What's Your Flava?

"You're what I want
You're what I need
I wanna taste you (taste you) take you home with me
You look so good
Good enough to eat
I wonder if I can peel your wrapper
Be your fantasy
What's your flava
Tell me what's your flava [x4]" What's Your Flava? by Craig David

"What kind do you want Jasmine?" I asked as I opened the freezer at the grocery store. I pulled out a small container of Haagen Dazs coffee ice cream and put it in the already full cart. I found out my negative attitude the week prior was due to it being that time of the month. Well, not even a month. Thanks to my birth control, I had fewer periods a year. Unfortunately, I still PMS like a bitch. I kept Trevor away, telling him I needed girl time.

"What kind did you get?" She asked me, checking out the display.

"Coffee."

She made a face. "You didn't wanna try
dulce de leche or white chocolate raspberry truffle? "

"No, I want coffee." With French fries, but I didn't tell her that part.

She grabbed both flavors and put them in the cart.

"2?" I raised an eyebrow at her.

"Yes. Since you picked boring coffee, I had to buy two to try them both."

"I like what I like. Put your name on the ice cream when we get home." I told her as we made our way to the check out.

"Why?"

"So I'm not tempted to eat it." When she gave me a confused look, I continued. "I have no impulse control. Your name on it will stop me." I explained.

She nodded. After splitting the cost of the groceries for the week, we headed back to our apartment. We unloaded and put away the food before making chicken and rice for dinner.

"Carmela wanted to know if it was okay to post you and Trevor's picture on the roller rink site." Jasmine asked as she spooned the chicken and rice mixture on two plates.

"Yeah, that's fine. She wants pictures from my Instagram?" I asked, confused, finishing the plates with green beans. Carmela was Jasmine's co-worker and niece of the woman who owned the roller rink.

"No, they took pictures at the rink." Jasmine answered.

I nodded and we took the plates in the living room to eat. Afterwards, we went on the roller rink website to check out the gallery. The new pictures weren't posted yet.

"As you can see, it needs more diversity." Jasmine stated as we flipped through the older pictures.

I grinned. "So basically, you don't need pictures of me, but Trevor to show diversity?" I said, noticing majority of the customers were minorities, mostly Hispanics.

"Pretty much. Yeah, he's photogenic and y'all take cute pictures together, but the rink is not in the best area of Irving. Her aunt wants to show, and I quote, 'It's safe for white people to come'"

"That's hilarious. I can't wait to tell Trevor. I'm going to start calling him token again." I laughed.

"Token?" Jasmine asked with a smile.

I nodded. In college, Trevor got along with just about everyone. Bilal just happened to be his freshman roommate and they clicked instantaneously.  Because of Trevor's blue eyes and blonde hair, Bilal jokingly called him token for "token white boy". It caught on with our mixed group of friends. I explained all this to Jasmine.

"Y'all were awful." She smiled.

"Still are." I said, pulling out my phone to text Trevor.

Me: Hey token! Mind being exploited for your looks?

Trevor: It depends. Who am I talking out of jail?

I laughed. We all joked in our crew Trevor would be the one to talk to the cops if shit ever went down in college.

Me: lol NO ONE. You don't talk to cops anymore, remember?

Trevor: One bad doughnut joke

Me: That got us Jaywalking citations!

Trevor: Obviously, he didn't get his doughnut fix...

Me: shut up! The owner of the roller rink wants to use your image on her website to promote diversity.

Trevor: Of course. I'll talk to my modeling agent about writing out a contract. My people will be in touch.

Me: I'll bring you a dozen doughnuts if we can skip the negotiations.

Trevor: Krispy Kreme and you have a deal.

Me: Done!

Trevor: Assorted!

Me: No. We agreed to 12 doughnuts. You're getting glaze.

Trevor: Awww : -(

Me: Perfect model: Dumb blonde : -)



On Tuesday morning, I delivered 2 dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts to Trevor's work: One dozen glaze, one dozen assorted. He took them from me and shared them with his co-workers before pulling me aside to give me a kiss before I left.

"Ahh! What are you doing over here? It's your off day. Shouldn't you still be sleep?" Cam interrupted us as he stepped out his office.

I pulled away from Trevor. "Nice to see you too brother. I have work today:  I have to get everything ready for Jenna's shower."

"That's right. I appreciate you doing that for her." Cam thanked me.

"Oh, the pleasure is all mine." I said smiling.

"I bet it is." Trevor turned to Cam. "Did she tell you about the stripper?" He asked.

"Trevor, shut up!" I elbowed him.

"What stripper?" Cam asked me, a frown on his face.

"I don't know what he's talking about." I lied. "I gotta get going. Bye!"

"Jenna doesn't want strippers Lily." Cam called after me. Trevor laughed at us.

"No strippers. Got it!" I said, waving goodbye.

There wouldn't be strippers... just a stripper.

I went over to Rocky's place and let myself in to begin the clean up. As I cleaned, I also imagined how I wanted things set up. I was paying homage to Jenna's heritage and favorite place to travel: Italy.

Her sisters informed me how she went to Italy after she graduated college and before she started working. She loved it and also talked about wanting to go back. I knew with the move and new job, my brother was planning to spend the honeymoon in California and postpone a real vacation until they got settled.

I figured since she had to wait on the honeymoon, the least I could do was have the first part of the party classy with an Italian theme. Then the stripper would arrive and the fun would really start.

The only thing I had left to do was put together the gift favors and finally buy supplies for the" fun" part of the night. I enlisted my friends help with the favors and we were meeting that night to knock them out together. Sammy was joining me on my outing to find bachelorette accessories at an adult store.

"Let's go!" Sammy led me into the Condom Sense store in Dallas.

Being in a store dedicated to sex made me a little uncomfortable. I wanted to find the bachelorette stuff, get a few penis themed items, and get the hell out.

Sammy foiled my plan by pointing out edible panties to me.

"This would make a great gift."

"For who?" I asked, reading the box.

"Jenna."

"Ew, gross. That's my brother. I can't get them that." I protested, knocking it out of her hand and pushing her forward.

"Isn't that the point of these things? Didn't you hire her a stripper?"

"Getting her a lapdance is completely different from getting them..." I looked at the display in front of us. I pointed out an item. "A butt plug."

"I think promoting healthy sex in a marriage is better than a stranger's crotch in her face." Sammy said, joining me. "And I would start with a smaller plug, unless you know-"

"Shut up Sammy!" I cut her off. She started laughing and I frowned at her and the plug.

"How would that even get up there?" I murmured to myself, looking it over.

"Lube. Next shelf." The cashier called out to us.

"Thanks." I flushed, dragging Sammy away.

Sammy laughed harder. "That's not the way to the lube!" She exclaimed to further embarrass me.

"I don't need lube." I huffed, walking to the pink, bachelorette display.

"Of course not, you little prude." She taunted me.

"I'm not a prude." I blushed.

"No? Why does lube make you so embarrassed?"

"It doesn't. I don't need it." I repeated.

"'Cause you don't let Trevor explore?-"

"He has too! We didn't need it for that!" I informed her.

"Ohhh...natural lube. He rimmed you first?" Sammy smiled.

"No Sammy! What the fuck?" I hissed at her. Then my eyes grew wide. "Ohmygosh, does Trevor do that?"

"Oh no. We are not going there!" Sammy shook her head at me, concentrating on the display.

"Too fucking late. Did he ever... rim you?" I asked.

"Whatever Trevor and I did was in the past and has nothing to do with what you and Trevor do." Sammy replied, throwing items in my basket.

"Yes it does! I have ever right to know if my boyfriend is an... ass eater!" I protested.

Sammy snickered, turned and headed to the front. I grabbed a few more items before joining her. I glared at her but she ignored me.

"Thanks for your help Sammy." I said, sarcastically as the cashier rang me up.

"Thanks for making the sex store weird for me." Sammy countered.

"No, thank you. Every time I kiss my boyfriend, I'll be thinking of your ass." I responded.

She burst out in a giggle before she could stop herself.

The guy looked between us. "Uh, did you find everything ok?"

"Yes" We both replied.

As we left, Sammy turned to me. "I meant what I said. Sex is completely different with feelings involved. What Trevor and I did or didn't do doesn't compare with what y'all have."

I nodded. "Fine."

I believed what she said, but I didn't necessarily agree. I never questioned whether he was satisfied with our sex life. I mean, obviously he had no complaints, but that didn't mean he wasn't missing out on maybe the kinkier stuff he was used to...

Urgh, I needed to stop thinking about it. I would make a mountain out of a mole hill. My period was almost over. Maybe my hormones were still out of whack and causing me to react so strongly about Trevor's possible... experience.

I pushed those thoughts away and headed back to Rocky's. I left all the favor supplies so we could meet, get them ready, and leave them at her house.

Rocky greeted me and we ordered a couple of pizzas while we waited for Jordan to arrive. I asked her about her work situation. When she asked me what work situation, I tilted my head at her. When she had been distracted or short with me and others, she blamed worked.

"I thought you've been stressed at work." I explained.

"No more than usual." She said.

Hmmm, so whatever going on wasn't work related. I asked her about her mom, and she rolled her eyes and filled me in on her mother's new loser boyfriend. That wasn't new, so I knew that wasn't why she was so testy recently.

When Jordan showed up, I put my assessment of Rocky on the back burner while we got set up. Jordan took control and told us what to do; how to set up each individual basket, where to place the Italian bottles of wine, completely with little winecharms, how many red, white and green Jordan almonds went in each bag"(apparently an odd number was good luck). I was so thankful for her and we got to work, breaking to eat pizza and sip wine.

After two glasses, I asked them, "Would you let your boyfriend rim you?"

Rocky looked up at me, surprised. "Hell no. "

Jordan scoffed. "Derek is way too vanilla for that. Be grateful you have a man who's willing to do anything for you."

"That's just opening the door for you to have to return the favor." Rocky argued.

I grimaced and Jordan laughed. We were cut off by Rocky's phone ringing.

"Guys, hold that thought. It's Serena. I want to hear about her date with Ethan last weekend." Rocky said.

I nodded and Rocky put her on speaker phone. After we said hello, Serena filled us in. They went out to dinner at Button's, the same restaurant Ethan took me to for brunch when he crushed me by informing me he was dating Karen. Serena had a much better time over soul food and the live jazz band.

Serena told us the conversation was seamless and that she enjoyed his company. At the end of the night, Ethan told her he would like to continue to see each other and asked if they could have another date.

"I said yes. I'm really excited to spend more time with him." Serena informed us.

We all smiled, excitedly.

"Yay! When are y'all getting together? I know he doesn't have EJ this weekend." Rocky asked.

"I know, but I'm gonna be out of town. Austin. I'm planning one of the conventions at South by Southwest." Serena said. You could hear the disappointment in her voice. I was so thrilled she liked Ethan that much.

"My friend Christian was talking about the concerts down there. He invited us. Maybe we should all go." I suggested.

"That's too much." Rocky said quickly.

"Why? It could be a group thing." I said, excitedly. "We haven't all been together since college. The crew can be back together again! Plus Ethan, Brandon, Jordan, Derek, Sammy and Corey of course."  I added.

"I'm in!" Jordan smiled.

"Are you forgetting about the shower?" Rocky asked.

"That's Friday! We can be on the road Saturday morning, afternoon at the latest." I argued.

"I think it's too desperate." Rocky said with finality. I shot her an evil look.

"I'll ask and see if Ethan wants to come." I told Serena.

"Ok. Let me know if you are coming either way. We can hang out." Serena said.

"Absolutely. I need your opinion on something. A tie breaker." I said.

"Yes?"

"Rimming? Would you let your boyfriend do it?" I asked.

"Trevor asked to do that?" Serena said, shocked.

"No..." I explained my conversation with Sammy.

"So you don't even know if he does it." Jordan chuckled at me.

"He might. He said he'll try anything." I added.

"I guess I would too. If the guy was special." Serena said with a laugh. "This is why I wouldn't date a guy my friend has been with. Too much information."

"Um, Serena-" I started.

"We have to go. Favors. Talk to you later girl!" Rocky said quickly, pressing end on the phone.

I looked at her in disbelief. She stared right back. "Why did you do that?" I asked.

"Were you about to tell her about you and Ethan?" Rocky questioned.

"Yes!-"

"That's why." Rocky said, matter of factly.

"She needs to know!"

"Why? So she won't give Ethan a chance? Why are you trying to sabotage them?" Rocky accused.

"I'm not! Don't even fucking start that." I warned her.

"No, you don't start it. I don't know if you have feelings for Ethan or just want him as your back up plan-"

"Oh, fuck off Rocky. I'm in love with Trevor. I don't want Ethan, I want him. He may or may not have licked my best friend ass and I had no thoughts of leaving him. You don't get to keep belittling our relationship and think me and you are going to remain friends." I threatened her.

"Guys, maybe we should take a break." Jordan started.

"You're belittling your own relationship by being so invested in the past! It doesn't matter!" Rocky declared.

"It may not matter. I know you don't believe it, but this is not about Trevor or Ethan. It's about keeping a secret from Serena. I want to be her friend. What's gonna happen when Serena finds out?" I snapped.

Brandon came inside the house and Rocky's face crumbled.

"Excuse me." She said, racing to the bathroom.

I took a deep breath and Jordan just looked at me, sympathetically.

"Hey, what's going on?" Brandon asked.

"Nothing. Be right back." I said, following Rocky to the bathroom. I knocked on the door.

"One minute." Rocky said. I waited for her to come out. Her face was neutral, but I could tell by her wet hair edges that she splashed her face with water.

"Rocky, what's wrong?" I asked.

"I'm fine." She said, quickly.

"You haven't been fine for at least a month. It's like what you use to tell me: Put it all out on the table. Confront your issues. Talk to me." I pleaded with her.

She shook her head. "I told you, I'm fine. Secret or not, you shouldn't be the one to tell Serena. If being a good friend is ruining her relationship with Ethan, then don't be her friend." Rocky said, walking past me.

I joined her in the living room and finished up the favors. It was uncomfortable for the remainder of the night.

I thought about it all day at work Wednesday. I couldn't get Rocky or her words out of my mind. I was undecided on the tell Serena debate, but I knew without a doubt something was going on with Rocky.

She wasn't herself and whatever's going on, she refused to talk to me about it. I couldn't help someone that didn't want to be helped. I didn't even know where to start.

After work, I went home and focused on my plans for the weekend. I reached out to Christian who was already in Austin. He informed me the invitation was still open and he was surprised Trevor hadn't come down yet.

"We do it every year. It's a huge thing. I can't believe he wasn't going to bring you down. You are gonna love it!" Christian informed me.

I listened to him tell me what to expect while thinking to myself this was another thing Trevor failed to mention.

I learn something new about my boyfriend everyday.

I was still chatting with Christian in my bedroom when Trevor came in.  He laid down, leaning over to give me a kiss. I turned my face away so he got my cheek.

"Who is it?" Trevor asked, quietly.

"Christian." I replied. Trevor nodded but didn't say anything. "Trevor says hey."

"Tell him I said what's up." Christian said.

"I will. See you this weekend." I ended the call.

"We're seeing him this weekend?" Trevor asked.

 "Yeah. South by Southwest."

"Oh."

"Oh, that's it? You go ever year. You don't want to go this year?" I asked, confused.

"I just figured since I'm with you, I would skip it." Trevor admitted.

"Just because you're with me doesn't mean you have give up things. You can share them with me." I confronted him.

He furrowed his eyebrows at me. "I'm not giving up anything. I'd just rather be with you."

"You can be with me at the festival. I'm trying to get everyone together again. Although with Rocky's attitude, it may not happen."

Trevor blanched. "Why?"

"I don't know. Something's going on with her."

"No, why are you trying to get everyone together?" Trevor clarified.

"Why not?" I countered. "We all used to have so much fun."

"No reason." He sighed and got up from the bed. "I'll be right back."

I watched him as he headed down the stairs. 5 minutes later, I followed him. When he wasn't in the kitchen or the living room, I looked outside the window. His car was still there. I then saw him standing by the door talking on the phone.

I moved back into the kitchen and grabbed my coffee ice cream. I was no longer PMSing, but it was exactly what I needed. It made my night better. I ate 3 spoonfuls before putting it away. Then, I changed my mind and grabbed the whole thing.

Dance for You

"I just wanna show you how much I appreciate you
Wanna show you how much I'm dedicated to you
Wanna show you how much I will forever be true
Wanna show you how much you got your girl feeling good
Wanna show you how much, how much you understood
Wanna show you how much I value what you say
Not only are you loyal, you're patient with me babe
Wanna show you how much I really care about your heart
Wanna show you how much I hate being apart
Show you, show you, show you, till you through with me,
I wanna keep it how it is so you can never say how it used to be" Dance for You by Beyonce

"Ok, what's up with you?" Jordan asked me as we left the 4th store on Saturday.

 We were finishing up shopping for the bachelorette party. As soon as I had a location, I sent invitations via Facebook to Jenna's family and friends. Majority of them confirmed they would be there and even sent ideas for the party itself.

Jordan was a huge help as she helped me plan, order and buy supplies for the party. She managed the ideas and thought of everything as we efficiently checked off items on the list. The party planning was going smoothly. In reality, I shouldn't be worried about anything.

The rest of my week at work following my meeting with Sandra was uneventful. I reached out to Forrest and he told me that he hadn't heard anything about the rumor. He promised if he did, he would contact me.

Rocky even apologized for flipping out on me. She blamed it on just being concerned with what happened to our friendship if Trevor and I broke up. That almost stressed me out until I talked to Trevor about it. After I explained what happened, he just shook his head and kissed me on the forehead.

"Don't worry about her. Nothing’s gonna happen between us. If it does, you get custody of her as a friend." Trevor smiled.

I laughed and that led to us having a mock draft of who got who in case of a breakup.

Even though everything was fine, I couldn't help this feeling of uneasiness. I didn't know where it was coming from nor did I have anyone to voice my concerns with. It was frustrating and definitely affecting my mood.

"I'm ok." I said as we put the bags in my car.

"Liar. What's up?" Jordan asked as we got in my car. I sighed and told her everything as we drove.

"I talked to Trevor about it but his solution to everything is to not worry about it. Relax, go with the flow, it will all work out. Normally, I appreciate it cause I worry about every little thing. Now, I just want to choke him. I don't know if I'm being pessimistic or if he's not being realistic." I finished.

"Probably a little bit of both, but with Trevor, I kind of get it. Y'all are new and in love. He wants to enjoy that; it's over before you know it. Believe me." Jordan commented.

"Yeah. You've said that. A lot. Between you and Rocky, it's hard to be positive." I said shortly as I drove.

She sighed. "Do you know how much I would love it if Derek just randomly surprised me or took me on a trip? You should be enjoying this time with Trevor, that's all I'm saying. Before things get comfortable and are boring and predictable."

I looked over at her. "Are things ok with Derek?"

"I guess. Derek and I are kinda in a rut. It's remembering the good times that keep me positive." Jordan admitted.

"Maybe you should talk to him? Incorporate some of the things you used to do." I suggested.

"Maybe. It was an adjustment just living together. I don't wanna make him do something he doesn't want to do; Especially if I wanna plan my own wedding shower soon. Speaking of which, we should have a girl's night tonight for the final item on our list." At a stoplight, I looked at what she had circled on her list.

I grinned. That definitely improved my mood.



"A strip club! Hell yes, I wanna come!" Jasmine exclaimed when Jordan and I asked her if she wanted to join us.

Sammy already suggested a place and offered to pick us up. I told her to just meet us at the club since Jordan wanted to drive, but she insisted. When she showed up in a brand new Mazda CX5, I understood why she wanted to pick us up.

"It's beautiful!" I exclaimed, looking over the dark red car.

"Thank you. I call her Cherry Bomb." Sammy said with a smile.

We all went inside to get ready. We were going to pick up Rocky, Peyton and Jackie at the house on the way to the club.

I had the hardest time getting ready. What does one wear to a male strip club? I chose a black top with a purple skater skirt, stockings and a leather jacket. Jasmine gave me a blowout that had my hair looking shiny and so sexy. I was so grateful to have a hair dresser as a roommate!

Jordan wore denim skinny jeans and a slinky black top while Jasmine borrowed my multi colored dress I wore to the Bitter Ball. Sammy matched her new car in dark red denims and a fitted low cut white t-shirt. We finished our hair and makeup before we headed to Rocky's house.

We all piled up in the cars and Sammy led the way to the club. I had no idea what to expect as we drove to an area in Dallas. The club looked a little seedy from the outside, but it was a strip club. It was supposed to, right?

We went inside and were led to a booth by a shirtless waiter. I couldn't help staring at his pecks as he took our drink orders. I ordered a martini and got ready for the show.

By the time it started, the club was packed. There was a huge group of older women celebrating a divorce, college age girls, and a handful of men enjoying the show. It was more cheesy and hilarious than sexy, but most of the guys were great dancers and every single one of them was hot! It was a variety of guys: baby face to rugged, all ethnicities and body types. We all got drunk, except Jordan and Sammy, and debated over who we should hire.

"He's so cute! He looks like Leonardo Dicaprio!" Peyton exclaimed as she eyed a guy who was cute, but short. His abs were ridiculous, but I didn't think he was big enough.

"That's right. Cute. We want fine! Like that one of there!!!" Jackie said, pointing to a huge, muscular dark skinned guy. He noticed her pointing and winked our way. We all giggled.

"I think Jenna would be more attracted to him!" I said, turning everyone's attention to the guy that caught my eye. Built, bronze skin, not the best dancer, but he was working over one of the women in the divorced party. He just lifted her up. I could imagine him doing the same to me- er, Jenna.

"No. You don't want the same type of guy she's gonna marry," Jordan shook her head.

"Believe me, he looks nothing like my brother..." I said, looking him over while everyone laughed.

"Why not? It's what she likes." Rocky argued.

"If you're about to go on the Atkins diet, what do you eat the night before?" Jordan asked.

"All the carbs you can get!" I agreed, seeing her reasoning. I still eyed the guy lustfully. "Maybe I'll just get a dance..." I said, nodding when he met my eye.

"Please don't bring him over here. He reminds me of my brother." Jasmine snorted, finishing her drink.

"Thank God someone fucking said it. I've been thinking that!" Sammy exclaimed.

I looked him over, shaking my head vehemently. "No he doesn't."

"I see it." Rocky said, squinting her eyes at him.

"No way!" I shrieked.

"Yes way. It's ok. You have a type." Jordan laughed.

"I don't have a type! I like them all." I protested.

"Then go for him!" Jordan said pointing out the guy Peyton thought looked like Leonardo Dicaprio. He kinda did, like in Titanic. "He has the look that will go with the party."

"Fine..." I said.

I ordered another drink when the guy I was checking out approached our table. Ok, so they had similar builds, eyes, skin tones, and chiseled features, and... oh my God, he was like Jake's long lost relative. I flushed embarrassingly.

"Hey ladies." He smiled at us. No dimple, but still fucking sexy. "Want a dance?" He asked me.

I bit my lip. "Yes." I nodded, pulling out my cash. "For her." I said, pointing to Jasmine.

"No! Fuck you Lily!!!" Jasmine yelled as everyone busted out laughing.

"She's shy..." I said, trying to figure out where I put the money. I looked at his g-string before handing it to him. "She just got out of a relationship, she needs this." I told him, giggling uncontrollably.

"Don't worry." He said, pulling Jasmine up out the booth. "I'll take it easy on you!"

"No, no, noooo..." Jasmine protested, but she was too drunk to stop it.

Her brother's look alike sat her in a chair and worked what his papa gave him all in her face. She turned 7 different shades of red while we cheered her on. She looked like she was gonna vomit when he picked her up, hanging her upside down so his crotch was in her face. Tears were falling down my eyes I laughed so hard.

"I hate... all of you!" She breathed after sucking down the rest of my drink when the dance was over.

We all took turns getting lap dances after Jasmine's. Leonardo DiCaprio little brother came over and Jordan got him to dance for me.

Yeah, he was short, but he was the best dancer by far. He ground his body against my lap, working his pelvis in a way that wasn't even a little bit funny. He removed his shirt, while spinning, with one hand. When he ran my hands down his washboard abs, I was sold. He was the winner. Hands down!

Yeah, hands down, safely in my lap, nowhere near the hot guy's body...

We stayed until closing, tipping our waiter and each dancer that agreed to take pictures with us. I talked to Evan "Leonardo Dicaprio" and asked if he did private parties. He gave me a lecherous grin, and I quickly explained the bachelorette party.

He gave me his e-mail and we left.

"The guys are going to the Waffle House." Peyton told us as we headed to the car.

"Let's go." Rocky said.

"Who's all there?" Jackie asked.

"Brandon, Chris, Colton, Jake, Malik-" Rocky started.

Jackie shook her head. "I'm out."

"I need food. Bread and grease." Jasmine said.

"If we drop you off, will your brother give you a ride home?" Sammy asked with a grin.

I started laughing and Jasmine looked like she was gonna be sick again.

"Don't ever talk about it again!" Jasmine groaned.

"Talk about what?" I smiled. "That sexy stripper that tossed you around the room..."

I teased her all the way to the Waffle House. The guys hadn't made it yet so Sammy and I waited inside to make sure the guys showed up. Jordan went ahead and drove Jackie home before heading home herself. Sammy and I ordered waffles to go for us, Corey and Trevor.

When I went to the counter to pick up the food, Peyton followed me.

"I wanna apologize for Becca-" she stared before I cut her off.

"Don't. It's ok. We've all been there. Don't worry about it." I told her, truthfully. I refused to waste any time or energy on her when ultimately, it didn't matter.

"I thought they were on their way?" Sammy asked, checking her phone again, anxious to get home after I returned with our to go bags.


"Maybe I should call." Peyton said.

"No, I'm sure they're on their way." Rocky said.

I narrowed my eyes at her. Now she wanted to be reasonable? She was yelling at me last week and couldn't even send Brandon a threatening "hurry up" text? Whatever.

10 minutes later, they joined us.

Sammy and I stood as they made their way over.

"Sit down, we'll make room." Brandon greeting us.

"Yeah, scout over Jasmine." Jake said, pushing her chair over.

"Don't touch me!" She exclaimed, scouting far away from him. All the girls laughed while Jake looked confused.

"Do I wanna know?" Jake asked.

"No." I shook my head. "But ask anyway."

Jake pulled up a chair and offered it to me.

"No, we're actually leaving." I said. "Besides, I don't eat with people who owe me money." I reminded him.

Jake smiled. "I got you. I was gonna pay for your food."

"Nope, I want my money."

"As long as I owe you, you'll never be broke."

I laughed. "Whatever. Bye guys! Have fun."

"I'll walk y'all out." Jake offered.

"We're good." Sammy said.

"I know, but it's late. Humor me." Jake replied.

When we walked to Sammy's car, Jake whistled. "That's you Sammy?"

"That's me." She confirmed, beeping the doors unlocked.

"It's nice." Jake complimented her.

"I know." She said, getting in the car. I smiled at her before following her lead.

"Good night Jake." I said.

"Night ladies." He waved.

"Your place?" Sammy asked as we drove off.

"Nope. Trevor's"

Sammy dropped me off and I let myself in. Trevor was sleep in bed so I put the food away, changed into shorts and a t-shirt and joined him. I woke up the next morning to an empty bed. I got up and joined Trevor in the living room.

"So, a strip club huh?" He asked me as I curled up next to him.

"Who snitched?" I grinned at him.

"Everyone on Instagram and Facebook." Trevor informed me.

"It was all research for Jenna." I said.

"Sure. How was the research?"

I told him everything; including paying for a lapdance for Jasmine from a guy who looked like Jake. I also told him how Jasmine freaked out when Jake touched her chair.

"Is that the guy you hired?" Trevor asked, grinning.

"No. He didn't fit the theme."

"That's a shame. Jenna would have liked him."

"What?" I gasped.

Trevor smiled. "Yeah. Remember that dinner Jake bailed on? After you left, I told your brother I didn't know what you saw in him. Jenna said she did, real creepy like."

I laughed out loud. "She didn't?!?"

"She did. Pretty sure that's when your brother started looking for an engagement ring." Trevor laughed too.

"So that's the secret to getting a ring... I'll let Jordan know." I smiled at Trevor.

 "Did you see your waffle?" I asked him.

"I did. Thank you." Trevor said.

"No, thank you." I said.

"For?"

"Being amazing." I said, kissing him on the lips.

"Did you cheat on me with a stripper?" He joked.

I laughed. "No, I just love you."

Yeah, sometimes his sunny deposition drove me crazy, but what guy could joke about your ex's doppelganger stripper? I loved that about him.

"Love me enough to give me a lapdance?" Trevor asked.

"Sit back and watch!" I told him as I stood up.

I let my hair down and shook it out as I picked a song on my phone. I put on N.E.R.D.'s "Lapdance" before I started moving my body seductively to the beat. Trevor watched patiently as I stripped off my shirt and my shorts, leaving me in nothing but my matching sky blue boyshorts and bra set.

His patience was gone when I began grinding my body on his lap, much like the dance I got the night before. He grabbed me by the waist and sat me on top of him. I moaned, working my hips over his, rubbing his hardness against my panties. When he let me go to unhook my bra, I hopped out his lap.

"Lily..." His protests died on his lips as I removed my panties and bra. I pulled him out of his boxers and hopped back on his lap. He groaned as he pushed inside of me. I rocked my hips the same way I did during the dance. His hands grabbed all over my body before settling on my lower back. I nibbled on his sensitive ears and he came inside of me, crying out.

"That's the secret." Trevor panted as he caught his breath.

"What?" I questioned him.

"To getting a ring."

I laughed. "You owe me a lot of rings." I said, kissing his lips.

"How bout one really big one?" Trevor grinned.

"We'll talk after I see it."

I Melt With You

"(We should know better) Dream of better lives the kind which never hate 
(We should see) Trapped in a state of imaginary grace 
(We should know better) I made a pilgrimage to save this human's race
(We should see) Never comprehending a race that's long gone by 
(Let's stop the world) I'll stop the world and melt with you 
(Let's stop the world) You've seen the difference and it's getting better all the time 
And there's nothing you and I won't do 
(Let's stop the world) I'll stop the world and melt with you
The future's open wide" I Melt With You by Modern English

The Sunday after we went out, Jasmine didn't come home. The ice and snow were melting away so it was no excuse. I wondered if she relapsed with Reggie.

Trevor made plans to hang out with Corey and play video games.  After I teased him mercilessly about his date, we went our separate ways. I spent majority of my Sunday at my brother's apartment because he and Jenna finally had save the dates.  April 18th!

I immediately booked tickets for Trevor and me for that weekend. I offered to get more time off. I still had a week of vacation time left, but Jenna assured me her family had everything under control. She told me the rehearsal dinner was Friday, the wedding was on a Saturday, and there would be a family only brunch Sunday morning before everyone went home.

"No bachelor/bachelorette parties?" I grinned at them.

"His is after the rehearsal dinner." Jenna said.

Cam shrugged nonchalantly. "My friends are making me."

"I'm sure they had to put a gun to your head." I rolled my eyes while Jenna laughed. "Did your friends plan anything?"

 "I couldn't ask my friends to plan something. Most of them are traveling for the wedding and buying their bridesmaid's dresses too.  Besides, I wanna spend time with my mom before we move to California. That will not include alcohol and penis cakes."

"So let's do something out here! I will plan it." I suggested.

"There's literally no time. I'm gonna be in Missouri two weeks before the wedding. The dress fittings are the weeks before that. You and Trevor are gonna be in Japan..." Jenna protested.

"That's not until the 19th. Do you have anything planned 2 weeks from now?" I asked.

Jenna frowned. "I don't think so..."

"Then it's done. All I need from you is a guest list. I'll take care of the rest." I told her.

"Lily, I really don't need-" Jenna started.

"Yes you do! It'll be low key, but fun. I can't help with the wedding, let me do this." I pleaded.

"Fine, but nothing too crazy." Jenna relented.

"What are you talking 'bout? You know how classy I am." I said.

Cam snorted and Jenna shook her head.

"I am. Now how many girls are we having so I can get the guests to stripper ratio right?" I joked.



When I got home Sunday evening, Jasmine still was not home. I had a missed call from Ethan. I hadn't answered my phone when I was with my brother, just Trevor's few text. I called Ethan back as I made a baked potato for dinner.

"I was concerned about what's going on with your job." Ethan said.

"It's nothing. It's all squared away." I said, not wanting his concern. Or feelings. Or whatever else Rocky was talking about.

"What happened?" Ethan asked.

"Just a rumor. It got cleared up. Everything's great. No need to worry." I answered quickly.

There was a moment of silence. "Ethan?" I asked, to make sure he was still on the line.

"I'm here. Is there something you're not telling me?" Ethan asked.

"Nope. Nothing to tell." I said plainly.

More silence.

"Ethan..."

"Does Trevor not want us talking?" Ethan asked.

"What? No. He's not like that at all. Where did that come from?" I asked.

"You've been distant. Last night, you wouldn't make eye contact with me."

Dammit. I thought I played it cool.

I sighed. "It's not Trevor. Rocky said you have... lingering feelings for me. I just don't know how to be friends with you."

I heard Ethan take a deep breath. "This is why I don't talk to people." He muttered.

"The problem is when you don't talk to me about me." I countered.

"We had this conversation before." Ethan complained.

"One more time then."

"I told Rocky I'll always have some type of feelings for you. That doesn't mean I want to be with you." Ethan explained.

"Tell me how you really feel." I said, sarcastically.

"Let me finish. You were the first woman I had feelings for after Megan. It showed me what type of relationship I wanted.'

"What's that?" I asked.

"One based off feelings, not just sex or obligation. If I have any lingering feelings, it's because you're proof that I can have that; even though you rejected me." He clarified.

"I didn't really reject you- I mean, I did; but it was all me, not you." I argued.

"Whatever the reason, I'm glad you did. I told you before, I appreciate you as a friend."

"I appreciate you too." I smiled.

"Now will you tell me what happened?" Ethan repeated his question.

I did. Afterwards, I could feel him thinking through the phone.

"Lily, that's a serious accusation. Doesn't your license have an ethical code?" Ethan finally asked.

"Of course it does, but with no complaint or evidence, it's just a rumor. Not even that now that she took the post down."

"You can't un-ring a bell. You have no idea who saw it." Ethan debated me. "The best thing you can do is get in front of this. I think you should hire legal representation and go from there." Ethan suggested.

"I don't think it's that serious." I disagreed.

"Maybe not now. What happens if the girl decides to lie again?" Ethan asked.

I frowned. I worried about that too...

"I know a lawyer. I'll reach out and see what he thinks." Ethan offered.

"Ok." I agreed. "So what do you think about Serena?"

"Nice subject change." He said.

I laughed. "I've been dying to ask you."

"I don't know much about her but I wouldn't mind getting to know her."

"Biblical?" I teased.

"Bye Lily." Ethan cut off my giggles.

"No, wait. In all seriousness, she just ended a thing with a guy because he didn't want a relationship. You need to be very clear about your intentions."

"Once I figure them out, I will." He said.

"Figure them out quick. She's a great person and she likes you. If you take too long she won't give you a chance. She's already on the fence because you have a kid."

"That's not going to change-"

"I know, that's why you are going to have to pursue her and open up. No Mr. Roboto. Let her get to know you. Then she'll have no choice but to give it a shot."

"I'll keep that in mind if you consider speaking to a lawyer." Ethan said.

"Done. Domo arigato,"

"Japanese?" Ethan questioned.

"Oh yeah. I'm practicing for my trip."

"Good luck with that."

"Sayōnara Ethan."

"Bye Lily."



Monday morning, I saw Jasmine's car parked outside when I went to work. I knew she had to have made it home sometime during the night. After my first appointment at work, Sandra called me into her office.

I didn't have much time to freak out about it, but I was freaked out. What Ethan said kept running through my mind. I was sweating bullets thinking about Lauren's accusation. I was terrified that somehow Sandra found out.

"Coach Green will no longer be rehabbing with us." Sandra started.

I gulped, fear gripping my core. I couldn't help but wonder if he somehow heard the rumors. It wouldn't take much to put two and two together and assume it was me like Forrest did. Maybe that was why he left.

"Why?" I asked simply.

"He decided he doesn't need a therapist anymore." She said plainly.

"Is it ok if I follow up with him?" I asked quickly.

Sandra narrowed her eyes at me. "Why?"

 "Just to tell him the rest of his rehab plan." I added, nervously.

"I already told him." She said, watching me closely. I felt like she was sizing me up for some reason...

Oh shit.

"Ok,.. there wasn't any problem, was there?" I finally squeaked out. If she had something to say, she needed to say it.

Sandra shook her head. "Don't take it personally Lily. With all the bad weather, he just thinks he can rehab himself now that his collarbone is healed."

I exhaled the deep breath I didn't realize I was holding. "Ok... Anything else?"

"That's all. Also, you won't be getting any new patients until you come back from vacation. Ann sent me your approval this morning." Sandra dismissed me with a smile.

I smiled, relieved. "Sounds great. Thank you Sandra."

I ate lunch with Jordan and I told her about my time off being approved. I also picked her brain for ideas for Jenna's bachelorette party. Jenna hated clubs and bars and didn't drink. I wanted to do something fun but not out of her comfort zone.

"You should do more of a bridal shower!" Jordan said, excitedly.

"That sounds so lame..." I moaned.

"It doesn't have to be, but it sounds like your sister-in-law wants tame, not lame. Besides, if you find a private location, a classy male entertainer can show up..." Jordan grinned.

"I love the way you think Jordan!" I smiled at her.



When I got home, I immediately got my laptop and started researching venues I could host the bachelorette party at. Jenna sent me a list of 12 girls, but I reached out to her sisters who were going to try to make it, so that made 15. I needed a venue first, then I could plan activities.

Trevor came over after he got off work and sat on the couch with me. He was absolutely no help. He was one more male stripper joke away from me throwing my laptop at him when Jasmine came home.

"Hey!!!" I exclaimed when she came in. "Long time no see. I think someone had a little too much fun this weekend."

"I did, but not what you're thinking." Jasmine said sitting on the couch. "Well, maybe a little of what you're thinking."

"Tell me what you think I'm thinking." I smiled.

"I think there's too much thinking going on." Trevor commented, his blues eyes sparking with mischief.

"You would. We all know there's not much thinking going on up there." I leaned over to rub his head.

"Haha very funny." Trevor smiled.

"I work with what you give me." I said against his lips as I leaned over to kiss him.

"I'll give you something to work on-" Trevor started.

"Alright, you two are part of the problem!" Jasmine interrupted us.

Trevor laughed and I blushed, pulling away from him. "I'm sorry. What happened? And how are we part of the problem?"

"You two being all perfect makes me lonely. Everyone was coupled up, that's why I didn't want to eat with you guys. I hung out with Reggie when the roller rink closed." Jasmine confessed.

"For the rest of the weekend?" I asked.

"No, I left his place Sunday morning. I stayed with a friend who told me how stupid it was." Jasmine said.

"Do you agree?"

She nodded. "It was a mistake. Nothing changed between us. I still need to move on."

I nodded. "At least you know it's just loneliness and not anything else. Don't beat yourself up about it. Everyone slips up."

"I know, but now he won't stop calling. When we first broke up, he didn't call once. Now it's too late." Jasmine said, standing up.

"Stay strong Jasmine!"

She smiled. "I will. Be right back. I need to shower. I feel like I have hair all over me."

"Everybody slips up huh?" Trevor asked me when Jasmine left.

"Apparently; sometimes, it's the best way to say goodbye." I said cheekily.

"Maybe we should go upstairs and say hello in a way that makes you never want to say goodbye..." Trevor wiggled his eyebrows at me.

"Ok, I got lost on that one..."

"Hey, I work with what you give me." Trevor smiled

"So let's go upstairs, say hello by giving each other something to work with?"

"Can we just have sex?" Trevor laughed.

I laughed. "Fine, if you wanna be crass about it!"



Tuesday morning, I spent my morning off, trying to find the right location for Jenna's party. I had to book it so I could know the date and time.

With the weather, I really didn't want to risk doing something outside. The snow finally melted away, but I didn't trust the crazy Texas weather. It was looking like the best option was a hotel room. I didn't love the idea; it seemed completely impersonal and last minute which I guess it was, but I didn't want it to feel that way!

Then inspiration struck. I just needed Rocky's permission...

I text her about having lunch with me. When she agreed, I told her I would meet her at her Panini place by her job. I arrived early and ordered her favorite panini and lemonade. Her food was waiting for her when she showed up.

"Hey Rocky! You look amazing!" I complimented her navy pencil skirt, silk blouse and cute booties.

"Thank you. You ordered for me?" She asked sitting down.

"I did. I didn't know what time you had to be back."

"I don't have any meetings soon. They'll call if they need me. Thank you though."

We sat down and made small talk. Of course that included my rush to find a perfect spot for Jenna's party.

"I wish I could just have it at my place, but with Jasmine and Justine, it's really just too small." I sighed, dramatically.

Rocky swallowed the food she was chewing and wiped her mouth. She then just looked at me. "Do you have something to ask me?" She said, tilting her head to the side after a moment.

"No... why do you ask?" I feigned ignorance, playing unaware.

"No reason." She said, going back to her panini.

"Rocky! You know I wanna use your place!!!" I exclaimed.

"How would I know that? You didn't ask!" She said, innocently with a smirk on her face.

"Rocky, can I borrow your house? The money I would have spent on the venue I'll spend on you and Brandon to get a hotel room. And of course I'll handle all the cleaning before and after-"

Rocky smiled. "You know you can Lily. It'll be my pleasure to help out."

"Thank you! I appreciate it."

"Next time, stop trying to be slick about it. You can't pull it off. I knew something was up the second you bought my food and didn't start eating." Rocky told me.

I laughed and we caught up with each other. She told me her job and Brandon were good. I told her Trevor was great and filled her in on my work drama.

"Ethan thinks I should get a lawyer-What?" I stopped, when she glared at me.

"You'll use any excuse to reach out to him huh?" Rocky snapped at me.

"He reached out to me." I said, placing my napkin down.

Rocky muttered something under her breath.

"What?"

"You don't think it's inappropriate? I told you how he felt about you." Rocky continued.

"He doesn't have feelings for me like that. You misunderstood him." I argued.

"Even if I did, why risk it? Is it worth your relationship?"

"How is my relationship at risk?" I said, confused.

Rocky opened her mouth to speak, but stopped. She then started again. "How did you feel when Trevor was hanging with Becca? You're being a hypocrite."

"No I am not. He went behind my back and did that. I wouldn't have told him he can't hang with her."

"You are playing with fire."

"I'm not. I have nothing but platonic feelings for Ethan. If I believed he felt another way I would stop talking to him, but he doesn't."

"And you know that cause you talked to him even after I told you to leave him alone! What does that say about your feelings?!?" She hissed at me.

"It says you don't tell me who I can and can't talk to." I snapped back completely shocked by her attitude and argument.

"I'm not trying to tell you what to do. I'm saying don't put yourself in that situation" She declared.

"In a situation to do what? Cheat? I would never do that to Trevor!" I said, frustrated by her lack of understanding of where I was coming from.

"Because you're just so damn perfect? You walk on water so you'll never make a mistake?!?" She yelled at me. In public. A few people turned to look at us. My face was burning up in embarrassment.

"What's wrong with you?" I hissed, stunned by her behavior.

She held her head up high. "There's nothing wrong with me. I'm trying to help you, but do what you want." She gathered her bag. "I gotta get back. Thanks for lunch." She said, calmly before stalking away.

I got up and left after her. I didn't chase after her. I let her stew, but I wasn't letting this go. Something was wrong with her. I added figuring out what the fuck was going on with her to my list of things I needed to do in the near future.

Refuge (When It's Cold Outside)

"You know and I know
Friends come and friends go
Storms rise and winds blow
But one thing I know for sure
When it's cold outside
There's no need to worry cuz
I'm so warm inside
You give me peace
When the storm's outside
Cuz we're in love I know
It'll be alright
Alright it's alright" Refuge (When It's Cold Outside) by John Legend

I watched Trevor buckle his pants around his waist as I sat on the dryer. I repositioned my bra to its proper place, covering my breasts. I grabbed my shirt that was laying on the washing machine and slid it back on. Trevor grabbed his shirt off the shelf next to the detergent where I tossed it. He gave me a kiss as he leaned to retrieve it.

"You ready to call Forrest back?" He asked, picking up my pants from the ground and handing them to me.

"As soon as I can stand." I joked, nervously. I was only partial kidding. While the laundry room was a risque place for sex, it wasn't the most comfortable. My butt and legs where numb from dangling off the machine. I didn't feel it when Trevor was inside of me, but I was feeling it now.

After stretching, I hopped off the machine and pulled on my pants before rushing into the living room. I grabbed my phone from my purse and looked at my missed calls.

Forrest.

I didn't listen to the voicemail, I just called him back.

When I got no answer, I went to my voicemail. He said that he would call me back as soon as he could. That was over 30 minutes ago.

"What'd he say?" Trevor asked from the kitchen. He was still shirtless, his shirt hanging off of his jeans as he poured a glass of juice. I checked out his lean torso as he gulped down the drink. God, I would never get tired of looking at him.

"Lily..." Trevor said, snapping me out of my trance. He had a sexy grin on his face as he caught me perving him.

"Um, he's gonna call me back." I said quickly.

"Oooo, the suspense. Why couldn't he just tell you what happened?-"

My phone ringing cut him off. I grabbed it and gave Trevor a kiss before running up the stairs.

"Hello?"  I answered Forrest call, closing my door when I got to my room.

"Hey. It's me." He said simply. "Sorry about the wait but I needed to talk to Darren."

I gulped down air, trying to stop the sickening feeling sweeping inside me.

"So the meeting didn't make her tell the truth." I said, despondently.

"The meeting didn't happen." Forrest said. Before I could question that, he continued. "Darren and Lauren went to the counselor before school and said it was a misunderstanding."

"Misunderstanding?" I said, completely bewildered. I was too confused to be relieved.

"Yes, one that got cleared up when they got back together." Forrest added.

"What the fuck Forrest!" I exclaimed, confusion turning to anger.

"I don't understand it any more than you do. I talked to Darren, but he's sticking with his decision. Most importantly, the post are down so it's no longer your concern." Forrest said.

"I get that, but she needs to be punished! Darren doesn't need to get back together with her. Obviously, that's what she wanted and she lied to get it!" I protested.

"I agree. I talked to Darren already and I will continue to talk to him. You don't need to worry about it. In fact, it's probably best you don't have any relationship with him while she's still a part of his life." Forrest instructed me.

"Done and done." I sighed in relief. "Just... I don't know. Thank him for me?" I requested.

"I have a feeling it's not necessary, but I'll tell him." Forrest answered, cryptically.

 "I would love to say I was calm and had 100% trust that you were taking care of it, but that would be a lie. I should have had faith in you. Thank you so much Forrest." I thanked him.

"It was nothing-" He started.

"It wasn't nothing! Honestly, I wouldn't have tried to call her bluff like you did. I have a deeper appreciation for teachers now and the bullshit they have to put up with. You deserve a huge thank you cookie. No, a cake. Or better yet, a cookie cake!" I suggested, smiling.

"Rachel will have my head if I tried to come home with any of those, so a thank you is enough." Forrest chuckled.

I laughed too. "Ok, but I owe you."

"You can explain what you meant about Rachel being an enigma, trapped in a box of secrets?"

"I don't think I said that. Maybe wrapped in secrets, trapped in a mystery..."

"Whatever you said, what did you mean?" Forrest chuckled.

"She's just a hard nut to crack, you know? I mean, she definitely warmed up to me since the whole "I don't fuck with you" thing, but she doesn't open up. At least not to me." I explained the best I could.

"She's not an overly emotional person like you Lily. She doesn't even come to me with all her problems till she has them figured out."

"It's not just being emotional. Like the whole things with her parents and her getting her master's in history. That makes no sense to me but when I tried asking about it, she shot me down."

"I'm about to marry into her family and I still don't get the dynamics. She probably didn't want to get into it." Forrest defended her.

"Alright. You're right. I just feel like Rachel and I are acquaintances while you and I are friends. It's weird because I really try to be her friend too so it's not uncomfortable for her or Trevor; and you or me. " I confessed.

"It's not. I have Rachel; you have Trevor. We're friends. Nothing uncomfortable about that."

I smiled. "Alright, alright. How many times do you wanna hear you're right today?"

"5 more to meet my quota." Forrest joked.

"Whatever. Go get your ego stroked by Rachel. Drive safe, ok?"

"Will do. Bye Lily."

"Bye."

After I got off the phone, I skipped down the stairs happily.

"Trevor?!? Guess whose name is officially cleared?" I announced as I joined him in the living room.



We spent the night celebrating my vindication. Since Jasmine didn't want to drive in the snow, she stayed in Irving with her dad for the night. Trevor and I took advantage with the last bottle of wine, red velvet Oreos and the erotic dice from our birthday party.

Since the winter's weather would be clearing out this weekend, Trevor suggested we go out to celebrate properly.  I quickly agreed, asking if we could make it a group outing.

We got on Facebook and posted the idea of getting out when the winter storm warning was over. Sammy and Corey agreed. Corey had a minor fender bender on his way home from work Friday. He and his car were fine, but his boss gave him the weekend off to recover. Forrest and Rachel agreed, if the roads were cleared. I talked Rocky into coming with the idea of throwing Ethan and Serena back together. Brandon had to open, so he would be able to join us in the evening. Now all we had to do was agree on what we wanted to do.

Food was a given, but I actually wanted to go out and do something too. I felt cooped up in the house all week watching movies and eating; I needed to go dancing or bowling, anything active.

Trevor suggested ice skating, which Rocky quickly shut down. She didn't even want to walk on the ice, much less play on it. Trevor uncharacteristically rolled his eyes at that. Apparently, he's been spending too much time with me.

I suggested a club, but Sammy wasn't feeling that. She felt it was too much like work. She used to live for nights out at bars and clubs to go drinking. No way was I going to discourage that. We were still debating when Jasmine made it home Saturday afternoon when the roads were cleared.

"I have an idea. I have a coworker whose family owns a skating rink. She's been bugging me about going and I finally am. They're trying an adult's night the last Saturday of the month. It's 21 and up, throwback music and BYOB after 6 o'clock." She suggested.

Trevor and I both smiled. "That's what we're doing!'

I texted everyone the details before Jasmine and I went upstairs to try to figure out what to wear. I put my hair in hot curlers while I picked out an outfit. I picked out galaxy pants I found in Austin with an off the shoulder black sweater. My hair curled a little too tight, but I fixed it by pushing it back with a blue scarf.

"You look so cute!" Jasmine gushed when I went to see if she was ready.

"You look hot!" I complimented her. She was wearing a long sleeve, mini dress with lace stockings. Her hair was straightened and pulled up in a sleek ponytail. I was going for retro, flirty and cute. She was going for sexy. I didn't know how she was planning to skate in it though.

"Thank you. Ready?" Jasmine asked me.

"Ready!" I smiled. We went downstairs and joined Trevor.

"Thanks for making me look like a bum." Trevor joked, motioning to his jeans and t-shirt. The only accessories he had was a beanie hat with a visor and his leather jacket.

"Thank Jasmine. I went for causal too." I said as Jasmine and I put on our coats." Did you invite Kendal?"

"No." Jasmine answered. "Should we stop by a liquor store?" She added, quickly.

"Absolutely." I nodded.

Trevor drove my car and I got an alcohol requests from my friends. We picked up a couple packs of beer and a bottle of rum and tequila and headed to the roller rink in Irving.

We got there half an hour before 6pm. It was a bit of a hole in the wall at the end of a strip mall, but you could tell it was well maintained. It was decorated with strobe lights, deep purple sparkle walls and black cushioned couches, booths, tables and chairs. It was adorable, and the music was already blaring on a barely occupied rink. I was so ready to cut loose!

We rented our skates and found a little booth in the back. Trevor and I put on our Rollerskates while Jasmine went to find her aunt in the back.

We then walked on the skates to the rink. It had been awhile since I been on skates. In fact, the last time had been with Trevor in college when rollerblading had made a comeback.

I was gliding along the rink, testing how fast I could go. Trevor grabbed my hand and we skated together. Mariah Carey's "Fantasy" came on and that made me slow down to test my dance moves.

"When did you learn how to skate?" Trevor teased me.

"I knew how before!" I said.

I did, just not very well. The quad skates we had on were much easier than the in-line rollerblades I learned on with him. I spent most of the time at the park watching everyone else or holding on to him when he forced me to skate. After a few crash and burns, (with no pads) I got it down.

"This is so much easier." I commented, swaying side to side to the beat, displaying my new moves.

"Oh yeah? Can you do this?-" Trevor said, spinning around.

I mimicked him perfectly and smirked when I faced him.

He then turned around and started skating backwards. It took me a few attempts and Trevor coaching me through it, but I got that down too.

"Alright, skate in front of me." Trevor instructed me.

"Backwards?"

"No, just skate."

I did as he said and waited for his next instructions.

"What now?" I turned my head around after a few moments of waiting.

"Nothing. I just like the view. It's out of this world." He blatantly stared at my butt in my galaxy pants.

"You perv!" I exclaimed, turning around to swat at him. He caught my hands as I swung at him and spun us around. I giggled and we skated like that, spinning around with each other until I spotted Sammy and Corey at the entrance of the rink. We sped up to meet them.

"Hey guys!" I said, giving Sammy a hug. She looked cute in knee high black socks, a dark denim skirt and a black fitted long sleeved low cute top.

"Hey." She waved, wobbling as she entered the rink.

"Where are your skates?" Trevor asked Corey.

"I'm skipping that. They have Rampage in the arcade." Corey answered.

"Really?" Trevor answered excitedly.

"Yeah, I'm gonna go play."

Trevor looked at me.

"Have fun guys." I smiled. Trevor gave me a little kiss before they left. I looped my arm through Sammy's.

"How do we feel about their blossoming bromance?" I asked her.

"Oh, I tried to shut it down. Didn't work." Sammy admitted.

I laughed. "Really?"

Sammy nodded. "Yep. Corey thinks he's cool. Fucking Trevor."

Fucking Trevor indeed.

We skated around once slowly so Sammy could get comfortable on the roller skates. Halfway through our second round, Brandon joined us.

"Where's Rocky?" I asked him.

"At the table. She didn't want to skate." He replied.

"And y'all still came?" Sammy asked, tauntingly.

"Yeah man. You know I run things." Brandon smiled.

Sammy scoffed and I asked, "Since when?"

"Forever and always!" He said, cockily.

Sammy and I both laughed at him as we continued to skate together.

"I need a drink." Sammy declared when we approached the entrance. I nodded and we joined Rocky, Forrest, Serena and Rachel at the table.

"Hey guys!" I said, giving them a hug before sitting down beside Rocky. I grabbed a beer and popped it open, handed it to Sammy before grabbing one for myself.

"Y'all aren't skating?" I asked, eyeing Rocky's cute striped blouse tucked into a skater skirt over leggings.

"No, I'm gonna watch." Rocky said.

"Me too." Serena nodded. At least she was dressed for the occasion in dark denim jeans and a flannel green and blue blouse.

"Aww, come on. One time around." I suggested.

"I will." Forrest agreed.

I looked over at Rachel. She wore a nice sweater and jeans combination. When Rachel agreed to skate, they went to get skates. Serena went with them to the concession stand to grab a coke for the rum.

"Where is Ethan?" I asked Rocky when they left.

"Working. He promised he'll take a break and join us for dinner." Rocky said.

"Cool."

When Forrest and Rachel returned, we went back to the rink together. By now, the rink was packed. We skated, danced and goofed around together.

"Luv to Luv ya" came on and Sammy and I started dancing to the music together.

"Reggie's on point tonight. I haven't heard this song in forever" Brandon complimented.

"Reggie's DJing?" I asked, surprised.

Brandon pointed to the booth. Sure enough, Reggie was. I looked around for Jasmine, now knowing why she got so dressed up for a skating rink. She was hanging out with some friends by the DJ booth. I shook my head.

"Surfing Bird" was blended in perfectly to the song. Even though Reggie was a shitty boyfriend, he was a fucking awesome DJ.

I started to do the dance on my skates.

"Really Lily?" Sammy shook her head at me.

"I love this song!" I exclaimed.

"I don't think anyone of us was alive when this song came out." Rachel smiled.

"Rachel, everybody knows that the bird is the word!" I sang at her.

"Ok Peter." Forrest laughed, catching on to my Family Guy reference.

I laughed too. "You watch Family Guy Forrest?"

"Never miss an episode."

"I missed the last season. I watch the Simpson's episode, but then football season started."

"DVR Lily..."

"I know, I know."

We hung out, drank and played games until we decided to go eat. I talked to Jasmine before we left. She told me she was going to get a ride with some friends. I knew her hanging out with her ex was a bad idea, but I didn't say anything. Just told her to have fun and I'd see her later.

We went to the Fox and Hound, a pub with a billiards room, music and a late night kitchen. Ethan joined us as promised and we got a couple of tables and ordered food and drinks.

"To the snow and ice melting." Brandon toasted when we got our drinks.

"You know we might get more next week?" Corey asked.

We hissed and booed at him.

"It's officially March. Hopefully this is the last winter blast. It's delaying a lot of projects" Ethan commented.

"Speak for yourself; I love it when it snows. The city shuts down and I'm glad I don't have to work." Rachel smiled.

"I actually enjoy traveling for my job, so I'm over it too." Serena agreed with Ethan. I smiled at Rocky. She smiled back.

"So what are we toasting?" Forrest asked.

"That we survived the snow!" Sammy toasted.

Rocky nodded. "Together. We're all here safe, together."

"Yeah, 'reunited'. We should snapshot this" Trevor chuckled, referencing the Becca drama. I elbowed him, but smiled too. I was surprised when Rocky narrowed her eyes at Trevor. I was even more surprised when Trevor held her glare.

"To vindication!" I toasted. When everyone just looked at me, I explained, "Long story short, Forrest cleared my name against some false accusations so yeah, cheers to him!" I finished.

"To refuge with one another. From the weather, work or false accusations." Forrest summed up.

"Hear hear!"

We toasted and drank and ate before we went our separated way. I was glad I survived my first winter storm of 2015. I was even happier that I had great friends to weather the storm with.

Snow Outside

”If you are tired I'll bear your burden
If you are dreaming I will not disturb you
Whatever your heart desires love
I'll clear the way for you
Come winter I will build you a fire
From the bones of who I used to be
Before you came and washed the weary away
Before you came here for me
So right every day and every night
By the fire with the snow outside
And the two of us
Oh child hold tight
If it gets to be a crazy ride
I'll be here right by your side
For the rest of our days
Oh, for the rest of our days" Snow Outside by Dave Matthews Band


"I need you to be 100% honest with me." Forrest started as we sat in my car outside my work.

I rubbed my sweaty palms against my pants as I faced him. "Ok..." I said, still clueless to what he wanted to talk to me about. I didn't even have a guess. Judging by the way he knitted his eyebrows while watching me, I knew it wasn't good. He was making me so fucking nervous.

"Have you had a relationship with Darren outside of being his therapist?" Forrest asked me.

"I guess. You know we kept in contact after I was done rehabbing with him." I answered, even more confused. We all just had dinner together.

"At any point, was the relationship more than professional?" He asked with a pointed look.

When the meaning of his question hit me, my stomach dropped. "No. Never." I spat out quickly.

"Nothing happened that could have been misconstrued-" Forrest interrogated me.

"Absolutely not! The only interactions we had were in public with others present. There's nothing to be misconstrued, I swear." I denied vehemently, shaking my head.

Forrest nodded. "I believe you. I just had to ask."

I took a deep breath to get myself together. "Why? Is Darren saying something happened?"

"No, he denied it as well. His ex-girlfriend started the accusation." Forrest informed me. I felt sick with disgust and anger.


"Why would she say that?" I asked, indignantly.

"She’s an immature kid. They post things online without thinking about the consequences-"

My stomach twisted violently. "It's online?!?" I gasped, holding my stomach.

Forrest nodded.

"What does it say?" I asked; tears of frustration, anger, and sadness welling up in my eyes.

"It doesn't name you. The only reason I know it's implying you because I know you." Forrest assured me. He grabbed my hands. I didn't realize I was digging my nails into my legs until he stopped me.

"Who all knows?" I asked, quietly.

He let go of my hands. "Besides her friends; me and her counselor. We scheduled a meeting with her and her parents Friday. I'm sure she'll admit she made it up. If not, I'll have to involve Darren."

"Meaning his parents will know, then my boss next." I put together, dejectedly, fighting back tears.

"It might not come to that. After we get her parents involved, I'm hoping she’ll see the severity and tell the truth."

I nodded.

"I wish I could just ignore it, but I have no choice but to look into it. I shouldn't even be telling you this but you deserve to know." Forrest continued.

I nodded deep in thought.

"I'm taking care of it. I don't want to worry you. I just wanted you to be prepared no matter what, ok?" He finished.

I nodded again.

"Lily, are you ok?" He asked concerned.

"I'm fine. Thanks for the heads up." I said numbly.

I really was thankful, but I was so lost. I was sure my gratitude didn't come across. Forrest gave me a Tupperware container full of gumbo before he left. I took it and drove home in a daze.

When I got home I went straight to my room. I ignored Justine and went into my closet. I pulled out a clear storage container and put it on my bed. I searched through the container of random things I wanted to hold on to: my lease, my diplomas, old pictures, instruction manuals, old cards and letters, and finally, my employee handbook.

I opened it and looked at the table of contents. I turned to the conduct and ethics section. I read through it before I found what I was looking for.

"Therapist shall not engage in any sexual relationship or conduct, including dating, with any patient, or engage in any conduct that may reasonably be interpreted by the patient to be sexual, whether consensual or non-consensual, while a therapist-patient relationship exists."

I kept reading till I got to the end of the list of unacceptable conduct.

Any violation can result in disciplinary actions, including termination and/or a formal complaint with the Texas Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy."

I put the handbook down and laid on my bed. I felt so many different emotions. I was confused as to how this could be happening. I never said a word to that girl. Why she decided to single me out was maddening.

It frustrated me that some girl that had nothing better to do than make up false accusations can cause such turmoil in my life. Even if she didn't realize the consequences to her accusation, they were real; and I had to be the one to face them.

I felt extremely disgusted by the accusation itself. Not only was Darren a patient of mine, he was just a kid. Even if technically he was an adult, he was a child in my eyes. I knew how fucked up that was. I would never cross that line.

Though I knew I didn't cross that line, I worried about what was going to happen next. The thought of being fired was terrifying; losing my license would be devastating. I curled up on my bed, letting one lone tear fall down my face.

The confusion, disgust, frustration, and worry weren't the worst feeling. The worst was how utterly powerless I felt. I had to put my faith that Forrest could and would take care of it; that the girl that started the rumor would have a come to Jesus moment; that my work wouldn't find out. The situation was completely out of my hands.

For the first time since I left my dad's for college, my future was out of my hands. It was heartbreaking to think of. I worked so hard to get to a place where I could be independent and thrive. Now, that could be taken away from me. It was the fucking worst.

I was still curled up on my bed when my door opened.

"There you are. Why didn't you answer your phone? Why is it so quiet in here? I thought you and Justine went for a run." Trevor said, pulling my storage container off the bed.

He sat it on the ground while I looked for my phone. I had no idea where it was, if it rang or how long I had been laying there.

"Lilypad." Trevor asked, moving closer to me and stroking my face. "Are you ok? You look sick."

I shook my head. "No..." I said, shakily. "Darren's girlfriend started a rumor about me and Darren being together. It's on the Internet."

"You always did have the best taste in guys."

I looked up at Trevor, thinking I misunderstood him. Or maybe he was so upset, he lashed out. But when I looked at him, he was smiling. He was fucking smiling at me.

"What the fuck is wrong with you? That's disgusting!!! I would never, ever start anything with him!" I yelled at him, shoving away from his touch like it burnt me.

"I know, that's what makes it so funny. It's ridiculous." Trevor said, matter of factly.

"It's not funny. Accusations like these are serious." I argued.

"Who takes anything on social media seriously? Especially teenaged girls" Trevor asked.

"It doesn't matter. It's still going to be investigated if she doesn't tell the truth."

"Ok... They won't find anything."

"You're not getting it. Just the accusation is enough. This is my job. I could lose it and my license."

"You need to relax Lily. I doubt you're going to lose your job or your license with no proof of anything." Trevor said.

I turned away from him then. God, he was naive.

"I'm gonna go feed Justine. Come down and eat too." He continued.

I ignored him as he led Justine out the room. I laid there, no longer feeling powerless. I felt pissed. So much anger swelled up inside of me, I knew I had to get out of there or I would explode. Or slap someone...

I changed into workout gear and covered them with sweats and a hoodie. I put my headphones in my ears and headed downstairs.

"Where are you going?" Trevor asked me as I headed for the door. I pretended like I didn't hear him as I pulled on my hoodie. He came over and removed the earbud from my ear. "Where are you going?" He repeated.

"For a run." I answered, putting it back in my ear.

"Come eat first. I made you a chili sandwich." Trevor offered, pulling me close to him.

I shrugged him off. "I'm not hungry. Be right back."

I put on my workout playlist and ran. One song blended into the next as I focused on my run. I concentrated on my breathing, pumping my arms and my legs pounding the sidewalk. I had no direction. I just ran and ran till I was exhausted and had to stop.

I walked back home, turning off my music this time. Part of me wanted to call Rocky or Ethan, but I decided against it. I didn't want to hear Rocky lecture me about what I did wrong and I promised myself I would back off from Ethan.

Besides, I didn't want anyone else to know. I was so embarrassed and I figured the least amount of people who knew, the better. At least until I knew how the meeting played out.

Besides, at the end of the day, there was nothing anyone could do for me at this point. Hell, there was nothing I could do for myself but wait for Forrest to let me know what happened.

Trevor was right in that sense. Stressing wouldn't do anything. I don't think I could relax either, but I could hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

I jogged/walk home. I didn't realize how far I ran. Damn my emotions. I would have had Trevor come pick me up if I wasn't such a mega bitch to him. When I got home, I saw Jasmine's car out front.

I came inside and Trevor and Jasmine were in the kitchen.

"I helped myself to some gumbo." Jasmine said, smiling as I joined them.

"That's cool. How was it?" I asked.

"So freaking good. I saved you a crab leg!" Jasmine continued.

"Thank you for saving my food." I kidded with her as I looked at Trevor. He just watched me with a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Where's my chili sandwich?" I asked him with a little grin.

"I ate it." Trevor smiled.

I smiled too. "Really T-Rev? I thought you made it for me."

"I thought you didn't want it. I can make another." He replied.

"That's ok. Thanks." I approached him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I'm gonna shower then I'll make my own." I told him, rubbing his shoulder before I carried my worn out legs up the stairs and in the shower.

I slipped on yoga pants and a t-shirt and went back downstairs. Trevor, being the amazing boyfriend that he is, had a sandwich, gumbo and glass of juice waiting for me in the living room.

"Thank you baby." I said, kissing him on the lips and joining him on the couch.

"You're welcome." He said simply. "Have you thought about what you're gonna do?"

"Yep. Fuck it!" I said, shrugging and taking a bite of my sandwich.

Trevor furrowed his eyebrows at me.
"What?"

"Yep. Fuck all of it. Fuck spiteful kids playing online, meritless rumors, and anyone who believes that nonsense." I stated.

"Are you worried about your job?" Trevor asked.

"Nothing's going happen without proof, you're right about that. Can't have proof for something that didn't happen." I said, between bites.

"That's the spirit." Trevor praised me.



I really did try my hardest to keep up that spirit until Friday. I couldn't help the stray thoughts of what would happen if I lost my job, but I pushed them away as fast as they came.
Being at work Friday was nerve wracking. I couldn't help worrying about the meeting and what was going to happen. It didn't help when it started snowing at 11am. My patient cancelled, so I hung around with nothing to do but try to stop myself from worrying.

When my last patient cancelled, I went ahead and headed home before the roads got bad. It was real snow this time; big, fluffy, white flakes. It was beautiful and coming down fast. I drove home slowly. When I got home, Trevor was waiting for me.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Waiting for you. Come on. Let's go build a snowman." Trevor said, hopping up.

I buttoned my coat back up and we left. Trevor drove my car to a nearby park. We engaged in a snow ball fight before calling a truce and building a snowman. It was a sad, pathetically small snowman since there wasn't much snow sticking to the ground yet, but it was much loved.

We drove back home and immediately removed our wet clothes and put them in the laundry room. Jasmine wasn't home yet, so Trevor decided to take advantage of having the town home to ourselves and instructed me to sit on the dryer while our jackets dried.

We were making out, Trevor standing between my legs when I heard my phone ringing in the distance.

Trevor pulled away, but I pulled him back.

"It might be Forrest-" he trailed off before I kissed him.

My stomach flipped, but I pressed my lips against Trevor. When he put his arms back around me, the only thing that mattered was him.

"It can wait." I said, before kissing him again.

The Thin Ice

"Momma loves her baby 
And Daddy loves you too 
And the sea may look warm to you babe 
And the sky may look blue 
Ooooh Babe 
Ooooh Baby Blue 
Ooooh Babe 
If you should go skating 
On the thin ice of modern life 
Dragging behind you the silent reproach 
Of a million tear stained eyes 
Don't be surprised, when a crack in the ice 
Appears under your feet 
You slip out of your depth and out of your mind 
With your fear flowing out behind you 
As you claw the thin ice" The Thin Ice by Pink Floyd 

Monday morning, my phone beeping woke me up before my alarm. It was Sandra; she sent out a group text to all the physical therapists that the clinic was closed due to inclement weather. She also said she would keep us posted for the rest of the week. I hopped up out of bed, excited.

There had been winter warnings all weekend; truthfully, I didn't believe them. We hadn't had any snow all winter. Just a bunch of winter watches while the actual storms passed around Dallas. When I looked out my window, the apartment was covered with snow. White, fluffy, beautiful snow!

I was thrilled! I took a picture from the window as I observed the white blanket covering the sidewalks, cars and apartment buildings. I couldn't believe we finally got snow! I guess that was the difference between a winter storm warning and a winter storm watch.

I quickly joined Trevor back in bed.

"Baby!" I bounced on the bed on my knees. "Trevor!" I smiled, rubbing his hair.

He finally woke up, opening one eye. I laughed at him. He looked like Popeye the Sailor Man.

"Wake up! It's snowing!!!" I said, gleefully.

"Yeah?" He said, groggily, opening both eyes now.

"Yeah, the clinic is closed. It's a snow day!"

"Mmm, get back in bed then." he said, closing his eyes.

"No! Let's go make a snowman." I squealed.

"Not enough snow for that." He said, not even opening an eye. He tried to pull me back in bed, but I pulled away. How would he know? He hadn't even looked outside.

I got up and bundled up in sweat pants, a sweater, hoodie and an oversized coat. I put on my gloves, hat and scarf before leading Justine down the stairs and outside with me.

Justine was not feeling the snow. She was being a diva and watched me from the door with a tilt of her head that said "not impressed". I let her back inside and went to explore the majestic snow of the winter wonderland myself...

...only it wasn't a wonderland. Or majestic. Or snow for that matter: it was ice. It was nothing like the light, fluffy snow I imagined from inside. I was highly disappointed as I tried to form a snowball in my hand. It was hard and cold; I couldn't make a snowman with it and I certainly wouldn't throw an ice ball at anyone. Urgh, this sucked.

I went back inside, peeling off my wet outer layers before heading to the kitchen. After setting out food and water for Justine, I went back to bed. I tried not to disturb Trevor, but he turned over to face me.

"That was fast. You made a snowman that quick?" He murmured, lifting the covers.

"Shut up Trevor." I grumbled, sliding into the covers.

"What?" He chuckled, pulling me into his arms.

"It was ice." I pouted. "I couldn't even make a snowball."

"I'm sorry. Let's warm you up..." Trevor said, rubbing his hands over my body. He removed my clothes, kissing all over my face.

"How is taking of my clothes keeping me warm?" I questioned.

"Body heat." He replied, removing my panties. When he placed his hand between my legs, I definitely felt heat.

I moaned, moving my hand to his erection and stroking him while he was fingering me. He pulled the comforter off my body to position himself on top of me. I yelped, hugging my body when the cold air hit my skin.

"What's wrong?" Trevor paused, studying my face.

"It's cold!" I shivered.

Trevor smiled and pulled me on top of him. He covered me back up.

"Better?" He asked.

I nodded and kissed him passionately. He returned my kiss while guiding himself inside of me. We found a slow, sexy rhythm as we ground into each other under the comforter. Our lips met periodically between gasps and moans. His hands groped my breasts, then moved to my shoulders and down my back, stopping on my hips. He squeezed my ass, thrusting his hips up, urging me to ride him faster. I complied, pleasure building in my body.

I felt Trevor's finger pressing against the entrance of my ass and I tensed. Before I could protest, he circled the opening with his finger. Cliche, I know, but fucking fireworks was the best way to describe the results of him touching me so intimately.

Sparks ignited and shot throughout my body. I screamed out as my orgasm crashed into me violently. I collapsed against Trevor as my body spasmed. I didn't even register that Trevor was still thrusting into me until after he came, groaning in my ear, gripping my butt tightly.

Still struggling to catch my breath as my body finally relaxed, I looked up at him when he stilled.

"What the fuck?..." I breathed. "You stay away from there."

Trevor grinned, moving his hand to around my back to hug me. "Seemed like you liked it..."

I blushed and hid my face from him.

Trevor chuckled. "Don't be embarrassed. I'll ask next time."

"Next time?" I said, lifting my head up, shyly.

He nodded enthusiastically. "Only if you wanna try."

"Try what, exactly?" I said, breathlessly. I was nervous but a little excited too.

"Everything." He said, with a smile, moving in to give me a kiss.

"You should try some toothpaste." I giggled against his lips.

He swatted me on the butt and I yelped, laughing.

"Get off of me and I will." He grinned.

I tried to roll over but he held me against him. We rolled around, laughing and trying to escape each other when I heard footsteps down the stairs.

Jasmine.

I groaned and pulled away from Trevor. I sat up on the bed and looked at Trevor. I felt blood rushing to my face.

"Do you think she heard us?" I asked, quietly.

"Not us. Definitely you. I woulda never guessed you were a screamer back in college..." Trevor said, laying back against his hand with a proud grin on his face.

I punched him in the gut. "Shut. Up." I said as he groaned, holding his stomach. I leaned to give him a kiss before I went to the bathroom. After getting cleaned up and dressed, I joined Jasmine downstairs.

"Good morning." I said, as coolly as possible, considering she might have overheard Trevor and me.

"Hey, good morning. Did you call in too?" She asked, as she measured out some coffee in a filter. Maybe she didn't hear us...

"No, the clinic closed today." I explained.

She rolled her eyes. "Doctors aren't doing surgeries, but my boss wanted to give me an attitude cause I told her I wasn't coming in at all. She was going to open later."

"Really?" I said surprised.

"Yes. She was like, you need to call and cancel your appointments. I was like, ok." Jasmine answered,

"I mean, the surgeries we do aren't emergencies, but I really doubt anyone is getting out unless they have too. It's ice. Only an idiot would willingly get out in this weather." I commented.

Like on cue, Trevor came into the kitchen, jacket and shoes on.

"Where are you going?" I asked him.

"My apartment. I have to work from home today." He said.

"Can't you do it on my laptop?" I asked.

"No, your laptop sucks." He said.

"Just cause it's not a super nerd computer doesn't mean it sucks." I informed him. "The roads are gonna be bad. Can it wait?"

"Not really. Bill already thinks I'm a slacker. Besides, we get more than a little ice in Wichita Falls. I know how to drive in it." Trevor responded.

"Fine." I said, pulling out my keys. "Take my car."

"Why?" He said, looking at the keys.

"The tires are newer, it has heat and there's an emergency kit with de-icer and cat litter in the trunk. It's safer than yours" I rattled off.

"It might be safer, but if anything happens to it, I'm dead remember?" Trevor reminded me of my threats against him if he disturbed my car.

Jasmine laughed.

"I promise, I won't harm you if anything happens. This is for my peace of mind." I reassured him.

He pulled out his phone and held it up towards me. "Lilian Carol Harris, also known as Lily, Lilypad, The Brain, and occasionally, brat-"

"Who called me a brat?" I interrupted him, folding my arms in mock anger.

"Not important." He smiled as he recorded me. "Do you give me, Trevor Allen Tobin, permission to drive the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, also known as Lady Kitana?"

"Yes." I confirmed.

"Add a retaliation clause." Jasmine added. I narrowed my eyes at her and Trevor laughed.

"And do you promise not to harm me-"

"And anything you care about-" Jasmine supplied.

"And anything I care about, in any fashion, if anything happens to your car?" Trevor added on, grinning.

"I promise. Just drive carefully. Punk!" I said, holding out my keys.

"You're not under any duress while shooting this video?" Trevor continued.

"You are gonna be under distress if you don't take the fucking keys and get the fuck of here!" I demanded him.

He just laughed and put his phone away. He gave me kiss and hug before saying goodbye to us and leaving.

"Bye Jasmine. Have fun in the snow Lily." He grinned at me.

"It's ice! Be careful." I told him.

Jasmine and I had breakfast while I waited for Trevor to call and say he made it. Normally it was a 15 minute drive to his apartment with no traffic, but he called 40 minutes later.

He told me the hardest part was getting into his apartment. The entrance way wasn't sanded and it was a steep incline to get out. A car stalled right in front and there was no way around it. Trevor used the cat litter to get the car out, but he wasn't going to attempt to leave until they sanded it. He was going to work from his apartment and hopefully maintenance would sand down the driveway so he could come back.

That left Jasmine and me snowed in together. We had a blast. Jasmine was documenting her snow day on Instagram, so naturally, I joined in. We made a cooking video together of us making chili. We used my spices and her recipe of simmering the hamburger meat in beer first.

When we had the chili shimmering, we drank the beer and made an oatmeal and honey face mask. While the mask sat, we did each other's nails. I told her about my love of nail art and how it was the only thing that made me feel girlie growing up. We took pictures of our nails and funny faces with the mask on.

After we washed off the mask, Jasmine taught me how to put hot curlers in my hair and we made a 3 minute sped up tutorial video on that too. The end results were thick, luscious curls that I was completely comfortable doing for myself in the future.

"Ohmigosh Jasmine. I feel so pretty!" I gushed, flipping my hair around.

"Now you have the best of both world. My brother loved that you were so into sports and stuff. Now you can be a sexy tomboy." Jasmine giggled, finishing her 3rd beer.

I couldn't help frowning up at that.

"Fuck, that came out wrong. Rewind..." she smiled.

"It's ok. I understand." I smiled too. "I wasn't really a tomboy. I just followed whatever my brother did cause I didn't have anyone else. When I went to college, I met Trevor and he kinda forced his friendship on me and that's how I met Rocky." I explained. "Having them both in my life kinda opened me up. Trevor is so free spirited I can be whoever I want and he just accepts me. Rocky is so loyal, even when she's pissed at me, she has my back. It gave me the confidence to be who I am." I finished.

"I will say this about you and my brother, and then I'll leave it at that." She started. "I think y'all were a good fit. But, seeing you with Trevor... he's just tailored for you."

"Well, it has been 8 years." I smiled.

"Believe me, time doesn't mean shit. Reggie and I dated since high school and we didn't work out." Jasmine sighed.

"I gotta say, I always thought you were too good for him." I commented, starting on my 3rd beer.

"So did I! So did he in the beginning! My mom supported me while I was in cosmetology school, but as soon as I got a job, we moved into together. We were a great team and supported each other. Then his DJ-ing starting taking off and he changed. He didn't appreciate anything nor did he care about my feelings anymore. I kept thinking once he got where he wanted to be, it would go back. I got sick of waiting." She said sadly.

I nodded. "I get it. Working and a career is important, but you prioritize the things that are important to you."

"I just wasn't important to him anymore." She said, wiping a tear away.

"Jasmine-"

"Fuck him. I'm not trying to be sad today. Let's post our pictures and show everyone how much more fun we're having than them." Jasmine said, pulling out her phone.

I smiled and joined her. We edited and posted videos of our day.

Forrest's school was closed, so he was the first to like our chili video. He also posted a picture of the gumbo he was cooking. It looked amazing with shrimp, sausage and crab legs. He tagged me and Jasmine in saying:

I can't give out the recipe, but here's the end results.

I commented, saying:

Me: If you can't share the recipe, share the food!

Jasmine: I just want one crab leg...

Forrest: Save me some chili and it's done.

I called him to see if he found out any information on Serena. He said Rachel said she really liked Ethan, but the fact that he had a kid was holding her back.

"Holding her back? Or a deal breaker?" I questioned.

"I don't know. I didn't ask. I can." Forrest admitted.

"That's ok. Thanks Forrest."

After I got off the phone, Jasmine and I ate a late lunch/early dinner. Trevor showed up as we finished eating our 2nd bowl while watching Frozen, since Jasmine never saw it.

"How can you have nieces and you've never seen Frozen?" I asked, bewildered.

She just shrugged. "I hate musicals."

Trevor joined us with a bowl. "Did y'all make enough chili?" He asked.

"No. It's multipurpose." I explained. "Today it's chili bowls, tomorrow it'll be chili dogs."

"Or nachos." Jasmine added.

"Enchiladas."

"Chili Mac."

"Baked potatoes."

"Frito pies."

"Sandwiches." I said as we went back and forth.

"Sandwiches?" Trevor laughed.

"Yeah, sloppy Joe style. With a slice of cheese. Now I want a sandwich."

We laughed and Jasmine's phone went off. She read a text and smiled.

"That's Kendal. Is it ok if he stops over?" Jasmine asked.

"Of course. It's supposed to freeze some more tomorrow. Tell him he can spend the night too." I said.

"Whoa Lily... who says I want that?" Jasmine grinned.

"Don't make him drive in the ice. He can take the couch." I offered.

"That's probably what I'll do. I don't want him hearing y'all and getting the wrong idea." She smiled.

I blushed while Trevor laughed.

Kendal showed up a short while later and he and Jasmine went to the kitchen while Trevor picked out a movie. I checked my phone to make sure everyone was okay.

My brother and Jenna both stayed home to avoid the roads. I saw Rocky stayed home but Brandon had to go to work in the evening. Amber was at work but her family was safe at home. Sammy was off but Corey had to work and had not made it home yet. Jordan was home alone too because Derek stayed at the hospital so he didn't have to risk driving home and back. Jake had to work too, but Jasmine already checked in on him. Ethan was actually with Megan and EJ based on the pictures Megan posted on Facebook, so I was curious to how that happened. Rachel made it home safely. She posted a photo of her and Forrest enjoying the gumbo. It was cute.

"What are we watching?" Kendal asked.

"The Interview?" Trevor asked.

"I've seen it. How bout American Sniper? I have it on my phone." Kendal suggested.

"How'd you get that?" Jasmine asked.

"Don't worry about that." He winked at her.

Trevor set it up on his laptop and used a cord to connect it to the TV. It was great quality for a bootlegged film.

We stayed up and watched The Boy Next Door (Ladies Choice) and Kingsman: Secret Service (Guy's choice) before we retired to bed.

"No." I said firmly as Trevor humped my backside as we laid down.

"C'mon. Let's give them a show." He tried to entice me.

"That's my co-worker!" I exclaimed.

"We can be quiet..."

"Goodnight Trevor."



I stuck by my words and did not have sex with Trevor. I did give him a blow job in the bathroom after our shower the next morning to make up for it. The clinic opened late on Tuesday because everything froze over the night before, but by the afternoon the roads were sanded. Trevor had the choice to work from home or to go in. He chose to go in.

I let him continue to drive my car and caught a ride with Kendal. On the way in, I bargained with him to give up his movie source.

"I'll work 2 of your weekends." I promised.

"I'll give it to you if you answer a question for me." He countered.

"What?"

"What does Jasmine think of me?" He asked.

I thought about it. "She likes you, obviously, but she just got out of a long term relationship. She's not in a place for anything serious." I answered, honestly.

Kendal nodded as we went into the training center. "I'll text you that link."

I smiled at him before we went separate ways to work.

I got two of my patients from Monday to come in and rehab. Coach Green was not one of them. He opted to do his rehab at home.

By Wednesday, the ice was gone. It was a snowy, rain mixture that just made everything cold and wet. I made plans to have lunch with Rocky since I hadn't seen her in a while. Plus, I needed to tell her what Forrest told me.

"She said that, verbatim?" Rocky asked as we sat eating Chinese food.

"That's what Forrest said. I think I'm gonna call her." I said.

"No, you are not." She shook her head.

"Alright, why can't I? You've been trying to keep me out of getting Serena and Ethan together and it's fucked up." I confronted her.

"An ex trying to set up her ex is fucked up." Rocky snapped back.

"I don't consider Ethan my ex. We weren't even together like that. He's my friend. Besides, I wouldn't tell her our history." I argued.

"You better not. That's Ethan's choice. Ethan doesn't have the same feelings about the relationship." Rocky informed me.

"He thinks we're not friends?" I said, confused.

And hurt...

"No..." Rocky sighed. "He just sees you as the one that got away. Maybe it was the miscarriage or the fact that you rejected him, but he is always going to have some lingering feelings. You just can't waltz in and out his life when he has a chance with someone new. It's not fair to m-him." Rocky explained.

I mulled that over, biting my lower lip. Was I really that conceited and unaware? Ethan said he appreciates our friendship. Was it just a line? I wanted him to be happy. Maybe I needed to take a step back...

"Ok. Well you have to call Serena then. I could talk to Rachel, but I don't want to put more on her plate with the wedding. She barely opens up to me anyway. I could call Forrest again." I shrugged, pulling out my phone.

Rocky gave me a "Really?" look. I threw my hands in the air.

"What now?" I grumbled.

"Nothing." She sighed. "Just give me Serena's number."

I did like she asked and tried to change the subject, but lunch really couldn't be saved at that point. The mood was killed.

I went back and finished my day at work. I was one my way out when I received a call from Forrest.

"Hey, are you at work?" He asked stoically.

"I am, what's up?" I asked, concerned by his tone.

"Stay there, I'm on my way. I need to talk to you." He said sternly. It was the same voice he talked to his students in. I didn't like it directed at me.

"About what? Serena? That's officially Rocky's business now. I can give you her number..." I blabbered.

"It's something I have to ask you."

"About Rachel? Because I can't help you there. She's like an enigma, inside of a puzzle, shoved in a mystery, wrapped in secrets-"

"Lily!" He cut me off in a booming voice. I gulped and shut the fuck up.

"It's about you. I need to talk to you. In person. Just wait for me, ok?" He asked in a softer tone.

I took a deep breath.

"Ok Forrest."

I kicked at a remaining piece of ice on the ground. It shattered on impact.

I put my phone away and waited.