After dinner, Felix insisted we all take a picture, saying how rare it is we'll all be together. His arm went over my shoulders, Aaron's around my waist. I didn't like the contact, but I stayed still and smiled.

In the parking lot, Aaron sat in Felix's car, claiming he was tired. The rest of us stood there, talking.

My anger had burnt out, now I just needed to lay down. My mom had her hands tucked into Felix's jacket, pressing to his side tight. I shifted, the cold wind hitting my bare legs.

I was tuned out the entire conversation so when they asked my opinion on something, I was confused.

Felix laughed at my daze. "Would you mind if me and Aaron stayed the night at the house?"

I took a deep breath. Yes I do. I looked at my mom. Her smile was wide.

"I don't mind at all," I replied. "I'm excited to spend time you and Aaron." I hated lying, I wasn't good at it, but this was important to my mom and I cared.

Felix smiled warmly and said something I didn't hear. I just nodded, hoping that we'd leave soon.

Back home, Aaron got set up in the guest bedroom and Felix was with my mom.

I took off my makeup quickly, cursing when I got soap in my eye. I didn't care though. I wanted to get in bed to avoid any awkward hallway talk with Felix. Thank god Aaron was already asleep.

I made it to my bed unbothered and pulled the covers to my chin, suddenly cold.

Maybe I was being a big baby about all of this. The thought made me embarrassed of my actions earlier this evening. My over active thoughts eventually put me to sleep.

-

The house felt lighter when I woke up and it continued to feel like that for the next five days.

Everyone was smiling, making conversation with me. Even my mom. Maybe Felix brought out her human side.

My mom made breakfast. She didn't do that. I wasn't even sure if she ate. The pancakes were chewy but Felix claimed he loved them. My mom scowled and said he could continue to cook for us starting later today. Aaron ate a bowl of cereal. I threw my pancakes in the trash and ate Lucky Charms with him.

The days have been going by fast though too. We all went out together, to the movies, the local fair, everywhere.

The only relief I got was when Florencio called me. It was usually to budge me about the trip, but he usually trailed off after that. He said things that made my skin heat up and an unbearable twist in my stomach. He would laugh at me telling him to shut up. Eventually, I would hang up. I was oddly scared to see him in person, see if he'd keep his word on getting me alone. All the time I thought about what happened on his couch.

I was brought out of my thoughts when I heard my mom call me. I got up from my bed and met her at the front door.

She raised an eyebrow at my appearance. I was wearing a loose tee shirt that was a little too short and sweatpants.

"What is it?" I asked her. I peeped into the living room. Felix and Aaron were watching Frozen.

"Someone's here to see you," she mused, opening the door.

I almost peed my pants when I saw Florencio.

Oh god.

"Hi," I squeaked.

Florencio smiled. He looked charming. He was wearing a sweater and jeans. It was simple but I couldn't stop staring.

"Come in," my mom urged him. She closed the door when he stepped inside. "So you're the famous Florencio." She crossed her arms.

I stayed rooted in my spot, horrified when Felix and Aaron joined us.

I didn't hear what everyone was saying. I was too distracted staring at Florencio. It was an out of body experience seeing him next to my mom.

"Is it okay if I talk to Parker alone?" Florencio asked politely.

My mom nodded hesitantly. "Go ahead."

I snapped out of it. I started to walk to my room and Florencio followed. When I shut my door, Florencio kissed me.

I subconsciously curled into him. I let him grab me how he wanted, kiss me roughly. I desperately tired to keep my whimpers in. I pulled away, needing to breathe. I didn't know where to go, so I tucked my head under his chin.

"What are you doing here?" I finally pushed away from him completely. "My mom..."

"Is that her boyfriend?" He asked. He started to look at all my stuff and touch it.

"Yes and his kid!"

He laughed. "Every time I've come over you're alone."

"Not... always," I defended myself. Was I alone a lot?

He brushed past me and looked through my closet. He pulled out a white sun dress and threw it on my bed. Then he went to my drawers and pulled out a couple pairs of underwear and bras. Those got thrown on my bed as well.

"Florencio!" I stopped him from searching through my underwear anymore.

"I'm helping you pack." He grabbed my waist and pulled me close to.

I ignored him. "My mom knows that you slept over that one time. She's not happy about it."

He dug his fingers into my skin. "I was. You feel good, honey."

I blushed. "Don't tell me that. My mom is probably on the other side of the door."

"I'll say it again, Parker," he rasped. "With her right there." It was impossible for my face to get any redder.

My morals slipped and I reached up to kiss him, hard. I gasped when he shoved his hand into hair, turning my head to the side. He showed me who was in charge and I liked it.

I liked what he said to me, how he was touching me. He didn't need to know that though

I pulled away and pressed my hand to my lips. He was distracting me.

"You're naughty, honey," he murmured.

A deep pull formed in my stomach. "My mom is probably thinking the worst things! What do you want?"

"I don't know," he said. He bit his lip. "I wanted to see you."

A sharp knock sounded at my door. I pulled Florencio with me to the door and opened it widely, showing I had nothing to hide.

"We're all going out for a proper breakfast," my mom informed me. "Florencio you should come!"

I looked at his face. Now was not the time for him to be hiding his emotions.

His lips stretched into a pretty smile. "I wouldn't want to be a bother," he tried convincing her. "Ms. Rose."

My mom looked pleased with the respect she was being given. "I don't mind at all. Come with me while Parker gets ready." She turned around swiftly and left.

Florencio reached over to me and whispered, "I'd rather be in there while you get dressed." Then he followed my mom. His words were warm, but his face wasn't. He wasn't pleased with this situation. I wasn't sure what he was expecting. Coming over unexpectedly, he was bound to bump into my mom. I never thought that'd happen though...

I put on the dress Florencio threw on my bed. It was an off the shoulder dress and I paired it with flats. I pulled on a lace cardigan as well. Too lazy to do anything else, I swiped some concealer under my eyes and that's it.

When I came out of my room, my mom was laughing at the kitchen table. Florencio sat across from her, smiling and nodding.

"Parker, you didn't tell me he was an entrepreneur!" My mom was glowing with happiness.

Florencio stood up and wrapped an arm around my waist. "I'm very fortunate to be so lucky. To sell and buy stocks. I just bought my first house last year, Ms."

Florencio was an absolute gentlemen. This day couldn't get any more weird.

"What do your parents think about all this?" My mom asked, star struck.

"They passed away a few years ago," Florencio quickly replied.

My moms smile faltered. "How, if you don't mind me asking."

Florencio glanced at me. He didn't want to say.

"D-drunk driver accident," his voice was quiet and it was odd to hear him stumble over his words. He cleared his throat. "It's alright though. I know I'm... making them proud." Florencio didn't talk like this. He wasn't open like this. I didn't know why he was making an effort now.

"I know you are," moms face lit up again. "Let's go. Felix!"

Felix yelled back, "hold on, Aaron can't find his socks!"

-

My mom told Florencio to follow her car and he obliged.

In his car I blurted, "I'm sorry."

"What for?" He asked.

"I don't know... this whole day."

"Your moms nice," he commented.

I shook my head. "I don't know why she asked about—"

"It happened years ago," he cut me off. "I'm fine."

I don't believe you. I hesitantly grabbed his hand that stayed on his thigh. I held it tight.

When we arrived at the breakfast cafe, I leaned over the console, pulling my leg up to expose some skin. I kissed Florencio lightly on the lips and got out of the car quickly.

If I was upset, he would kiss me. Then I'd probably feel better afterwards.

He followed closely behind me, tugging on the end of my dress a couple times, making me slap his hand.

While waiting for a table, Florencio talked to Aaron about a cars. Aaron was fascinated that Florencio had driven such expensive cars at some point in his life. He almost burst when Florencio said he owned a Ferrari.

I'd never seen his garage and I was curious now.

When we sat down, Felix said, "so Grace says you're a millionaire."

My mom rolled her eyes. "I did not."

We sat outside. It was a nice morning, the light breeze took off the edge of sitting in the sun. Aaron, Felix, and my mom sat on one side of the table, Florencio and I sat on the other.

Florencio took a drink of water. "I wouldn't say millions," he joked. He probably had more. Florencio hid his wealth nicely. He never bought things he didn't need.

"You must own some businesses," Felix pushed.

Florencio nodded. "I do. In Mexico, Colombia..." he trailed off. "I'm quite popular in South America."

I wanted to groan. He was making a joke about... geez.

"Were you born there or...?" My mom asked.

"Yes, I was. I came to the states when I was four. Just connected with my roots when I got older."

Okay, I could have assumed that.

Felix and my mom were in awe due to Florencio's story. If they knew who he really was, I doubt they'd be.

I glanced at Aaron and he was blowing bubbles into his water. I did the same.

"It must be hard, having so much on your plate. It was for me anyways when I started my business," Felix commented.

Florencio nodded, agreeing with him. "It is hard. That's why I'm going on vacation next week. I need a break."

My mom clapped her hands together. "Parker has been talking about this vacation."

No, I have not.

I felt Florencio's hand on my knee under the table. It stopped at my thigh. His hot hand was unbearable on my bare skin. I took a drink of water.

"Has she? It's a very special trip. My best friend is getting married."

My eyes snapped to his. I didn't know that.

After breakfast, mom was in love with Florencio and Felix couldn't stop talking to him about business.

Florencio was good at making stuff up. He spoke expertly about business, money, stocks, investments.

"He stole money from you!?" Flex exclaimed.

Florencio grinned and grabbed my hand as we walked through the parking lot. "I recovered quickly."

Florencio dropped me off at home. Before I left the car, he brushed his lips against my cheek.

Going inside the house, my mom encouraged me to go with Florencio. She didn't even know where he was going! I had a lot to say. I was uncomfortable with her new profound enthusiasm about my life. Not wanting to start a fight, I listened to her, not recognizing the person in front of me.

-