If I have to (bwwm)

Chapter 25

Fancy dinner parties aren't for me. I never really liked them, especially as a child. Too many rich people discussing rich people problems.

Lucky for me James is right by my side keeping me company.

Like the weirdo that I am I bring up zombie apocalypses. You know normal dinner party topics. I was just about to ask him whatever happens to the animals in zombie movies. Like I'm sure if a real apocalypse were to happen. Surely there would zombie animals, right?

Before I could ask him A middle-aged bald man pulled him to the side. He looked like he didn't want to leave but he agreed and left me with a small smile.

Well and then there was one. Chloe and Destiny changed their minds at the last minute and didn't come. They told me that they'll catch up tomorrow night instead. I get the feeling that they knew how tonight was gonna go and backed out while they had the chance. Smart bitches.

"A rose among mere daisies."
A deep voice said behind me.

"Hello allow me to introduce myself. I am Dylan McCain ."

Damn and I'm no longer alone. I turn around to see the very handsome man named Dylan.

"Hi, I'm Morgan."

"Dylan, how are you? When are you and those clippers going to win a championship?" An overweight man interrupted while walking by.

"Next season Ben, next season. "

"So Morgan do you like sports? " Dylan said returning his attention back to me.

"Um, not particularly. I find them boring, well except for football. "

"So what no basketball?"

"No. I find it to be the least interesting of them all."

"Well, you should give it a chance. I'm guessing that you've never been to a real game."

"Nope."

"Well, Morgan what do say to me and you courtside at game seven? "

Before I ask him what the hell was game seven. James answers for me "She's busy that night" he said. He snaked his arm around my waist and looked straight at Dylan.

Without thinking I place my hand on top of his and spoke for myself. "Thank you, Dylan, but maybe you should go with someone that enjoys basketball" I declined sweetly. I got a feeling that James and Dylan aren't the best of friends.

"Well, perhaps you and I'll go another time. One of the perks of owning a team is always having tickets. It was a pleasure, Morgan." We watched as Dylan winked at me and walked away.

"Well, he was nice," I said looking back at James who was still holding me.

"As nice as a snake can be."He muttered.

"What was that?"

"Nothing"

"You know you can let go now."

"Nah I don't feel like it. Come on Mory let me show you off, make these old fucks jealous. " He whispered the last part.

"James isn't bad enough that I'm standing out. Red doesn't blend well. Besides I'm not some cheap piece of arm candy, I'm soul food ya know." I said crossing my arms facing towards him. He does the same but doesn't say anything.

"James I don't know. I'm just not used to being the center of attention. "

"Morgan you're always the center of attention. You're just to humble to notice. And as far standing out goes that's what God made you for." He said curling my hair around his finger.

"You've wanted to do that all night didn't you?" I chucked.

"Yes, I did. Mory baby you got married men in here ready to risk it all just for a glance at you."

"Okay, now you're just fucking with me," I said laughing try to ignore the butterflies I got from him calling me baby.

"Mory truly beautiful don't ask for attention. Now come on let me show them what's mine."

"Oh so I'm yours now, I don't remember us having that conversation ?" I said.

"Oh please, you've been mine you just didn't know it ."

"Whatever Mr.Gallo."

"Morgan, Mr. Gallo is my father you can just call me daddy. "

Before I could respond to him Rose came in and made an announcement.

"Quickly everyone he is pulling up," she said.

We all went to the foyer to wait for Keith. When he made his entrance everyone screamed happy birthday. James left my side to go hug his older brother. The two of them seemed to have a great relationship.

After a few more hugs and birthday wishes we all went into the dining room. I took my time going because I wanted to talk to Ali.

"Well look at my slice of chocolate red velvet," Ali said slapping my ass. Its a good thing we are the last two going in the dining room.

"Ali didn't you know it was a black affair?"
I ask because it seems like she didn't get the memo either. She looks gorgeous in her gold sparkly dress.

"No, that bitch didn't tell me. "

"Ali, could you be any louder?"

"Moe I was supposed to plan this. That's why I had you make the cakes and w-

"Alicat let it go. The last thing I need to do is reminded of those cakes."

"Morgan I swear the woman is despicable."

"Trust me I can tell."

"Hey sit by me," Ali said. Hearing that made me feel like a kid in a lunchroom.

Once everyone was settled in dinner began. In the dining room, there were assigned dinner tables. It was kinda like going to a wedding just not as fun. We sat at "the main table " with the rest of the family. Not gonna lie I felt really uneasy. It's me and Ali side by side across from the guys. Mr. Gallo at the head of the table, Mrs.Gallo on the other end. With the addition of a few other people that must be relatives.

So, Morgan, I detect an accent where are you from? Mr. Gallo asked.

"Um Louisiana"

"Well, you're a long way from home. Let me guess you came here for an education. "

"Yes, sir." Mr. Gallo seems like a nice man, but his wife is another story.

"Louisiana, what a simple state no wonder you got of those sticks." Mrs. Gallo spoke. It doesn't take long to know when someone doesn't like you. Clearly, this woman is not a fan of me.

"Well, I'm actually from New Orleans so I don't really know what sticks you're referring to. "

"New Orleans tsk, I know of terrible things that have come from there. From the south in general really. "

And with that very comment, it went from a calm birthday dinner, into an unforgettable night.