The Prince and the Frog

Morning After

Lynn:

I woke up the next day with a headache, so horrible just sitting up on the bed made me want to vomit every thing from last night. Ugh what the f**k was I thinking, I haven't got drunk since I was 21 years old. Rubbing my eyes my vision slowly adjusted to the light that was now showering my bedroom. What time is it? Quickly turning on my side I reached for my cell phone on my end table to check. Shit... it's dead. While I reached for my charger I quickly plugged in my phone and waited for it to come back to life, it was then that I noticed I was not alone in my bed.

Please God please let last night be a dream, please let this be a random stranger and not my best friend. Slowly I pulled down the blanket that was covering my mystery hook up's face to find Sergio laying peacefully asleep. Gosh damn it Lynn Flores how could you do this? Ugh I better get this over with and wake him up. Shaking Sergio proved to be a lot harder than I thought, after several attempts he finally opened his eyes.

"Ugh what are you doing it's too early?" He grumbled while pulling me into his arms.

Fuck this is beyond awkward, we were both drunk right? How can he be so casual about this?

"Actually it's now 10:20am," I stated looking at my phone alive phone.

"s**t, I have work at 12pm, would it be all right is I showered here before I took off?" He asked.

"Umm sure, I actually have to call my brother to see if he can finish helping me put up the rest of the furniture in the living room and dining room." I responded  while trying to distance myself from his embrace.

"Just leave it babe, I'll do it when I get off of work." Sergio said while pulling me back into the bed.

Babe? What does he think is going to happen? We are definitely going to have a conversation at some point, but not now.

"Actually I rather my brother do it, I need to spend some time with him and catch up."

"All right that's fine," he replied while giving me a firm kiss on the lips. "I'll just shower."

He finally released me from his hold and got out of bed not even concerned he was still naked. Quickly averting my eyes I pulled out my moms contact information and dialed, thank god she picked up after two ring.

"Hello?"

"Mama, is it okay if Georgie can come help with the furniture now I want it all done before I start my new job Monday?" I asked.

"Yes I will take him, he won't be happy though his girlfriend is coming over later and he doesn't like being dirty when she comes," she said while sighing.

Girlfriend? My baby brother? I needed to have a talk with him ASAP.

"Thanks mama." I said.

"You're welcome Lynn," she said before hanging up.

****

Peter:

It was the morning after Lynn's birthday party and I was at her parents house helping her mom clean up the aftermath of the party. It was Saturday morning so I knew her sibling's where probably still sleeping and Carrie was working while the kids were at her parents house for the rest of the day. I loved coming back to Carmen's house at times like these it was when it was quiet, it was easier to talk to her about things that happened to be on my mind.

Carmen was currently on the phone talking when I heard, her say "You're welcome Lynn," and then hung up the phone.

"Georgie, come here!" she shouted for her son. Not even a second later he appeared from his bedroom looking grumpy.

"What?" He said while yawning at his mother.

"Get dress Lynn needs your help with a few things around the house."

"What? I can't today Kimmy is coming over right and I need to clean my room and shower." He argued back with his mother.

"Then you better cancel," she said ignoring his attitude.

Georgie's face turned bright red, but he didn't argue back. I felt bad for the kid, no one wants to spend their  weekend cleaning.

"Carmen it's fine I'll go, I have to go to the gym anyways so I can stop at her place before I go." I said as simple as I could muster.

 Both turned to stare at me quizzically. I thought for sure Carmen would speak up fist but to my surprise it was Georgie, “I don’t think that is the best idea,” He stated giving me a glare

 “I’m sorry about the attitude ma, let me get dress really quick.” He said to Carmen who either didn't hear him or choose to ignore him because she was still staring at me. 

I couldn’t tell what she was thinking and having Carmen not talking was scary, I automatically realized where Celeste and Lynn got it from. It felt like years before she broke the silence,

“No, it’s okay Georgie go clean up and get ready for Kim. Peter can help out and that way I don’t have to drive you back and forth.” She said turning to him.

George again looked ready to argue with her. What the hell for? Is it really because I offered to go? Georgie and I always had a great relationship, I think it was because he was the only boy and had five sisters so seeing him upset got my upset. Instead of arguing back with her he quickly gave me a scowl and retreated into his room slamming the door. What the f**k did I do?

“He isn’t comfortable with you near her anymore without others around,” Carmen stated.

Ah that explains it, Lynn and George always had a close relationship. She was immensely protective of her little brother and he was the same with her. Something I always was jealous of… their closeness.

.“He doesn’t have anything to worry about.” I said staring at his slammed door.

.“He doesn’t?” she questioned, I could not help but hear the tone she used.

Turning back to her so I could give her my full attention I spoke “Is there something you wish to tell me Miss Carmen?” She didn’t answer but led me into the living room and sat on the loveseat gesturing me to join her. I reluctantly sat down and prepared myself to hear whatever it was she wanted to discuss.

 “I’m not going to keep you because Lynn needs help, so I’ll make this quick. Peter you are married, you made your choice. Lynn is still recovering from her divorce and she doesn’t have any children, which we all thought she would have by now.” I flinched at the thought of Lynn having children with any other man. “She needs to focus on her career and you have a family. I cannot stop you from feeling what you feel towards her, I also cannot deny that I see some leftover feelings she has for you.” 

A small smile threatened to break across my face with the slim chance of hope. “But I do not want my daughter to be your side piece. She has been through enough, I’m asking you this as a favor to me, please do not do anything to cause her more heartbreak or put her in the middle of you and your wife,” and with that she got up signaling the conversation was now over and bent down to kiss my forehead before she walked back into the kitchen.

Several moments passed as I still sat on the couch going over what Carmen asked of me. Is that what I wanted? To break up my family and cheat on Carrie with Lynn? I shook my head, no that is not what I want I just want to be friends and have family gatherings without the awkward moments. Yeah that’s it, nothing more, nothing less. I would keep my promise to Carmen, these feelings I feel towards’ Lynn are nothing more than guilt and that’s it. Maybe once I get to her apartment I will sit down with her and have this conversation and I can focus back on my family and marriage. Carmen was right, I made my choice, I was married.