Lily's Playlist

Friday night, my patient Darren had a home game, so even though work was long and exhausting, I planned to go. Jordan was on vacation this week, so I missed our lunches or random breaks just to chat. I didn't realize how much those small interactions kept me upbeat. I ate my lunches at work and chatted with Quintin and Heather, two physical therapists. Mostly just commiserating about the heavier workload. Rumor had it Ann interviewed one potential new therapist. If all went well, we would at least have some help soon.

I got home around 6 with just enough time to shower and change into skinny jeans and a maroon razorback tank, one of Darren's school colors, before heading to the game. I was pulling my hair up into a ponytail when I received a text.

Jake-

Hey. Working late?

Me-

No. I'm off. Getting ready to head to Lewisville for Darren's game.

Jake-

Cool. Give me 10 minutes and I'll come pick you up.

Me-

Sounds good 😊

After I fixed my bangs out of my face and stepped into the heels Jake bought me, I went downstairs to wait for him. He called me on my way down the stairs. I ignored it and left.

Jake was sitting in his SUV, frowning at his phone. I tapped on the hood before walking to the passenger side. He watched me as I hopped in.

"I was just texting you about not answering your phone." He informed me.

I leaned over to kiss him.

"I was walking out the door when you called so you know what you can do with that text." I said, pulling back to put on my seatbelt.

"Delete it?" He asked, starting up the car.

"Not what I was going to suggest, but that works." I replied.

He smiled as we took off. I navigated to the school stadium and we headed inside. I already knew Rachel wasn't coming. She had dinner with her parents. Forrest invited me to hang out on the sidelines if I promised to water the benches (give water to whatever group was sitting on the bench) and try not to distract the boys. As tempting as that sounded to relive my high school fantasy, I was going to have to pass to hang with Jake.

The team was already on the field stretching. Well, most of the team. I saw Darren heading out of the tunnels to the locker room. His girlfriend waited at the end. As we walked to the stands, I called out to him.

"Hey Superman! Go stretch!!!" I yelled.

Darren looked over at us and grinned. "I'm going. I had to get my ankles taped. Are you coming too? Coach Sullivan said you'll be helping out." He asked.

"Nope. Tell him, unfortunately, I'm taking my talents to the stands. Good luck!" I answered.

"Alright. See ya later!" Darren said. He waved to his girlfriend before running to join his team.

"Whoa, he's fast." Jake commented.

"You have no idea." I said, watching as Darren's girlfriend gave me an evil eye. This time I didn't stare back. I ignored her.

We went to the concession stand right before half-time. Darren didn't have any touchdowns, but he had a lot of yards. He had a couple of runs for over 30 yards. I held on to Jake as we made our way down the stairs.

"Why did you wear those shoes?" Jake asked as he saw me struggling down the stairs.

"Practice. If I can master the stairs, I can master anything." I told him.

"Looks like the stairs are mastering you."

"Shut up!" I exclaimed.

We were standing in line when I received a call from Sandra, my new boss. I groaned and stepped out of line.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Lily. You're on call this weekend correct?" She asked.

"I am." I informed her.

"Ok. Since we've had to juggle things around, I scheduled two appointments for you tomorrow. We already had to cancel so I need you to be extra accommodating for the time being." She explained.

"Ok. What time?" I said, calmly. Inside, I wanted to scream. This whole week I was nothing but accommodating but scheduling weekend appointments was a bit too much for me. Especially if they weren't my patients or my decision, but I knew I had to be flexible for the time being. I sucked it up and took one for the team.

By the time I got off the phone, Jake was waiting for me with snacks. I joined him sighing.

"I have two appointments tomorrow." I told him.

"Why?" Jake asked as we walked back.

"I guess Sandra is trying to make up for the appointments that we missed. I just hope weekend appointments aren't a permanent change." I explained.

"Do you wanna get out of here?" Jake asked.

"No. We can watch the rest of the game."

"I know we can. I just wanna have time to go out with you- while you're awake and not tired."

"I'll stay up, even if I have to take a 5-hour energy." I smiled at him.

We went back to the stands and watched the rest of the game. It was a blowout, Darren's team easily winning 35-7. Jake and I talked about how good Darren was.

"He has talent. I've seen less talented kids get scholarships to D1 schools."

"I think he's leaning towards OU. I'm already working on my 'I saved his knee' speech." I joked.

"I bet you are."

At the end of the game, I waved goodbye to Forrest and Darren. Jake wanted to get a jump on traffic and I was inclined to agree, even though I wanted to chat with Forrest.

Since I had to be at work in the morning, we drove to my neck of the woods in Addison. We found a late-night Cajun restaurant called Shuck and Jive. We planned on grabbing a bite to eat and then heading back to my place until I heard a live band covering an LMFAO song at Memphis, the separate but conjoint bar. One of my guilty pleasures: cover bands. I looked longingly at the doorway connecting the two areas.

Jake grabbed my hand and led me over. The doorman checked our ID, took Jake's card to open us a tab, and pointed us to a corner table. I followed Jake as he navigated us through, nodding my head to the music. We got settled and ordered food and drinks when the waitress made her way over.

I scanned the bar, deciding I found my new favorite place in Addison. It was a smaller bar, but the crowd was a mixture of age and ethnicity. Everyone looked like they were having a blast. How could you not when a cover band was rocking out to Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling"?

The food was delicious. We shared a Cajundillas, a chicken quesadilla with a Cajun twist, to start. It was one of the best quesadillas I've ever tasted. Jake got a shrimp po-boy and I got a spicy Jambalaya pasta. My pasta was better than the po-boy, but it was all fantastic. We ordered drinks and jammed out to the music. Or at least I did. Especially when the band started playing a melody of Michael Jackson, including the song "P.Y.T". Jake laughed at me when I threw my hands up and started bouncing in my chair.

"Can I get this dance with your girlfriend? I promise to bring her back," An older guy asked Jake. He looked in his 50s and a drink or two passed tipsy but harmless enough. Jake gave me a questioning look. I shrugged, indifferent.

"Please, before she hurts herself in that chair. It's at your own risk." Jake warned him.

The guy let out a bellowing laugh and I swatted Jake playfully. I followed him to the makeshift dance floor in front of the stage. We danced together to the music. For an older guy, he had some good moves. When the song ended, I thanked him for the dance. I made eye contact with Jake and gestured asking him if he wanted to dance. He shook his head.

On my way back to my table, a guy grabbed my arm. "Wanna dance?"

"No thanks." I said, pulling away. I could tell by the way Jake stood, he was not having that. I quickly returned to him before he headed my way.

When we sat, he scooted my chair next to his.

"From now on, you dance only with me. Right here." Jake said, pulling me in for a kiss.

I kissed him back.

I knew I had to be at work in the morning, but we stayed until closing, drinking and dancing at our table. We had so much fun. The pain I felt in the morning was worth it. I made the water extra hot in the shower and blasted some Queen to wake me up. I was in the middle of my cover of "Don't Stop Me Now" when Jake delivered McDonald's hot cake platter, coffee, and a 5-hour energy. I thanked him profusely and scarfed down my food and the shot before we left.

I got there earlier so I could read over the charts. The first guy had nerve blocks for carpal tunnel and the second guy was rehabbing a dislocated ankle. I followed both rehab plans exactly how they were developed. I left detailed notes about their progressions only because I had no idea if they were my patients or not now. I was finishing up in the office when Denise, a therapist that has been working at the clinic for a year now, joined me.

"Lily, was this your weekend to work?" Denise asked me, pulling up a chair.

"Yes, how bout you?" I responded.

"No. I volunteered." Denise answered.

"That was nice of you," I said.

"No, smart. Now that the boys club is over, I'm planning to get on Sandra's good side." She said.

"What do you mean?"

"Derek let Steven and Quintin do whatever they wanted because they were friends. They also got their pick of patients. We should do the same with Sandra, Girl Power!!!" Denise explained.

I nodded. I wanted to tell her I would take the boy's club over girl power if that meant no more weekend appointments and long days, but I kept my negative comments to myself. Even if he didn't want to be my friend, I was going to take Ethan's advice.

I went home and collapsed on my bed. I didn't even change out of my clothes. Even though Denise was at the clinic, I was still on call so if she needed me, I might have to go back in. Normally I would silence my phone while I napped, but I set it right next to me on the bed. The 5-hour energy timed out and I fell fast asleep. I was awoken 40 minutes later by my phone ringing. I had two missed calls from Jake.

"Hello?" I said, groggily.

"Hey, you sleeping?"

No shit.

"Trying to..." I grumbled.

"Jasmine was going shopping for Vegas. I told her you would want to go."

"Not right now. I'm beat and I'm still on call. Do you mind not calling until I call you back?" I asked.

"Fine."

I put the phone down and slept for a blissful 2 more hours. I woke up refreshed and relieved. No way Sandra would schedule Sunday appointments unless there was an emergency. I should be good for the rest of the weekend.

I immediately called Jake. No answer. I texted him.

Me:

The no sleep bitch is gone. Sorry I was so grumpy babe. Give me a call.

I answered all my other texts. Sammy wanted me to call her. Lamar, Patrick, Corey, and her were going to Oktoberfest in Addison and she wanted to know if Jake and I wanted to join. I called her.

"I'm downstairs." She answered.

"Okay."

I got up and joined her downstairs. She was folding clothes.

"Urgh. I'm sorry I've been so shitty. That was my job."

"It's all good. I only washed my clothes anyway." Sammy responded.

"Good, now I don't feel bad." I pulled up my Facebook. I could tell by Malik's status that Jake and he were hanging out.

"So Oktoberfest?" Sammy asked.

I nodded. "I'm down."

I didn't get why Jake couldn't return my call. I felt weird making plans without him, but I couldn't help it if he was too busy to even text. I let him know my plans via text and went upstairs to get ready. I picked out a black halter, black denim short shorts, and an oversized blue jean jacket. I put on some sandals and headed downstairs. Corey was driving, so Sammy and I pre-gamed on flavored Vodka shots before Corey picked us up.

I smiled proudly as Sammy and Corey seemed so comfortable and happy in each other's company. I gave myself a mental pat on the back. We followed Lamar and Patrick over to Addison circle. I hadn't seen them in forever. I was glad to be hanging out with them. I gave them both a hug and told them I missed them.

"We understand. When you're in a new relationship, that's all you worry about, but don't be mad we like Sammy better." Patrick commented.

Sammy laughed.

"That's fair." I smiled. "First drink is on me though."

We stood in line at a booth and I bought everyone traditional beer steins filled with German beer. We found the perfect spot to watch the beer barrel rolling contest. We drank and laughed watching the contest. Patrick and I cooed over all the chubby cute toddlers in traditional German clothing. After we finished our first beers, we went over to the huge, air-conditioned tent where some of the food was set up.

On the way, Jake finally returned my call.

"Hey. Where are you?" Jake asked me.

"Oktoberfest."

"I know. Where? We're here too." Jake said.

"Oh. The main tent. Where are you?"

"Heading to the main tent," Jake answered.

"Ok." I described to him what side we were on. A few minutes later, I saw Jake, Omar, Kelly, and Malik heading our way. I greeted them before introducing everyone.

"This is so cool. I'm so sad this is my first time coming. I've heard about it, I just never came." Kelly gushed.

"Mine too. I lived in Dallas my whole life and have never heard about it. We live like 10 minutes away." Sammy explained to her.

"Have y'all eaten?" Jake asked.

"Nope. That's what we're doing now." I answered.

We walked around, deciding what German delicacies we wanted to try.

"Thanks for calling me back." I said, sarcastically to Jake as we stood in line.

"I did. Not everything revolves around your schedule." Jake told me.

"I'm sorry, what were y'all up to so you couldn't text me back?" I asked.

"Maybe I was asleep too." He said, simply.

I bit my tongue and focused on the menu. We ordered a beer bratwurst platter that included a German potato salad, sauerkraut, a roll, a German chocolate cake, an apple strudel, and a laugen pretzel. After receiving our food, we joined everyone. We found a table to sit at and watch the dancers as we ate.

"Who's gonna go dance the polka?" Kelly asked us all with a grin.

"Maybe after a couple more of these." I said, holding up my beer.

"I'm down." Corey agreed.

"I'm too fucked up for that." Sammy said, taking a bite of roasted corn. Obviously, she pre-gamed a little too much.

"I didn't know you polka'd" Malik told Jake, laughing.

"I don't." Jake said, dead seriously. I laughed and he smiled at me.

"That's ok. We can just trade them back for the night." Sammy winked at me.

"What does that mean?" Omar asked Sammy. I looked at Sammy with wide eyes, hoping she read my face and shut the fuck up. She just laughed and continued.

"I dated Jake. Lily dated Corey. We can just swap them back!" Sammy laughed.

"Sammy, shut up. It was not like that and you know it." I tried to laugh it off but my laugh was as awkward as the mood now. Jake was so tense. I could tell he was barely holding it together. He was glaring at Corey.

"Jordan tried to set us up. We texted. That's it." Corey said, not backing down from Jake's glare. I wish he would let me handle it. Now Jake looked pissed.

Jake finally looked away from Corey to stare at me. "Let me see your phone." He demanded.

"Jake, y'all can talk this out later." Malik suggested as I reached into my pocket to pull out my phone

"Fuck that Lily. Don't show him shit." Sammy exclaimed.

I sent her a dirty look before handing him the phone. Once he saw the texts, he would chill the fuck out and we'd be ok. I could live with the embarrassment, I didn't want another fight.

"There y'all are!" Patrick exclaimed as he and Lamar joined us.

Lamar must have sensed the mood. "What's up?" He asked, questioningly.

"Jake is going through Lily's phone 'cause she had the audacity to have a life before him." Sammy declared. I sent her a desperate look.

"Didn't y'all sleep together?-" Patrick asked. Lamar cut him off by shhing him.

"Yeah. Unfortunately." Sammy glared at Jake.

Jake finally looked up at me. He handed me back my phone. "Are you ready to go?" He asked me, stiffly. I nodded and stood up.

"Lily, stay." Sammy commanded as Jake stalked away.

"It's cool. I'll see you at the apartment. Bye." I said, hurrying to catch up with Jake.

"Were you going to go out with him?" Jake asked me when I caught up.

"Yes, but then we slept together and I didn't wanna be with anyone else." I said, rushing to keep up with his long strides.

"You told him your dating situation was complicated. What does that mean? I'm a complication?" Jake asked.

"No! You just weren't my boyfriend back then. I didn't wanna be rude and tell him I liked you better." I said.

He finally stopped when we had to cross the street to the parking lot.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you. It just really wasn't a big deal to me-" I started.

"It's a big deal to me when I'm constantly finding out about you with other guys."

"Jake you looked through my phone. There is no one else." I promised.

He stared at me. "I hope not."

We walked to his car in silence together. We went to his apartment and went to bed. He gave me space on the bed, but I closed the distance between us, throwing my arm around him and cuddling against him. I needed him to hug me back and make everything ok between us again. He rolled me over on my back, pulling down my shorts and panties and straddling me. Our lovemaking was short, intense, and passionate. He held me in his arms afterward. He fell asleep as I lay there, staring up at the ceiling. As hard as I tried to convince myself that everything was ok, I couldn't shake the feeling of uneasiness that settled in the pit of my stomach.

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

I woke up Sunday morning, restless; the uneasy feeling hadn't gone away. Jake wasn't in bed but I could hear him out in the kitchen. I grabbed my phone. It was already 10 am. The uneasiness turned to dread as I read the long-ass text Sammy sent me.

Sammy-

I can't believe you left with him after he treated you like that. He is such an asshole! He had no right to go through your phone or make you leave. What's even worse is that you put up with it! Don't be one of those girls that let a boyfriend rule their lives. It's pathetic.

I frowned, upset. I didn't get it. This was the same person that was telling me I was stupid for being inappropriate with Trevor on Facebook. Then she brought up Corey like we dated when she knows how Jake is. Now I am the pathetic girl that lets my boyfriend rule my life?

Jake didn't make me leave. I wanted to get the hell outta there because it was hostile, thanks to her comment and Jake's reaction to it. I couldn't defend him for being an asshole. I felt my cheeks burn just remembering how embarrassed I was last night. If I was being honest, that was the biggest reason why I wanted to leave. I tried to prevent an argument in front of them, but I felt and looked... well, pathetic.

I was sitting on the bed, thinking things over when Jake returned to his room. He was carrying a plate full of food, a mug of coffee, and what looked like a card.

"Good morning cariño." He said, with a smile.

"Morning." I said, not even attempting to smile back. I just didn't have it in me to push everything aside and pretend everything was ok. It wasn't.

He set the plate and coffee down on the nightstand on his side of the bed. He motioned me over. The smell of bacon and waffles was tempting, but the card he was holding held my attention. I sat, cross-legged on the edge of the bed. He handed the card to me. The front read:

I'm a dick...

I smirked. No arguments here.

I opened the card up.

I'm addicted to you.

I looked up at him with a straight face. "You really were a dick last night."

"I'm sorry." He kneeled in front of me. "I knew there was something between us after our first kiss. I was addicted to you. The more I was around you, the more I wanted to be around you. The thought of you dating another guy back then completely fucked me up."

"I wasn't seeing anyone, but even if I was, we weren't together." I pointed out, looking into his eyes.