When I walked into the Starbucks, we’d agreed to meet at, I was relieved to see that Matthew was already there. I was glad that I wouldn’t have to wait for him and that he wasn’t standing me up. He was seated at the back of the coffee shop at a table for two, already with a drink in hand.

From afar, he looked really good and his hair seemed less curly and little more straight. Which I approved of. He also had on some casual jeans and a plaid button up shirt with a collar. His outfit actually reminded me of JC, seeing as I ‘d seen him wear his fair share of jeans and plaid shirts as well. I shook my head at the thought, telling myself that I was on a date with Matt and that he was the focus. I plastered a smile onto my face and approached Matt with a warm greeting.

“Hey, Matthew. How are you?” I asked, as I touched his shoulder gently and he turned, looking at me with a genuine smile.

“Everly. Hey, lovely lady. I’m great. Yourself?” I pulled out the chair across from him and promptly sat down, as my eyes looked into his.

“Not so bad. I actually got some wonderful news today.” He seemed eager for me to elaborate, as his smile remained on his face.

“Tell me more.” It was actually sweet that he was interested in what I had to say.

“Well I don’t know if JC ever told you, but the position of wardrobe stylist on ABDC opened up and with the new season coming soon, Randy Jackson wanted to find someone quickly. Well, he briefly interviewed me and looked at my resume and well….I got the job!”

I heard clapping then and a cheer escaped Matthew’s lips. “Hey, that’s awesome. Congratulations! I’m sure that’s really going to be a valuable experience for you.”

“Thank you.” I grinned. “…And you’re right. It will be. It can only help my career even more.”

“Plus you’ll get to work with JC and we both know how chill and amazing he is. Nothing beats working with a friend.” I nodded my head and kept my smile from faltering at Matt’s mention of JC.

“Yes, he is pretty great.” I added softly and then I felt a kiss to my cheek, as Matt leaned over and gave my skin a soft peck.

I looked at Matthew and he smiled warmly at me. “What kind of drink can I order you, sweetheart? I don’t want to sit here any longer without you having a drink. That’d be bad manners.”

I touched my cheek, just where he’d left the kiss and pondered my drink choice for a second. It was sweet of him to ask and offer to get in line again to order my drink.

“I think a grande vanilla latte will do. Thank you.” He nodded his head and I watched him step back over toward the counter.

It was refreshing to be on a date with someone who had manners and wasn’t afraid to take the lead. I knew it wasn’t the easiest to find real gentlemen in Hollywood, but I also knew that Matthew had lived in New York, as well as California. Plus there was the summer he spent in Arizona with his grandmother, which set him on his current career path. I chalked it up to him being raised properly and not being a full-blooded Hollywood boy.

I watched as he pulled his wallet out and paid for my latte, thanking the cashier as she handed him change in return. He also shared a joke, as I heard his jovial laughter escape his body. There really was something special about Matthew and I knew I shouldn’t count him out just yet. I couldn’t wait it out for someone else to come along, if no one else was going to come along.

“Here you go, beautiful.” Matthew said a moment later, returning with my freshly made vanilla latte.

I graciously accepted it from him. “Thank you, sir. You didn’t have to pay.”

“Don’t even say that.” He shook his head. “I’m a good date.”

I chuckled softly. “True. Cheers to that.”

I lifted my drink up to his, after he sat down again and tapped our paper cups together. I then sipped some of the caffeinated concoction, enjoying it as it went down.

“So besides the good news you received, what else happened today?” I set my drink down and looked at Matthew leaning against the table with his arms crossed upon it. He looked relaxed and interested in listening to me speak.

I shrugged my shoulders. “Not much, honestly. I took care of some clients, had lunch, got the good news, and spoke to JC about the getting the job. Then I went home and changed and came over here for our date.”

He nodded his head. “Sounds productive, but I’m glad you could make time and meet me here.”

“Me too.” I smiled. “What did you do today?”

“I had rehearsals for Glee, since we’re taping a bunch of episodes next week and then I had a studio session with Gwyneth Paltrow. She’s going to sing “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” as a duet with me for the album.”

“That’s real cool. I’ve loved seeing her on Glee. She’s so good as Holly Holliday.”

“Yeah…yeah.. She is.” He nodded. “It’s just nice to have a lot of people helping me on my first album.”

“I bet it is, but you really are talented. People would be crazy to turn you down.” I assured him and then watched as his cheeks became a slight pinkish tint. It was cute to see him blush and I liked that he was so humble.

“Thank you.” He said softly, before picking up his drink and swallowing some of it down.

“Just the truth.” I added and then watched as the front door of the coffee shop swung open and two people stepped in. I noticed a woman slightly shorter than me, with blonde curly locks and bright blue eyes. Right behind her was a man on the tall side with dirty blonde hair and when he turned around, I gasped. Getting a better and full view of him, I was met with chocolate brown eyes that I’d stared into many times over. It was him. It was Trevor. It was Trevor with his new tramp. Well she wasn’t new anymore, but still. She was the tramp. The other stylist he’d fallen for. The one who apparently made his life ‘better’.

Apparently my reaction wasn’t missed by Matt and he looked at me concerned. “What? What’s wrong?”

“My…my ex just walked in.” I watched as Trevor and Monica, (Yes, that was her name. I had found it out awhile ago and just now felt like remembering ) walked closer to us, on their way to the counter to order.

Matthew looked and he caught sight of them. “Oh? The dirty blonde and the platinum blonde?”

I nodded my head. “Yeah, it’s quite the story.”

“I’m sorry.” He said with sympathy written all over his face. “Did it end bad?”

I nodded again. “Yeah, he was dating me first and somewhere along the way began dating her. So he was dating us at the same time and I wasn’t aware of it for quite awhile. He was actually going to propose to me and all, but then it all unraveled and he decided to stay with her instead. I’m pretty sure Monica is just his sex toy and money provider. He could love her, who knows, but it certainly isn’t a relationship that blossomed out of love.”

“Wow….” Matthew’s shoulders dropped and I could tell he felt sorry about the whole thing. “That’s a lot to take in. I can’t believe he two-timed you.”

“Me neither, but I was naïve, I guess.” I sighed. “Trevor was going to become a lawyer and he told me so many things I wanted to hear, but then things went sour with his family and money became an issue. He lost his way and decided to turn into something else…someone else. Now he’s all about superficial stuff and taking advantage of people and situations to get ahead. At least that’s how he was when things ended between us.”

Matthew reached for my hand then and he took my smaller one into his. It was a sweet, gentle gesture and he squeezed my hand.

“That’s horrible and it’s unfortunate that he was a jerk who couldn’t see what he had in front of him all along. I’m sorry he played you and hurt you, but..I’m not sorry that he didn’t marry you. His stupidity and blindness is my gain and I’m lucky to be here with you.”

His words were genuine and laced with real emotion and they meant a lot to me. It had been awhile since a guy had actually cared and showed that he was interested in me. It was nice to see that I had a man sitting in front of me and holding my hand, that could possibly hold my heart too. It had been far too long.

“You’re sweet. Thank you. That means a lot.” I smiled and I gave his hand a squeeze in return. Then I caught sight of Trevor and Monica grabbing their drinks from the barista. The two of them didn’t seem to notice me yet, but I was cautiously optimistic they wouldn’t.

“So what does platinum blonde do? Or do you not know?” I chuckled.

“Oh..I know. She’s a stylist too. I found out she works at a Blu PR firm, which is across town, from where I at work at Divine Threads. So there’s enough distance between us, but don’t tell me it’s just an odd coincidence we’re both stylists.”

Matthew chuckled. “I wasn’t going to.”

“Good. It’s just that Trevor’s looking to make money and get control of someone’s business and Monica’s family pretty much heads up Blu PR.”

“Ahhh…got you.” Matt said, piecing my words together to form the bigger picture. “So he chose her over you for monetary reasons and power.”

“Something like that.” I smirked. “Still doesn’t sit right with me.”

“I wouldn’t imagine it would, but I’m sure it’s been awhile and you’ve learned from it.”

I nodded. “Yeah, like three years and I’ve learned I’m going to be 100% sure I’m in love and with the right man before I give my heart again. I’m not going to become engaged or married to a guy unless I know for sure he can hold my heart and truly wants to protect it.”

“That sure is plenty of time to have become wiser and I promise you, that if I’m the guy who gets to hold your heart that I’ll protect it better than your ex ever could.”

I smiled and squeezed his hand again. “Thank you…just thank you.”

“Well look at who we have here!” Trevor’s voice interrupted and he stepped right up to our table. “Everly…and her new pansy ass boyfriend, huh?”

I cringed and then I watched as Matthew became uncomfortable.

“He looks like he just came out of the beauty salon. Where did you pick him up? From a gay bar?” Trevor asked, cackling like a hyena.

I didn’t want to even answer to this monster of a man. This moment right here was actually proving to me how much better off I was without him and happy that things ended between us. I was almost surprised I ever fell for this asshole. Looking at his features, he didn’t have the dark, brown hair that I had come to love on men, nor the dreamy blue eyes that both Matthew and JC had. He wasn’t a fairytale prince and he didn’t know how to respect people. The way he was acting right now set my mind at ease. I no longer needed to think about the what ifs….only the future that was in store for me without him.

“Shut up, Trevor!” I cried out. “He’s more of a man than you’ll ever be.”

“Don’t talk about my man like that.” Monica appeared and hissed at me like a cat.

“Tell him not to insult this wonderful man that’s in my company.” I dared her. She didn’t say anything, but Trevor did.

“By wonderful you mean….faking it that he loves you and you’re good in bed.”

My eyes widened then and he had taken it to a whole new level. “Fuck you! You know all about faking your love you piece of shit. Matthew would never stoop to your level.”

“Matthew? I thought this was JC.” I shook my head and then heard Monica giggle.

“Trevie, honey…she must be a desperate player.” I heard Matthew speak up, ready to join this war of words. Bless his heart.

“I am Matthew Morrison. Not to be confused with anyone else. Now I know exactly what you did to Everly and I’d appreciate it if you’d walk away from our table and leave us alone.”

“What a homo! Who says stuff like that? Can’t take it outside to the parking lot with me?”

Matthew rubbed his hands together then and gave Trevor a good stare down. “You’re only a half a man and I’d hate to hurt you enough that you’d become only a quarter of a man. Plus I’m a lover, not a fighter. So I’m not going anywhere with you.”

Monica tugged on Trevor’s arm. “Come on honey, stop wasting your time with these two. I just want to enjoy my mocha with you and maybe even more.”

I shook my head, just disgusted by this whole scene and not appreciating this low point on our date. I had never imagined Trevor and the woman he’d chosen over me to show up at Starbucks tonight. It had been long time since I’d even seen him in the flesh.

“You’re just scared I’ll break your pretty face.” I watched Matthew keep his cool, not letting Trevor’s words get to him.

“You can call me gay, you can make fun of me, and be an ass. I can handle all that trash, but I treat Everly the way she deserves to be treated. I give her everything you didn’t, man. So I would appreciate it if you don’t harass her and stay away from her from now on.” I watched as Trevor rolled his eyes then at Matthew’s words, but they seemed to do the trick.

“Whatever, man. I don’t have time for you. Hope you’re happy with her.” Trevor then wrapped his arm around Monica. “Come on honey, let’s leave these pansies alone.”

Matthew and I both watched as Trevor and Monica left Starbucks with their drinks in hand. It was a relief when the door closed behind them and they were gone.

“I am so sorry. So sorry.” I immediately told Matt, knowing he’d taken the brunt of Trevor’s comments. “I’d never seen him be such an ass like that.”

Matthew sighed deeply and then took my head, squeezing it. “Don’t worry about it. It wasn’t your fault. He’s probably just realizing what a mistake he made and is jealous that you are out enjoying life again..without him.”

I nodded. “That’s one way of looking at it. I’m still sorry though.”

“Don’t be. You had no control over him.” He brought my hand up to his lips and then pressed a small kiss to it. “I’m just happy that he didn’t attack you.”

“You were great.” I admitted and smiled at him. “Thanks for being a real man.”

He chuckled. “No problem. It’s what I am…a real man.”

I leaned across the table then and I pressed a kiss to Matthew’s cheek. Then I gently caressed it. We smiled at each other then, our eyes focused on one another, getting lost.

“Thank you. Just thank you so much.” I said softly and it was then that he leaned in and we shared our second kiss. This time though it wasn’t as soft and gentle, nor as short. This time Matt’s lips found mine with a little more need and the pressure he applied was a little more rough. He savored my lips, as I savored his as well, and the seconds seemed to pass by. I allowed him to end the kiss when he pleased and it seemed like a whole minute passed by before he gulped for air and pulled apart from me. I gulped as well, thankful for new breath, and wondered how much longer we could’ve kissed if breathing wasn’t necessary.

I shook my head and then looked at him, with what I was sure were dreamy eyes. “ That…was nice.”

“Even better than the first time.” He winked.

“I’ll concur.” I reached for my latte then, realizing it was probably a lot cooler by now. Which was okay with me after a heated moment. I drank more of the latte and then licked my lips.

“You know how your ex called me your pansy ass boyfriend?” I nodded then, with laughter escaping my lips.

“Well….” Matthew bit on his bottom lip, as if he were unsure about his next words. It was actually kind of cute. “…do you think I could be your boyfriend, without the pansy ass part?”

I couldn’t help, but to laugh then. “You’re not a pansy ass. Don’t worry about that. Okay?”

“What about boyfriend?” I bit down on my lip then and I sighed. In just two dates, I felt something exciting and real happening with Matt, but it had been only two dates. I didn’t want to jump the gun and wasn’t ready to make an official commitment just yet. I knew that could come later after a few more dates.

“Matt…I think you’re a wonderful guy and I’m enjoying being around you. You’ve really been amazing and I’m looking forward to spending more time with you. It’s just….I don’t want to rush anything. I think we can get to know each other even more and share more dates before putting a label on us.” He nodded his head, looking as if he totally understood.

“No…no, you’re right. We don’t have to rush anything and we probably shouldn’t. I appreciate your honesty and I really am just happy that we’re forming a connection and that there’s a possibility for an ‘us’ down the road.”

I smiled, feeling at peace then. I felt all my old feelings for Trevor fade away and new feelings for Matt fill my heart instead.


After talking a little while longer and finishing the last drop of our respective drinks, Matthew and I finally left Starbucks. I was surprised we stayed there as long as we did, but it was nothing to be ashamed of. We’d had a wonderful time, minus the minor altercation with Trevor. He walked me to my car, being a gentleman once again. Then before I slipped inside, Matthew grabbed my face and pressed a slow, sensual kiss to my lips.

“I couldn’t help it.” He murmured softly, licking his lips. I knew he tasted a combination of cherry lip gloss and vanilla latte.

“It’s fine…I didn’t mind.” I smiled and pecked his lips.

“Well, what are you doing now? Going home?” I nodded my head.

“Yeah, unless you have an issue with that.” He shook his head.

“No, but the night doesn’t have to end if you don’t want it to.” I saw a hopeful look in his eyes.

“Oh yeah? Well….what would you suggest we do?” He reached out and pushed a stray piece of hair off of my forehead.

“I could come back to your place or you could come to mine….” I sighed softly and quickly made a decision. I didn’t want to over think it.

“Mmm…come over to mine.” I watched him smile then, satisfied with my answer.

“Sounds good to me, Everly.” I fished a piece of paper out of my purse, as well as a pen. I jotted down my address and apartment number.

“Here’s where you can find me.” I winked. “See you there shortly?”

“Yes.” He smirked. “See you there shortly.”

I then stepped away from him and slid into my car. I shut the door and buckled up, watching as Matthew hopped into his own car. Things were getting more and more interesting each moment and I kept moving forward. There was no looking back.


When I arrived at my apartment, I quickly made sure everything was in order and there wasn’t anything out on display that I didn’t want Matt to see. I laughed at myself, realizing it had been forever since I’d brought a prospective suitor home and the teenage girl in me was coming to the surface. I just didn’t want to be a nervous fool. Though it was exciting to know someone was interested in me again.

When I heard Matt arrive, I opened my door and let him in. He gave a hug, acting like he hadn’t seen me just minutes ago. It was very sweet, not to mention his warmth was welcoming. I ushered him in and closed the door behind him after our hug. He stepped inside and took in my apartment for all it was worth.

“This is a nice, little place. It’s decorated so beautifully. I’m not surprised though.” He commented and then helped himself to the couch. He sat down and got comfortable.

“Need another drink or anything?” I asked, not wanting to be an impolite hostess.

He shook his head. “I’m good. Just come join me.”

I did as he asked and took a seat beside him on my couch. Then I handed him the remote for the television. “You can turn it on. Any channel you please.”

“Thanks.” He said and a second later the television came to life and he was channel surfing. “So, you live alone, right? No crazy roommate going to pop out?”

I laughed and shook my head. “Nah..nah. You’re safe here. It’s just me. My sister lived here with me for a few months a long time ago, but that’s all in the past.”

He nodded his head. “Cool. It is pretty nice when you’ve got your own space and no one to worry about.”

“I’ll agree on that.” I smiled and watched as he stopped channel surfing and settled on a cooking show.

“Do you cook?” He asked, eyeing the chef on the screen as she mixed a bunch of ingredients together.

“Here and there.” I admitted. “Nothing too fancy, but I do enjoy it. I would probably cook more if I had someone to cook for.”

“That’s cool. Maybe you could cook me dinner sometime then?” I chuckled.

“We’ll see..we’ll see.” He chuckled then.

“Is what you cook edible?” I tossed him a look.

“Of course it is. I’m not that bad.” He seemed pleased to find out I could cook and not kill anyone with my culinary creations.

“Then I really think you should cook for me and not just ponder it. Maybe in a few weeks, after a few more dates?”

“We’ll see.…” He laughed and I found myself laughing as well, realizing I’d said it again.

“You can be a little sass when you want to be.” I shrugged.

“Sometimes.” He smiled.

“It’s okay. I kind of like it.” I smiled then and ruffled his hair gently. I was happy to feel how soft and fluffy it was and the lack of hair product in it tonight.

“Well good. What you see is what you get, Mr. Morrison.” He reached for my hand and stopped me from messing up his hair anymore.

“And I like what I see, Miss Monroe.” He brought my hand around to his lips and then kissed the top of it.

I really wasn’t sure how I ended up in my apartment with Matthew Morrison on my couch, admitting that he liked me and being affectionate with me. It was something I never saw coming, but life had it’s way of surprising you and friends had their way of butting in and setting you up with people.

“I’m glad you like what you see. I like what I see too, Matt.” I pecked his cheek and then I heard the phone in my apartment ring. I wasn’t sure who it could be, so I decided I had to answer it.

“Excuse me for a second.” I slid off the couch and made my way to the cordless phone sitting on my kitchen counter. I picked up the phone, greeting the person on the other line.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Everly. You’re home. I wasn’t sure if you were out still.” I smiled, hearing Nathaniel’s voice.

“Uhh yeah, Matthew and I came back to my apartment. We had a good, but rather interesting time at Starbucks and didn’t want to end the night just yet.”

“Look at you go, girl. Get you some lovin’!” He cheered into the phone, as I laughed.

“It’s not like that…yet. Just some simple touches and kisses.”

“It can only get steamier, Everly.” I imagined him rolling his eyes in classic Nathaniel dramatics.

“Mmhmm…anyways. The reason for your call is?” Nathaniel sighed deeply then and I hoped it wasn’t anything bad. I didn’t feel like having to come to his rescue right this moment.

“Well you see…” He sighed again. “I ended up going over to Pierre’s a short while ago. He was leaving for a business trip and wanted to have me over for a quick drink before he caught a late flight….”

“Mmhmm….” I continued listening, wondering where this was going. “That’s cool.”

“And somehow I mentioned to him that you were a stylist as well and that you’d just gotten hired as the new ABDC wardrobe stylist. So he went on to tell me how fuckable he thought JC was and how he’d pay to jump his bones if he had to.”

I laughed then, but I couldn’t blame Pierre. JC appealed to men and women alike and many of them had naughty thoughts about him, myself included. There was no denying the desire that JC caused within people. He was just a hot, hot man that oozed sex appeal.

“And….” I prompted for Nathaniel to continue.”

“And, so Pierre decided to log onto his computer one more time before shutting it off. I watched him log onto a JC fan site, wanting to lust over some pictures.” I held back a giggle that wanted to escape.

“So I listened to him say something about how sexy JC looks when he’s going to the gym and then he loaded a photo album and started cursing.”

“Ummm…okay.”

“Everly….”

“Yeah?”

“The new photos were of JC with a girl.” I knew there had to be more to it then that. JC had been pictured with so many girls and it wasn’t an out of the ordinary thing.

“Elaborate, please.”

“It looks like they took a romantic hike or something. They’re both casually dressed and got gym shoes on. They’re both affectionate in the photos and there’s some kissing involved. He’s even got his hand on her ass in the one photo.”

I froze then and put it all together. The signs of JC possibly being involved with someone had been adding up, but this was the final punch. It solidified what Lila and myself thought, as well as what JC admitted. This girl who was pictured with him had to be why he’d been happy lately and having a late night visitor. It was a lot to take in, as it had been forever since I’d actually seen or heard about JC kissing a girl. My heart that had just become filled with new hope and feelings due to Matthew, was now feeling unsettled and beginning to ache.

“Everly, you still there?” I took a deep breath.

“Yeah, sorry. So where can I find these pictures?” He gave me the site address and I thanked him for sharing it with me and for calling me. I then hung up the phone, not feeling as well as when I first picked it up. I almost felt like a zombie retreating back to my living room, where Matt sat on the couch still watching the television.

“Everything okay?” He asked, turning to look at me.

“Actually, do you mind if I quick check something on my computer? That was my friend Nathaniel and he emailed me something about work. It’ll just take a moment.” I fibbed, not wanting the truth to come out and not being able to wait for Matt to leave.

“No, go right ahead, sweetheart. I’ll stay put right here.” I smiled and then walked into my bedroom and fired up my laptop. I waited for it to load and once it did, I typed the site address into the address bar. Sure enough a site dedicated to JC popped up and I found the gallery of photos.

I scanned the photos and my eyes landed on an album that looked to be the one Nathaniel described to me. I clicked on a link and the entire album popped up. The more I looked the more I felt my heart begin to ache and I felt silly for the tears that started to sting at the back of my eyes. I felt like a stupid teeny bopper again, crushed that her pop idol was hooking up with a girl and kissing her. Sure enough, there were pictures of them kissing and one with him touching her ass. It was too much to take in right now and I couldn’t handle it. I felt my bedroom closing in on me and I felt so guilty for even feeling like this with Matthew in the other room.

I quickly set my laptop onto my nightstand and then decided I needed some alone time. I couldn’t pretend to be all romantic and flirty with one guy, while having a rush of feelings for another guy flood my heart. I had to send Matthew on his way, before I could actually handle the situation that now seemed to be a situation. I took a deep breath and made sure I didn’t look like I was going to cry. Then I plastered a smile on and rejoined Matt.

“Hey.” I said softly. “Thank you so much for coming over and making this another wonderful night, but….I actually need to get to bed early. I looked at Nathaniel’s email and he mentioned some early morning meeting tomorrow that all of the stylists have to attend.” Once again I fibbed, but knew it was for the best.

I watched Matthew’s smile turn into a frown, but then he smiled once again. “It’s okay. I understand. As much as I’d love to stay longer, you need your beauty sleep.”

He stood up from the couch and then stepped over to me. He pulled me into a warm embrace and then gave me a simple kiss upon the lips.

“Thank you for a good time, Everly. I’ll call you real soon.”

“Your welcome and I look forward to it.” I grinned and then slowly opened my apartment door.

Matthew kissed my cheek then, before stepping through the doorway and giving me a wave. “Goodnight, beautiful.”

I waved in return and then shut the door. I stood in place then, amazed that I just had a wonderful man leave my apartment, yet I was alone in my apartment now, stuck with feelings for another man that were going to haunt me all night. I almost wished that Nathaniel never called to tell me such photos existed. Though I knew…I was going to have to deal with it. I couldn’t hide from the evidence that was out there and I couldn’t numb my heart, as much as I wanted to. I had to suck it up and tell myself that it didn’t matter. I had to face the truth.