Author's Note: I'm back with another chapter. This is part one of chapter 9. This chapter is long, so I decided to divide it into two parts. Part 2 we will find out what will happen between Sammie and Lexi. It's going to be good, so I hope you all tune in for it.

Please Review! It would mean a lot to me. Hope you enjoy.

Here's part I of Chapter 9


"DADDY," Jessica yelled as she ran towards her father as if she was a little girl. Her and Joe had just arrived in Miami. They were walking out of the terminal, as Jessica spotted her father. Jessica father's was a big man. He was way over 300 pounds. But you could still see that when he was younger he obviously worked out. Similar to Joe he stood almost to 6'4, and had the same broad shoulders. Back in college, her father played football at Georgia Tech. He was considered an all-American. He funded millions of dollars to Georgia Tech once he opened his company and it went global. He is the first man in Florida to open his own accountant firm and it reaching a global standard. His skin was dark, and he had a bushy, yet well groomed mustache that sat on the top of his lip. His top lip was barely visible. Similar to Jessica, he had big brown eyes, that whenever he smiled they lit up. Yet, Mr. Collins was a stern man. He was a no bullshit kind of guy, and Joe knew that. Mr. Collins grabbed his daughter into his arm, and gave her a big bear hug.

"Oh lord. You look so beautiful. How's my baby girl doing?" he asked still holding her. Jessica moved slightly from his embrace to look at him. Her smile was wide across her face. Carrying all the bags in his hands, Joe finally approached them.

"I'm doing fine daddy," she replied in her best baby voice. Mr. Collins noticed Joe and reached his hand to him.

"Mr. Joe. How you been. I hope you been treated my little princess right," he replied shaking Joe's hand. Joe managed to deliver a fake smile.

"Yes daddy! Of course," she replied still with that stupid grin on her face. Jessica father looked at Joe intimating, still shaking his hand. Joe looked at him not fazed at all. Once Mr. Collins realized that, he let Joe's hand go.

"Look like you need some help there, Joe," he replied referring to the suitcases and bags in Joe's hand. They were only going to be in Miami for four days and yet Jessica had three suitcases and a duffle bag, three BIG suitcases at that. The only bags Joe took were his two duffle bags that he crossed over his shoulder, creating an X with the straps on his chest. It was all he managed to pack, before heading to the airport.

"No. I got it," Joe replied annoyed. Jessica could sense the awkward conversation, so she decided to change the subject.

"So dad, where's mom? I thought you guys were picking us up together," she asked. Her father wrapped his arm around her shoulder, as they started in stride together, leaving Joe standing there alone. He just shook his head, and trailed behind them.

"Well, she suggested I go alone. She had some last minute things to do before you would arrive. She is so excited to have you home," her dad replied. Joe just rolled his eyes. Finally out into the parking lot, they all walked over to her father's car.

"Dad, did you get a new car," she said referring to the parked Jaguar in front of her.

"Yes baby girl. When you work hard; there is nothing wrong with rewarding yourself with a little gift. Isn't that right Joe?" her father replied. 'Is he trying to be funny,' Joe thought. He just rolled his eyes and placed the bags into the truck of the car. When he was done, he went to open the backseat car door, but was stopped by Jessica's father.

"Hey Joe, Why don't you come sit up front with me. Let princess sit in the back," he replied getting into the car. Joe just shook his head, and sat in the passenger seat. 'This is going to be a long four days,' Joe thought to himself.

Jessica's father pulled into the driveway of their mini mansion. Joe looked out the window. He still remembered his first reaction when he first met Jess's parents. But now he dreaded having to be around them for longer then 20 minutes.

"Wow dad, everything still looks the same," said Jessica.

"Yeah princess. We want you to feel as at home as possible," he replied. Jessica's parents lived right on the bay front of Miami Beach. It was nestled among a forest of palm trees and outlined by exquisite gardens and even had a koi pond. The home was a Mediterranean style, with a marble driveway. As they got out of the car, the sun was started to set, and the cool Miami breeze felt good against Joe's bare arms. Jess's father decided to grab Jessica's suitcases before Joe could get to them. Of course Joe trailed behind them as they walked into the grand house. The foyer was large. With 24 foot ceilings and a huge chandelier. The grand staircase spiraled all the way up the wall. Off to the left of the staircase was the kitchen and dining room. To this day, Joe has yet to be in every room of that house. It was just that big. With 8 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, a tennis court, indoor and outdoor pool, and movie theater, Jessica surely came from a lavished lifestyle.

"Right this way princess. I think your mother is in the kitchen," her father replied before turning to look at Joe.

"Joe, can you take those upstairs to princess's room and then come back down to join us. We'll be in the kitchen," her father replied. He grabbed Jessica's hand and headed to the kitchen. He left Joe to carry these heavy ass bags up 33 stairs. 'These 4 days need to hurry up and end," Joe thought to himself.

Once he reached Jessica's old bedroom, he was completely out of breath. He dropped the bags right in the middle of the floor, and plopped down on the bed to catch his breath. He looked at his phone, and decided to call Lexi to see what she was doing. He dialed her number and after 3 rings, she answered.

"Hello," she answered.

"Hey Lex, what's up?" he replied smiling at the sound of her voice.

"Nothing, just watching reruns of Martin,' she replied. He could tell she was smiling.

'How you're enjoying hanging with the in-laws," she asked snickering.

"Haha. Very funny," he replied sarcastically. He couldn't help but laugh his own self.

"I'm guessing that means your not enjoying yourself, huh there Joey boy," she replied still making fun of him.

"Honestly, no not really," he said.

"Aw. Lighten up. You just got there. I'm sure it can't be that bad," she said.

"You have no idea," he replied. He laid back on the bed never removing the phone from his ear. He was so interested in his conversation with Lexi that he didn't even hear Jessica walk up the stairs and stand in the doorway.

"Joe," Jessica asked crossing her arms across her chest. Joe propped up on the bed. He was shocked to see her standing there.

"Uh Jessica. Hey babe," Joe replied nervously. On the other end, Lexi could sense something was wrong, she decided to end the conversation.

"Yo, Joey. I'll talk to you later," she replied before hanging up the phone. Joe just shook his head, still sitting in awe.

"Are you coming down? Mom and dad was a little worried. You've been up here for over 20 minutes," she replied still standing in the doorway.

"Uh. I had to use the bathroom, and then I got a phone call," he replied standing up and placing his phone in his pocket.

"Well. Can you come on, my parents are getting impatient," she replied before turning on her heels and walking out the door and back downstairs. Joe took a deep breath. He hoped she wasn't standing there the whole time. Once he got this head together, he followed her back down the stairs and into the kitchen, where her and her parents were waiting.

Joe walked into the huge dining room to find Jess and her parents all around the dinner table. They sat there looking impatient; Joe just looked down and pulled out a chair to sit next to his spoiled girlfriend.

"Well Joe, its nice for you to finally decide to join us," replied Jessica's mother with a stern face. Unlike Jessica's father, Mrs. Collins was a slim light skin woman. She had beautiful long black wavy hair. She could be disguised for a white woman from afar, but her attitude said otherwise. Likewise to Jessica's father, she was a very stern and serious woman, yet still very uptight. Joe didn't favor her no more then he favored her husband.

"Yes there son. I'm sure that ole man of yours taught you to never leave people waiting," replied Jessica's father. Joe began to bite his bottom lip out of anger. 'How dare he insult my father,' thought Joe. Jessica could sense Joe's anger and squeezed his thigh under the table. Joe just sighed.

"My apologizes," Joe said looking down in embarrassment. All of sudden, Jessica's older brother Quentin, but everyone called him Junior; walked in carrying a rather big suitcase.

"What's up family," Junior replied with a huge smile on his face. Out of everyone in Jessica's uptight family, Junior seemed to be the only one who wasn't living in the clouds. Him and Joe seem to get along with each other very well. Joe really respected Junior, and he was the only way he could get through this visit.

"Junior," Jessica squealed as she jumped from her seat into Junior's arms.

"Hey there little sis. I miss you," Junior replied hugging her and lifting her up into a big bear hug, her feet lightly dangling off the ground. Junior was 2 years older then Joe, where Joe was a year older then Jessica. Junior was a rather large guy himself, of course not as big as Joe! He was about 6'2 with wavy hair like his mother, which he kept cut down close to his head. He was the same caramel complexion as Jessica. They both were an even tone between their father's dark chocolate skin, and their mother's vanilla skin tone. Junior released Jessica from his tight grip.

"Hello son, it would have been nice of you to call first before coming," replied their father never looking up from his food. Junior just mocked his father while making silly faces behind him. Joe couldn't help but chuckle.

"Well, baby. It's good to see you home," their mother replied standing up from her seat and embracing her son into a hug. Mr. Collins followed suit and extended his large hand for his son to shake.

"Joe. My man, what's good," Junior replied slapping Joe dab and into a bro hug.

"Nothing man, can't be doing as good as you though," replied Joe smiling.

"How's ball Joe? You still doing your thing?" Junior asked.

"Yeah man, you know how it is," Joe said.

"Um, can we all eat now please," asked Mr. Collins clearly frustrated by the scene. Joe and Junior looked at him in unison, both clearly annoyed with him. Junior sat down in the seat next to Joe. He then would playfully slap Joe on the back.

"Wow Mom this looks delicious," Junior replied rubbing his hands together. He went to reach for a serving spoon.

"Thanks baby," his mother replied.

"So Joe. How about those stats?" asked Junior stuffing a spoonful of mashed potatoes into his mouth.

"Well you know man, our record is 9-5," Joe replied.

"That's good. How is it to be captain? I mean you are a senior now," Junior asked still stuffing his face. From the corner of his eye, Joe could see the frustration rising in Mr. Collins face. He didn't care, he was simply enjoying Junior's company. After another 10 minutes or so of football talk, Jessica and her mother even decided to join in the conversation. Mr. Collins had had enough, Joe swore he could see smoke coming from Mr. Collins ears and head.

"Ok, that's it,' Mr. Collins replied slamming his fork down into his plate. Everyone remained silent.

'I've had enough. Enough about football, okay? I don't want to hear no more," he replied his deep voice increasing.

'But Quentin, it's just family.." their mother replied but was cut off

"WHAT DID I SAY VIVIAN. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH," he replied his voice now booming causing the crystal on the table to ring.

"Yo dad. Chill out, it's not that serious. We know you might still be a little bitter from your little football injury you had and couldn't recover from, but don't be taking your frustration out on the fam," replied Junior. Everyone at the table remained still. That was obviously a sour spot for him, because his mouth dropped. Joe could see the fire burning in his eyes. Joe didn't know what happened to Jessica's father and why his football career didn't work out, he just figured he quit and decided to pursue a business. But he surely knew know. Junior didn't realized what he had said until he looked around at his family members and their blank faces.

"Um, Quentin," Vivian replied her voice cracking.

"Daddy," Jessica replied with tears in her eyes.

"SHUT. UP," Quentin replied with anger in his voice. Vivian just looked down, but Jessica dramatically ran out and up to her room.

"Yo. You need to lower your tone, don't you be raising your fucking voice at them," replied Junior standing up and defending his mother and sister.

"You listen to me, I'm YOUR father, as long as you are in my house, you will respect me," Quentin replied standing up to meet Junior's gaze. Vivian just got up from the table and walked out of the room quickly, she didn't want to see what would happen next; leaving Joe still sitting there.

"I'm a grown ass man. I do what the fuck I want," Junior replied getting into his father's face.

"Not in here. Since you want to disrespect me in my house, you can leave," Quentin replied pointing to the door.

"Oh yeah, bet," replied Junior shoving past his father, and walking out the door. He flung up his arm in a 'whatever' motion, grabbed his suitcase that was still sitting by the front door, and slammed the huge oak doors behind him. Joe just sat there. He couldn't believe what just happened. Quentin turned to face Joe still with anger in his eyes. He just turned away and walked out the dining room, leaving Joe sitting there with a mixture expression of confusion and sorry on his face.


After a crazy first night in the Collins household, Joe decided to wake up before everyone else and burn off some steam. He decided to go for a jog along the boardwalk. He grabbed his I-pod and headphones and headed out of the house. It was about 6:00 a.m. and the sun was starting to rise, it wasn't too hot or too cold. He could smell the haze of seawater. Joe loved this kind of weather. Perfect for a morning jog. After running for over 30 minutes, Joe had lost track of the time and most importantly where he was. He was surprised at how far he ran. Cardio and running was never his thing, but it was clear he had a lot on his mind, from the incident from the night before, to his relationship with Jessica, football, college, graduation, etc. His life period was what was on his mind. Suddenly he got a funny feeling, a feeling that something was wrong. He instantly thought of Lexi. He would hate to have another problem like the last, so he decided to call her and check in, just to make sure. He spotted a bench along the boardwalk of the beach; he sat on the bench, cut his music off, and pulled out his phone. He dialed Lexi's number and within 3 rings she answered.

"Hey Lexi, hope I'm not waking you, I just called to ask is everything okay. I'm a little worry," replied Joe trying to catch his breath.

"Yeah of course. Why wouldn't it be," she replied her voice a little groggy. Joe knew he had waked her.

"I'm sorry Lex, were you sleep?" he asked.

"No shit. It's almost 7 in the morning," she replied yawning.

"My bad. I didn't mean too," he replied chuckling.

"It's okay. I need to be getting up anyway," she replied.

"Okay Lex. Imma talk to you later, you need anything, call me," he replied. He felt a sigh of relief being lifted from his shoulders knowing she was okay.

"All right Joey, I'll holla later," she replied. Joe just smiled.

"Ok, bye."

"Bye."

Joe stood up from the bench. He decided to start making his way back to the house. He wanted to be back before anyone noticed he was gone. He started out walking and decided when he got close enough to the house, he would pick up the speed. He suddenly heard his name being called from a distance. He spun around to see Junior running shirtless behind him. Joe decided to slow down and wait for Junior to catch up. Once close enough Joe and Junior slapped five and decided to walk together. They both walked in silence, but Joe decided to break it,

"So man, about last night. You good?" asked Joe. Junior just shrugged his shoulders.

"It's whatever man. I'm use to it," Junior replied still trying to catch his breath. Joe just looked down.

"Yo man. That was crazy. I never seen your pops that upset," replied Joe.

"Aw please, he'll get over it," Junior replies.

"I guess you're right," Joe replies shrugging his shoulders. Again there was another long embrace of silence among the two, however this time Junior was the first to speak up.

"Joe, you know I look at you like a brother right?' Junior replied. Joe nodded.

'I just gotta know, do you really love my sister?" he asked, catching Joe completely off guard.

"Yeah man. I guess I do," Joe replied looking down at his sneakers.

"Nah Joe. You don't got to lie to me. I know my sister very well. And she can be a royal pain in the ass. But the thing is, do you see yourself being with her the rest of your life," Junior replied sincerely. Joe didn't know how to answer. Yeah sure he loved Jessica. They are college sweethearts. Anytime he needed her, she was his rock. No matter what she was there. And of course he loved her. But on the other hand, she could mean, manipulative, spoiled and even insecure. Was she really the one he wanted to spend his life with?

"To be honest. I don't really know. I'm so confused," Joe replied. What Junior would say next surprised Joe and made him respect him even more then he already did.

"I understand. You probably won't stick around too much longer. You have your own calling in life, and I'm sure you will follow your heart. But in case you do decide too stick around; don't let it be because my parents or even Jess want you too. You stand your ground as a man. As long as you continue to be their little puppy, they well scream go fetch every time. Either with my sister or with another woman you'll always be my bro," Junior replied smiling sadly. Joe knew this would probably be the last time he would see Junior for a while.

"I understand, thanks a lot," replied Joe giving Junior a hug.

"No problem man," replied Junior.

"Well I guess I better be going. You coming back to the house?" Joe asked, but he knew the answer.

"Nah man. I don't care too be there. That's not a place where I'm welcomed. So fuck it,' Junior replied.

"Alright man. Well I'll catch up with you later," Joe replied. He gave Junior pound, and watched him jog away, far away from the direction that Joe dreading going in, but he knew he had no other choice.

Joe arrived back at the house, and it was now after 7 in the morning and the sun was now completely up. He walked inside to notice that it was still rather quiet. He decided to head into the kitchen and grab a drink of water, but was startled by the figure of Jessica's father sitting at the kitchen table. He was sipping coffee and reading the newspaper. Joe never made eye contact with him as he walked over to the fridge.

"Good Morning, Quentin said looking up from his newspaper.

"Morning," Joe replied his voice low.

"So where are you coming from?" Quentin asked suspiciously. Joe wanted to tell him none of his god damn business, but instead he took a gulp of his freezing cold bottle of water.

"I went for a morning jog," he replied.

"Is that an everyday routine for you?" Quentin asked turning the page in his newspaper.

"Only when I feel like it," Joe replied and started making his way out the kitchen. He didn't like the direction this conversation was going in.

"Oh really? Why didn't you take princess with you? I'm sure she would want to go. Maybe you guys could talk, sense it seems to me you don't like really talking to her around us," Quentin replied with a evil smirk on his face. Joe chuckled back. He was laughing to keep from losing it.

"It's not that serious, it's just a jog man," replied Joe laughing lightly. Quentin jumped from his seat and got in Joe's face catching him off guard.

"Listen you son of bitch, I don't know what tricks you are playing, but you're not going to get far playing them with my daughter," he replied pointing a finger in Joe's face.

"Man whatever. I don't even know what you're talking about," Joe replied.

"You know exactly I'm talking about. Let me tell you something, if you hurt my daughter there will be.." Quentin replied but was stopped by the sight of his daughter coming into the kitchen.

'Morning princess," he replied. His entire tone of voice had changed. Joe just rolled his eyes.

"Hey daddy. What's going on down here?" she asked rubbing her eyes.

"Nothing much sweetie. Just man conversation, isn't that right Joe?" he replied kissing his daughter on the forehead. Joe just sucked his teeth.

"Okay daddy. What's for breakfast," she asked smiling. She sat down next to her father grabbing a cup of coffee.

"Anything you want, Joe would you care too join us. There is enough for everyone," Quentin replied with a fake smile. Joe was furious. This man was just trying to intimidate him and now he was smiling in his face. Then he thought back to what Junior had said early at the beach, "But in case you do decide too stick around; don't let it be because my parents or even Jess want you too. You stand your ground as a man. As long as you continue to be their little puppy, they well scream go fetch every time." Joe knew he wouldn't be sticking around any longer. He was leaving. He had enough of being there.

"Man whatever, this is bullshit," Joe mumbled walking out the kitchen and heading up the stairs.

"I wonder what's wrong with him," Jessica asked from behind him.

"I don't know baby girl, how about you go and check on him," her father replied. But he knew exactly why Joe was angry. Joe reached Jessica's old room and started packing his bag. He was going home. Jessica stormed into the room to confront Joe.

"What the hell was that?" she asked standing behind him. Joe ignored her.

"So what, you going to ignore me? You know something Joe; you have been having an attitude ever since you got here. All my parents' want is for us to be together and be happy. You have been disrespecting them and me ever since we been here," she replied with fury in her voice.

"Me? I'VE BEEN DISRESPECTFUL. THIS MUST BE SOME KIND OF FUCKING JOKE. EVERY SINCE I'VE BEEN HERE, I'M THE ONE WHO HAS BEEN DISRESPECTED," Joe yelled.

"How dare you? So what you want to play the victim," she replied. Jessica's father heard the yelling, so he made his way up the stairs and into Jessica's bedroom

"Princess, is everything alright," he asked. Joe just threw his hands into the air.

"Oh this is just great," Joe replied sarcastically.

"Son, you better watch your tone in this house," Quentin replied.

"I'm not your damn son," Joe replied. He could see Vivian coming down the hall. She stood directly behind her husband and folded her arms across her chest.

"Okay that's enough. Out of my house now," Quentin replied.

"So Jessica, you going to let him talk to me like that and even let him kick me out," Joe replied. Jessica stepped forward towards Joe but was pushed back by her father. She just looked down at her feet in shame.

"You know what your problem is Joe? You are ungrateful. My wife and I took you into our home and offered you our daughter's hand and this is how you repay us," Quentin replied.

"I'm no charity case. I didn't ask anything of you or your wife. And I certainly don't need any fucking thing from you. You were never doing me any favors. I'm out of here. I'm sick of this bullshit," Joe replied. He grabbed his bags and shoved passed Jessica's father almost knocking the big man off his feet. He started to jog down the stairs and out the front door, the wooden oak door slammed behind him.

"JOE," Jessica yelled, but it was too late. He was gone. She could feel the tears swelling in her eyes. She knew she was wrong and she wanted Joe back, but it was too late.

"Don't worry princess. You didn't need him anyways," her dad replied from behind her. The sad truth was, she did. And she knew that.

Joe stood on the other side of the wooden doors. He felt a sigh of relief. He knew Junior would be proud of him. He realized that Jessica probably didn't even love him she was using him. He didn't know what the future would hold; all he knew was that he was heading back to Atlanta with a heavy heart and an empty mind.


Part II will be up tomorrow. Hope you'd enjoy

Please Review! Thanks

xoxo