The sun was beginning to shine through my window the very next morning. Steven's left arm was hanging over me and the only sound in my room was his light breathing. It's official; today is the last day of the year. I don't know if I was overly eager to get this year over with and if that was such a bad thing. I tend to look forward to things too much and skip over the present. Which is the only issue I suppose with thinking this way.

I stayed in bed for a while as Steven slept in; he's been working late lately and I know he's tired. Especially after our celebrations of his official partnership with my dad last night. I crept out of bed and showered quickly before getting dressed in my tank top, underwear, and black silk robe and went downstairs to make breakfast.

I decided today was special enough for pancakes, mainly because I was craving pancakes for like two weeks but barely went to buy pancake mix the other day. As I was flipping a pancake, Steven's frame caught my eye when we was walking down the stairs to me. I don't know if it was his messy hair that was usually perfectly tousled, or the fact that he was wearing dark gray jogger pants and no shirt and felt free enough to do that here, or that he was happy that he got to sleep in for once; I loved looking at him because it made me happy, he made me happy.

A smile crept upon his lips as he looked over to me to eye the stack of fluffy pancakes. "Mmm, they look so good." He walked up to me and gave me a kiss, the mint of his toothpaste leaving a cool taste on my lips. "Good morning, princess."

I couldn't help but smile because that's the effect he had on me. "Morning, baby."

"Need help?" He questioned, turning on my coffee maker and taking out two mugs from the same cabinet that they always have been in.

I nodded, "Yeah can you check on the bacon and also get the eggs out of the fridge."

"Lemme guess-- two eggs over-easy?" He walked to the fridge and took out the carton of eggs.

"You know me too well, Bohn." I grinned, focusing on my pancakes. I take pancakes very seriously. "By the way, what are you wearing tonight?"

I heard him crack some eggs on the stove before answering, "I've got a little something up my sleeve, don't you worry. Do you wanna get ready at my place since it's closer to Nic's house? You know I have that giant mirror that you love so much."

Finished with my artwork of perfect pancakes, I walked over to him and put my arms around his waist and kissed his bare back, "Yes. But you can't see my outfit until that thing is on. Let's just say you are gonna love it."

"Hmm, give me a hint." He finished our eggs and slid them on our individual plates.

I held up two fingers and a smirk, "All. Black."

"God help me, Bonnie. You know I love you in all black." He turned around and kissed my forehead.

I shot him a wink, "I know you do." I took out plates and set them on the table. "By the way, don't forget we need to go get endless amounts of alcohol. You know Nic, she's gotta be over prepared."

"Does she want beer or liquor?"

"She has enough beer. She bought so much beer and then Cam bought like two or three kegs. She told me liquor and champagne." I informed him and he nodded.

"Hey, since we're spending the night at Nic's house, I was wondering since I've basically been here since we got back together. Come spend some time with me at my place. We'll do this switching back and forth thing every other week. What do you say?"

A smile grew on my lips, "I'd love that. I really would. We can come back here, get some of my stuff and then head over to your place. I haven't been there in a while."

"I've switched it up a little since you were last there."

"Does Kevin still live there with you?" Kevin was his old roommate back when he and I were first dating. I fucking hated Kevin and he fucking hated me. Safe to say whenever I wasn't around, he would fill Steven's head with bullshit about me.

He shook his head and a face, "Nah, I live alone now. Nor do I talk to him anymore. Long story."

I wanted to smile that that devil was out of his life now and he could move forward without him. "Good, you living alone might be the best situation for us." I shot him a sly grin and his nose scrunched up as he smiled.

---

Steven and I had arrived at the party a little bit later than planned due to Nic making us buy more alcohol. She was like a grandma; she had more than enough, but insisted there was not enough to go around. We walked in and people were scattered all throughout the house. Steven had our overnight bags and whispered to me that he was gonna put them in the guest room we were staying in. I had walked with a big cardboard box filled with bottles and champagne and was greeted by Nic helping me by taking the box off of my hands.

"Bonnie! You look fucking gorgeous, baby doll!" She exclaimed, giving me a tight squeeze.

The first person I saw there at the island with Cam was Mike. I hadn't seen him in two weeks, since he dumped me. All of a sudden, I felt very uncomfortable. It was maybe because he was staring at me; not one expression on his face. Nicole pinched my elbow as she stood beside me and made me glance over to her.

"Sorry dude, Cam invited them."

I shook my head, "Dude, it's fine." I smiled softly as I felt a kiss on my neck, revealing it to be Steven as the culprit.

"Steven, you are looking very fashion-forward tonight." Nicole complimented as
she winked at me before walking to get us drinks.

I turned my body over to face Steven and he looked down at me with concern washed over his face. "You okay with Mike being here?"

I nodded with a smile, "Yeah. It's all good. Thanks for looking out."

He shot me a grin from his pearly whites and kissed my forehead, "I'll always look out for you, princess."

Nicole came back and handed us our drinks, explaining that we had to try these because she came up with the recipe for it last night. Soon after my first couple of sips, a short, tattooed, blonde girl comes up to Mike and is all over him. She whispers something in his ear and they go outside on the balcony.

It was strange to me, because this had to be the girl that Jaime had told me about accidently; Mike's new girlfriend or whatever she was. No one really seemed to know exactly what they were. I just overheard Vic say that they bone
a lot.

Nicole had peer pressured Steven and me into shots as the night went on. She knew that was my weakness, tequila and a lime. I was feeling good and feeling loose and carefree, just how I liked to feel on the last day of the year. It was about 20 minutes until midnight and Steven and I were outside on Nicole and Cam's balcony alone. It got loud inside and we both wanted to feel the cool breeze and also regain a little bit of composure since we both were pretty drunk.

I was sitting on his lap as he sat on this chair with a reddish cushion on it. It was the ugliest chair out here since it got a little rusted over from the rain and had dinged itself out with the sun's rays beating on it on the daily. "This is our first time entering the New Year together in two years, Bon." He mentioned, rubbing my thigh with his soft hands.

"I'm excited for it." I admitted with a sense of sureness in my voice. "I've got a good feeling about us this time around."

"Yeah?" He cocked an eyebrow and tried to keep himself from smiling but failed miserably. My arms were snaked around his neck and I couldn't stop myself form talking. I guess I was drunk.

I nodded, "Yeah. I don't know, it just feels different between us; better. I feel like you get me more now and I get you more now. We're on the same page."

He smiled softly before it disappeared. "Bonnie, you know even back then I was never ashamed of you. Or embarrassed by you, right? I know you're probably thinking that I'm lying right now but I'm really not. I love you just the way you are. I love that you love fashion so much and have these constant pictures in your head of what is beautiful. But, I love that you love how people can be so expressive with themselves. My stupid ass friends were just being dicks. But you know what they told me when you and I broke up?"

I shook my head. "What?"

"They said that I was so lucky to have been able to have you; a girl who has a dream. They were jealous of us can you believe that? Those assholes were jealous of us. I don't know if I could ever forgive myself for letting you down like that. I think about it often. I'm sorry for not being the best boyfriend I could be. You didn't deserve that." He must've been drunk too because he couldn't stop talking either.

My thumb brushed over his jawline and I gazed in his eyes, searching for him, "I love you, Steven. I swear to god I mean that."

He smiled softly, "I love you too, Bonnie. More than anything in the world." He kissed me once no tongue or anything, but it was perfect. It was a kiss that had more love within it than anything I've ever experienced before in my life.

We sat out there enjoying our alone time for a second before we had to go inside and celebrate with the turn of the New Year with everyone. When we walked back inside, Nicole and Cam's friend Gus was pouring what seemed like endless glasses of champagne for everyone. Steven got him and I glasses and went over to Nic and Cam. Nicole grabbed my hand as the large flat screen TV that was live from downtown LA was counting down and others here were screaming with it.

Nicole shouted in my ear as the timer went from double digits to single digits. "Ready to take on another year together, Bon?"

I grinned, "Wouldn't wanna take down LA with anyone else!"

The countdown struck one and it was officially midnight and officially a new year. Nicole gave me a hug a told me happy New Year, as did Cam. Steven smiled brightly at me and said, "Happy New Year, baby." And kissed me gently.

"Happy new year, Steven." His blue eyes were extra sparkly right now, and it felt like I couldn't see or hear anyone else in that moment. My hand rested at the nape of his neck and brought him down, closer to me into yet another kiss.

"I love you." He said into my ear.

"I love you, too." We clinked our glasses together and started off the year with some bubbly champagne with our friends. It was a nice beginning.


MIKE POV


I couldn't stop myself from staring as they were gazing in one another's eyes and smiling wildly. It was pissing me off to say the least. I'm convinced the only reason I was invited was because Cam and Nicole wanted to torture me. They both had to know she would be coming with him as her date. After all, he is her new boyfriend.

Something inside of me was telling me it was all an act, but according to Nicole and even Cam, it wasn't. She was supposedly happier than ever before being back with him, which I didn't understand. How can this guy, who was supposedly an asshole to her for two years, suddenly change-- like that? It doesn't make any sense to me. But either way, he has her and I don't.

What was so great about him anyway? What, he had a little money? He dresses better than I do? He has a college degree and went to law school? Was he funnier than I was? Did he watch all her favorite movies with her and she would recite every line to because she'd seen it a million times? I know my teeth weren't as straight as his, or my hair and eyes as nice and full as his is. He was definitely in better shape than I was. But still, what was so fucking special about Steven Bohn?

Here's an even more pressing question: What was so special about Bonnie? Here I had this dime of a babe right beside me who was exactly like I was. Alysha smoked, and she was tatted up just like me, and she appreciated everything I had to offer. So why didn't I want her? Easy. She's not Bonnie. She's not even the slightest bit complicated and she doesn't make me want to rip my hair out because I'm so crazy about her.

I had eventually told my mom why I was so bummed out lately. She knew about Bonnie but never got the chance to meet her. I told my mom that it could never work out between Bonnie and I. She asked why and I couldn't really give an answer unless it was jumbled and didn't make even the slightest bit of sense. But nonetheless, that was my reasoning. I couldn't tell my mom that I was about 65% sure that she was fooling around with her ex, because frankly, I didn't know. Nic told me that Steven and Bonnie got back together a few days ago- the day I saw them on that date. I was one to talk about moving on fast I mean, Alysha was just some screw the day after Bonnie and I broke up. I'm no better.

All those thoughts don't really matter because in reality, I'm pissed off and they are both right in front of me. I could be an asshole and cause a scene, but I won't. See? I'm already being fancy enough for Bonnie already.

"If you took a picture of them, it'd be a little less creepy than staring." Vic stated with a smirk as he handed me a cup filled with what smelled like Jack and Coke.

"I just don't get it." I felt like this is what I kept saying.

"Look dude, she moved on. I don't mean to choose sides, but you completely bashed her upbringing; her parents, her lifestyle, whatever. I don't get why."

Because I'll never be good enough. I'll never be Steven. "I don't know either."

Bonnie was laughing and having a good time with him and Nicole and that weird guy Gus. They looked like people from that one show Gossip Girl or whatever. That one show that Vic's girlfriend likes and she made me watch one day.

"Just let it go, dude." Vic said before leaving me alone for what felt like the first time tonight. I got up and went out to the backyard where some other people were there playing beer pong or something. Anything to get them out of my sight.


STEVEN POV


"Fuck dude, he finally broke his contact from Bonnie and left the room." I mentioned to Cam who had come in from playing beer pong outside.

Cam laughed, taking a drink of his beer. "I already told him to stop staring because it's so obvious. At least be sly about it."

I nodded with a chuckle, taking a drink of my own beer. "I'd be okay with sly."

"So, you and Bonnie again, huh?"

I smirked a little, "Yeah, man. Me and Bon again."

"How'd that come about?" He asked curiously.

"I don't know, honestly. It just happened. We called a truce earlier this month, I
just figured I would stop being an asshole to her for no reason."

"Clarify a rumor for me..." His eyes adverted to me from his eye on Nicole who wasn't too far away, talking to some guy and Cam's best friend, James. "Actually, two rumors for me."

"Okay?" I replied in a true state of confusion.

"First rumor, Bonnie cheated on Mike for you."

I shook my head, "No, not at all. I knew she had a boyfriend. I'm not that kinda guy that does that to other people, and Bonnie isn't that kinda girl, either."

He nodded but didn't say anything else about it. "Second rumor, I bought this, engangement ring I suppose, for Nicole. I don't know if it's because I'm drunk right now so I'm feeling kinda saucy, or if it's because I just feel like it's a good time." He looked over to me from Nicole again. "Should I do this right now?"

My eyes widened, "Dude, are you serious? Does Bonnie know?"

"Nope. I figured I should consult with her best friend, but they weren't speaking at the time that I bought this. I know it wouldn't have mattered, but still."

"Honestly, I think you should do it now. You're both a little drunk, but who cares? That would make a good story." I grinned making him laugh as he ran his tongue on his teeth, pondering his next big move.


BONNIE POV

Nicole had invited Lora, one of our buyers to the party. She had the prettiest bright pink lipstick on and her makeup was done flawlessly. Lora and I were outside on the patio, looking on as her boyfriend was playing pong. I was filling her in on Steven and I getting back together and she was ecstatic; she always loved him. I had left Steven inside with Cam, they were talking about something and it looked important. Probably sports or something, I dunno.


"May I interrupt?" A voice came from above Lora and I, our heads looking and meeting the lanky figure of Mike Fuentes.

She nodded, "Sure. I'll talk to you later, Bon." And she got up and walked towards her boyfriend.

Mike sat down in the chair that she was previously sitting on and tapping his beer bottle. I guess I never realized that he was always tapping his fingers and hands on every surface he could get to. I suppose that truly makes him a drummer.

"Hey Bonnie." He said quietly, turning to me nervously.

"Hey." I made eye contact with him for the first time since we broke up, and honestly, it felt strange.

"You look really beautiful tonight." He hurriedly complimented me as if he had a timer about to go off and if he didn't shoot me one, he'd combust or something.

"Thanks." I said shortly, taking a sip of my drink.

"Wow, you're not even going to compliment my outfit tonight? I put in so much effort." He joked, showing off his plain black skinny jeans and black button up with suspenders holding onto it and a dirty old beanie sitting on his head.

"There's nothing to compliment." I raised an eyebrow at him.

He smirked, holding onto his heart. "Ouch Bonnie, that one hurt."

"Why are you sitting here? I was having a nice conversation with my friend before you came."

"I wanted to talk to you."

"Well, I don't really want to talk to you."

"Yet, here you are. I'm not holding your legs hostage, you can get up and leave at any time."

He made a point. I could have gotten up and walked away and hell, I should've. But physically, I couldn't move the bottom half of my body.

"Got you there." He finger-gunned me. "Nice date you brought with you tonight. Where is he again?" He was being a dick and looking around our vicinity, pretending to search for Steven.

"He's inside socializing. Because these people were his friends before you came along."

He took a gulp of his drink, clearly drunk at this point. "How are you gonna tell me nothing was going on with him when we were together?"

I rolled my eyes, "Oh my god. I'm not gonna have this same bullshit ass conversation with you. If you don't believe me, that's on you dude. I'm not a fucking cheater. Speaking of which, speak for yourself."

"Wait, wait. You think I cheated?" His hand was on his chest again, pointing to himself.

I shook my head. "No, because even though you're a piece of shit and you cheated on girlfriends in the past, I had this little thing called faith in you that you wouldn't do that to me."

"You're right. I wouldn't have ever done that to you. Because guess what, Bonnie. You were perfect in my eyes. Too fucking perfect for me."

"Well, I'm sorry you feel that way. Because I'm quite the fucking catch."

"Shut up, dude. Just listen to me. No matter how hard I try, I just can't keep up with you. I can't compete with your boyfriend, or your family, or you."

"Don't tell me to fucking shut up. Look, here's the thing, Mike. I never asked you to compete with anyone or anything. You put yourself in that position. We were happy. We were fine. But you had to freak the fuck out over Steven and freak out over me being a little fucking late to your birthday. You act like I'm the Queen of England or something and I demand this high-roller lifestyle and you know that's not me. You know I don't live that way. I think I've explained that to you on more than one occasion. But, YOU don't listen. You can't just accept me for how I am, for who I am. And guess what- Steven has always done that."

He was quiet for a moment, looking at me straight in my eyes. "Of course Steven's done that. He's you with a dick! You two are the same fucking people, Bonnie, whether you like to admit it or not. You're just the fucking same shallow-"

"-SHALLOW? Me, shallow? Are you fucking kidding me Mike?" I laughed, because now I was officially pissed off. "You're the shallow one out of us two. You judge people on their appearances and where and how they grew up. I've never done that. Because guess what? My rich dad taught me to never fucking do that to people. Fuck you, dude. I'm glad you broke up with me. Because the man that I've been in love with for the last five years is back in my life and things are finally perfect and I'm happier than I've ever been in my entire life. I want you to remember that next time you fuck someone over because of your fucked up morals." I got up from the seat and went back inside. I can't fucking stand him.

Steven was sitting down on the bar stool with Nic and Cam. I made my way over to them, dodging all the people attending on the way, and instantly poured myself a shot of Fireball and downed it.

"You alright there, Bon?" Cam asked with a smile.

"Just peachy." I faked a smile and Steven nudged me, shooting me a look. He always knew when I was upset. He took my hand and lead me to the nearest restroom, hoping no one was in there boning or something.

We walked in and he locked the door, "What happened?" He pushed a piece of my hair back behind my ear so he could see me better.

I debated on if I should tell him. But I wasn't going to start off our newfound relationship by not being truthful. "Mike came up to me when I was outside with Lora. He's just so fucking annoying." I rolled my eyes and shook my head.

"What'd he tell you?" You could tell he wanted to get mad, but he wasn't trying to screw things up with us either.

"He told me that how could I say you and I weren't messing around when he and I were together and that I'm shallow. Apparently, I'M the shallow one."

"Why does everyone keep asking me that?"

"Asking you what? If I'm shallow?" I was genuinely pissed that he told me I was shallow. That pin-thin, tattooed, dirty beanie wearing motherfucker.

He shook his head, "No. If you cheated on Mike with me."

I made a face, "Who asked you that?"

"Gus, Cam, this random guy I never even met before, and like two other people."

"Do I look like a cheater or something?"

"Not to me."

"Why would Cam ask you that? Nicole knows I've never even thought about cheating on anyone before in my life. He should know that. He's supposed to be one of my best friends!"

He rubbed my shoulders to calm me down. "Who cares who said that? All of that doesn't matter. You know what happened and I know what happened. That's all that matters. Now, let's go back to the party and continue to have a good time. It's officially the new year and I want to start off this year in the best way with you. I don't give a fuck about Mike or what he thinks."

Leave it to Steven to make me smile and forget about all the bullshit happening around me. But, he was right. Who cares? I had the best looking, most successful, and the sweetest guy at this party here with me. "I love you."

He smiled touching my cheek, "I love you too." He took my hand and lead us out of the restroom and back to the party.

The night continued on and we continued drinking our livers into oblivion with our friends. Mike stayed there with that blonde hussy all night with his eye on me the whole time, but I didn't care. I had Steven's hand to hold, and his lips to kiss, and our real relationship to enjoy. I was already better off without Mike. It was this obvious.

Notes

I'm sorry it's taken me longer than I have been to update, but here it is! I've been working on this chapter at home and at work just to make it as lengthy as possible for you guys so we can get along to the good stuff ;)

Ah, NYE. Bonnie's favorite holiday. We're getting a little more into Mike's head about his thoughts on Bonnie/ Steven, and also his new lady Alysha. (Yes, his actual, real-life girlfriend Alysha). Bonnie and Mike finally spoke after a couple of weeks What do y'all think is gonna happen next?

Thank you all for reading and keeping up on the saga of Bonnie, Mike, and Steven :)

XO,
Ambs