"Come in," I told Sam as I held the door open.

"I hope I didn't intrude?"

"Actually I think you've come at the right time. I've cooked breakfast would you like to join us?"

"I've eaten already, but thanks for the offer."

"Lizzy is in the kitchen."

"Okay great."

I walked away and he followed closely behind me. I could see Lizzy smiling and talking to her mother.

"Sam is here," I announced to everyone. My eyes flickered towards Ms. Johnson and she seemed a little nervous. Sam came over and hugged Lizzy and nodded at her mother.

"Did you get my message?" Lizzy asked.

"I did. I thought we could talk in person."

My watch would beep at this particular time informing me that I needed to get ready to head over to the house so I could meet Shae and the others. Of course the juicy stuff would happen when I'm gone.

"Lizzy do you need me to stay?"

"No, you go ahead to your appointment, I'll be here when you get back." She leaned over, kissed me and whispered, "I'll be fine." She pulled away but my heart felt heavy like I needed to stay.

"I don't feel right leaving you."

She chuckled. "My mother's here, I will be fine. Just hurry up because I may need a drink when you get back and a possible stress reliever." She winked.

"I can do that, I won't be long promise." I took a deep breath, told everyone goodbye, grabbed my keys and headed out.

When I made it to the house, Jarreau pulled in behind me.

"Man I'm in love," he said dabbing me up.

"So there was a love connection?"

"Man, Arianna Moretti got a brutha whipped and we haven't even done anything. She's smart, that accent and mane, sexy don't even describe her."

"She's the owner's daughter."

"I know. She has a smile that could light up the darkest place, which includes my heart."

"You got it bad bro."

"We talked on the phone for hours last night after the event. She's leaving tonight headed back to Greece but should be here for the first home game. I'm meeting her for lunch at mid-day so I can't stay long."

"So you two are going to hook up?"

"Not like that, she's a lady man, I ain't messing this up."

"Well I wish you the best of luck." We dabbed up again and headed in the house.

"So what do we have here?" he asked.

I pulled out my phone. Holding it up, I swiped and my phone had about eight camera views.

"It's bigger on the computer screen but I had them rig cameras in every room except the bathroom." I swiped another icon and a red light came on. "There's microphones in each room too. So if she has company or she spills, I'll have it recorded. I want to take all their asses down including Michael."

"Well I have a surprise for you."

"Okay."

"Her ex is out and I heard he's looking for her."

"Really?"

"And I heard he knows about the baby and he ain't happy."

"So did you tell someone where she was staying?"

"I was waiting for the okay from you. I'm telling you, this can end quickly."

"As much as I hate Shae, I don't want her dead or hurt real bad by him. I know he can be aggressive."

"Look Sean, a girl like Shae is tough. You are going to have to knock her on her ass or she's going to get back up again. The longer this plays out, the longer you and Lizzy have to put up with this charade. Hell life is too short dude. Like my grandma use to say, "too blessed to be stressed." I mean get this shit over with and have your happily ever after."

There was a knock on the door. I walked over and it was a lady I didn't recognize. I saw the small hatchback with Taylor's Cleaning Services on it so I opened the door.

"Mr. Gipson, I'm Gwen Taylor, Aimee sent me over."

"You're the housekeeper?"

"Yes sir."

"Awesome, come in."

The short, petite black lady walked in. She looked to be mid-forties and was actually not bad looking.

"If you show me around, I can get started."

The doorbell rang again.

"I can show her around," Jarreau said escorting Gwen to the kitchen.

I opened the door and it was Penelope, the interior decorator with a young man with a camera.

"Mr. Gipson?"

"You must be Penelope, come on in."

"This is my camera guy and boyfriend Thomas."

"Nice to meet you, I'm a huge fan." We shook hands.

"Well I'm happy Penelope could fit me in."

"It's a honor Mr. Gipson."

"Call me Sean please."

Thomas face lit up and Penelope nodded. I took them upstairs and showed them the room. Thomas looked like a surfer guy with blonde hair, blue eyes and skinny. Penelope on the other hand was short with black hair and a petite figure.

"Do you have any ideas Mr. Gipson...I mean Sean?"

"Actually Shae should be on her way and she can tell you." I picked up my phone and there wasn't a missed call. Maybe she was just running late so I tried calling but it went to voicemail.

"Shae, call me." I left a message hoping she would call right back but she didn't.

"Why don't you go ahead and set up Penelope, I need to make a few calls."

"Okay, no problem."

As I walked towards the door there was a knock. Walking over I peeped out and it was Shae. I opened it and she just stood there crying.

"Oh Sean!" she said throwing herself on me. I caught her. I looked around as I didn't want anyone to see this spectacle. I did see Mr. Hatchet, the gardner on the riding lawnmower cutting the grass.

"It's been such a rough day. These hormones are getting the best of me, none of my clothes are fitting, it's just horrible." She started to cry harder. I rolled my eyes and helped her in the house.

"I was expecting a moving truck."

"I tried to pack... but it was just too much. I just figured I could buy what I needed since I was here." I rolled my eyes.

"Look Shae, there needs to be some ground rules."

She held her head up wiping her tears. It was amazing that her eyeliner and mascara stayed on point, not one smear.

She cleared her throat. "What do you mean, ground rules?" She rubbed her stomach and indeed it looked rounder.

"This house is still my house. You can live here until the baby is born but after we will discuss the next move."

"Does that include me and the baby moving in with you? We could have our own happily ever after."

"Don't do that Shae."

"What do you mean Sean?" She wrapped her arms around my neck pulling my head down but I broke away.

"Why do you play these games Sean? We were good together and it can be that way again. Why do you push me away?"

"Shae we have nothing in common. You were a mistake. I had a bout of weakness and I regret it was with you. Look I'm trying to make up and be the father that this baby deserves. I'm handling my responsibilities because it's not his/or her fault that we fucked up. I know you truly don't want to be pregnant and honestly you're not suppose to be the mother of my child, but I'm going to do my part and you need to do yours."

"And what is my role?" She tossed her hair to the side and folded her arms.

"Stay in your lane. We are not a couple even if you are carrying my child."

"I'm not your bitch, you don't tell me what to do. I could destroy you Sean Gipson."

"I have done nothing so you don't have shit on me."

She laughed. "I know that you and Lizzy are husband and wife for starters."

I stepped back trying not to give myself away.

"You don't know..."

"In Vegas less than seventy-two hours ago. Do you really think I wouldn't know? Sean I know everything about you. I know Lizzy showed up at the team's dinner and you left together in a limo. She's been at your house all night. Were you two still celebrating the honeymoon?"

I swallowed hard. How the hell did she know?

"You tried to play me at Fan Day, with your little robot fans, I'll give you that one, but you will not play me again." She pointed her long red, sculpted acrylic nail at me. "Whatever game you're playing, I play better, I will win. Even if it means taking down your precious new wife."

"If you're talking about the bruises and pics you posted or gave to the cops, you're busted, everyone knows they're fakes. You're lucky, the cops didn't press charges on you with fake evidence. Oh and by the way, Aries can't help you because he's plastered all over the news. If I know Aries, he's going to sing like a bird, so if you are in cohorts with him, don't be surprised if he takes you down."

"I am not friends with him, so there is no connection."

"Really?" It was time for me to fold my arms. "You have my phone, it's called theft. You have been harassing Lizzy and I should convince her to get a restraining order against you. Thirdly, there was a called from Rue to you and also you called Aries within hours of each other. You're next Shae, you are about to go down along with your whole crew."

She narrowed her eyes at me. "You don't know shit! You making up lies! What crew Sean? Tell me!"

"You're getting hostile, don't hurt the baby." I touched her stomach and she slapped my hand.

"Really Shae? I can't comfort my child?"

"It's rude to touch a woman's stomach!"

"Even if I'm the father? Is this in the new mother's handbook?" I chuckled.

"I'm protective of this little one." She rubbed her stomach.

"I'm sorry. Maybe if I kissed your stomach I could reinsure junior everything is okay." I went to raise up her top but I saw Jarreau walking in the room with Gwen.

Shae slapped my hand again. She looked pissed but I didn't care.

"Did we interrupt a lover's quarrel?" Jarreau asked looking between Shae and I.

"I was just trying to kiss her stomach to reinsure this little one that his daddy loves him." I batted my eyes and Jarreau turned his face to the side to laugh.

"Ah that's wonderful," Gwen said holding her heart. Shae looked to be ready to explode.

"Gwen this Shaunte, she will be living here. Shae this is Gwen, the housekeeper I hired for you so you don't have to lift a finger. She will also provide healthy meals, run errands for you and maintain general household duties. You can not fire her, you do not have authority. You treat her with respect or you will deal with me."

Shae didn't look happy. She checked Gwen but she wasn't expecting Gwen to check back. Gwen smiled and I could see Shae squeezing her fists together at her sides.

"I also hired an interior decorator for the nursery."

"Nursery?" She narrowed her eyes at me.

"Yes honey." I touched the side of her face with a smile on mine. "Penelope is her name and she's upstairs planning. She's the best in the city and she will also be filming as the room comes together. This is your surprise, surprise!" I threw my hands up in the air.

Jarreau yelled out, "surprise!" Which caused her to jump as she held her stomach.

"You can't do that Jarreau, you may scare the baby," I said trying not to laugh.

"I'm sorry Shaunte, I might have been a little too loud. Didn't mean any harm."

She rolled her eyes, rubbing her stomach.

"Gwen why don't you take Shaunte upstairs and let her meet Penelope so she can consult with her. I'll be up there in a minute."

Gwen nodded and escorted Shae up the stairs. Shae had this look on her face that I didn't like so I needed to plan my next move quickly. The moment they were fully up, I walked out to the backyard.

"She knows Lizzy and I are married."

"What?" You're kidding, but how?"

"I don't know."

"Shit!"

"It's fine. I didn't confirm or deny, to be honest I don't give a ratsass if she knows or not. We aren't a couple and never will be."

"But if the press finds out..."

"I'm not worried about the press. As long as I do my job on the field, nothing else matters."

"I'm glad I don't have this drama in my life. This shit right here will have you gray before your time."

"Tell me about it. Then dealing with Lizzy."

"What's up with Lizzy?"

I pulled him away from sight. "I think Sam is Lizzy's dad."

"Saywhat? You shitting me, right?"

"I had to leave. Sam came over and her mother is at the house."

"And you're not there because..."

"I had to take care of this."

Jarreau put his hand to his mouth.

"Plus I have to meet with my attorney."

"I told ya something was up with him. I don't see the resemblance but who knows."

"She hasn't called yet so I'm assuming nothing has gone down."

"Well they are both physicians, she seems to light up when he's around, no disrespect to you, and he seems rather helpful although he could kill a man with a side look."

"That last part is not funny."

"Lizzy has a killer look when you think about it. Didn't you mention that she's been acting a little different lately since meeting him?"

"Maybe it's that time of the month coming."

"Or daughter taking after daddy dearest."

"Not funny J."

"I'm just saying. Look, I got to go, so I will talk to you later and see you at practice tonight." He hit me on the back and walked out. Looking at my phone I needed to head out soon. Walking up the stairs, I could hear arguing.

"Now what?" I said more to myself. Walking in the room, Shae had her hands on her hips and Penelope was closing up paint.

"What is going on in here?"

"I can't work with her Sean," Penelope said gathering her things.

"His name is Mr. Gipson not Sean, show some damn respect. She is not qualified to do this job, I want someone else!"

"Shaunte, I hired her and only I can fire her. You have two choices. One, work with her, or two you can leave and everything and I mean everything will be ripped away from you." I stared her down and she took a step back. "Your choice."

"Fine! I want..."

"No! Penelope you have full reign, Shae I need to talk to you." I pointed to the exit and she walked out.

"How dare..."

I pointed my finger at her. "Shut the fuck up Shae! You know what, I'm stick and tired of your bullshit. Either get with the mutherfucking program or get the fuck out of my house and life!"

"Sean how dare you talk to me like this?" She pretended to cry.

"Save your tears for someone that fucking cares."

"What has gotten into you?"

"You!"

"I'm sorry. Why is this turning me on?" She put her arms around me.

"You're a sick bitch!" I threw her arms from around me. Looking at her, Jarreau was right, I needed to end this quickly.

"I got to go," I told her. "I want everything moved in by tonight or the deal is off. If I hear that you are rude to Gwen, Penelope, Thomas, or the damn pizza guy, you will be out on your ass. Fuck with me if you want, try my patiences and you will regret the moment you met me."

For the first time ever I saw fear in her eyes and she swallowed a lump that appeared in her throat. I leaned over and whispered in her ear, "this is your final chance to come clean. You can walk away without humiliation and possible jail time for theft by deception, felony of the third degree, theft by conversion and the countless charges that go on and on. If you don't cooperate I will make you pay me back for every cent you squandered from me and all those that come at me. I will crush you into a speck of dust. I won't be pushed around or intimidated anymore."

She looked at me with eyes big. She opened her mouth but the doorbell rang. "I will get it," Gwen said walking passed us.

"Shae last time, I'm going to ask." I stared her down. I could see her tossing around something in her head.

"Is everything okay here?" Shae's body stiffen. I looked up to see Michael.

"Everything is fine," I said smiling but continued to stare at Shae. She finally walked away leaving Michael and I standing toe to toe.

"She's giving you any problems?"

"Actually I think she was going to tell me something about the baby. She wouldn't let me touch her stomach. Isn't that strange? I mean the baby is half of me. Do you think she's hiding something?" I put on my innocent face.

"I saw her charts, she's pregnant. I mean she has one of the best doctors in the country."

"Yeah, I've been told."

"I meant to ask, how is Lizzy?"

He was changing the subject.

"She's good."

"I heard about Aries."

"Yep, he's going down but I can't help but think that there's so many more factors involved with that. I don't like him that's for sure but you do the crime you do the time."

"Yeah, you're right about that." He adjusted his watch.

"Oh did I tell you I'm on my way to meet with my attorney?"

"Really? Something's wrong?"

"Oh I don't know. He says there are some contracts that need to be discussed. We do it once a quarter just to make sure everything's in order."

"Maybe I should come with you, just in case he has questions."

I laughed. This prick must think I'm falling for his trick, hell no your ass can't come, mutherfucker.

"If he has questions, I'll call you. It should be pretty straightforward unless you know something I don't?" I looked down at him.

"No everything is on the up and up. You know I wouldn't play you. You and I own this town, I wouldn't threaten our partnership."

"Speaking of that, I think our terms are coming due."

"Yeah, yeah, my attorney is drawing up the agreement as we speak. It's the same old same old, nothing to worry about."

"Good, I've been approached by a few other agents. They have some sweet deals coming and opportunities that can take me out if I decide to retire. Can't focus on football forever. Who knows after this little one is born, I might just do that."

"You can't! I mean you still have a few more years on your contract." He was starting to get nervous.

"You okay Mike? You seem a little flushed."

"I'm fine. It's hard breaking contracts, you could lose a lot."

"Money isn't all that important to me. Yes it's nice to have but it doesn't define me. I've built up a nice little nest egg that can take me on in. I'm financially stable so I have no worries."

"You're scaring me Sean."

"Really? Why is that?"

"You're too young to retire. You're on top of your game."

"That's the best way to go out isn't it?"

"Just don't make any haste decisions until we sit down and think this through."

"The next sit down, we will discuss my options. Anyway I got to go. Shae didn't bring her things, can you make sure she's nestled in by this evening? She thinks I'm buying her items, but I'm not. Also I need you to explain to her that next time I want to touch her stomach, she better obliged or our deal is off. And if I find out that she is pulling any shady shit, your ass is going down along with any others that have been helping her to deceive me."

"You know I got your back. Don't worry, I'll watch her and let you know if I find anything out. You're my guy, it's my job to take care of you and your interests."

"That's exactly what I needed to hear. I'm glad we are on the same page." I stretched out my hand and we shook.

"A man is only as good as his word. I'll be in touched." I did notice he was starting to sweat, I wondered what he was thinking? Oh well the law had been given, now it was time to see who would break it first.

"Got to go, will check in later." I walked passed him and chuckled.