Can't Stop (Frusciante fan fic)

Part 15-All Apologies

A/N: sorry for the last chapter without John. Not time for Napa Bottlerock yet, so there is a method to my madness here! I just hope and pray it won't be cancelled, because then my story will go from 99.8% fiction to 100+% fiction. Or I'll just have to put the story on hold. I don't like the idea. For now, back to sunny SoCal! 

Ellie's POV

Palm Springs is just too fucking hot. Yes, it's a dry heat, but I don't know how people stand to live there. Ironic that all of the springs there are hot springs. Anyway, I'm in the office all day for 2 days, mask on, constantly disinfecting the table in between patients. I expected to finish at 5 pm, but my schedule gets full and I don't get out until 6. I'm supposed to be at Chelsea's parents' house no later than 8 PM. I text her to tell her I'll probably be a little late. The work has piled up, so after I drive home and bring Sophie home, more work once I get her to bed. 

Of course, no response from Chelsea, and run into traffic on the 15 going back. Why the hell are people going to the desert in the late summer? I don't get it.

So I arrive around 8:30. Sophie runs toward me. Chelsea has her arms crossed. "It's past their bedtime," she looks at me crossly. "I had to put Emily to bed." She pauses. "Really, Ellie, if you can't pick up Sophia in time, we're not going to be able to have her stay here anymore." I apologize profusely, "I texted you, Chelsea but got no response, I'm so sorry though! It won't happen again."

She continues to start at me, eyebrows raised. I think for a second, "Wait a minute, you put a 10 year old to bed at 8 PM. Who does that? And where are your parents, might I ask?" 

"Oh, they went out for a bit. But really, Ellie," she says rather pompously. "They are on the same page I am about Sophie."

I was pissed. Yes, I was late, but I'm trying my best as a single mom, had no idea I was leaving my child in the hands of a snooty teenager and no adults.. I stare Chelsea down. "Never mind, Chelsea, we'll talk about this later! C'mon, let's go Sophie."

I ask Sophie on the short ride home if she had a nice time. She did, but after a quiet second, says "Mom, I'm really hungry. Can we get something to eat please?" I raise my eyebrows. 

"OK, I know Sophie, that you have a big appetite, but I'm sure you already had dinner." She shakes her head. "Emily wasn't hungry, so I had just a slice of leftover pizza and some soggy salad," she shrugs miserably. 

OK, now my levels of agitation are starting to rise. This is what I get for trying to do too much. "Oh Sophie, I'm so sorry that happened, I don't even know what to say.  Did Chelsea not realize that you were there too? I'm such an idiot. I'm so sorry honey."

"It's OK, Mom!" she says soothingly. "I think we have a Digornio pizza or Mac and Cheese so maybe we can heat that up." Wise and sweet child, I think to myself. So, we go in the house, I find the pizza, put it in the oven, and instruct Sophia to shower and get in her PJ's STAT.

While the pizza is cooking, my mind starts to wander to Greg and thinking about Friday night. I'm very confused by my actions toward him. I feel guilty about seducing him, much as I enjoyed the sex. But, wait a minute, I for sure didn't force his hand or any other body part for that matter. But I've known him just one month, and not that long ago I had even more intense sex with John, and still feel a connection to him. I wonder if Greg is still into me, or if he's feeling guilt and wants nothing to do with the woman who brought him into her bed the second he tried to do something romantic and sweet?

I really am starting to really fall for this man, and he is definitely attractive. I hope he doesn't think I'm a slut. I still want to see him, and as soon as possible. I want answers. And more sex if he wants it is fine with me too.