(James)
Early the next morning I got out my bed at 3 am in the morning heading to the bathroom to brush my teeth before going down to the living room to leave for my morning jog. On my way out as I passed the couch, I noticed the TV was still on. Checking the couch I saw Sophie on the couch arms wrapped around Wendy as they slept soundly
I smiled as Sophie snuggled with Wendy while kicking her feet wildly
Thinking they might get cold I went back into my room and got a sheet to cover them with
"Sleep tight," I said shutting off the TV before walking out for my morning workout and job which led me to Sam's which had just opened. Exhausted I sighed walking in. Though I expected the store to be closed the minute I walked in I saw Nick and one other person waiting in line. I joined the line and he turned around to look at me without saying anything so I kept quiet as well.
The awkward silence went on until the other guy got his order
"Can I get a banana split, please? Chocolate chips on the top" He ordered before Sam left
"So I heard you and Sophie are living together" he finally spoke to me
"Yeah it's a new thing"
"When did that happen?" he interrogated
"A couple of days after Fright Night," I said before he scoffed
"What? You got a problem?" I asked
"No, I don't exactly have a right to. Plus from what I hear I shouldn't be the one with the problem. How'd you and Betty-Ann get together anyway?"
"It just sorta happened" I shrugged not willing to tell him anything
"Let me guess you started out as friends with benefits" he deducted
"How'd you know that?"
"Betty-Ann and I have been cool for years. I know her style"
"Okay?"
"Here are some words of advice. Don't drag this out too long"
"What?"
"Don't drag this relationship out too long. You'll just end up hurting her and she can be a pain to deal with when she's hurt"
"Why would you think I'd hurt her?"
"Oh please, with you and Sophie living together it is bound for something to happen sooner or later. Anyone who hangs out with you for more than a week could see that" he said
"If that's the case I wonder why you stuck with Sophie for so long?"
"I can take the pain. I'll make sure to show you when I win her back"
"Back from who? You might not understand it but Sophie and I are over. We've been over ever since she chooses you, but fine whatever. If you really want her 'back' don't you think it'd be better for you if I were with someone else?" I said glaring at him
"Just not Betty," he said before Sam came back
"Here's your split. Gimme my money" Sam said before Nick paid
"See ya around James," he said taking his order and leaving
"Hey, watcha want? I don't have all morning y'know," Sam said
"Give me three ice cream sundaes to go" I ordered
After that, I jogged back to the hotel managing to make it at dawn. It must have been a coincidence or my great timing because Sophie woke up as I walked in
"Morning sleepy head" I smiled
"Good morning" Sophie yawned
"Did you go out?" She asked rubbing her eyes
"Yeah I went for a jog"
"You went jogging without me?" She asked but I just smiled
"You looked tired but I bought ice cream on the way back," I said
"Yay!!! Ice cream!!!" Wendy immediately woke up
"Good morning to you too" I laughed
"I want ice cream," she said
"Not before you brush your teeth," Sophie said
"Then can I have ice cream?" Wendy gave her puppy dog eyes
"After your breakfast," Sophie said but then Wendy turned towards me silently pleading with her cute face in a pout
"Maybe just a little," I said before noticing Sophie's glare
"On second thought, you should brush your teeth" I changed my tune before Wendy sighed and ran to Sophie's bathroom leaving me alone
"Um I should go take a shower" I said rushing to my room to avoid the angered Sophie
I sighed as I shut the door and flopped unto my bed
"That was close" I said before my phone went off
*Betty-Ann❤- Good morning James. I hope you're awake*
*Hey I'm up. Is everything okay?* ✔️✔️
*Betty-Ann♥️- Yeah I'm fine. I'm just checking to see what time we're suppose to meet at the restaurant*
*The reservation is at 8 so we should leave here by 7* ✔️✔️
*Betty-Ann❤- Okay see you then*
*Yeah later*✔️✔️
I sighed before I smelled myself
"Yikes I need a shower" I said jumping off my messy bed and heading for my shower
After a long shower I got dressed and took a short nap before going back downstairs to see Sophie putting breakfast on the table
"Hey guys" I said taking a seat before I could start eating someone pressed the doorbell
I initially wanted to ignore but before I could even put the fork in my pancake I noticed Sophie's glance at me
"I'll get it" I said putting down the fork and getting up
I walked over to the door annoyed as I opened the door to see Rebecca and Rose
"Good morning" Rose said
"Are we early?" Rebecca asked
"Very" I said
"Sorry Rose was really excited and *yawn* she woke me up early"
"Since you're here why don't you come inside" I said moving out the way allowing them to get in
"Good morning" Rebecca said
"Sup" Rose greeted
"Good morning guys I almost forgot you guys were coming. Didn't think it'd be so early though" Sophie said
"Yeah sorry" Rebecca said
"Yo something smells good" Rose said taking a seat
"I made breakfast"
"What did you make?" Rose asked
"Nothing much bacon, eggs, pancakes and omelets. Would you like some?" I asked
"Yes thank you" the duo said
"Rebecca!!!" Wendy excitedly yelled getting out of her seat to jump into her arms
"Hey Wendy" Rebecca hugged her as I finally got back to my seat to started eating
"Wow you two seem really close" Sophie said giving both of them a plate
"Yeah she's really great" Rebecca said
"Wait you two have a kid" Rose said immediately causing me to choke
"No Rose, that's Sophie's cousin"
"Really? She could pass as their kid they look incredibly alike" Rose said
We looked at each other then at Wendy
I mean I could sort of see the resemblance but...
"Whatever, this omelet is amazing" Rose said immediately digging in
"I think some introductions are in order. Rose, this is Sophie" Rebecca said
"Hi" Sophie said
"And Sophie this is Rose"
"So you're Sophie. I can see why James here likes you. You're really pretty" Rose said before Sophie blushed and looked at me. Avoiding her gaze I continued eating looking down at my plate
Not long after the doorbell rang again
I looked to Sophie who was flipping another omelet by the stove and sighed
Getting up again I made my way to the door and opened it to see Aiden in a red pajama yawning with a cup in his hand
"Yo" he yawned
"Hey" I said
"I need *yawn* sugar *yawn*" he yawned
"Sure come on in" I said before I walked back to my seat with Aiden following close behind
"Sophie he needs some sugar" I said
"No problem. It's on top of the fridge give me a second" she said
"Nice pajamas Rockstar" Rose laughed immediately gaining Aiden's attention
"Rose what are you here" he said immediately jumping awake
"I was just passing by" she laughed
"Here for another round" he smirked
"Of what?" She asked smirking
"Whatever you like" he answered
"Don't start you two" Rebecca said
"Fine, I actually came here to help James with his car"
"That sounds fun. Mind if I watch" he said and I just nod as my mouth was stuffed
"Okay guess I'll be attending all day with you Rose" He smirked
"Okay" she said before Sophie came back
"Here you go Aiden" she said handing him the sugar pan
"Thanks a lot" he said scooping out the sugar before giving it back
"Guess I'll see ya later" he said winking at Rose before leaving
(Martha)
It had been a great night, after eating with James we sat and watched a movie before heading back to bed where I slept peacefully. It reminded me that I hadn't relaxed or slept soundly in weeks
"Hey Martha it's time to wake up" he said flicking on the light
"Ugh what time is it?" I grumbled trying to force myself off the bed
"3 am" he said
"Why are we getting up so early?" I asked
"Why? We gotta make our flight" he said
"Flight?" I asked as the seemingly magnetic pull of the bed forced me back down
"I'll give a couple more minutes. You can rest while I'll make you breakfast in bed" he said
Remembering his last attempt of making dinner I jumped up
"No! It's fine. Why don't we just leave breakfast to me?" I said before he shrugged
"Okay I'll go take a shower" he said leaving the room
After he left I started cleaning the room. Stretching when I finished before going to the bathroom to brush my teeth
The moment I arrived at the door I saw James standing in his towel brushing his teeth in front of the mirror
He must not have noticed me because he didn't react at all.
I was gonna walk away but I was stuck admiring his muscular physique as he moved.
I was completely enthralled the show he was putting on of flexing his muscles as he reached over to put down the toothbrush and took up the mouthwash
In the midst of watching him flex l I noticed a smirk on his face. In that moment I realized he had noticed I was there or maybe he'd known from the start either way I had to leave so I slam the door and ran back to my room while he laughed
While running back to my room I caught a peek into his room.
It was a complete mess. The bed was untidy and there were pieces of clothes all over the floor along with empty pizza and ramen boxes.
"Oh my God" I said
"See something interesting?" He asked almost appearing out of nowhere
"James, is this how you're gonna leave your room?" I asked
"Yeah the room service ladies will come clean it up" he shrugged
"That's horrible. James you're a grown man. You can't cook nor tidy up your room. What exactly did your parents teach you at that big house of yours." I scolded before noticing his slight frown
I think I might have gone a bit too far
"I'm sorry it's your place; I shouldn't have said anything" I said before he shook his head
"It's fine you didn't say anything wrong" he said
It didn't seem that way. He was still frowning so we stood on awkward silence staring at each other
Then suddenly the doorbell rang
"Are you expecting someone?"
"It's probably room service"
"They come this early?"
"No I called for breakfast" he said
"But I told you I'd make it" I said before his smirk came back
"You're my guest I can't have you making all the meals....just relax" he said
"I can't exactly stay here for nothing. How about I clean your room for you?" I volunteered
"Um.." he said before the doorbell rang
"Go. I'll start cleaning" I said
Looking into his room another time he turn back at me rejecting my offer
"I think you should just go shower. I'll deal with the room and collect the breakfast" he said pushing me into my own room
I giggled a bit before getting ready to head to the shower
After the shower I wanted to get ready but that's when I had realized something.
"I don't have any clothes" I said
I hadn't thought to bring anything with me when I left. Not that I had the time
"Hey Martha you almost ready?" James asked before I stuck my head out the door
"Um I ran into a little situation" I said
"What kind of situation?"
"I don't have anything to wear"
"Really?" He laughed
"That's the situation? I'm sure you can find something"
"No I can't. I literally don't have anything to wear"
"Wait seriously?"
"Yeah, I didn't exactly have time to pack my bag when I stormed out" I added before he smiled again
"Wait right here" he said going into his room
"Sure it's not like I can go anywhere anyway" I said before sitting on my bed
Shortly after he knocked on the door again before he pushed a rack with a fancy dress in
"Here you can wear this" he said before I took it
"This is really beautiful" I said looking the golden sparkling spaghetti strapped dress
"Yeah it's Eve's, she left it on her occasional attempts to bring me home"
"Well it's really pretty" I said before getting a good look at the tag
"Is this real Christian Dior?" I asked
"Yeah"
"I can't wear this. It's really expensive" I said dropping it on the bed
"You're right. It's a bit too formal got a plane ride. Alright wear this" he said pushing in another rack which I took
I looked at the clothes.
It was a jean pants with a white shirt and a small pink fur coat
"Um is this Eve's too?"
"Yeah" he said before I took a good look at the clothes
"Is this real Gucci?" I said before he closed the door
"Hurry up we're gonna be late" he said running into his room
I sighed having no choice but to put on the very expensive clothes.
I put it on extremely carefully as if leaving a single wrinkle would kill me.
This was something I'd never thought I'd wear.
After getting dressed I for a second admired myself in the mirror before walking out. As I stepped into the living room James smiled
"You look great. How do they feel?"
"If I'm being honest the clothes are extremely comfortable but I thought of tearing it makes me feel really uncomfortable right now."
"Why?" He chuckled
"Because I can't afford to replace something like this" she said
"Just don't think about. That thing's been here for two years now. I doubt she even remembers it" he said
"Still don't feel better about it"
"Fine then I can buy you something"
"No. Why don't you just drop me off at Ebenezer's and I'll pick up some clothes" I suggested
"Okay but you should at least wear the dress to the event" he said
"Why would I need such a fancy dress?" I asked
"It's a formal event so please wear it for me. I'll buy it from Eve for you if that'd make you feel better" he said
"Yeahhh....no. Don't do anything like that" I said before he sighed
"Fine but promise you'll wear the dress"
"Fine I'll wear the dress" I said before he smiled
"Good let's get going" he said before we left the room locking it behind us.
It was around 5 am when we left. The minute we walked out of the hotel room we saw Nick coming in with something in his hands
"Nicholas" James said
"Mr. J where you headed off to today?" He asked
"Heading outta town for the weekend"
"Not you too. Vanessa's heading out town too and she's taking him with her"
"Nicholas you make seem as if she won't come back" he laughed
"But seriously who am I suppose to talk to now" he sighed
"I'm sure you'll find someone with that good looks of yours. I'm sure you're beating off girls with a stick"
"Sorry Mr. J only think about one girl right now"
"And how's that going?"
"It's a work in progress but it's worth the wait" Nick said
"I understand that" James said looking at me
"Oh Mrs. Stewart didn't see you there" Nick said shocked
"It's alright"
"How's Carl by the way? I meant to ask him how he's doing but we aren't really that close" Nick said before I smiled
"He's fine thank you so much for asking" I beamed thankful someone was finally asking how my son was feeling through all of this
"That's good. Anyway I won't keep you Mr. J. See you on Monday" Nick said
"Sure and Nicholas if it doesn't work out with that girl you always have Isabella" he said
"Oh god no" Nick shuddered
"See you Nicholas" James laughed as we went to his car
We drove quietly until we reached a stop light having nothing else to do I looked out the window and saw James jogging back to his hotel
"You know that kid?" James asked
"He is....was Carlton's best friend or at least one of them" I explained
"I see" he said before the light turned green
We drove straight to Ebenezer's house
"You ready?"
"Yeah"
"You sure?"
"Yeah Ebenezer doesn't normally wake until 12 pm on a Saturday" I said
"Okay but just know I'll be right here" he said before I got out and walked into the house I carefully walked up the stairs and entered the room
As I reached for the closet doors the light suddenly came on
"Looking for something?" Ebenezer asked before I sighed and turned towards him
"Ebenezer"
"So you came back. Really fancy clothes you have on. Did your boyfriend buy it" he said looking at my clothes
"I'm not doing this with you Ebenezer. I just came for my clothes" I said as he walked in front of me
I turned around and opened the closet door. He leaned against me as he pushed the door shut
"Are you doing?" I softly asked
"That's what I want to ask you" he whispered in my ear
"Weren't you the one who huffed and puffed while storming out of my house because you were tired of babysitting me. So what do you think you're doing by coming here for the clothes in my closet?"
"Ebenezer these are my clothes" I said weakly
"That I bought"
"You can't do that!!" I yelled turning towards him
"And why can't I? Wasn't it my money that got you those clothes"
"That's not the point, those are mine. You can't do this."
"Why not? Since you left my house obviously you decided you don't need my things anymore and since my credit card paid for these clothes they're mine"
"You can't be serious" I said
"Of course. Plus why would you need my clothes when you have 'James' to buy you. I mean look at you all dressed up in Gucci. He most really take care of you; not even a day and you're wearing famous brands" he said pissing me off a lot
"You know Martha I could you let you take your clothes if yo-" he whispered in my ear before he kissed my neck
"Get me off" I softly said cutting him off
"What?"
"GET OFF ME NOW!!" I yelled pushing him off of me.
He stumbled back before falling on his ass
"You know Ebenezer, before when I said I felt like I was babysitting you. I didn't really mean it but now I see just how accurate my words are. You're like a child crying out for attention and I'm finally done giving it to you. I want a divorce" I said before pass him
"What did you just say? Martha. Martha! Martha get back here!!' he yelled as I walked out
Making it downstairs I was greeted by Carl with a bowl of cereal in his hands
"Carlton what are you doing up so early?"
"I came to get a sandwich. Well a couple sandwiches" he said before I noticed the mountain of sandwiches on the counter along with a box of cookies in his hands
I smiled as I released a sigh
"What's wrong?" I asked
"Pardon?"
"Carlton you tend to eat a lot when something's on your mind. So what's on your mind?"
"It's Britney"
"Her? I know she's your ex and it must have hurt when she cheated on you" I said
"No. Not that Britney. I'm taking about Britney White, she's a transfer student"
"Okay so what about her?"
"She kinda forced me into going on a date with her and I don't know what she's expecting"
"Okay" I nodded
"I mean I just got out of a relationship and I already made a mistake with....." He said not saying that cougar's name
"And you don't want to end up hurting this Britney girl"
"Yeah, I mean she's really pretty and really nice but I just don't think rushing into another relationship is a good idea"
"So why don't you just tell her that?"
"I don't want to hurt her feelings"
"Carlton, it's better to hurt her feelings now than to break her heart later"
"I know you're right Mom but the thing is I was looking forward to hanging out with her since she's the only one that doesn't treat me like the plague" he said
"Tell her you want to get to know her better as friends before getting into anything"
"That's a great idea, thanks Mom."
"You're welcome honey. So where are you two planning to go today?" I asked him
"The Midnight restaurant" he said
"Nice place. The steak is absolutely amazing"
"Really? Have you been?"
"Yes I went once"
"With Dad?"
"No. I went with a friend"
"Oh okay" he said
"Anyway make sure you enjoy your dinner and remember to be a gentleman okay"
"Yeah Mom" he said
"Alright Carlton I have to get going"
"Where are you going" he asked
"Um?"
"Where did you get those nice clothes and where did you stay last night?"
"I stayed over at a friend's"
"Why?"
"Um Carlton I'll tell you later okay but right now I have to go. My friend and I are going on a trip I'll talk to you when I get back alright"
"Okay Mom, I'll see you then" he said before returning to his room
I watched as he walked up stairs and passing his father who looking down at from the staircase
We stared at each other for a bit before I walked out
I made my way back to the car and sat by James immediately putting on my seatbelt
"So did anything happen?" He asked
"Um.... Nothing much"
"So where are your clothes?" He asked
"It's fine I'll come for them when I get back" I said before he surprisingly took the keys out of the ignition
"Martha I'll give you two choices. Either you tell me or I go in and ask myself"
I sighed knowing nothing good would come from him going in there
"Fine" I said telling him everything
"That son of a bitch! How can a grown man be so childish?" James cursed
"It's fine James. It's just clothes. I can get more"
"That's obvious. I'll make sure of that personally but I'm pissed how he can use your own clothes against you like this"
"Against me?"
"Yeah he's holding your things hostage so you'll keep coming back to him. He wants you to know that you need him but don't worry I'll buy you newer and better clothes"
"No"
"What?"
"I told you I don't want you to buy stuff for me. I want to do this on my own"
"And how are you going to do that?"
"I'll get a job. In fact I'm gonna pay rent"
"Wait what?"
"If Ebenezer thinks I need someone to survive I'll prove him wrong"
"Fine but at least let me help you"
"You've helped enough. And giving me money can't count as helping" I said
"Then I'll hire you" he said
"What?"
"I'll give you a job"
"Doing what?"
"I need a receptionist"
"James I only have a high school certificate and my S.A.T scores were subpar at best"
"Didn't you go to college?"
"I dropped out senior year when I got pregnant so I didn't graduate"
"Okay fine what about being a house keeper"
"What?" I asked
"You've seen my apartment I need someone to take care of the place. I can promise good benefits like room in board, a grand a day and I hear the tenant is really good looking"
"Really a grand? Do you even make that much at $75 dollar a session"
"Just because I charge you that doesn't mean that's what I charge everyone else?"
"So how much do you charge everyone else?"
"$150 per session"
"That's double"
"I know" he smirked
"But still you can't possibly have enough patients to pay me $1000 a day"
"Did you already forgot who I am?" he smirked putting the key back into the car
"Oh my god. This is gonna take forever" I said but he only smiled in response before he grabbed my hand and we walked pass the mile long line to the security checkout breezing pass easily.
We quickly got unto the plane and we moved towards the seats
I stopped at a number and started putting my suits in the over head
"Martha what are you doing?" James asked
"I'm just putting away my bags." I said turning towards him only to see him trying to hold back his laughter as I struggled with the bags
"No you don't need to help I'm fine" I said sarcastically
"You can just stand there while I struggle with this" I continued before he stopped forcing back his laughter and gave me a charming smile.
"Okay but remember one thing" he said taking the bags and walked away towards the curtain
"You'll never struggle when I'm around" James said shifting the curtain allowing me to view into the first class section
"What are you doing just standing there. Let's go inside" he said
We walked into the section I could previously only stare at.
Putting away the bags James brought me to our seat that was more like the breakfast carts you'd see on a train. There was even a table between us
Shortly after a flight attendant came handing us a bucket of champagne on a tray with two glasses
"Thank you" James said opening the champagne and pouring it in a glass handing it to me before pouring some for himself
"So how is it?" he asked after I took a sip
"Confusing"
"Confusing?"
"Not the champagne but this whole situation is really confusing"
"How so?"
"You say you don't like the expensive lifestyle but you drive expensive cars, stay at fancy hotels and drive first class and despite not wanting to take over your father's company you have no problem using his money I just think it's confusing" I said before he sighed
"It's a bit hypocritical, I admit but what if I told you this is a much less expensive lifestyle than what I'm use to"
"Really?" I asked skeptically but he only smiled
"And you can't expect to completely drop out of the world I grew up in"
"You can take the boy out of the mansion but you can't the mansion out of the boy" I said as he continued to smile
"I guess, if I'm being honest I had planned to go back home a couple months after I came."
"Why didn't you?" I asked
"I got to know you and that beats going back to get married"
"Is the girl that bad?"
"She's Eve's sister"
"And that's bad?"
"Well of course since I liked Eve I couldn't exactly marry her sister" he said before I put down the glass my smile faltering a bit
"Oh shit did I say something wrong?" he asked
"No it's fine, I just realized I woke up early today and it was already exhausting dealing with Ebenezer and Carlton"
"Isn't that your son?"
"Yeah he has a date with a girl at The Midnight"
"Seriously" he asked and I nodded
"Why didn't you say that before" He smiled getting up from his seat and took his fold-able phone from his coat
"And where are you going?"
"To make a call" he said