When It's Over

2

Carlos shook the brown liquid in his glass before he placed it to his lips.

He'd told his mother that she could tone it down this year, but what did she care?

When did Liza ever listen to him and his needs?

He didn't want to extravagantly show off his marriage. He'd be happy with a small family dinner and spending the night with Jewel.

"Your mother really knows how to throw a party."

Shawn said beside him as Carlos nodded, his lips formed in a tight line as he looked on at the crowd.

The persons mixing and mingling that weren't here for either Jewel or himself, but for his mother.

"That she does, I don't know half these people here."

Carlos said through clenched teeth.

"Can't say the same for Jewel."

Jomauld retorted as Carlos fixed his gaze on the man.

"What are you talking about?"

"Isn't that..."

Carlos' eyes followed the man's line of sight as his fingers tightened on the glass.

"Ryan."

Carlos finished the sentence.

What the hell was he doing here?

And why now?

"I thought he moved to Dallas?"

"He did."

Carlos answered, raking his brain for answers as to why the man was here and chatting with his wife.

He watched as his daughter ran up to the pair and Ryan leaned over to examine her.

Carlos could feel his blood boiling.

Why the hell was he examining her?

Carlos began to walk towards them when he froze in his spot as Jessica and Kim graced Jewel's side.

Relief washed over him but he still had so many other questions.

Like why was Ryan here at an event that celebrated him and his wife?

Why was he talking to Jewel?

Why was he back in Los Angeles?

"Open up."

He heard the words before he could respond as the chocolate coated strawberry was placed in his mouth.

Carlos' eyes widened as he quickly swallowed the fruit before turning his gaze to the culprit.

Summer wore a wide grin on her lips and Carlos' eyes circled the room to ensure that no one had seen the exchange between the two.

"Summer, what the hell was that?"

He asked through clenched teeth.

"Mya wanted you to try one. Isn't that right Mya?"

They both turned their attention to Mya who wore an innocent grin on her lips, nodding.

Carlos scooped her up in his arms as he began to tickle her, fits of giggles escaping her lips.

"You're playing tricks on daddy now?"

She was too overcome with laughter to answer as Carlos noticed Summer's eyes on him.

His resolve softened as he shot a smile her way before he finished tickling Mya.