If I have to (bwwm)

chapter 24

Okay, I got my clutch, check. My coat and keys; check. The cake situation is handled, thank God. Let's see am I missing anything? Nope good.

As I get ready I hear my doorbell ring. Immediately I think that its James and go downstairs to let him in.

When I answered the door I was surprised to see no one there. Instead, there was a single magnolia flower with a note attached to it.

For the prettiest magnolia in the may. It must difficult to be the only "angel" in L.A. - M.l

As soon as I read the note my head begins to spin. Who the hell is "M. L" and how did they get my address. Why did they send a magnolia of all flowers? Why did they put quotation marks around the angel. This is a little too much for me.

Just as I take a seat on the couch. To try to make sense of this my phone rings. Its text from James he said he on his way up.

Maybe James did it I tell myself. Yeah, maybe he did or even better someone probably got the wrong apartment. I let the mystery slip away from me and gather the rest of my things.

"If I didn't know any better I would think It was my birthday," he said.

I turn slowly to see him. There he is in all of his glory. All black suit with a touch of color from his handkerchief. It's red, but not just any red. He is wearing the exact crimson of my dress.

"If I didn't know any better I'd say that you decided to use me as inspiration. "

"Well, Mory you are slowly becoming my muse. Come on we got a long night ahead of us."
And with that, I and James left my apartment.

The ride to Keith's dinner was pleasant. James and I talked all the way there. I asked him how did he know I was wearing red tonight. He told me he guess and was right. Which I don't believe for a second. Hell, even the car he chose tonight is a red and black Ferrari.

When we arrive at the mansion I'm both surprised and at the same time, I'm not. Their home is massive and beautiful but that's not what surprised me. What surprised me is; And how oddly familiar it feels. There are at least thirty expensive cars in the driveway.

"I thought Keith was having a small birthday dinner?" I asked.

"He is. This is less than last year. "

Once we entered the home we were greeted by a housekeeper.
She's a small little redhead woman named Lucy.

"There he is, there's my little Jamesy pop." I stand there and watch as James bends down and hugs her. Jamesy pops how cute.

"Hey, Lucy how are you?"

"I'm fine sweetheart. Who is this pretty young lady?"

"Lucy this is Morgan, my date."
I side eyed James only to see that stupid grin.

"Hot damn! Jamesy pop has a woman." James begins to blush while I laugh softly. "Okay, you two I won't hold you up. Go see the rest of the guests. "

Walking into the main dining area we see the guests. All of them are dress up and all are in black. The entire room is in all black while I stand there in my silk crimson dress.

I look at James who just shrugs and smirks. Before I could say anything an attractive older couple approaches. These people look like they modeled all their lives.

"Well, would you look at this it's my youngest son. You know Lance the one that doesn't know how to answer his phone. "

"Oh, Yolanda cut him some slack you know he is very busy. How are you son?"

Once again I stand awkwardly on the side waiting to be introduced. It's bad enough that I'm wearing red to a clearly all black affair.

"So I'm guessing this beautiful masterpiece is your date." His father said.

Damn talk about about a compliment. Now I know where James gets his charm from.

"Laying it on pretty thick with the adjectives aren't we honey.
Hello, I'm Yolanda Gallo and you are? "

Okay and now I know where James gets his sass from. The woman stares at me with the same icy Grey eyes that her son has.

"I'm Morgan. " I said rather confidently.

"Morgan, just Morgan. What you don't have a last name?" She said unsatisfied with my answer.

"Morgan Lincoln. "

"Well, just Morgan Lincoln I hope you are worth my son's valuable time he is known for wasting his time on useless projects. Also, I'd love to speak to you later in private. Love the dress by the way." With that, she walked away her husband followed behind.

"Well she hates me," I said watching Mrs. Gallo socialize with the crowd.

"Do you care?" James asked.

"What?"

"Do you care if she likes you because if you do prepare to kiss her ass like your friend does. Now I'll ask again do you care?"

"Not one fucking bit."

"Good that's all that matters. Besides she's just getting started." James kissed my forehead took my hand and then lead me further into the lion's den.