Chapter Four

Morgan arrived at Pop’s diner thirty minutes past noon, taking a moment to marvel at the building’s longevity rather than its feats of architectural brilliance. The diner was opened a decade before the hospital and very little had changed over the years, at least that was what he was told by many of the senior nurses and other staff members at the hospital. While many of the other smaller businesses around it had been bought up by well funded corporate entities, the little restaurant continued to stand in defiance as the last remaining symbol of a bygone era. The brown, wooden logs and gray stone combination gave the exterior a distinct rustic look. Simple and earthly colours of gray, brown and taupe decked the interior, providing unpretentious and organic warmth to all who dined within.

When Morgan stepped into the diner, he was quickly waved over by the person he was meeting. After a quick hug, they quickly sat down at their corner booth. Jackson McAllister was two inches taller than the five foot ten inch Morgan and much leaner; his body hugging clothes attesting to the fact. He wore a blue tee-shirt with some graffiti, skinny jeans and high tops. His jet-black hair was a stark contrast to his pale white skin. In addition to this, he had a half sleeve tattoo on his left forearm. A lot had changed about the man in the three years since they last spoke in person.

“That is quite an interesting look you have, Jackson. What’s the dream this time?” Morgan mused.

“Well, if you must know, I recently took up modelling. When I landed a gig here, I figured I’d kill two birds with one stone.”

Morgan met Jackson when he had transferred to his school in the eighth grade and the two immediately hit it off. Though he wouldn’t admit it, Jackson was the smartest and most talented person he had ever met. Academic rivals throughout their high school years, Morgan never bested him once though he came close on several occasions.

The only child of a real estate tycoon, Jackson’s parents set up a trust fund that he could only access once he obtained his degree in Commercial Real Estate Development. Their heir needed to understand the business he was to take over, after all. They also agreed that he could pursue his own interests, provided he obtained his degree and continued to familiarize himself with the family business.

A cute waitress handed them the menus, patiently awaiting their orders. Morgan peered over his menu to find that her gaze was firmly fixed on Jackson. Noticing this, Jackson winked at her when his gaze finally met hers, to Morgan’s chagrin. Blushing from ear to ear, she took their orders and hurried over to the next table. Morgan caught Jackson staring at her ass and shook his head.

“What?” said Jackson, continuing to stare at her ass.

“I know what you’re thinking and don’t you dare,” growled Morgan.

“I’m pretty sure there’s no harm in looking,” said Jackson, finally turning to Morgan.

“I have seen that look one too many times and I know what follows: a simple roll in the hay for you and a possible boatload of heartache for her.”

“Relax bro, only trying to help you loosen up,” Jackson said dryly, “Besides, we have more important things to discuss.”

Morgan sat up a little straighter in his seat, noting that Jackson had become serious.

“Your parents have been worried sick about you, especially your mother. She tells me you haven’t been returning her calls for the past two months and when I told her I was coming here, she asked me to check in on you.”

“I have been really busy with work and stuff. Some stuff happened recently and I didn’t want to be a bother so I thought I’d handle it myself,” replied Morgan, looking down in sheer embarrassment. He knew deep down that his behaviour had been completely unacceptable.

“How’s that working for you?” replied Jackson harshly.

“Well...”

“Dude, what’s the point of having people who care about you if you can’t go to them for help? I mean you could have called me, Natalie, any of your brothers or even your parents.”

“Natalie and I aren’t together anymore. We broke up about two months ago.”

“Damn bro, I didn’t know.”

“It isn’t your fault, man. Like you said, I should have reached out and spoken to someone. I’m sorry for being so distant over the last couple of months but I’m really happy you’re here though.”

Their food came a few minutes later and they ate their meals in silence. Morgan glanced at his watch before he finished the last bite of his burger. It was fifteen minutes before two o’clock. He finally rose from his seat.

“I gotta go. Duty calls. How long are you in town for?”

“Two weeks. We need to sit down and talk about what’s been going on with you lately and I’m not taking no for an answer,” said Jackson, crossing his arms.

“Um, okay although I’ll be out of town over the weekend for a conference but I’ll be free Monday evening. I’ll text you the address and here’s the money for the meal. Don’t forget to generously tip the young lady,” said Morgan.

As Jackson watched his best friend walk out the door, a sense of guilt crept into his heart. His friendship with Morgan was the kind that did not require daily or weekly conversations. They always managed to pick up where they left off. It was different this time. He had a feeling over the last two months that something was wrong with Morgan but he never bothered to reach out and confirm his suspicions.

Some best friend I turned out to be.