If I have to (bwwm)

Chapter 28

Do you know what feels good? The simple things in life. The ones that most people overlook and take for granted.

For instance, nothing compares to the sun waking you in the morning. Letting nature be your alarm clock.

The sun woke me by shining through the entire bedroom. Kissing my naked body, reminding me just how beautiful my melanin is. I rise slowly and sit on the edge of the bed. My curls softy resting on my shoulders. Did my bonnet fall off in my sleep? Eh, who cares.

Taking the opportunity to stretch my upper half, I fan my arms out. A soft moan escapes from my lips.

It was followed by another noise but this time, not from me.
It starts off muffled and incoherent. Then I hear it clear as day.

A simple "good morning Mory" and a kiss on the small of my back. Strong ink-covered arms pulled me softly back onto the bed.

There he is in all of his glory. Bed hair, sleepy icy grey eyes, and a hint of a smirk.
"So what you aren't gonna tell me good morning?" his raspy voice sent chills down my spine. Being playful I decide not to say anything. So I shook my head no.

"Hmm, what's the matter Mory, not a morning person?" He asked as he began a series of soft kisses on my body.

I don't answer hell I don't think I can. So I nod my head yes.

He trailed his kisses down until they met my set of lips. "Tell me Morgan is this really what you want? "

"Yes," I whispered.

With a light chuckle and no more questions, he gave me what I wanted.

Beep beep beep beep 9:45

"A DREAM! IT WAS A FUCKING DREAM?" I'm in disbelief as I get up to begin my day. Work is at eleven so I have plenty of time to get ready. Getting up and out of bed I kinda expected to be naked just like in my dream. Nope not only am I fully clothe, but I'm in a godamn adventure time onesie. So with a cold shower and a head full of "what the fucks" Is how I actually began my day.

"Good morning Morgan or should I say, boss?" Sarah said.

"Mornin Sarah and no you don't have to call me boss. Morgan will do just fine."

"Well someone's in a mood. Come on cheer up it's your first day as manager. "

"Its no big deal."

"Is so your getting more money for a job that you already do. Plus we have a bigger staff so now you don't have to be here as much. You should be proud you really worked hard for it. "

"Yeah well, let's keep working hard. You wanna prep the dough while I open?"

"Sure thing boss. Oops I mean Morgan." Sarah said giggling off into the kitchen.

Maybe she right I should be proud of myself. Its been three months of me keeping the place together without any title or recognition. So they finally let me run the place. Kali ditched the place after all of her expensive renovations.

When it happens it didn't surprise me, but when her dad practically begged me to run the place that shocked me. Its been much easier than I thought. I still do what I've always done but now for more money and oddly less work.

A promotion isn't the only thing that has happened in the last three months. Since Keith's horrible birthday dinner a lot has changed.

Ali now lives with Keith and they're going strong. Chloe has a secret girlfriend that she thinks no one knows about. Destiny has become the single one after ending her relationship. Word is that she and Eli are talking.

As for me James the handsome bastard is all I think about. At least the feeling is mutual. Its been three months of him and I going on dates, hanging out and the occasional sleepovers.

We refuse to make our status official. And by we I mean me. James has no problem telling people I'm his girlfriend. He even gets jealous when someone other than him tries to call me Mory. It's actually cute how he's this big tough guy for the world. But with me, he's let his guard down. Funny how he went from being the guy that I hated, to being the guy I can't get enough of.

No matter how close we get he never wants to talk about his "lifestyle." The one his mom is sure that is gonna send me running. I do remember getting him to talk about his sister. We were at my place having one of our sleepovers. He, of course, was sleeping on the couch like he does whenever he spends the night.

I had a nightmare that woke him up. I'd never forget the look he had when he rushed to the room. Like he would do anything to protect me. He got in bed and held me. "What was this one about? "
I didn't answer him. Unfortunately, not all good things grew in the last couple of months. Lately, I've been having terrible nightmares.

Instead of badgering me he kisses my forehead and said whenever I'm ready to talk he'll be there.

After a few minutes went by I randomly ask him about his sister. It was the first time I ever brought her up. "James, why didn't you tell me you had a sister? "

He shrugged in response and held me tighter.

"Well she was really pretty and I'm sure she was a really sweet girl. "

"Yeah, she was. Rina was really something else. "

It was quiet for little until James picked up my arm and started examining it.

"James what are you doing? "

"Looking for something." He said as he continued his search.

"What are you looking for?"

"I've been meaning to ask you where are your tattoos? You should have way more than three. "

"I should?" I said in a sarcastic tone.

"Don't you want more?"

"Yeah, I just don't know have much time."

He looks at my wrist for a little bit before saying. "Time the one thing everyone wants and can't get enough of. "

"Okay, Mr. Gallo the philosopher that's enough talking for one night lets go to sleep. "

When I woke that morning James was gone. He left two things in his place. A small tattoo is done with a Sharpe on my wrist.

It was a beautiful broken clock and instead of numbers, there were flowers. He always told me he could draw but he never shone me his artwork. The other thing he left was a note that read:

Yes, mory time is promised to us all, but we never know how much. My time is valuable but for you, it will always be priceless. Have dinner with me tonight at my place at 7. If you are willing to know all of me, then I want the same from you.  I hope you don't mind me using you as a canvas. -James G.