I haven't used my home office privileges much since Trey disappeared. When Trey vanished on me, he also left Fantasy Event Planning without anyone to run it again. Since I was the closest thing any of the other employees saw to Trey, everyone kept coming to me. But like last time, none of them believed I could run Fantasy Event Planning and only came to me as a verbal outlet.

After an entire morning of dealing with employees' complaints, threats, and verbal abuse, I was starting to get a headache. Thankful Teagan was running defense for me now to give me some peace.

Tossing a file onto the pile on my desk, I slumped into my seat. Letting out a tired sigh, I closed my eyes for a brief second.

"Company meeting in ten minutes," A familiar female voice ordered, causing my eyes to flutter open. "Bring all your current files."

You have got to be kidding me, I thought, picking myself up. I froze for a brief moment seeing who just came in.

Slowly I approached her, "Luna, what are you doing here?"

"Hi, Gabby," She smiled, "how are you feeling?"

I shrugged, looking around, "Considering all that's happened, not too bad. Again why are you here?"

"Why else," She answered, "this place can only survive so long without someone running it."

Angered boiled in Teagan when she stepped between us. "Hey, sister of the gutless weasel, any idea when that useless brother of yours will return?"

Luna's jaw dropped open in shock. "Sorry, you are," She asked when she found her voice.

I ducked my head as I averted my eyes. This was not going to be pretty. "Your future in-laws' best friend, but in your case, I think you should know me as one-half of the only two competent employees you have."

I couldn't hold back a wince.

"OK, that's a rather long title," Luna replied, not really picking up on Teagan's anger. "How about coming up with something shorter? You can announce it at the meeting in eight minutes. Thanks, oh, and nice seeing you again, Gabby. We'll talk later."

She hurried off in the direction of Trey's office. Teagan was still bubbling with anger and started beelining for Luna without her knowing.

I held her back, giving her a pleading look, "Tea, stop, please. Knocking her upside the head is not going to do anything."

She sighed, letting out a frustrated breath. She calmed slowly as her body relaxed, and I released my grip.

"Seriously, Gabby, I swear your fiancés family takes dysfunction to a new level," She stated, shaking her head and glaring at Luna. "I mean, your fiance is clueless and gutless. His sister is downright brainless. I can only imagine the rest of his dysfunctional family."

I chuckled with a slight shake of my head. "They're not that bad.

We started heading back to our desks. "Really, because I looked up dysfunction in the dictionary and saw a picture of your fiances' family. Just saying," She raised both her hands to show her innocence.

"Ha," I pretended to laugh, "you're hilarious."

She sighed as she leaned on my desk, "All I'm saying is you have so much to offer and deserve so much better. And if Trey understood how lucky he is, he wouldn't have run for the hills twice."

I started straightening my desk and gathering my files. "He has reason to come back; he just needs time."

"Honey, have you met my family," She asked, reminding me of her broken family.

My heart ached for her. Teagan and Matthew's dad ran out on their family when they were just six and eight. They haven't seen or heard from him since. After that, their family shattered, and their mom turned to alcohol to drown out her pain. Social services stepped in when they started coming to school with bruises and other injuries. Thankfully they still had their grandparents. But I knew that Matthew and Teagan were still damaged emotionally and psychologically by their past.

I shook the sad thoughts out of my head and silently said a thank you prayer for my family. My family was a dream come true compared to some of the other families I knew. Sometimes I forget how lucky I am.

I stopped clearing my desk and gave her a sympathetic smile, "point taken."

"What is it that you see in him anyways?"

I sighed, "As I said before, he loves Melody and me. It's not like I have a lot of other options."

"So this is about you settling," She noted, trying to understand.

"Yes," I shook my head, feeling confused. My thoughts were jumbled as I paused, "No…..I don't know. Honestly, I don't know anything anymore. I'm unsure how I feel or if I want him to return this time."

She unfolded her arms, giving me a hopeful smile. "That's a start."

"Everyone in the meeting room now," Luna ordered, stepping out of Braydon's office.

Teagan rolled her eyes, "battle stations," she whispered as she got up.

I gathered the last of my files and stacked them neatly. "I doubt we need to prepare for war."

"Wanna bet," she whispered back as she passed by me.

We were the last in the room and shut the door behind us. Luna didn't waste any time getting down to business.

"I'm Luna," She started introducing herself before we sat down, "Until Trey returns, I'm your new boss. So why don't we go around Robin style, and you can all introduce yourself, let us know what you do and where you are with each of your clients."

Owen started us off by introducing himself. Luna tried to follow as he talked, but it was clearly not easy. She was grasping at straws at best, and half the time, she didn't even know what she was saying. It didn't take me long to realize she had no idea what she was doing.

Teagan snuck me a note when Luna had her head turned. I felt like a teenager in school again as we snuck notes back and forth. Everyone else was, without a doubt, as bored as we were.

No one was paying any attention or cared what anyone else was saying. Everyone was finding ways to entertain themselves without Luna noticing. And she wasn't noticing. Or if she was, she wasn't showing it. Teagan snuck another note to me. I quickly unfolded it when Luna had her head turned.

This is lame. Doesn't she know big meets like this are a waste of time? None of the other staff need to meet with each other. We all have our clients, and we're the only ones who need to know what others are doing. She's better off talking with us individually.

I looked up to make sure Luna didn't see the note. I crumbled the message in my hand when she turned in my direction.

She put a hand up, stopping Anna. She smiled through her confused look. "Sorry, Anna, but it looks like Gabby, you might have something you'd like to add."

Maybe she wasn't so oblivious, I thought.

I shook my head, "No, I'm good," I answered, folding my hands together to hide the crumbled paper.

She held her gaze on me for another second before asking Anna to continue. I released a breath of relief when she moved on.

Maybe she was that clueless. Or perhaps she was just that naive and would believe anything anyone told her.

She probably has no idea what she's doing. She's probably only here to keep Trey's company from falling apart.

I quickly shoved the reply note at Teagan. She skimmed it and scribbled something back.

With her in charge, I doubt this place will survive.

I picked my head up to see Luna still talking to Anna. Certain she wouldn't notice me, I scribbled a reply on a torn piece of paper.

I doubt Trey would leave his sister in charge if he believed she would run this place to the ground.

I shoved the paper in Teagan's direction as Luna turned to me. She stared at me for a moment like she was trying to figure me out before saying anything. "OK, so Gabby, what do you do here?"

"Odds and ends, basically," I replied simply. "But lately, we've been getting more clients, so I've been able to help plan more."

"I see," she nodded, "well, what clients and work do you have now?"

I told her briefly about my work and the few clients I had. She had a couple of questions for me that I was able to answer quickly.

After I went, Teagan was the last to introduce herself. She kept her intro briefer than mine. Finally, the meeting was mercifully over. Everyone raced for the door like schoolchildren when Luna excused us.

"Gabby wait," Luna stopped me, "can I talk to you?"

Teagan stepped forward, giving Luna a death stare. I placed a hand on her shoulder, silently pleading with her to take it easy. She stepped back, keeping her eyes on Luna until she turned around.

"I'll wait outside," she whispered as she passed me, "be careful."

Giving Luna a final death glare, she shut the door behind her. Luna stood and leaned on the table. "Your friend is interesting," Luna noted when we were alone.

I slightly nodded my hand with an innocent look. "Right, uuuhhhhh, Teagan and I go way back," I stated while I fidgeted with my hands as I slowly approached her. I leaned on the table beside her and let our silence linger. "So, Trey's not going to be back any time soon, is he," I whispered, knowing the answer.

"He needs more time," She explained, avoiding my eyes, "what happened brought back many bad memories."

Luna's words didn't upset me or anger me. I wasn't feeling anything. It's weird not knowing how I feel, and I wasn't sure if it was a good thing or bad. Or what that meant for our relationship.

I twisted my engagement ring, debating on our next move and what this all meant. I couldn't blame Trey for needing to deal with things alone. I did the same thing to Troy and my friends. Except now I was the one being left behind. Removing my ring, I handed it back to Luna. Her eyes widen in shock.

"Gabby, are you sure you want to end it," She asked, slowly reaching for the ring.

I shrugged, "I don't know; it feels like Trey does, though."

"The last thing my little brother wants is to break up with you; he loves you and Melody more than anything," Luna assured me, "he'll be back after he works through some things on his own. In the meantime, I was hoping you could help me."

I slipped the ring back onto my finger, "how can I help?"

Luna gave me a hopeful smile. "Well, as you can tell, this is Trey's thing, not mine."

I scrunched my nose, "yeah, that's pretty obvious to everybody."

"So I was hoping you could assist me."

I raised my brow, confused by her request. "Assist you," I repeated.

She nodded, "Yeah, keep me informed about everything happening. Make sure that I'm doing things right, and let me know if not. That kind of thing."

"So basically, you want me to be your assistant," I clarified.

She bit her lip, "Yeah, clearly, I'm going to need some help around here until I get my bearings. Who better to trust than family?"

I drew in a breath and exhaled. There were so many answers to her question. A knock on the window pane grabbed both of our attention.

Teagan had my phone in her hand and was waving it. "Uuuuhhhh, let me think about it, Luna. If there's nothing else, I should get back to work."

I excused myself before she could answer. Teagan handed me my phone as I came out.

"Incoming from your ex," she informed me on our way back to my desk. "So, when did you see him again?"

I shook my head, "I haven't….yet. But I'm considering it, and one of these days, I just might."

Teagan shrugged before leaning on my desk. "At least he's an improvement from your dysfunctional boyfriend."

I rolled my eyes. Teagan wasn't just the humorous type. She is straightforward and always speaks her mind. She would tell us what she thinks or feels, whether we'd like to hear it or not. So, no one ever has to guess what she's thinking or feeling.

Trey was hardly the first of my boyfriends she'd disapprove of. Nope. She'd disapprove of many of my previous boyfriends. Interestingly enough, her opinion about them is usually pretty accurate. Which probably meant what she's saying about Trey could be pretty accurate too.

Dropping the files on my desk, I slumped into my seat. I took a second to read Troy's message.

Firefly

Lunch 1 OK

Wildcat

Teagan read the message over my shoulders. "Gabby, are you sure you should be seeing him again," She wondered, not bothering to hide her doubts.

"No," I admitted as doubt bubbled in me, "but it's what's best for Melody. Plus, I should have talked to him years ago. Like when I realized he knocked me up."

Teagan tried to hide her amusement but failed miserably. "What are you doing to tell him when he asks about Melody's scar?"

I blew out a breath, wondering if I bit off more than I could chew. "No idea. I was thinking of crossing that bridge if and when I come to it."

I caught a glimpse of the time while texting Troy Javier's address. Tossing my phone aside, I started gathering my stuff. I wasn't sure how long I was going to be gone. So I had planned to use my home office privilege if Troy returned my text.

"Need me to come with?"

I shook my head, "Nah, I can do this alone," I assured her as I proceeded to turn my computer off.

Teagan gave a half-shrug. "I guess you're safe with him. After all, you've had worse boyfriends."

I narrowed my brows at her pretending to be angry. "Oh geez, I feel so much better."

She playfully shoved me, causing us both to laugh. "Just know that I'm here if you need me."

I smiled at her, "Thanks, you remind me of that a lot."

"That's because you're little miss independent, and you're always forgetting you're not alone," she remarked.

I stopped gathering my bag and glanced at Luna through the office window. I felt terrible for her.

"Can I ask you for a favor," I asked, turning to Teagan.

Teagan nodded without hesitation. "Always."

I nodded toward the office. "Luna needs some help, and since I'll be gone the rest of the day..."

She looked at me like I'd asked her for the impossible. "You want me to help Miss. Brainless; I'm going to need my own crew."

I shook my head, trying not to smile at her joke. "All you'll need to do is assist her as you do me. I should be back tomorrow, and I can assist her then."

"Something tells me it's not going to be like assisting you," she remarked with a shake of her head, "but for you and only you, fine."

I pulled her into a hug. "Thanks. I owe you."

We pulled apart, and I let out a big sigh. This was it. I was really leaving to see my ex-boyfriend. My stomach churned. Positive, I had everything; I thanked Teagan again before leaving.

I could see the opened garage door and toddlers playing in the driveway before I pulled up to Javier's place. Rowan was sitting outside watching them.

Melody threw her hands up, "Mommy," She squealed with a bright smile.

Melody was finally released from the hospital after nearly two weeks. She wasn't entirely back to her old self but was well on her way. I was so relieved when Javier finally said she was well enough to finish recovering at home. We all were.

She attempted to toddle toward me, but two steps in, she stumbled forward. I caught her just before she would've landed on the ground with a faceplant. Picking her up, I sat her on my hip.

I collect some hugs from Truett before talking to Rowan. I let Melody rejoin her cousin before approaching Rowan.

"Hey, Gabby, you're home earlier," she greeted as she stood up, "everything OK?"

My eyes squinted a little as I ran a hand through my hair, "I texted Troy, and now we're meeting here for lunch."

Javier came out of the house, "what's going on?"

"Troy's on his way here to meet Gabby for lunch," Rowan filled him in with a 'what now' look.

Silence filled the air between the three of us, and the kid's laughter was the only sound we heard around us. Rowan and Javier had a conversation through their silence. I knew them well enough to know something was up. If only I knew what.

"OK, what's going on," I asked, tired of the silence and having to guess. "I thought you guys would like the idea. After all, you're always asking if I thought about talking to Troy again."

Javier rubbed the back of his neck. "No big deal, uuummmm, we'll just take the kids to the park. We can have a picnic."

Rowan shook her head, "Are you suggesting the kids nap like homeless men on the park bench," She remarked, giving him a 'try again' look.

"Guys," I didn't see why it was a problem for them to stay. I was sure we could make it work, "We can all stay here and have a nice lunch when the kids wake from their naps. Javy, you can even play a game of basketball with him."

"Hey, I got Theo down..." Miguel started saying as he came out front. Our eyes locked, and I could see the excitement in his sky-blue eyes.

It took me a moment to register that Miguel was in front of me. He wasn't set to return home for the summer from New York until the end of June, after the NBA finals. He was home early, and it was the best surprise ever.

I forgot everything I was thinking about as excitement filled me. Without a second thought, I sprung into his arms. He wrapped me in a massive bear hug.

"You're home early," I whispered, refusing to let him go, "I missed you."

We finally pulled apart. "I came back late last night. Thought I'd give everyone a surprise."

I wrapped him in another hug. "Best surprise ever," I comment before reality slowly dawns on me.

I was in trouble. Troy was on his way here and didn't know about Miguel. If Miguel is here when Troy is, he'll learn about more than Melody.

'Help me,' I silently pleaded to Javier behind Miguel's back. He shrugged, giving me a nod toward Miguel. He was telling me to be honest. I closed my eyes in defeat.

"So, how should we spend the afternoon," Miguel asked with his arms still wrapped around me in a side hug.

"Uuuuhhh, Miguel, about you spending the afternoon here...I invited Troy over to talk. And he doesn't know about you yet."

Miguel studied me before giving me a small smile, "You want me to disappear for the afternoon."

"And Theo and Lulu. It's nothing personal," I babbled as my heart started racing. "I'm just not ready to let Troy know about our family. I'm not even sure if I'm making the right choice telling him about Melody."

Miguel nodded, "it's OK," He assured me. "I get it, and I think it's great you're talking to him and your old friends. I'll just take Lulu on a daddy-daughter afternoon, and Rosie, since you're meeting with Maya, you can take Theo with you back to my place.

"True should stay home too," Rosie pointed out as she picked him up.

Melody got tired of wobbling on her feet and crawled to me. "Javier and I can watch True and Melody."

Everyone agreed to the plan and quickly dispersed. Time seemed to move at lightning speed as we raced to gather everything the kids needed.

I rechecked the time when we loaded all the stuff and kids into the car.

12:45.

Great, we have fifteen minutes, I thought, releasing an anxious breath.

I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around me. My entire body relaxed as my anxiety seemed to melt away while I was in a safe haven. I love how being in the arms of anyone in my family always made me feel so safe and loved. It's something I didn't realize how often I take for granted. I shut my eyes, taking a second to enjoy the moment of peace and safety I felt.

"Good luck," Miguel whispered before kissing me on the head. "I love you."

"I love you too," I squeezed him tight, not wanting to let go. In that moment, I hated myself for being such a weak coward. "I'm so sorry," I whispered, wishing I had a backbone.

Rowan came in from loading a still-sleeping Theodore in the car and pointed at the clock. "OK, you have all summer to hug and catch up. But unless we leave now, Melody will not be the only family Troy meets."

I reluctantly let go, "Hey, don't beat yourself up; they'll know when you're ready to talk about it." He ruffled my hair, causing me to laugh. "Keep your chin up, and I'll call you later."

I gave him a final hug and walked with them to the door. I watched with sadness as they pulled out of the driveway and headed down the street. My sadness and disappointment reached their peak and formed a lump in my throat as they turned the corner, disappearing out of sight.

If I weren't such a coward, I would be started the summer off right. Miguel and Rowan wouldn't be running, and I get to spend what small amount of time I have with Miguel enjoying it instead of hiding. I couldn't hate myself any more than I did in that moment.

Melody and Truett had just gone down for a nap. I was now working my nerves into a bundle as I paced around the living room. I glanced at the clock for the zillionth time. If time was moving lightning fast just minutes earlier, it was now moving at a snail's pace.

"If you don't stop pacing around, you're going to drill a hole right through the floor," Javier teased with an amused chuckle.

I glared at him, "You're mean," I grumbled through my frown.

Javier stopped chuckling but still had an amused smile on his face. "Sorry," he apologized, "I was only hoping to get you to relax."

I folded my arms across my chest, "Well, I'm sorry if seeing my ex isn't exactly relaxing for me," I didn't bother to hide my annoyance.

Thankfully my phone went off with a text at that moment. I stopped taking my worries out on my brother and checked my phone. Troy had texted me back.

Sorry running late 1:30 still OK

I sighed as I typed a reply. Taking a seat at the dining table, I tossed my phone on the table. "Well, Troy just said he's going to be late."

Javier slid into the seat next to me, "Bright side, at least he's still coming. Which means he isn't running for the hills."

"You mean he isn't running for the hills yet," I corrected him, "I doubt that will hold true once he finds out the truth. If our family doesn't send him running, my health history will."

Javier rolled his eyes at me with his amused smile. "And that would be his loss, not yours. You're attempting to add something, not take away; things can't be worse than they are now."

I fiddled with my charm bracelet, "I wish I had your confidence," I mumbled.

He hugged me, "I wised could see yourself the way we do."

1:30 could come fast enough. Javier had an emergency at work and left before Troy got there. Left to my own devices, I was a bundle of nerves when I saw Troy pull up through the window. My stomach fluttered as I stood up.

I jumped when I heard knocking at the door. "Coming," I stuttered in a shaky voice.

Gathering myself, I stumbled my way to the door. I checked myself as I passed by the mirror in the hall. My hair was tied, and my dress hugged me in the right places. I had a small amount of makeup on, mainly to highlight my cheekbones and eyes. Satisfied with the way I looked, I rushed for the door. This is it, I thought to myself, wiping my sweaty hands before reaching for the door handle.

The second I threw the door open, my eyes locked with Troy's sea blues. They were even bluer and more beautiful than I remembered. In a matter of seconds, I was utterly lost in them.

I had a new round of butterflies in my stomach, but it was an entirely different reason. My heart tugged at me as all my buried feelings for Troy came slamming back at full speed, stronger than ever.

As the silence lingered between us while we stared into each other's eyes, I realized the feelings I was now were nothing like those I had for Trey. The feelings I had right now were more intense and much stronger. Would could this mean?

Why didn't I have these same intense feelings for Trey? I did love him…didn't I?

Of course, I did. Why wouldn't I? He loved Melody and me. We were good together, and he could take care of us. We just need some time more time to work out some issues. All couples have problems.

If Trey and I were so perfect together, why was I trying to convince myself? I'm pathetic.

"Gabby," Troy's voice grabbed my attention again, "You OK?"

I nodded, still rooted where I was blocking the doorway. Silence still lingered between us until I realized I hadn't invited him in. I quickly straightened myself and opened the door wider before inviting him in.

Troy gave me one of his heart-stopping smiles that made my stomach flip with butterflies. I ignored my stomach flutters and shut the door behind him before inviting him into the kitchen.

He followed beside me, turning in every direction I pointed as we walked. "So, uuuhhh, the living room is to the left. Through here is the kitchen." He stopped right next to me, and I could smell his cologne. It was the same one I gave him on our third anniversary. He had told me before that he loved it, but I didn't imagine him still using it after we split.

I gripped the island to hide the fact that my knees were weak.

Troy glanced around, "You're place is nice," He praised, strolling around the kitchen.

I nodded, staring at his incredible body that I had just now noticed. He was built and clearly knew it when he flexed his chest. His t-shirt hugged him and showed off his biceps.

He moved on, not showing any sign of awareness of my admiring his fit body. Maybe he wasn't aware of his effect on me.

Reminding myself of the reality, I straightened up. This was going to be one long afternoon. I offered him a drink before we sat at the dining table.

Clearing my throat, I said, "So, how have you been?"

He shrugged, "I'm hanging in there and still playing basketball. I've been on dates now and again. I've been really getting to know this woman lately; maybe there's something there. How about you?"

I sipped my drink and said, "Well, I eventually finished school and now work at Fantasy Event Planning," I paused, drawing in a shaky breath. My gaze dropped to the floor before I whispered, "I have a two-year-old daughter who keeps me busy."

The color drained from Troy's face as his expression fell. Guilt ripped through me when I caught a glimpse of emptiness in his eyes that was filled with hope seconds earlier. I didn't have to be able to read his mind to know what he was thinking.

When we were still together, we always talked about our future. It was fun to think about, even if I knew most of what we discussed may not happen. I knew that he wasn't just hurt when I ended things the way I did. The dreams he had for us ended just as abruptly. Part of me wished I had been more truthful with him.

He avoided me, keeping his gaze on the floor, "Are you happy," He wondered in a whisper, almost like he was afraid of the answer.

I traced the charms on my bracelet, repeating his question to myself. Was I happy? Was I happy? I haven't really thought about it.

"I've been worse," I settled on the most generic answer I could think of.

"And are we still friends?"

I blinked, not realizing how much that question from Troy would hurt. I had expected that I might lose the friends I had from East High. And I had kept telling myself I was OK with it. That it was a long time coming. But I hadn't realized how much I was hoping Troy was different.

"I hope so," I replied when I found my voice, "because I think keeping some sort of peace between is better for Melody."

He nodded, "And Melody is your daughter."

I wasn't sure if he was asking me or stating a fact.

"Yes; actually, her name is Maria, but we call her Melody," I babbled as I fidgeted with my hands, trying to find the right words. "She is actually the reason I asked to meet so we could talk."

He had a blank expression to go with his frown and scrunched eyebrows. "You wanted to meet with me to talk about your daughter?"

My stomach churned, giving me a nauseous feeling as I realized this was it. He was here, and it was time to face the music.

"Troy, remember our Spring Break Sophomore year," I stuttered, bracing myself for the fireworks.

He opened his mouth to speak but closed it when nothing came out. He was more confused than ever. I couldn't tell if this was a good thing or bad. He looked white as a ghost when it finally clicked.