The Truth Hurts

28 │good talk

The red Mustang rolls to a stop as Morgan hits the brakes in front of a massive apartment complex, each building a mansion of its own as it towers over the narrow drive. "This is it."

"Wow, you weren't kidding." Stunned, Riley leans over to peer through Morgan's window, eyeing the apartments as Morgan turns the car to pull it up to the front gate next to a small monitor. Morgan rolls down his window and reaches out to enter in an eight digit code on the touchscreen and the gate immediately begins to pull outward. Riley turns back to face him. "These apartments must cost a fortune."

Morgan eases down on the gas pedal as they enter through the open gate, driving through the thin strip of road that intertwines throughout the complex. "I know, right? His parents make a shitload of money. One's a lawyer, the other is a retired doctor."

"Wow. Must be nice." Riley says, still in awe as he gazes at the several buildings surrounding the vehicle. "I had no idea. I'm surprised he goes to a public school."

"Yeah, explains why he is such a douche sometimes, doesn't it?" Morgan taps the brake pedal as he goes over a small speed bump. "His parents didn't want him to, but he threatened to drop out of school if they didn't enroll him at Riverside."

"How do you know all of this?"

"He told me."

Riley cocks an eyebrow. "I didn't know y'all were that close."

Sighing, Morgan eyes a parking spot in the distance. "Yeah, we were pretty cool until—well, you know."

"Yeah." Riley awkwardly looks out the window. "So which one is his?"

"Well technically, all of it. His parents own the complex." Morgan pulls into the visitor's parking lot, pulling up alongside the metal fence. "Of course, they got the nicest apartment available. Right behind the front office."

The two get out of the car and Riley follows Morgan over to the first building on their right. They cut through a narrow passage between two of the luxurious apartments and make their way to the middle of the complex toward the front office.

"So, how are things with you and Casey?" Morgan asks, curiosity getting the better of him.

Riley looks at him awkwardly, not really wanting to bring up the subject of him dating his best friend's ex. Especially to his best friend. "Good. Great actually."

"That's good." Morgan peers over at him, his tone nothing but genuine. "I'm happy you two are together. Really. When me and her were dating, I treated her like shit. She deserves a good man in her life. Who better than my best bud?"

Surprised, Riley smiles as Morgan playfully hits him in the arm. The two laugh.

They reach the rather large apartment, or house really, separated from the rest of the complex. It sits directly behind the office, connected to the rear of the building.

Stopping at the door, Morgan reaches over to grab the metal door knocker and taps it against the door.

Almost instantly, they can hear somebody on the other side of the door as they unlock several locks before pulling it open. A woman with long, naturally straight black hair stands at the door, smiling politely. "Hey, Morgan! How are you doing today?"

"I'm great, Mrs. Juarez, thanks for asking. Is Cesar home?"

"He is. Come on in." She says, widening the door as she invites them inside.

Riley smiles, reaching his hand out to greet her. "Hi, I'm Riley."

"Mrs. Juarez." Her smile widens as she shakes his hand. "He's in his room right now."