I picked a Kool and the Gang song to play first.
Mrs. Carter came out with the fruit tarts and pecan bars. She brought them to the backyard. Everyone hopped out the pool and came over.
"That's what I'm talking bout!" Mr. Carter said, dancing around, grabbing a pecan bar. I giggled and munched on my snow cone.
Brandon shook his head. "See what you started?" He said, sitting beside us.
"Apparently pop music is a sign of the end times." Jasmine said, sarcastically.
"Don't forget obesity." I added. Jasmine, Brandon, and Jake laughed while Karen and Ethan shot me a look. Karen's look was dirty. Ethan's was more like 'not cool'. I just smiled.
Usher's "Yeah" came on and everyone is feeling it. The kids start dancing around after they gobbled down dessert.
"This song takes me back." Jake exclaimed.
"It always reminds me of that scene in that movie. With Will Smith..." Rocky started.
Brandon laughed. "...and Kevin James. Hitch."
"What playlist is this?" Ethan asked me, bobbing his head to the music.
"It's my work out playlist. I have a clean one for when me and EJ work out together." I explained, smiling sincerely.
"No wonder EJ knows all the songs on the radio. Even clean music is not really clean. It's still too suggestive for children." Karen commented.
I'm so over her. I know she's trying to bait me. So I ignore her. Again. This time, it was easy. I'm focusing on Ethan. God, he's sexy, jamming to the music. I was loving this side of him around his family. Normally he's so reserved. He caught me watching him, but I don't look away this time. Neither does he.
"These are so good!" Joel told Ethan, pointing to the fruit tarts. He finally broke eye contact with me to look at the boys.
"Can we have another one?" EJ asked.
I made mini tarts cause I wasn't sure how many people were coming. We had plenty.
Ethan looked at Karen. She nodded. Ethan handed one to EJ. "Make sure you tell Lily thank you. She made them." He said, reaching to grab Joel one, giving me a smile.
"You know what? You just had a snow cone. That's enough sweets." Karen replied.
The smile fell off Ethan's face and he looked at Karen. They had a stare down for a few moments.
"Can I cut it in half?" Mrs. Carter asked, trying to clear the obvious tension.
"No. " Karen said, briskly.
"Come here EJ." Ethan said. He took the tart from him. "Go play around some more. You can have more during the fireworks."
EJ pouted, but nodded before running off.
That was the final straw for me. It's one thing to be a bitch to me. But to deny your child? Because you're mad? And to go along with that bullshit? Unacceptable.
"That was some petty shit." I blurted out when Joel ran off.
"What?" Karen challenged me.
"Lily-" Ethan started at the same time.
"Excuse my language." I said, cutting both Karen and Ethan off. I turned back to Karen. "The only reason you didn't let him have another one is cause I made them. That was extremely petty."
"Lily..." Ethan repeated, in a warning tone. He used that tone with EJ. Fuck that. I ignored him and glared at Karen.
"I don't have to answer to you about my mothering. Apparently, you have no idea what that even means." Karen answered.
"You're right, I don't. And you don't have to answer to me. But your child might ask you why you are so miserable. And by miserable, I mean b-i-t-c-h." I spelled out for her.
I heard a couple of gasps.
"Lily! That's enough. You're making yourself look childish." Ethan said, firmly, giving me a look that said "shut up".
Oh, so now he can speak up. Just for that miserable bitch. Not for me. Or EJ. Fuck em both. They deserved each other.
I stood up. "And you're making yourself look like a d-i-c-k." I turned to his parents. "Thank you for having me." I said, before storming in the house.
I grabbed my purse and booked for the front door. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I held them back. Neither one of those assholes were going to get the satisfaction of making me cry. In fact, I was done crying over Ethan.
Unfortunately, Ethan was standing by my car when I walked out the house. I let my sadness fuel my anger.
When I ignored him and went to the driver's side, he followed me.
"Do you want your phone?" He asked. I snatched it from him, rudely.
"You still owe me a talk." Ethan told me.
"I changed my mind." I said, barely holding in my rage.
"Big surprise there." Ethan said, frustrated.
"What does that mean?" I snapped at him.
"It means the only consistency I get from you is inconsistency. You're all over the place, all the time. I don't know what you want from me!" He exclaimed at me.
"I want you! I've made that painfully obvious." I pointed out, pissed. I was so mad, I was shaking.
"When? When you moved to California after I told you I was falling in love with you? When you talked to my brother and didn't talk to me? When you came back and said you wanted to be in EJ's life only? When you're all over me, or Trevor or Jake or whoever else is fun for you?"
I've never seen him lose his cool like this. Not even when he found out about Megan and my brother. I felt like he just slapped me in the face.
"I don't want Trevor or Jake or anyone else. I've always had feelings for you Ethan. You know it was more than fun." I said, meekly. I didn't plan to confess to him like this. I just didn't want him to be angry with me anymore.
"Do I? I'm used to people saying what they mean and meaning what that say. You told me, repeatedly, I meant nothing to you. Say whatever you want about Karen, but at least she's consistent." He said, detached.
Tears flood out of my eyes at that. I don't know what was worst. When he was angry or when he was nonchalant.
"I'm telling you now. You meant something to me then. You mean something to me now." I admitted.
My tears got a reaction. He looked pained at my face. "Lily, I want you. I do. But I don't think that's enough anymore. It's too hard. Your moods and wants change so frequently. I'm realizing that I don't have it in me to keep up with you."
"Well let me make it easy for you. Let me go." I pleaded.
He got out of my way so I could get into my car. I speed off into the night, blinking back tears.
I wanted finality. I definitely got it.
So what do y'all think? Is it really finally over? Who do y'all picture Karen as now? :-)
Burn- Usher
Ethan and I then went back inside the house. I sat down on the couch. Jasmine, Jake's sister, is sitting on the couch with Jake now. Jake hands me a wine cooler.
"Thought you might want something stronger than lemonade." He offered.
I took it. He had no idea.
Thank God for the food. I can pretend I'm occupied with it and not freaking out about Karen being here. Rocky keeps looking over at me from the table, but I ignore her glances. Ethan's parents look surprised at first, but then welcome Karen and Joel warmly. Brandon just looked amused by the whole situation. I try to not look like anything. Especially when Ethan and Karen sat at the dining room table together. I just try to look like I'm enjoying the food, but its lost its taste.
Everyone else is enjoying it. Mr. Carter really loves my beans. His beans are more traditional baked beans, with a sweet brown sugar taste. My dad's recipe calls for beer, peppers and liquid smoke. So they're more savory with a smoky kick. I explained to him that it's my dad's recipe with a couple of twists.
"My dad doesn't eat red meat. So he normally uses turkey bacon. I used real bacon. I just can't with turkey bacon." I explained.
Jake laughed at me. "What's up with that face?"
I put my beer down. Maybe I need to slow down. I don't recall making a face.
"I didn't make a face." I turned to him, smiling.
"Yeah you did. Like turkey bacon offends you." Jake countered.
"It kinda does though. It's an abomination to call it bacon." I laugh.
Jake and a few others laughed with me.
"Don't get me wrong, while in California, when I lived with my dad, I didn't eat any red meat. Cause my dad didn't buy it. I probably could live without red meat-" I stopped when I saw Rocky cut her eyes at me. "Don't look at me like that Rocky. It's true. I could."
"So I guess that's why the first place you went when you came home was Whataburger?" Rocky commented.
Everyone laughed at that. Karen a little too hard. I ignored Karen and smiled at Rocky.
"I coulda got a Whatachicken sandwich." I declared.
"You didn't. You got a bacon cheeseburger with jalapenos." Ethan joined in.
I grinned at him. "Nope. I got a Jr bacon cheeseburger with jalapenos. I wanted fries too. Besides, she didn't know that." I corrected him.
"Close enough." Ethan said.
"Close, but no cigar." I countered. Ethan just smiled at me.
"Why are we talking about your fast food preferences?" Karen asked me.
I didn't like Karen's tone, but I finished anyway. "The point was that I really could live without pork. I just still would never eat turkey bacon."
"You probably just need a detox. When you're used to eating fast food and junk, it ruins your taste buds. I see kids like that all the time. Their palates are so bad, they don't even like the taste of water." Karen told me.
Did this bitch just compare me to a kid? She probably just needed a foot in her ass.
"What do you do?" Mrs. Carter asked Karen. She explained how she was a nutritionist for the state of Texas. She works with low income families to make sure they can get healthy foods for pregnant women and children. She goes on and on about the obesity crisis like she's freaking Michelle Obama.
"Thank you first lady." Jake muttered. I burst out laughing. Jasmine was grinning too while everyone else glanced at us.
"Have something to add Jake?" Ethan asked. I covered my mouth, guiltily.
"Not at all. I was just explaining to Lily I drink enough water to know it doesn't really have a taste. I just drink it because it's healthy." Jake added."You can prefer certain things. It's about moderation."
"Well of course" Karen agreed. "But most kids don't understand moderation. Sometimes you have to take those choices away so they don't develop bad habits. I'm sure Lily's job as a personal trainer is why she doesn't gain weight-"
"Therapist." Ethan corrected. "She's a physical therapist."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize there was a big difference." Karen said, apologetically. Ethan nodded. What a fake bitch. She knew exactly what she was saying. Could he not see that?
"Yeah, about 7 years of school." Jake explained to her.
"Well anyway, I'm just saying obesity is an epidemic that is easily controlled. It's a shame to set our kids up for failure." Karen continued.
"As someone who struggled with my weight, my whole life, I know it's not always easy to control. In fact, when I was in school, during those 7 years, there were studies going on that would classify overeating as an eating disorder just like bulimia and anorexia ." I debated her.
"Were you a test study?" Karen asked, curiously.
I wanted to punch her face in. "No. I wasn't. By then, I knew the cause of my overeating. My adoptive dad was a professional baseball player, so it had nothing to do with low income. He raised us on his own and would restrict what my brother and I could eat. So my rebellion was junk food. As soon as I moved out of his house, I had no cravings for it. But good luck with taking kids choices away." I finished, coolly. I couldn't hold back the sarcasm in the last sentence.
"So your dad was a baseball player?" Mr. Carter asked me, officially changing the subject.
Dinner was pleasant after that. I was still fucking pissed. Not only at Karen. I knew why she had it out for me. I understood it. I truly regret that I wrote her back on Facebook. What I didn't understand was why Ethan didn't defend me. He sat there and let her attack me. Maybe passive aggressively, but attacking none the less. Even Rocky was shooting me sympathetic looks, and she was mad at me. And Ethan, who just an hour ago was kissing me, ignored it.
I was seething by the time dinner was over and we all went outside by the pool. I opted for the backyard instead. Karen was watching Joel swim. I was afraid I was going to lose it if she said one more thing to me.
I put myself on a time out and helped EJ make snow cones for everyone. Ethan rubbed my shoulder when he came over to help EJ set up the machine. I ignored him but I couldn't help watching him when he wasn't looking. When he did catch my eye, I looked away. After the snow cones were made for everyone, Ethan and EJ went back to the pool
Jasmine was leaving before the fireworks, so she opted not to get back in the pool. Brandon hooked up his phone to some speakers and we were jamming and eating snow cones. We were making small talk when Jason Derulo's "Wiggle" came on.
"This is my song!" Jasmine cheered. We both started wiggling in our lawn chairs and whistling.
"YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THAT BIG FAT BUTT" Jasmine sang.
"Wiggle wiggle wiggle!" I sang back to her. We both started laughing.
"BRANDON! Turn that off. I don't wanna hear that mess." Mrs. Carter yelled at him as she headed inside the house.
"Patty cake, patty cake with no hands..." Jasmine and I continued to sing to each other when Mrs. Carter went inside, before Brandon turned it off.
"I can't believe how inappropriate music is today." Karen commented loudly to Ethan. I ignored her. There was not enough rum (thanks Brandon!) in my snow cone to deal with her bitchy-ness.
"I have a kid friendly playlist. It has a little of everything." I told Brandon, handing him my phone. He plugged it in. I put it on shuffle, but since I know Mr. Carter is old school, I picked a Kool and the Gang song to play first.
Mrs. Carter came out with the fruit tarts and pecan bars. She brought them to the backyard. Everyone hopped out the pool and came over.
"That's what I'm talking bout!" Mr. Carter said, dancing around, grabbing a pecan bar. I giggled and munched on my snow cone.
Brandon shook his head. "See what you started?" He said, sitting beside us.
"Apparently pop music is a sign of the end times." Jasmine said, sarcastically.
"Don't forget obesity." I added. Jasmine, Brandon, and Jake laughed while Karen and Ethan shot me a look. Karen's look was dirty. Ethan's was more like 'not cool'. I just smiled.
Usher's "Yeah" came on and everyone is feeling it. The kids start dancing around after they gobbled down dessert.
"This song takes me back." Jake exclaimed.
"It always reminds me of that scene in that movie. With Will Smith..." Rocky started.
Brandon laughed. "...and Kevin James. Hitch."
"What playlist is this?" Ethan asked me, bobbing his head to the music.
"It's my work out playlist. I have a clean one for when me and EJ work out together." I explained, smiling sincerely.
"No wonder EJ knows all the songs on the radio. Even clean music is not really clean. It's still too suggestive for children." Karen commented.
I'm so over her. I know she's trying to bait me. So I ignore her. Again. This time, it was easy. I'm focusing on Ethan. God, he's sexy, jamming to the music. I was loving this side of him around his family. Normally he's so reserved. He caught me watching him, but I don't look away this time. Neither does he.
"These are so good!" Joel told Ethan, pointing to the fruit tarts. He finally broke eye contact with me to look at the boys.
"Can we have another one?" EJ asked.
I made mini tarts cause I wasn't sure how many people were coming. We had plenty.
Ethan looked at Karen. She nodded. Ethan handed one to EJ. "Make sure you tell Lily thank you. She made them." He said, reaching to grab Joel one, giving me a smile.
"You know what? You just had a snow cone. That's enough sweets." Karen replied.
The smile fell off Ethan's face and he looked at Karen. They had a stare down for a few moments.
"Can I cut it in half?" Mrs. Carter asked, trying to clear the obvious tension.
"No. " Karen said, briskly.
"Come here EJ." Ethan said. He took the tart from him. "Go play around some more. You can have more during the fireworks."
EJ pouted, but nodded before running off.
That was the final straw for me. It's one thing to be a bitch to me. But to deny your child? Because you're mad? And to go along with that bullshit? Unacceptable.
"That was some petty shit." I blurted out when Joel ran off.
"What?" Karen challenged me.
"Lily-" Ethan started at the same time.
"Excuse my language." I said, cutting both Karen and Ethan off. I turned back to Karen. "The only reason you didn't let him have another one is cause I made them. That was extremely petty."
"Lily..." Ethan repeated, in a warning tone. He used that tone with EJ. Fuck that. I ignored him and glared at Karen.
"I don't have to answer to you about my mothering. Apparently, you have no idea what that even means." Karen answered.
"You're right, I don't. And you don't have to answer to me. But your child might ask you why you are so miserable. And by miserable, I mean b-i-t-c-h." I spelled out for her.
I heard a couple of gasps.
"Lily! That's enough. You're making yourself look childish." Ethan said, firmly, giving me a look that said "shut up".
Oh, so now he can speak up. Just for that miserable bitch. Not for me. Or EJ. Fuck em both. They deserved each other.
I stood up. "And you're making yourself look like a d-i-c-k." I turned to his parents. "Thank you for having me." I said, before storming in the house.
I grabbed my purse and booked for the front door. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I held them back. Neither one of those assholes were going to get the satisfaction of making me cry. In fact, I was done crying over Ethan.
Unfortunately, Ethan was standing by my car when I walked out the house. I let my sadness fuel my anger.
When I ignored him and went to the driver's side, he followed me.
"Do you want your phone?" He asked. I snatched it from him, rudely.
"You still owe me a talk." Ethan told me.
"I changed my mind." I said, barely holding in my rage.
"Big surprise there." Ethan said, frustrated.
"What does that mean?" I snapped at him.
"It means the only consistency I get from you is inconsistency. You're all over the place, all the time. I don't know what you want from me!" He exclaimed at me.
"I want you! I've made that painfully obvious." I pointed out, pissed. I was so mad, I was shaking.
"When? When you moved to California after I told you I was falling in love with you? When you talked to my brother and didn't talk to me? When you came back and said you wanted to be in EJ's life only? When you're all over me, or Trevor or Jake or whoever else is fun for you?"
I've never seen him lose his cool like this. Not even when he found out about Megan and my brother. I felt like he just slapped me in the face.
"I don't want Trevor or Jake or anyone else. I've always had feelings for you Ethan. You know it was more than fun." I said, meekly. I didn't plan to confess to him like this. I just didn't want him to be angry with me anymore.
"Do I? I'm used to people saying what they mean and meaning what that say. You told me, repeatedly, I meant nothing to you. Say whatever you want about Karen, but at least she's consistent." He said, detached.
Tears flood out of my eyes at that. I don't know what was worst. When he was angry or when he was nonchalant.
"I'm telling you now. You meant something to me then. You mean something to me now." I admitted.
My tears got a reaction. He looked pained at my face. "Lily, I want you. I do. But I don't think that's enough anymore. It's too hard. Your moods and wants change so frequently. I'm realizing that I don't have it in me to keep up with you."
"Well let me make it easy for you. Let me go." I pleaded.
He got out of my way so I could get into my car. I speed off into the night, blinking back tears.
I wanted finality. I definitely got it.
So what do y'all think? Is it really finally over? Who do y'all picture Karen as now? :-)
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Burnin' Up
*In honor of Independence that so many men and women fought for, I'm exercising my freedom and posting a bonus post. Enjoy!
"Burnin' Up"- Faith Evans
On the drive to McKinney, I'm blasting my July 4th inspired playlist. American Woman by Lenny Kravitz is playing. I'm singing and dancing along.
I have no nerves at all. I didn't stress about my clothes like last time. I love my outfit. I'm wearing a bright blue blouse, the front tucked into white shorts. I tied an American flag bandanna like a headband across my forehead over the beach wave curls I put in my hair. I got my nails done in a red and white striped pattern. I spent forever curling my lashes perfectly. I put on brown liner, gold shimmer eye shadow and pink gloss. I finished my look with red hi-top converses.
I feel like I've mastered the flirty/sporty look. Exactly what I was going for. I wanted to dress ready, like he told me to be on Facebook. Our conversation on Facebook gave me the extra boost of confidence I needed.
Obviously, Ethan and Karen aren't as solid as I thought. He was definitely open to hearing what I have to say. And I know it's Facebook, but I know he was flirting with me. And quite frankly, even if he wasn't, I'm still ready to tell him. I feel like I've already been rejected once. No matter what, at least I put myself completely out there. Today would be the end of the back and forth. Either we were going to be together or not. And that actually gave me comfort.
Navigation got me to the house with no problems. I see Brandon's car parked out front, so I know I'm in the right place. I get my crock pot with the bbq beans out first and walk up the steps to the front door. I ring the doorbell.
"Lily!" Brandon opens the door after a few moments, letting me in.
"Hey! Happy 4th of July." I said cheerfully.
"Back at ya." He said smiling, "I'll get the rest of your stuff. Kitchen is straight ahead."
I followed his directions to the kitchen. The house is amazing. When I first walk in, there's a sitting room to the right. A formal dining area is decorated with red, white and blue decor. I kept going straight ahead, I walked into a huge open kitchen. There are glass patio doors and windows letting in the sunshine and providing a beautiful view of the backyard and pool. There's a breakfast nook and across from that is the family room. There's a brown sectional and a huge flat screen TV. There are framed photos everywhere. It looks so homey and comfortable.
Mrs. Carter came inside through the sliding patio door. She smiled at me.
"Welcome! Happy Independence day!" She greeted me.
"Hi! Happy Independence day." I repeated, looking for a good place to set the crock pot.
"Right over here." She directed me to the counter.
"Thanks." I said, setting down the crock pot and plugging it in. "You have a beautiful home."
"Thank you so much. Took a while, but I've finally got it exactly how I want it." Mrs. Carter said, proudly.
"For now. She's always coming up with some new project." Her husband commented, joining us.
"Hush you. It gives you something to do besides harassing me." Mrs. Carter teased.
I smiled at them. Brandon came into the kitchen, carrying the cobs of corn wrapped in foil and the fruit tarts sitting on top. He set them on the counter. Mrs. Carter took the fruit tarts.
"I'm going to take this to the refrigerator in the garage. Brandon, make sure Lily gets a drink." Mrs. Carter called.
"You see the cooler right?" Brandon asked.
I nodded.
"Boy, that's not what your mom told you go do. Go get her a drink." Mr. Carter told him.
Brandon exaggerated a sigh, as he went to get me a drink. I told him water was fine.
"Did you see the beans dad? She's trying to challenge your throne." Brandon commented.
"We'll see about that." Mr. Carter said, but winked at me so I knew that he was just playing.
"Is the grill still on? The corn needs to go on for a few minutes." I asked them.
"Sure is. In fact, I came in to grab a pan for Ethan..."
"I'll take it." I volunteered, eagerly. I took the pan from Mr. Carter as Brandon gives me a knowing look.
"Make sure you introduce her to the family too." Mr. Carter instructed.
Brandon did exactly that. He took the empty pan and the corn and led me outside. I unlocked the gate that surrounds the entire pool and walked through. After setting the food on a table, Brandon follows me. He introduces me to his half sister from his dad's previous marriage, Tami, and her kids and husband. I meet some of his aunts, uncles, and cousins as well. Everyone is friendly to me. EJ is in the pool, swimming with the other kids, so I just wave to him.
Rocky was chatting with Tami. She looked relaxed and cute in a blue and white romper and I told her so. She smiled and thanked me. Wasn't much, but it was better than her being cold like she had been all week.
My stomach kinda dropped when I saw a shirtless Jake wrapping a towel around a pretty young woman. After drying off, they come over. Jake introduced her as his sister Jasmine. He has 3 sisters. One older and 2 younger. She's the second to youngest, at 23 years old, and proud to inform me she's his favorite. Only because she doesn't have any kids. I laughed at that. She seems really cool.
Brandon then led me to the grill. We had to walk out of the gated pool entrance to the back of the house. There is another patio area as well as a huge backyard. The patio has an outdoor table and a massive grill, which Ethan is standing over. The patio is covered, there is even a ceiling fan. But it's still freaking hot. Especially by the grill. Ethan looks sooo sexy in a red striped polo and board shorts, manning the grill expertly.
"Special delivery!" Brandon called, as we approached him.
"About time..." Ethan said, turning to face us. I smiled at him when he met my eye.
Brandon held out the pan as Ethan put the hot dogs and sausages on it.
"How's your 4th going so far?" I asked Ethan.
"A lot better once I can get away from the grill." He said to me.
"She brought you more food." Brandon chuckled, before leaving us so he could take the food inside.
"It's quick. Just corn." I said, handing him the water bottle Brandon gave me.
"Thanks." He said, twisting off the cap. I put the corn on the grill to keep from staring at his lips as he chugged the water.
"So, how'd you get stuck on the grill?" I asked him.
"If you want something done right, do it yourself."
I laughed. "Poor Ethan. You're just so perfect at everything. Must be exhausting."
"You have no idea." He smirked at me.
I grabbed the tongs. "Are you gonna school me on the grill too?"
"I can... I see you're ready for some basketball. Nice shoes." He smiled.
I looked up at him. "Thanks."
He stared at me for a couple seconds.
"What?" I said, anxious. My heart is fluttering. I know the look he's giving me very well. The last time I saw it was Memorial Day weekend, when he was holding me still against his erection...
"Nothing. Your eyes. Every time I see you, they change colors on me." He said.
"Yeah...they tend to match my clothes. I know it's creepy."
"Not at all." Ethan said, in a way that left no room for disagreement. I feel myself blushing when he takes a step towards me.
"C'mere..." He said, softly.
"Yes?" I breathed, taking a step towards him.
"Touch your chin."
"What?"
"Touch your chin." He repeated.
"No. You touch your chin."
He grabbed my hand, and brought my fingers to my chin. "I'm giving you a grilling lesson. Feel that?" I felt something alright.
"Yep. My mandible." I said, my voice sounded breathless to me.
"Not the bone. Just the feel." He explained. I nodded. "That feeling is the same as meat cooked rare. Right here," He continued, pressing our fingers against my nose. "That's medium. And this is well done." He finished, rubbing my forehead.
"Good to know... You didn't put charcoal on my face did you?" I asked, jokingly. It's so tense between us. So I did what I do in tense situations: try to joke myself out of it.
"No. You're fine." He said, dropping our hands from my face, but still holding my fingers. I bite my lower lip before I can stop myself. His eyes glanced at my lips, before pulling me to him. I closed the gap and kissed him. His lips are hot and sweet. I instantly press my body against his, fueling the fire between us. I know what I thought about Cam and Jenna and being too hot to be right up under someone. But I feel like I can burn as long as Ethan is holding me...
The sound of someone clearing their throat broke us apart. We both looked up to see Ethan's dad. I blushed ferociously.
"How much longer for the food?" Mr. Carter asked. I stare at Ethan's shoes to avoid eye contact.
"Just a few more minutes. The kids can start getting out the pool." Ethan replied, calmly.
"Alright. Don't burn up the food out here." Mr. Carter said, smiling, before leaving.
I groaned "I'm so embarrassed."
"Don't be. He's seen worst. Especially with Brandon. Why don't you join everyone else? I got this."
"Trying to get rid of me huh?" I said.
"Mostly trying not to burn your corn. You're distracting me."
I giggled. "Ok"
"You still owe me a talk. Don't forget." He said seriously.
"Definitely." I said, walking off. I turned back around, pleased that he was watching me as I walked away. "And a beat down on the basketball court. Don't forget that." I called over my shoulder.
He smiled at me before I headed back to the pool.
After everyone got dried off and dressed, we went inside and started making plates and getting drink. The kids went first. They were going to sit in the second dining room while the adults sat in the sitting room and formal dining room area. I went and sat on the couch in the sitting room with lemonade. Ethan came in a short time later with the corn. He gave me a little smile. I felt the heat rising to my cheeks.
Afterwards, Ethan sat down next to me as we waited to make our plates. I planned to wait with him so we could make our plates together. But Mrs. Carter insisted because Rocky and I are guests, we make our plates after the kids.
"So you took my advice and talked to Ethan?" Rocky asked me quietly as we made our plates.
"I'm going to." I tell her, joyfully.
"Good." She nodded.
After we made our plates, Rocky sat at the dining room table. I take my plate and go sit next to Ethan. He set up TV trays in front of the couches.
"Ohmigosh. Everything looks so good."
"Told you." Ethan said.
"I'm mad at you. I coulda been eating like this years ago."
"The only thing I could have invited you to was Christmas or New Years. Those were awkward enough that year."
"Whatever. Still coulda brought me a plate." I mumbled.
Ethan smiled.
Jake sat down next to us with his plate.
It wasn't necessary, but I scooted down closer to Ethan so he had plenty of room. Besides, I figured his sister would join us.
"Where'd Jasmine go?" I asked him, after I looked around for his sister.
"Talking to her boyfriend. They're going to meet up later."
"Awww, I need to talk to her alone. Get some dirt on you."
"Ask away. I'm an open book."
I laughed and leaned forward to bite a rib. My hair, on the side Jake was sitting on, fell forward too. Dangerously close to falling in my plate. Jake noticed this, and quickly pulled my hair back, stroking it so it rested behind my shoulder.
"Thanks." I smiled, gratefully.
"No problem." He smiled back at me.
Ethan then wrapped his arm around my waist, and looked at Jake.
"Why didn't you invite Sammy?" Ethan asked him.
"Good question." I added, focusing on Jake. And not Ethan's fingers caressing me gently on my side.
"Cause I didn't want to. Hanging out with her last night was enough." Jake shrugged.
The doorbell rang. Ethan excused himself to go get it. I turned to look at Jake.
"What happened?"
"She got drunk. Sloppy drunk. I don't have the patience for that."
I nodded. I looked up when Ethan came back. I'm sure my mouth was wide open as I see Karen and Joel following him.
"Bathroom is to the left." Ethan pointed out to them. When they leave, he looks at me.
"Can I talk to you for a second?"
I stood up and followed him outside. I'm literally speechless.
What the fuck was she doing here?!?
"I'm sorry. I didn't think she would just show up. Just bear with me. We are still going to talk." Ethan said.
I nodded, still lost for words.
Are you surprised Karen showed up? How do you think Lily/ Ethan should handle it?
"Burnin' Up"- Faith Evans
On the drive to McKinney, I'm blasting my July 4th inspired playlist. American Woman by Lenny Kravitz is playing. I'm singing and dancing along.
I have no nerves at all. I didn't stress about my clothes like last time. I love my outfit. I'm wearing a bright blue blouse, the front tucked into white shorts. I tied an American flag bandanna like a headband across my forehead over the beach wave curls I put in my hair. I got my nails done in a red and white striped pattern. I spent forever curling my lashes perfectly. I put on brown liner, gold shimmer eye shadow and pink gloss. I finished my look with red hi-top converses.
I feel like I've mastered the flirty/sporty look. Exactly what I was going for. I wanted to dress ready, like he told me to be on Facebook. Our conversation on Facebook gave me the extra boost of confidence I needed.
Obviously, Ethan and Karen aren't as solid as I thought. He was definitely open to hearing what I have to say. And I know it's Facebook, but I know he was flirting with me. And quite frankly, even if he wasn't, I'm still ready to tell him. I feel like I've already been rejected once. No matter what, at least I put myself completely out there. Today would be the end of the back and forth. Either we were going to be together or not. And that actually gave me comfort.
Navigation got me to the house with no problems. I see Brandon's car parked out front, so I know I'm in the right place. I get my crock pot with the bbq beans out first and walk up the steps to the front door. I ring the doorbell.
"Lily!" Brandon opens the door after a few moments, letting me in.
"Hey! Happy 4th of July." I said cheerfully.
"Back at ya." He said smiling, "I'll get the rest of your stuff. Kitchen is straight ahead."
I followed his directions to the kitchen. The house is amazing. When I first walk in, there's a sitting room to the right. A formal dining area is decorated with red, white and blue decor. I kept going straight ahead, I walked into a huge open kitchen. There are glass patio doors and windows letting in the sunshine and providing a beautiful view of the backyard and pool. There's a breakfast nook and across from that is the family room. There's a brown sectional and a huge flat screen TV. There are framed photos everywhere. It looks so homey and comfortable.
Mrs. Carter came inside through the sliding patio door. She smiled at me.
"Welcome! Happy Independence day!" She greeted me.
"Hi! Happy Independence day." I repeated, looking for a good place to set the crock pot.
"Right over here." She directed me to the counter.
"Thanks." I said, setting down the crock pot and plugging it in. "You have a beautiful home."
"Thank you so much. Took a while, but I've finally got it exactly how I want it." Mrs. Carter said, proudly.
"For now. She's always coming up with some new project." Her husband commented, joining us.
"Hush you. It gives you something to do besides harassing me." Mrs. Carter teased.
I smiled at them. Brandon came into the kitchen, carrying the cobs of corn wrapped in foil and the fruit tarts sitting on top. He set them on the counter. Mrs. Carter took the fruit tarts.
"I'm going to take this to the refrigerator in the garage. Brandon, make sure Lily gets a drink." Mrs. Carter called.
"You see the cooler right?" Brandon asked.
I nodded.
"Boy, that's not what your mom told you go do. Go get her a drink." Mr. Carter told him.
Brandon exaggerated a sigh, as he went to get me a drink. I told him water was fine.
"Did you see the beans dad? She's trying to challenge your throne." Brandon commented.
"We'll see about that." Mr. Carter said, but winked at me so I knew that he was just playing.
"Is the grill still on? The corn needs to go on for a few minutes." I asked them.
"Sure is. In fact, I came in to grab a pan for Ethan..."
"I'll take it." I volunteered, eagerly. I took the pan from Mr. Carter as Brandon gives me a knowing look.
"Make sure you introduce her to the family too." Mr. Carter instructed.
Brandon did exactly that. He took the empty pan and the corn and led me outside. I unlocked the gate that surrounds the entire pool and walked through. After setting the food on a table, Brandon follows me. He introduces me to his half sister from his dad's previous marriage, Tami, and her kids and husband. I meet some of his aunts, uncles, and cousins as well. Everyone is friendly to me. EJ is in the pool, swimming with the other kids, so I just wave to him.
Rocky was chatting with Tami. She looked relaxed and cute in a blue and white romper and I told her so. She smiled and thanked me. Wasn't much, but it was better than her being cold like she had been all week.
My stomach kinda dropped when I saw a shirtless Jake wrapping a towel around a pretty young woman. After drying off, they come over. Jake introduced her as his sister Jasmine. He has 3 sisters. One older and 2 younger. She's the second to youngest, at 23 years old, and proud to inform me she's his favorite. Only because she doesn't have any kids. I laughed at that. She seems really cool.
Brandon then led me to the grill. We had to walk out of the gated pool entrance to the back of the house. There is another patio area as well as a huge backyard. The patio has an outdoor table and a massive grill, which Ethan is standing over. The patio is covered, there is even a ceiling fan. But it's still freaking hot. Especially by the grill. Ethan looks sooo sexy in a red striped polo and board shorts, manning the grill expertly.
"Special delivery!" Brandon called, as we approached him.
"About time..." Ethan said, turning to face us. I smiled at him when he met my eye.
Brandon held out the pan as Ethan put the hot dogs and sausages on it.
"How's your 4th going so far?" I asked Ethan.
"A lot better once I can get away from the grill." He said to me.
"She brought you more food." Brandon chuckled, before leaving us so he could take the food inside.
"It's quick. Just corn." I said, handing him the water bottle Brandon gave me.
"Thanks." He said, twisting off the cap. I put the corn on the grill to keep from staring at his lips as he chugged the water.
"So, how'd you get stuck on the grill?" I asked him.
"If you want something done right, do it yourself."
I laughed. "Poor Ethan. You're just so perfect at everything. Must be exhausting."
"You have no idea." He smirked at me.
I grabbed the tongs. "Are you gonna school me on the grill too?"
"I can... I see you're ready for some basketball. Nice shoes." He smiled.
I looked up at him. "Thanks."
He stared at me for a couple seconds.
"What?" I said, anxious. My heart is fluttering. I know the look he's giving me very well. The last time I saw it was Memorial Day weekend, when he was holding me still against his erection...
"Nothing. Your eyes. Every time I see you, they change colors on me." He said.
"Yeah...they tend to match my clothes. I know it's creepy."
"Not at all." Ethan said, in a way that left no room for disagreement. I feel myself blushing when he takes a step towards me.
"C'mere..." He said, softly.
"Yes?" I breathed, taking a step towards him.
"Touch your chin."
"What?"
"Touch your chin." He repeated.
"No. You touch your chin."
He grabbed my hand, and brought my fingers to my chin. "I'm giving you a grilling lesson. Feel that?" I felt something alright.
"Yep. My mandible." I said, my voice sounded breathless to me.
"Not the bone. Just the feel." He explained. I nodded. "That feeling is the same as meat cooked rare. Right here," He continued, pressing our fingers against my nose. "That's medium. And this is well done." He finished, rubbing my forehead.
"Good to know... You didn't put charcoal on my face did you?" I asked, jokingly. It's so tense between us. So I did what I do in tense situations: try to joke myself out of it.
"No. You're fine." He said, dropping our hands from my face, but still holding my fingers. I bite my lower lip before I can stop myself. His eyes glanced at my lips, before pulling me to him. I closed the gap and kissed him. His lips are hot and sweet. I instantly press my body against his, fueling the fire between us. I know what I thought about Cam and Jenna and being too hot to be right up under someone. But I feel like I can burn as long as Ethan is holding me...
The sound of someone clearing their throat broke us apart. We both looked up to see Ethan's dad. I blushed ferociously.
"How much longer for the food?" Mr. Carter asked. I stare at Ethan's shoes to avoid eye contact.
"Just a few more minutes. The kids can start getting out the pool." Ethan replied, calmly.
"Alright. Don't burn up the food out here." Mr. Carter said, smiling, before leaving.
I groaned "I'm so embarrassed."
"Don't be. He's seen worst. Especially with Brandon. Why don't you join everyone else? I got this."
"Trying to get rid of me huh?" I said.
"Mostly trying not to burn your corn. You're distracting me."
I giggled. "Ok"
"You still owe me a talk. Don't forget." He said seriously.
"Definitely." I said, walking off. I turned back around, pleased that he was watching me as I walked away. "And a beat down on the basketball court. Don't forget that." I called over my shoulder.
He smiled at me before I headed back to the pool.
After everyone got dried off and dressed, we went inside and started making plates and getting drink. The kids went first. They were going to sit in the second dining room while the adults sat in the sitting room and formal dining room area. I went and sat on the couch in the sitting room with lemonade. Ethan came in a short time later with the corn. He gave me a little smile. I felt the heat rising to my cheeks.
Afterwards, Ethan sat down next to me as we waited to make our plates. I planned to wait with him so we could make our plates together. But Mrs. Carter insisted because Rocky and I are guests, we make our plates after the kids.
"So you took my advice and talked to Ethan?" Rocky asked me quietly as we made our plates.
"I'm going to." I tell her, joyfully.
"Good." She nodded.
After we made our plates, Rocky sat at the dining room table. I take my plate and go sit next to Ethan. He set up TV trays in front of the couches.
"Ohmigosh. Everything looks so good."
"Told you." Ethan said.
"I'm mad at you. I coulda been eating like this years ago."
"The only thing I could have invited you to was Christmas or New Years. Those were awkward enough that year."
"Whatever. Still coulda brought me a plate." I mumbled.
Ethan smiled.
Jake sat down next to us with his plate.
It wasn't necessary, but I scooted down closer to Ethan so he had plenty of room. Besides, I figured his sister would join us.
"Where'd Jasmine go?" I asked him, after I looked around for his sister.
"Talking to her boyfriend. They're going to meet up later."
"Awww, I need to talk to her alone. Get some dirt on you."
"Ask away. I'm an open book."
I laughed and leaned forward to bite a rib. My hair, on the side Jake was sitting on, fell forward too. Dangerously close to falling in my plate. Jake noticed this, and quickly pulled my hair back, stroking it so it rested behind my shoulder.
"Thanks." I smiled, gratefully.
"No problem." He smiled back at me.
Ethan then wrapped his arm around my waist, and looked at Jake.
"Why didn't you invite Sammy?" Ethan asked him.
"Good question." I added, focusing on Jake. And not Ethan's fingers caressing me gently on my side.
"Cause I didn't want to. Hanging out with her last night was enough." Jake shrugged.
The doorbell rang. Ethan excused himself to go get it. I turned to look at Jake.
"What happened?"
"She got drunk. Sloppy drunk. I don't have the patience for that."
I nodded. I looked up when Ethan came back. I'm sure my mouth was wide open as I see Karen and Joel following him.
"Bathroom is to the left." Ethan pointed out to them. When they leave, he looks at me.
"Can I talk to you for a second?"
I stood up and followed him outside. I'm literally speechless.
What the fuck was she doing here?!?
"I'm sorry. I didn't think she would just show up. Just bear with me. We are still going to talk." Ethan said.
I nodded, still lost for words.
Are you surprised Karen showed up? How do you think Lily/ Ethan should handle it?
Friday, July 4, 2014
Made in the U.S.A
Made in the U.S.A- Demi Lovato
Happy Birthday America!!!
I'm in my room, putting the final touches on my make-up before I load up my car and head to the Carter's home in McKinney. Brandon and Rocky already left. I'm running behind. My brother and Jenna's visit at my new apartment went longer than I planned. Brandon and Rocky were gone before I got back from Addison.
My brother got us hotel rooms Thursday night at the Springhill Suites in Addison. It was walking distance from Addison Circle. Which was perfect considering THOUSANDS of people came to Kaboom Town to enjoy the festivities and fireworks show. Certain roads were blocked off, which made driving and parking impossible right before and after the event. Cam eliminated that problem by booking us the rooms. We met up right after I got off of work.
"Hey Bro!" I exclaimed. He had his back to me as I entered the lobby of the hotel.
"Hey sis." Cam greeted me when he turned around. I hugged him. "Jenna already went up to our room. She figured you'd want to get your hotel key and get dressed." Cam explained, handing my key card.
"Oh great, she's already in my head." I groaned, only partially kidding.
"Stop it. She won't do that without my say so..."
I grimaced.
"Just kidding. If it makes you feel better, she's twice as nervous to meet you." Cam smiled.
Really? Huh. Good to know.
"So we'll meet you back down here around 5:30. Trevor and Becca should be here around then."
Fan-fucking-tastic. He still hadn't responded to my text.
We drove to park closer to our rooms and he helped me with my bag. I already see families and groups walking across the parking lot towards Addison Circle. The room is amazing. It's a one bedroom suite with a mini kitchen and living room. I have no intentions of using either, but still very cool.
I showered and got dressed. I changed into a fitted white tank that had a image of the American flag on it. I paired it with cut off dark denim shorts. I didn't feel like doing my hair. I watched a tutorial on curling hair on YouTube in anticipation of how I wanted to do my hair for the BBQ at Ethan's parents' house. So I just left my hair pulled up in a messy bun. I throw on some sandals, sunglasses and a red lipstick and I'm ready to go by 5:15.
I decided to go ahead and wait in the lobby. I walked around the hotel and went into the lobby by the pool entrance. I noticed that Trevor had made it to the hotel. He's in the lobby, by the entrance, sunglasses on, talking to a very tall, brunette girl. Obviously not Becca. He has his phone out and it looks like he's getting her number. I'll say it again. ASSHOLE!
I wait till they finish their conversation before I approach him.
"That didn't look like Becca." I said, pushing my shades on top of my head. He leaves his shades on, leaving me at a disadvantage. His blue eyes normally reveal everything that he's thinking.
"Aren't you a smart one." He said, sarcastically.
"And aren't you a hypocrite getting another girl's number. Where is Becca anyway?"
"Late. Meeting us at Addison Circle. And helping someone with directions makes me a hypocrite?" Trevor said, with a little smile.
"Oh. Well, I don't know why you would offer to help. You couldn't even find your way to my new apartment." I said, crossing my arms.
"True. That's why I had my GPS out." Trevor grinned.
"Oh wow! You know how to use your phone?!? But you couldn't return my text?"
He laughed. "I'm so sorry Lily. I'm throwing myself at your mercy. Please forgive me."
"Maybe after you buy me a beer." I smiled.
And like that, we're cool again. We can never stay mad at each other. That's why I have no idea why he avoided me and the inevitability of us making up last week.
5 minutes later, Cam comes down with Jenna. I've seen pictures of her, but they really don't do her justice. She's a couple inches shorter than me and looks classy and chic in a linen white and blue stripped blouse with red shorts. She has big, light brown wild curly hair and a wide smile on her face. My brother is beaming when he introduces her to me. They make a cute couple.
"Lily, this is Jenna. Jenna, this is Lily."
I smiled politely, and Jenna immediately hugged me.
"It's so good to finally meet you." She exclaimed, hugging me tightly.
"You too." I said, hugging her back. After she pulled back, she latched onto my arm.
"I'm so glad you came. I can't wait to get to know you!" Jenna smiled at me.
I nodded, a little thrown off by her cheerfulness.
This was her nervous? She seemed totally comfortable getting to know me. Jenna asked me a ton of questions as we walked to Addison Circle. I don't know what would be worse: this or having to make small talk with her if she wasn't as talkative. I'm horrible with making conversation with strangers. So I'm grateful that she's directing our conversation. But at the same time, it's overwhelming.
Cam and Trevor picked up on my discomfort. Trevor just grinned at me. Cam put his arm around Jenna. "Why don't we take a break with the questions babe."
Jenna sent me an apologetic look. "Sorry. I tend to talk a lot when I'm nervous."
I smiled, reassuring. "Don't be nervous. I should be thanking you for putting up with Cam. I'm still confused to how he got you to date him."
She laughed. "He was persistent. Technically, he wasn't my patient anymore. But it's my general rule. Not to date participants of my class."
"Especially not drop outs." Trevor joked.
"No. Not graduates either. Most of them are still on some type of probation." She laughed. "But, he told me if I went to dinner with him one time, he would stop pestering me. So I did. I'm so glad I did." She smiled up at Cam. He bent down to give her a kiss on the forehead.
I smiled at them. "Sure he didn't slip you something?." I responded. Cam just chuckled.
Trevor elbowed me.
I nudged him back.
Since Becca was joining us, we decided to stay close to the main stage and food vendors so she could find us easily. We went ahead and ordered food.
Jenna goes for street Italian food with a chicken and cheese panini and cannoli chips. I go for Cuban food with a deep fried cuban rolls and plantain chips. One of Cam's favorite restaurant is Texas de Brazil, so I'm not surprised he gets their plate that has Brazilian sausage, sirloin, and chicken with bacon. And Trevor goes for bbq with a turkey leg.
We find an empty table, close enough to hear the music from 36th Infantry Division Band. Me and Jenna hold down the seats while Cam and Trevor go get us drinks. I told Trevor I would forgive him if he got me a beer. He does better and brings me a huge margarita. Even if I was still mad at him, I would have forgiven him on the spot.
We were eating and talking and having fun when Trevor got a call from Becca. He answered it and explained where we are. I swear, not even 2 minutes later, she is calling back. After trying to explain it to her again, Trevor gets up to go find her.
"So I guess she follows directions as well as she follows TV shows?" I called to him before he left.
"Be nice. Or I'm going to tell her you have permanent PMS." Trevor smiled at me, before jogging off.
"Don't think much of his girlfriend?" Jenna asked me.
"She's not his girlfriend. But I generally try not to think of them at all until they've been around for at least 2 months." I responded.
Cam shook his head at that. 10 minutes later, Trevor and Becca return. She's carrying a plate of nachos and a water bottle. Trevor has a cup of fruit and funnel cake fries. After they sit down, he gives the fruit to Becca and offered to share his fries with me. I shook my head no.
"Are you worried about gaining weight?" Trevor asked me, bluntly.
I looked at him in surprise. "No... Why? Should I be???"
"No. I just noticed, you haven't been eating any sweets. Just curious."
Cam gave me a concerned look.
"Not everyone has a sweet tooth like you Trevor. It's supposed to be a sometimes food. Not every day." Jenna commented.
Becca giggled. "I know. He eats whatever he wants and doesn't even worry about it. You're welcomed to my fruit." Becca offered me.
"Thanks." I smiled at Becca and Jenna. Thankful for their support. Trevor still didn't let it go.
"I mean, you're turning down funnel cake. You didn't eat any of EJ's birthday cake..." Trevor pressed.
I grabbed a fry and shoved it my mouth.
"Mmmm deep fried sugary goodness.." I talked and chewed, obnoxiously. "Happy?"
"Yes." Trevor smiled.
"No. Chew with your mouth closed. You know better." Cam replied.
They laughed at him. I gave him a dirty look.
"The older you get the more you look like dad. Now you're starting to sound like him." Before, any comparison to our dad would set him off.
Cam just gives me a smile. "Thanks."
After we eat, we still have a couple of hours till the fireworks, so we go to the midway area. We rode rides together. Everyone rotated on couple rides so I wasn't the loner on all of them. The system was working fine till the 4 person quad jump. Cam offered to not go, but I refused.
When they left, I tried my luck on some games. On the basketball hop, I spent $10, but I made the shot and won an oversized Mavericks plush ball. The guy running the game was nice enough to take my picture with it. I post it on Facebook immediately with the caption:
When I join back up with them, Trevor looks at my ball in disbelief.
"Where did you get that from?"
"I won it!" I said, dancing around with it arrogantly. "While you were riding rides, I was putting in work son!"
He laughed at me. "Let's go. I want one too."
I lead him to the same game. The guy remembered me and confirmed I made the shot. Trevor spends $20 before he gives up. Cam doesn't even try. He believes the games are a waste of money. Trevor does win a dart throwing game. He wins a little stuffed turtle. I snickered at it when he gives it to Becca.
"Shut up Lily." Trevor said.
I laughed. "I didn't say anything. Besides, size doesn't matter, right Becca?"
We all laughed at that.
We walked back to the open area to get ready to watch the fireworks. I made a big production out of finding a place for my big ball and sat on it.
"A little competitive Lily?" Jenna grinned at me. She sat on the grass in between Cam's legs with his arms wrapped around her. Awww. That's true love. Cause it's way too hot and sticky for me to be that close to anyone.
"Not at all. I'm just the best at everything!"
"You weren't the best at laser tag at EJ's birthday." Trevor murmured, sitting on the ground between me and Becca.
"Shut up Trevor! You were using kids as shields!" I accused him.
"So? All's fair in love and war." Trevor shrugged.
"It was EJ's 7th birthday. It was 7 and 8 year olds." I smiled.
"Never too young to learn the rules of life." Trevor said, smiling too.
"Who is EJ?" Becca smiled.
The thought of how EJ came into our lives wiped the smile off everyone's face. I recovered first.
"My friend's son." I said simply.
Becca must have caught the change of mood, cause she didn't press for details.
Geez, that was awkward...
While waiting for the show to begin, I pulled out my phone just for the distraction. I see I have Facebook notifications.
I have a 18 likes on my new picture. And comments.
Jordan: Go girl!
Jake: Who did you steal that from?
Sammy: Yes! That will look awesome in our game room/den.
Ethan: How much did you spend to win it?
I chuckled to myself and responded.
Me: Don't worry bout how much I spent! @Ethan
Thanks @Jordan.
Why? Are you going to come arrest me? Ohh that's right, you can't :-P @Jake
And it's going in my trophy room/den @Sammy.
A few moments later, I get more responses.
Brandon: Oh snap! Got ya there @Jake #RentACopProblems
Jake: That's okay. I can make a citizen's arrest. After I pistol whip you a little first @Lily
Sammy: Lmao @Brandon
Ain't nobody scared of u @Jake
Ethan: Don't hog the games. Let the kids have fun @Lily
"I didn't invite you here so I can watch you play on your phone." Cam told me.
I flashed him an apologetic smile. "One sec."
I just respond to Ethan.
Me: You know me. Games are not for fun. They are for winning #Winning #Tiger'sBlood @Ethan
Ethan: lol Guess I'm gonna have to school you again in a shoot off like I did two years ago. @Lily
Me: Stop living in the past! 2 years was a looong time ago. If you hadn't noticed, things change. But feel free to try. @Ethan
Ethan: I see that. But I also know the more things change, the more they stay the same. Come ready Friday. @Lily
"Lily..." Trevor said, annoyed, over the sound of the airplane over us. I smiled, and wrote one more reply.
Me: Touche. And I stay ready!@Ethan
I then put my phone away to focus on the air show. The air show and fireworks were amazing. It was so much fun. Afterwards, we hung out at the after show before making our way back to the hotel. We hung out in my brother's hotel room until traffic died down and Trevor and Becca left. I retired to my room after that.
After breakfast this morning, Cam and Jenna follow me to my new apartment. They love it. I promise to check out their apartment soon. I hugged them both before we went our separate ways.
I give myself one final look over before leaving. I'm heading out to McKinney. Wish me luck guys!!!
Enjoy your 4th of July weekend everyone!
Happy Birthday America!!!
I'm in my room, putting the final touches on my make-up before I load up my car and head to the Carter's home in McKinney. Brandon and Rocky already left. I'm running behind. My brother and Jenna's visit at my new apartment went longer than I planned. Brandon and Rocky were gone before I got back from Addison.
My brother got us hotel rooms Thursday night at the Springhill Suites in Addison. It was walking distance from Addison Circle. Which was perfect considering THOUSANDS of people came to Kaboom Town to enjoy the festivities and fireworks show. Certain roads were blocked off, which made driving and parking impossible right before and after the event. Cam eliminated that problem by booking us the rooms. We met up right after I got off of work.
"Hey Bro!" I exclaimed. He had his back to me as I entered the lobby of the hotel.
"Hey sis." Cam greeted me when he turned around. I hugged him. "Jenna already went up to our room. She figured you'd want to get your hotel key and get dressed." Cam explained, handing my key card.
"Oh great, she's already in my head." I groaned, only partially kidding.
"Stop it. She won't do that without my say so..."
I grimaced.
"Just kidding. If it makes you feel better, she's twice as nervous to meet you." Cam smiled.
Really? Huh. Good to know.
"So we'll meet you back down here around 5:30. Trevor and Becca should be here around then."
Fan-fucking-tastic. He still hadn't responded to my text.
We drove to park closer to our rooms and he helped me with my bag. I already see families and groups walking across the parking lot towards Addison Circle. The room is amazing. It's a one bedroom suite with a mini kitchen and living room. I have no intentions of using either, but still very cool.
I showered and got dressed. I changed into a fitted white tank that had a image of the American flag on it. I paired it with cut off dark denim shorts. I didn't feel like doing my hair. I watched a tutorial on curling hair on YouTube in anticipation of how I wanted to do my hair for the BBQ at Ethan's parents' house. So I just left my hair pulled up in a messy bun. I throw on some sandals, sunglasses and a red lipstick and I'm ready to go by 5:15.
I decided to go ahead and wait in the lobby. I walked around the hotel and went into the lobby by the pool entrance. I noticed that Trevor had made it to the hotel. He's in the lobby, by the entrance, sunglasses on, talking to a very tall, brunette girl. Obviously not Becca. He has his phone out and it looks like he's getting her number. I'll say it again. ASSHOLE!
I wait till they finish their conversation before I approach him.
"That didn't look like Becca." I said, pushing my shades on top of my head. He leaves his shades on, leaving me at a disadvantage. His blue eyes normally reveal everything that he's thinking.
"Aren't you a smart one." He said, sarcastically.
"And aren't you a hypocrite getting another girl's number. Where is Becca anyway?"
"Late. Meeting us at Addison Circle. And helping someone with directions makes me a hypocrite?" Trevor said, with a little smile.
"Oh. Well, I don't know why you would offer to help. You couldn't even find your way to my new apartment." I said, crossing my arms.
"True. That's why I had my GPS out." Trevor grinned.
"Oh wow! You know how to use your phone?!? But you couldn't return my text?"
He laughed. "I'm so sorry Lily. I'm throwing myself at your mercy. Please forgive me."
"Maybe after you buy me a beer." I smiled.
And like that, we're cool again. We can never stay mad at each other. That's why I have no idea why he avoided me and the inevitability of us making up last week.
5 minutes later, Cam comes down with Jenna. I've seen pictures of her, but they really don't do her justice. She's a couple inches shorter than me and looks classy and chic in a linen white and blue stripped blouse with red shorts. She has big, light brown wild curly hair and a wide smile on her face. My brother is beaming when he introduces her to me. They make a cute couple.
"Lily, this is Jenna. Jenna, this is Lily."
I smiled politely, and Jenna immediately hugged me.
"It's so good to finally meet you." She exclaimed, hugging me tightly.
"You too." I said, hugging her back. After she pulled back, she latched onto my arm.
"I'm so glad you came. I can't wait to get to know you!" Jenna smiled at me.
I nodded, a little thrown off by her cheerfulness.
This was her nervous? She seemed totally comfortable getting to know me. Jenna asked me a ton of questions as we walked to Addison Circle. I don't know what would be worse: this or having to make small talk with her if she wasn't as talkative. I'm horrible with making conversation with strangers. So I'm grateful that she's directing our conversation. But at the same time, it's overwhelming.
Cam and Trevor picked up on my discomfort. Trevor just grinned at me. Cam put his arm around Jenna. "Why don't we take a break with the questions babe."
Jenna sent me an apologetic look. "Sorry. I tend to talk a lot when I'm nervous."
I smiled, reassuring. "Don't be nervous. I should be thanking you for putting up with Cam. I'm still confused to how he got you to date him."
She laughed. "He was persistent. Technically, he wasn't my patient anymore. But it's my general rule. Not to date participants of my class."
"Especially not drop outs." Trevor joked.
"No. Not graduates either. Most of them are still on some type of probation." She laughed. "But, he told me if I went to dinner with him one time, he would stop pestering me. So I did. I'm so glad I did." She smiled up at Cam. He bent down to give her a kiss on the forehead.
I smiled at them. "Sure he didn't slip you something?." I responded. Cam just chuckled.
Trevor elbowed me.
I nudged him back.
Since Becca was joining us, we decided to stay close to the main stage and food vendors so she could find us easily. We went ahead and ordered food.
Jenna goes for street Italian food with a chicken and cheese panini and cannoli chips. I go for Cuban food with a deep fried cuban rolls and plantain chips. One of Cam's favorite restaurant is Texas de Brazil, so I'm not surprised he gets their plate that has Brazilian sausage, sirloin, and chicken with bacon. And Trevor goes for bbq with a turkey leg.
We find an empty table, close enough to hear the music from 36th Infantry Division Band. Me and Jenna hold down the seats while Cam and Trevor go get us drinks. I told Trevor I would forgive him if he got me a beer. He does better and brings me a huge margarita. Even if I was still mad at him, I would have forgiven him on the spot.
We were eating and talking and having fun when Trevor got a call from Becca. He answered it and explained where we are. I swear, not even 2 minutes later, she is calling back. After trying to explain it to her again, Trevor gets up to go find her.
"So I guess she follows directions as well as she follows TV shows?" I called to him before he left.
"Be nice. Or I'm going to tell her you have permanent PMS." Trevor smiled at me, before jogging off.
"Don't think much of his girlfriend?" Jenna asked me.
"She's not his girlfriend. But I generally try not to think of them at all until they've been around for at least 2 months." I responded.
Cam shook his head at that. 10 minutes later, Trevor and Becca return. She's carrying a plate of nachos and a water bottle. Trevor has a cup of fruit and funnel cake fries. After they sit down, he gives the fruit to Becca and offered to share his fries with me. I shook my head no.
"Are you worried about gaining weight?" Trevor asked me, bluntly.
I looked at him in surprise. "No... Why? Should I be???"
"No. I just noticed, you haven't been eating any sweets. Just curious."
Cam gave me a concerned look.
"Not everyone has a sweet tooth like you Trevor. It's supposed to be a sometimes food. Not every day." Jenna commented.
Becca giggled. "I know. He eats whatever he wants and doesn't even worry about it. You're welcomed to my fruit." Becca offered me.
"Thanks." I smiled at Becca and Jenna. Thankful for their support. Trevor still didn't let it go.
"I mean, you're turning down funnel cake. You didn't eat any of EJ's birthday cake..." Trevor pressed.
I grabbed a fry and shoved it my mouth.
"Mmmm deep fried sugary goodness.." I talked and chewed, obnoxiously. "Happy?"
"Yes." Trevor smiled.
"No. Chew with your mouth closed. You know better." Cam replied.
They laughed at him. I gave him a dirty look.
"The older you get the more you look like dad. Now you're starting to sound like him." Before, any comparison to our dad would set him off.
Cam just gives me a smile. "Thanks."
After we eat, we still have a couple of hours till the fireworks, so we go to the midway area. We rode rides together. Everyone rotated on couple rides so I wasn't the loner on all of them. The system was working fine till the 4 person quad jump. Cam offered to not go, but I refused.
When they left, I tried my luck on some games. On the basketball hop, I spent $10, but I made the shot and won an oversized Mavericks plush ball. The guy running the game was nice enough to take my picture with it. I post it on Facebook immediately with the caption:
ALL I DO IS WIN! WIN! WIN! NO MATTER WHAT!
When I join back up with them, Trevor looks at my ball in disbelief.
"Where did you get that from?"
"I won it!" I said, dancing around with it arrogantly. "While you were riding rides, I was putting in work son!"
He laughed at me. "Let's go. I want one too."
I lead him to the same game. The guy remembered me and confirmed I made the shot. Trevor spends $20 before he gives up. Cam doesn't even try. He believes the games are a waste of money. Trevor does win a dart throwing game. He wins a little stuffed turtle. I snickered at it when he gives it to Becca.
"Shut up Lily." Trevor said.
I laughed. "I didn't say anything. Besides, size doesn't matter, right Becca?"
We all laughed at that.
We walked back to the open area to get ready to watch the fireworks. I made a big production out of finding a place for my big ball and sat on it.
"A little competitive Lily?" Jenna grinned at me. She sat on the grass in between Cam's legs with his arms wrapped around her. Awww. That's true love. Cause it's way too hot and sticky for me to be that close to anyone.
"Not at all. I'm just the best at everything!"
"You weren't the best at laser tag at EJ's birthday." Trevor murmured, sitting on the ground between me and Becca.
"Shut up Trevor! You were using kids as shields!" I accused him.
"So? All's fair in love and war." Trevor shrugged.
"It was EJ's 7th birthday. It was 7 and 8 year olds." I smiled.
"Never too young to learn the rules of life." Trevor said, smiling too.
"Who is EJ?" Becca smiled.
The thought of how EJ came into our lives wiped the smile off everyone's face. I recovered first.
"My friend's son." I said simply.
Becca must have caught the change of mood, cause she didn't press for details.
Geez, that was awkward...
While waiting for the show to begin, I pulled out my phone just for the distraction. I see I have Facebook notifications.
I have a 18 likes on my new picture. And comments.
Jordan: Go girl!
Jake: Who did you steal that from?
Sammy: Yes! That will look awesome in our game room/den.
Ethan: How much did you spend to win it?
I chuckled to myself and responded.
Me: Don't worry bout how much I spent! @Ethan
Thanks @Jordan.
Why? Are you going to come arrest me? Ohh that's right, you can't :-P @Jake
And it's going in my trophy room/den @Sammy.
A few moments later, I get more responses.
Brandon: Oh snap! Got ya there @Jake #RentACopProblems
Jake: That's okay. I can make a citizen's arrest. After I pistol whip you a little first @Lily
Sammy: Lmao @Brandon
Ain't nobody scared of u @Jake
Ethan: Don't hog the games. Let the kids have fun @Lily
"I didn't invite you here so I can watch you play on your phone." Cam told me.
I flashed him an apologetic smile. "One sec."
I just respond to Ethan.
Me: You know me. Games are not for fun. They are for winning #Winning #Tiger'sBlood @Ethan
Ethan: lol Guess I'm gonna have to school you again in a shoot off like I did two years ago. @Lily
Me: Stop living in the past! 2 years was a looong time ago. If you hadn't noticed, things change. But feel free to try. @Ethan
Ethan: I see that. But I also know the more things change, the more they stay the same. Come ready Friday. @Lily
"Lily..." Trevor said, annoyed, over the sound of the airplane over us. I smiled, and wrote one more reply.
Me: Touche. And I stay ready!@Ethan
I then put my phone away to focus on the air show. The air show and fireworks were amazing. It was so much fun. Afterwards, we hung out at the after show before making our way back to the hotel. We hung out in my brother's hotel room until traffic died down and Trevor and Becca left. I retired to my room after that.
After breakfast this morning, Cam and Jenna follow me to my new apartment. They love it. I promise to check out their apartment soon. I hugged them both before we went our separate ways.
I give myself one final look over before leaving. I'm heading out to McKinney. Wish me luck guys!!!
Enjoy your 4th of July weekend everyone!
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Sorry
"Sorry"- Naya Rivera
"That insecure jealous bitch!" Sammy declared, at the bar. Dave and Buster's was closing and she was waiting to close her shift. I was on my second cherry vodka sour and just showed her the message Karen sent me Saturday night.
"That's what I thought." I laughed. "I don't know how to respond."
"I got this. Write: Bitch, I backed off for two years. I was in a whole 'nother state. If you couldn't get a connection, it's your fucking problem. I ain't going any fucking where! Save yourself the embarrassment and back off! Or get dumped. Your choice bitch!" Sammy stated.
I burst out laughing. "That's too much. Rocky thinks I shouldn't write back at all."
"Rocky is lame. You know she would respond. Unless you have sexy pictures of you and Ethan. Then I would just post them. Do you have any?"
"No!" I said. She's so crazy. After I finished my drink, I took my phone and composed a message.
I showed it to Sammy. She cracked up laughing.
"One more thing!" Sammy laughed, grabbing my phone from me. She typed on it. I looked at it when she handed it back.
That definitely left no doubt that I was talking about Ethan. I sent the message before I backed down.
-------------------------
On Monday, I still had no response from Karen. I didn't know how to feel about that. I was going to have to talk with Ethan now. I pretty much threatened Karen that I would. And I did finally see where Rocky was coming from.
I didn't tell Rocky that though. Things between us are strained. Normally when Rocky was upset at me, she would just call me out. And I would apologize and we would move on. But she was just giving me the cold shoulder. Not ignoring me. Just being cold.
I'm not going to apologize. I knew I probably should considering I threw her and Brandon's problems in her face. I just felt like she was always so quick to tear me down when I always defended her. I would have had her back if anybody came at her like Karen came at me. I couldn't just let it go that she didn't take my side.
I was getting ready to leave work on Monday. I literally just put my bag in my car, when I heard a horn honking. I looked up, startled. I was surprised to see Darren, my 17 year old, recent reformed, trouble making patient, pulling up. It was not his appointment day.
"Hey. Don't leave!" Darren called out.
I waited for him to park before he jogged over to me.
"Can we change my workout from Wednesday to today? My athletic trainer is gonna be going out of town for the holiday. If you check me out now, I'll only miss one day since y'all and my school will be closed Friday." Darren explained.
"Ok..." I said.
Honestly, I'm a little annoyed. Not only am I anxious to check if Karen responded to my message yet, but I need to go home and call Ethan. My 4th of July plans were shaky till I talked to him. I couldn't care less about his athletic trainer's plans. But more importantly, Darren should have called. If he would have showed up 5 minutes later, I would have been gone.
I explained that to Darren.
"That's my bad. I figured we could try to catch you. If not, we woulda just went back to the training room at the school." I looked at the man who walked up to us, talking to me.
He is GORGEOUS. He's bald, but his clean cut face made it look youthful. And made it impossible not to focus on his full lips. If that wasn't tempting enough, his green eyes we're mesmerizing. His skin is maybe a shade darker than mine. I have no idea what races blended to create this vision in front of me, but the end result was perfection.
"I'm sorry. Who are you?" I said, focusing on the inconvenience, not his dangerously good looks.
"Forrest. Forrest Sullivan. Darren's athletic trainer." He said, sticking out his hand.
I shook it. Wow. I wish the coaches at my school were this hot. I probably would have played a sport...
"Nice to meet you. I'm Lily Harris." I turned to lead them to the clinic.
"Darren, I have no idea why you would rather be at the training room with me instead of up here with her." Coach Sullivan said, loudly to Darren so I would hear. I hid my smile.
"I don't know. You're the one that said she sounded like a control freak in her email." Darren replied just as loud.
I blushed. Yeah, the email Derek wrote was intense. But I didn't really write it!
"Hot girls can be whatever they want. You haven't learn that yet?" Coach Sullivan responded.
"Imma tell your fiance." Darren threatened.
I smiled and shook my head as we walked into the fitness room. I got Darren set up stretching before heading to Derek's office.
On the way, I was surprised to see Jordan walking through the fitness center. I said goodbye to her before I left. She normally stayed in the surgical center, unless she was hanging with me.
"Hey. What are you doing back?" Jordan asked me.
"Last minute appointment. What are you doing?"
"Just killing some time. I'm meeting my boyfriend for dinner. He's running late, as usual." She said, annoyed.
"Ohh. Is Derek still here?"
Jordan shrugged. "How should I know? Is that your last minute appointment?" She said, eyeing Coach Sullivan with interest.
"Kinda. And stop staring!" I hissed at her as Coach Sullivan caught us staring. "You have a boyfriend. And he's engaged."
"Just because you're on a diet, doesn't mean you can't check out the buffet." Jordan said, still staring.
"Lily. Did you forget something?" Derek asked, as he approached us.
"No sir. I was going to your office to tell you about an appointment change." I explained.
He frowned at me. "Leave a note on my desk. You should have found me as soon as you made the change, instead of fooling around." He said, glancing at Jordan.
"Sorry." I apologized, weakly.
"I'm done for the day. Don't forget to leave me a note." He said, dismissively.
After he left, Jordan turned to me. "See you Wednesday."
She then took off too. I sighed and went to Derek's office, leaving the note.
Afterwards, I joined Coach Sullivan with Darren to go through his rehab.
Looking bad in front of Derek, again, put me in a funky mood. I put off calling Ethan when I got home.
----------------------
On Tuesday, Sammy and I were able to sign our lease and get the keys to our new apartment. After that, we went furniture shopping. I invited Trevor. I felt bad if I hurt his feelings, but not for what I said. I was hoping that would be an olive branch but he declined.
I was disappointed, but I just texted him and my brother both to drop by and see my new place. My brother Cam texted back right away. He said he will check out my apartment when he and Jenna are in Addison for Kaboom Town on Thursday. I already said I would go with them. It will be my first time meeting Jenna.
After our Ikea trip, (we bought a living room set, washer and dryer, a new bedroom set for me, and dining room set), I texted Ethan.
I was originally planning to go over to his parent's house for the 4th of July. Mrs. Carter still expected me. She already told Brandon to tell me to make the same thing I made for Memorial Day. But after that message from Karen, I wanted to run it by Ethan first. He didn't text me back. He called instead.
"Hey." I answered.
"Of course you're still invited. Why would that change?" He said, getting right to it.
"I don't know. It might be a little weird for Karen."
"It wasn't weird at the birthday party. So why would it be weird now?"
"Um, no reason." I lied.
"So you're really not going to tell me about your chat with Karen on Facebook?" Ethan asked.
Busted. Of course he knew. Karen probably ran right to him.
"I promise, I didn't want to cause any problems, if it did cause problems. Did it cause problems?" I blabbered, nervously.
Ethan cleared his throat. "Yes and no. She gave me an ultimatum. Which I chose not to engage in. She's been ignoring me ever since. I doubt that she'll even come to the BBQ."
"I'm sorry." I said, sincerely. I was sorry... that I'm not sorry! Ha! I've been feeling that way a lot recently...
"Don't be. She shouldn't have contacted you at all. Asking you to back off was completely out of line. I told her that's why you reacted the way you did."
"Part of the reason." I corrected Ethan.
There was a brief pause. "What's the other part of the reason?" Ethan asked.
"I don't want to do this over the phone. But I do need to talk to you." I said.
"Ok." Ethan responded. "So you should be at the BBQ. So we can talk. And my mom can stay off my back about you coming over."
I smiled. "Definitely, I'll see you Friday."
I squealed to myself and did a little shimmy. I wanted call Rocky to share my happiness, but then I remembered she's mad at me. I looked back at my phone. Trevor still hasn't texted me back.
I sighed. I'll focus on Ethan for right now. Rocky and Trevor will come around. They always do.
So do you think Lily has anything to be sorry about? What do you think of her response to Karen?
"That insecure jealous bitch!" Sammy declared, at the bar. Dave and Buster's was closing and she was waiting to close her shift. I was on my second cherry vodka sour and just showed her the message Karen sent me Saturday night.
"That's what I thought." I laughed. "I don't know how to respond."
"I got this. Write: Bitch, I backed off for two years. I was in a whole 'nother state. If you couldn't get a connection, it's your fucking problem. I ain't going any fucking where! Save yourself the embarrassment and back off! Or get dumped. Your choice bitch!" Sammy stated.
I burst out laughing. "That's too much. Rocky thinks I shouldn't write back at all."
"Rocky is lame. You know she would respond. Unless you have sexy pictures of you and Ethan. Then I would just post them. Do you have any?"
"No!" I said. She's so crazy. After I finished my drink, I took my phone and composed a message.
Karen,
As you know, I just moved back from California. I adore EJ, so it was very hard being away from him for 2 years. I intend to take every opportunity to make up for that lost time. I will let Ethan know my intentions. And the ball will be completely in his court.
You're welcome,
Lily
I showed it to Sammy. She cracked up laughing.
"One more thing!" Sammy laughed, grabbing my phone from me. She typed on it. I looked at it when she handed it back.
P.S. You might want to speak with Ethan about your problems with connecting. He might be able to share some insight to how we were able to bond so strongly.
That definitely left no doubt that I was talking about Ethan. I sent the message before I backed down.
-------------------------
On Monday, I still had no response from Karen. I didn't know how to feel about that. I was going to have to talk with Ethan now. I pretty much threatened Karen that I would. And I did finally see where Rocky was coming from.
I didn't tell Rocky that though. Things between us are strained. Normally when Rocky was upset at me, she would just call me out. And I would apologize and we would move on. But she was just giving me the cold shoulder. Not ignoring me. Just being cold.
I'm not going to apologize. I knew I probably should considering I threw her and Brandon's problems in her face. I just felt like she was always so quick to tear me down when I always defended her. I would have had her back if anybody came at her like Karen came at me. I couldn't just let it go that she didn't take my side.
I was getting ready to leave work on Monday. I literally just put my bag in my car, when I heard a horn honking. I looked up, startled. I was surprised to see Darren, my 17 year old, recent reformed, trouble making patient, pulling up. It was not his appointment day.
"Hey. Don't leave!" Darren called out.
I waited for him to park before he jogged over to me.
"Can we change my workout from Wednesday to today? My athletic trainer is gonna be going out of town for the holiday. If you check me out now, I'll only miss one day since y'all and my school will be closed Friday." Darren explained.
"Ok..." I said.
Honestly, I'm a little annoyed. Not only am I anxious to check if Karen responded to my message yet, but I need to go home and call Ethan. My 4th of July plans were shaky till I talked to him. I couldn't care less about his athletic trainer's plans. But more importantly, Darren should have called. If he would have showed up 5 minutes later, I would have been gone.
I explained that to Darren.
"That's my bad. I figured we could try to catch you. If not, we woulda just went back to the training room at the school." I looked at the man who walked up to us, talking to me.
He is GORGEOUS. He's bald, but his clean cut face made it look youthful. And made it impossible not to focus on his full lips. If that wasn't tempting enough, his green eyes we're mesmerizing. His skin is maybe a shade darker than mine. I have no idea what races blended to create this vision in front of me, but the end result was perfection.
"I'm sorry. Who are you?" I said, focusing on the inconvenience, not his dangerously good looks.
"Forrest. Forrest Sullivan. Darren's athletic trainer." He said, sticking out his hand.
I shook it. Wow. I wish the coaches at my school were this hot. I probably would have played a sport...
"Nice to meet you. I'm Lily Harris." I turned to lead them to the clinic.
"Darren, I have no idea why you would rather be at the training room with me instead of up here with her." Coach Sullivan said, loudly to Darren so I would hear. I hid my smile.
"I don't know. You're the one that said she sounded like a control freak in her email." Darren replied just as loud.
I blushed. Yeah, the email Derek wrote was intense. But I didn't really write it!
"Hot girls can be whatever they want. You haven't learn that yet?" Coach Sullivan responded.
"Imma tell your fiance." Darren threatened.
I smiled and shook my head as we walked into the fitness room. I got Darren set up stretching before heading to Derek's office.
On the way, I was surprised to see Jordan walking through the fitness center. I said goodbye to her before I left. She normally stayed in the surgical center, unless she was hanging with me.
"Hey. What are you doing back?" Jordan asked me.
"Last minute appointment. What are you doing?"
"Just killing some time. I'm meeting my boyfriend for dinner. He's running late, as usual." She said, annoyed.
"Ohh. Is Derek still here?"
Jordan shrugged. "How should I know? Is that your last minute appointment?" She said, eyeing Coach Sullivan with interest.
"Kinda. And stop staring!" I hissed at her as Coach Sullivan caught us staring. "You have a boyfriend. And he's engaged."
"Just because you're on a diet, doesn't mean you can't check out the buffet." Jordan said, still staring.
"Lily. Did you forget something?" Derek asked, as he approached us.
"No sir. I was going to your office to tell you about an appointment change." I explained.
He frowned at me. "Leave a note on my desk. You should have found me as soon as you made the change, instead of fooling around." He said, glancing at Jordan.
"Sorry." I apologized, weakly.
"I'm done for the day. Don't forget to leave me a note." He said, dismissively.
After he left, Jordan turned to me. "See you Wednesday."
She then took off too. I sighed and went to Derek's office, leaving the note.
Afterwards, I joined Coach Sullivan with Darren to go through his rehab.
Looking bad in front of Derek, again, put me in a funky mood. I put off calling Ethan when I got home.
----------------------
On Tuesday, Sammy and I were able to sign our lease and get the keys to our new apartment. After that, we went furniture shopping. I invited Trevor. I felt bad if I hurt his feelings, but not for what I said. I was hoping that would be an olive branch but he declined.
I was disappointed, but I just texted him and my brother both to drop by and see my new place. My brother Cam texted back right away. He said he will check out my apartment when he and Jenna are in Addison for Kaboom Town on Thursday. I already said I would go with them. It will be my first time meeting Jenna.
After our Ikea trip, (we bought a living room set, washer and dryer, a new bedroom set for me, and dining room set), I texted Ethan.
I was originally planning to go over to his parent's house for the 4th of July. Mrs. Carter still expected me. She already told Brandon to tell me to make the same thing I made for Memorial Day. But after that message from Karen, I wanted to run it by Ethan first. He didn't text me back. He called instead.
"Hey." I answered.
"Of course you're still invited. Why would that change?" He said, getting right to it.
"I don't know. It might be a little weird for Karen."
"It wasn't weird at the birthday party. So why would it be weird now?"
"Um, no reason." I lied.
"So you're really not going to tell me about your chat with Karen on Facebook?" Ethan asked.
Busted. Of course he knew. Karen probably ran right to him.
"I promise, I didn't want to cause any problems, if it did cause problems. Did it cause problems?" I blabbered, nervously.
Ethan cleared his throat. "Yes and no. She gave me an ultimatum. Which I chose not to engage in. She's been ignoring me ever since. I doubt that she'll even come to the BBQ."
"I'm sorry." I said, sincerely. I was sorry... that I'm not sorry! Ha! I've been feeling that way a lot recently...
"Don't be. She shouldn't have contacted you at all. Asking you to back off was completely out of line. I told her that's why you reacted the way you did."
"Part of the reason." I corrected Ethan.
There was a brief pause. "What's the other part of the reason?" Ethan asked.
"I don't want to do this over the phone. But I do need to talk to you." I said.
"Ok." Ethan responded. "So you should be at the BBQ. So we can talk. And my mom can stay off my back about you coming over."
I smiled. "Definitely, I'll see you Friday."
I squealed to myself and did a little shimmy. I wanted call Rocky to share my happiness, but then I remembered she's mad at me. I looked back at my phone. Trevor still hasn't texted me back.
I sighed. I'll focus on Ethan for right now. Rocky and Trevor will come around. They always do.
So do you think Lily has anything to be sorry about? What do you think of her response to Karen?
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