Harlee laid in the dark with her bed sheets up to her neck , there was no chance of her catching shut eye after what happened with Joe . It was so sudden and out of the blue , she enjoyed looking at him but the kiss was going too far. A boy she had barely known and was very vocal about his arrogance had taken her under his spell , the worst part was that she could still feel his lips against hers hours after the fact. She enjoyed it way more than she should have , infact she may have wanted more of him . It didn't have to end there , she could still very well attend the party and hope for him to approach her but on the flip side maybe he was just feeling horny to some extent. Harlee didn't expect anything to come of this , but her infidelity to Arjay was getting the best of her . How would she be able to avoid Joe when their best friends were more than likely beginning a relationship ?

She turned on her side and held the pillow against her cheek " I'm so sorry Arjay … " she cried and continued until she fell asleep.

While she cried herself to sleep , Joe engaged in his usual night owl behavior and decided to do some internet browsing. Ever since she gave him attitude , Joe was interested in learning why Harlee was so prudish. It amazed him how she and Nai were so close considering there were polar opposites . It was true he had heard a great deal about her on the local news channels due to her work on her respective school's volleyball team. She was on her way to becoming a big deal in her small town , and he was a bit intrigued . " Why did you run off like that little thang ? " he snickered " I wasn't done with you … besides I need your help tomorrow " he leaned back in his chair and continued to navigate Central High School's homepage and finally stumbled across an article that had bits and pieces on her due to her performance in helping her team advance to the quarterfinals .

It wasn't much but he did make an interesting discovery " Oh shit …. " he stretched his lips in guilt upon learning that she was in a relationship with another well known student . Joe was unapologetic about kissing her , but in his heart he knew that it could do some damage . Honestly she didn't ask to be apart of his petty games and although she didn't pull away , Joe knew he could easily lock her in and that is where his guilt came into play . " Oh well , it's gonna be a fun party anyway " he shrugged and put his Gateway computer in sleep mode .

Joe stood up and stretched his body a bit , it was time for a good rest before the busy day tomorrow .

He sat on the edge of the bed and opened his draw to take a look at the framed picture of himself and Samira during happier times . He hated how much he still loved her , the only way to actually remain bitter was to break her down and he knew that he had to stick to his guns , even if other people got hurt in the process.

Saturday Morning

As Harlee headed downstairs she could smell bacon and french toast at the front of the house which only meant one thing , Kaleek was making magic in the kitchen.

This was the one time she could not avoid her older brother and followed the scent " Wow that smells really good " she smiled as she entered the kitchen .

" Good morning to you too sleepy head , I gotta cook a good meal in order for you to get out of bed ? damn shame " he teased " I'm sorry … good morning " she laughed and took a seat at the table .

" What can I do for you on this lovely saturday morning sis " he prepared a nice sized plate with french toast , bacon , eggs , and fruit and placed it infront of her " I'm listening "

Harlee rubbed her chest before applying syrup to her french toast , she couldn't blow him off after he treated her to a nice breakfast so she decided to feed him hogwash instead . " Not much happening , just a little nervous about next week is all . Our first quarterfinal game … it's going to be really difficult without Arjay to cheer me on you know " she shrugged " I just miss him "

Kaleek rolled his eyes before turning around and joining her at the table " You know I am beginning to think Arjay is imaginary , I never saw this guy before . Why won't you bring him around do you think I am gonna hit on him ? " he teased and got a laugh out of her " Stop it , so silly " she giggled " You will …. it's just , he's kind of shy is all. But I promise he's a good boyfriend … once you guys meet you will like him " she sighed blissfully and took a few bites out of her meal . " I am sure … I am just glad to know you are not knocked up on anything like that praise jesus " he kissed to the ceiling and left Harlee in a bit of shock " Really Kal ? " she allowed her fork to slip down on the glass plate " For your information we are not doing anything … gosh " she sucked her teeth in utter annoyance " Why couldn't you just ask me that question ? "

Kaleek raised his arms and smiled " I really don't know anything … in all fairness . But lets change the subject …. would it bother you if Darren and I attended your game next week ? "

" Sure … that would be lovely " she smiled and tapped a piece of her toast with her fork " Hey Kal ? you and Darren have been together for a long time , how did you know he was the one for you ? "

Kaleek was more than happy to answer and hopefully encourage her to open up more about her own relationship " You know we met in college , he was just really cool peeps . I was afraid to open up about how I felt because I wasn't sure how he would react … one night we just had a late night conversation by the fire and that was when I felt the connection. We were just so open with each other , from that point we couldn't stay away … now here we are 6 years later " he didn't blush often but reliving his moments with Darren put him in a rare position.

Harlee was very happy for her brother and hoped for a relationship like his own , to be that much in love . His happiness made her begin to question her own situation " That's really sweet … I'm really happy that you two are still going strong . I know that Uncle Mark didn't take it well at first … but I think he's coming around " she nodded " I appreciate that sis , as much as you drive me crazy … I can't thank you enough for always accepting me . I am so proud of the young lady you are right now " he raised his glass of orange juice and proposed a toast to her " Please keep walking to your own beat … " he smiled " … I will … thank you " they touched glasses and continued their meals .

At the Anoa'i residence Joe had just finish seeing his family off and was ready to get things organized for the evening's festivities , but he soon realized it was still Saturday morning and wanted to chill for a moment. A bowl of cereal and saturday morning cartoons didn't sound like a bad idea at all . Sometimes he just wanted to be a big goof during his alone time , that was one of his darkest secrets that no one aside from Rich knew about because they were pretty much the same person. Joe was heading towards the kitchen when he received an interesting message from Samira on his Sidekick . The content made him laugh for a bit but he was beginning to think this was too good to be true , she was very clever so Joe knew to be two steps ahead in planning her destruction. " If you wanna play these games Sam …. we can … but I am going to win " he laughed to himself .

Hours pass by , 5:30 pm

Harlee decided to go over to Nai's house in order to change into a better outfit . It wasn't an easy decision but figured she would go to the party , besides she needed to keep an eye on Nai whom was in her mirror trying to see if her Miami Heat Jersey Dress looked flattering " Do you think Rich would like this ? " she turned to the side to reveal her figure .

" Of course , you look good in everything " Harlee smiled as she tucked her denim jeans into her boots . Harlee had just decided on her blue jeans and an off the shoulder black long sleeved shirt . She hated dressing up , as for her hair she was pulled it back in a ponytail . " Thanks girl , I still can't believe you are going to this party all covered up " Nai teased " Here atleast wear some nice earrings , it will go good with your outfit " she dug into her jewelry box and handed Harlee a pair of sterling silver hoops .

" Thank you girl , sorry that I can't get fancy …. I don't like showing skin . " she cringed a bit releasing those words " Harlee , you have been in a long term relationship . Stop being so ridiculous " Nai chuckled as she pinned her hair up " There is nothing ridiculous , I am not sure what you think is going on here but I have never done anything with Arjay …. sometimes he wants to and I just … I don't know " she shook her head and bit her thumbnail.

Nai was rather surprised to find that out , but didn't want to pour salt on an open wound " Well ? what do you mean ? " she asked and seemed genuinely concerned by Harlee's discomfort " I am not …. you know what never mind Nai . We should just go to the party and have some fun " she smiled and began placing her earrings in her ear " Okay ? "

Though her attitude was weird Nai decided to just roll with it and hope that maybe Harlee would feel better once they got to the party " Alright , we're gonna have fun I promise " she placed her arm around Harlee and rested her head on her shoulder.

6:30 pm Anoa'i residence

Joe brushed his fresh cut to look more presentable and threw on his orange button up over his navy blue jeans , a few of his guests had already arrived and he knew that he could depend on Rich to hold things down while he donned himself up.

A gold chain was the finishing touch before he went on downstairs to great the fine people .

Joe took notice of Rich being the people person that he was and he was glad that no one entered the party being moronic , he smirked and gave a few pounds and pecs on the cheeks to some of the young women that were already there .

" Thanks for holding it down so far Rich , where is your lady at ? " he asked " No problem man , and she should be here really soon " Rich shrugged.

The door bell had rang and Joe went to answer it hoping that it was actually Samira standing outside , instead he got Nai and the pleasant surprise that was Harlee .

" What's up party man " Nai joked while Harlee remained silent and awkward . Harlee held her wrist and sucked her bottom lip in as Joe smiled in the most charming manner possiblle . " Hey Nai " he winked " Come right on in ya'll " he then made eye contact with Harlee who looked as if she was about pass out . Once again Joe wanted to play with her a bit , she knew what to expect going into the party and she knew she had a boyfriend when they kissed . Joe wanted some answers and a little bit more from her , he held the door open for her and softly bit into his bottom lip " I'm glad you came Harlee …. I wasn't expect you here at all " he chuckled .

Harlee gave a lazy smile in return and continued inside of the house " No problem … thank you for inviting me " she rubbed her arms . They both watched as Nai and Rich greeted each other with a hug and soon went hand in hand " You probably won't see them for the rest of the night " he joked over her bare shoulder " … I guess not " she shrugged .

Joe felt his Sidekick going off inside of his pocket and quickly checked his message . Harlee didn't know anyone at the party and Nai had wandered off with Rich , she didn't want to venture off in Joe's home so she was very clueless " Hey can I use your bathroom ? " she asked to try and end the boring moment . Joe closed his device and couldn't help but smirk " Absolutely , it's upstairs …. come with me " he nodded . Harlee couldn't even think straight and his sly ways went over her head . She crosse her arms and followed him up the stairs , although she had to just use the bathroom that didn't mean that a much needed conversation wasn't about to take place .