worth the risk • dean portman

chapter eight

morgan

The knocking on my door wakes me up from my nap and instantly brings a smile to my face.

I sprint downstairs as fast as I can, throwing myself into Dean's arms before he even has a chance to put his backpack down.

"Woah there!" he says with a laugh. "Easy now, you almost knocked me over. But hi gorgeous, how have you been?"

"I missed you so much." I whisper into him. "Don't ever go on a vacation without me again."

He looks at me and smiles, placing a kiss on my forehead. "Noted."

I hug him tighter and wait until he finally lets me go. "Do you want to come inside?" I ask hopefully. "My parents are out and won't be home until later."

He sighs and shakes his head. "I wish I could, but I have to get back to Fulton's. He's been up my ass about being back by two, so I have to get moving."

"Fine, but I'm driving you." I insist, because I don't want him taking a cab or something similar by himself.

Luckily, he doesn't put up a fight. I run inside, grab my keys, and unlock my car, allowing him to open my trunk and put his bags inside. As I'm pulling out of the driveway, I see Jake walking out of his house. Unfortunately for him, I don't bother to spare him a second glance. He's not worth it.

Unfortunately for me however, my parents are having the Kennedys over for dinner tonight. And that means I can't even hang out with Dean once I drop him off at Fulton's, because I actually have to make myself look presentable.

Believe me, I would show up in pajamas if I chose what to wear. My dad wants me to look nice though, since last time I chose to go out to a nice restaurant in sweatpants. I also think that something important is going to be announced, so I have to suck it up and do it.

I end up staying at Fulton's for a half hour, because it allows me to distract myself from Jake and his stupid, never-ending pursuit of me. I honestly just might end up laughing in his face if he continues with it.

Once I'm back home from Fulton's, I shower, do my skincare, put on my makeup, and get myself dressed. I decide on wearing a sweater with plain black leggings, because I still want to be comfortable in my own house. My parents will have to be happy with it, because I'll be refusing to change if they ask me to.

To please my dad, I do put some effort into my appearance. I curl my hair and put on a bit more makeup than I normally would. The last thing I want is him to be mad at me, so I do as he asks.

Before you become worried, my dad and I have a great relationship. There's certain things about him that I wish would change, like his obsession with my apparent future marriage, but he's the best dad I could've asked for and I wouldn't trade my relationship with him for the world.

After reapplying my mascara for the tenth time, I finally decide that I'm ready. I pop some gum in my mouth and head downstairs to start setting the table, so I can help out my parents a bit. My mom is already stressed enough as it is, because she's making an entire feast. I figure if I set the table, it'll help take one small thing off her shoulders.

I grab the fancy placemats from one of the drawers in the dining room and place them around the six-person table. I then grab the plates, silverware, napkins, and glasses, setting them in their spot around the placemats. Lastly, I make sure that the centerpiece looks perfect and that the flowers are watered.

Just as I sit on the couch to relax, I hear a knock at the door. I open it to reveal all three Kennedys, who all look very fancy. Jake put way more effort into his appearance than I did, because he's wearing a white long-sleeved dress shirt with dark dress pants and nice shoes.

I give them a reserved smile and welcome them in, leading them to the dining room. "Sorry my parents aren't here yet, my mom wanted to get some last minute things for the food."

"No worries sweetheart!" Mrs. Kennedy exclaims with a smile. "We're in no rush at all. What is she making?"

"Her favorite dishes from home." I answer, returning the smile. My mom is originally from Spain and makes some of the best food I've ever had. The only person that beats my mom's cooking is my abuela's, but she still lives back in Spain. I visit every summer, and I hope that she'll teach me her recipes one day like she taught my mom.

"Do you know the dishes we'll be having?" Mr. Kennedy questions as he sits at one end of the table.

I quickly think of all the things my mom mentioned, and list them off as they come to mind. "For the appetizers, she's making green beans with garlic and seasonings, as well as salad. The main course will be paella and albondigas, which are stuffed meatballs with a tomato sauce. And for dessert, she's making churros."

"That all sounds fantastic!" Mrs. Kennedy says, and I notice how her entire expression is lit up. That makes me happy to see, because my mom has been worrying all day that everyone wouldn't like her food.

Personally, I think she's ridiculous for ever thinking that people wouldn't like her food. Abuela taught her well, and everyone loves her food. My mom just likes to worry.

Soon after, my parents arrive and everything is served. Like I predicted, everyone loved the food. I mean, how could they not? It's good food that was made with a lot of love. Who doesn't love that?

After dinner, I decide to go up to my room and change into pajamas. I take off my makeup, wash my face, put my hair up, and flop on my bed, hoping that I'll fall asleep and wake up in the morning. The food coma I have right now is no joke.

As I'm about to drift off, I hear a soft knock on my door. I know who it is and decide to ignore it, because I'm hoping he'll think that I'm sleeping and walk out when he sees me.

Unfortunately, he doesn't walk out. He decides to sit himself on my bed next to me, and I suddenly feel myself being gently shaken. "Morgan, wake up."

I shoot up in anger, and give Jake the best glare I can. "What the hell is wrong with you? Can't you see that I'm trying to sleep?"

"I know, and I'm really sorry." he whispers, running a hand through his hair. "I just need to ask you something."

"And this couldn't have waited until tomorrow?" I snap impatiently, rolling my eyes at him.

He shakes his head, and I let out a sigh of frustration. "Make it quick, I want to sleep. What is it?"

"I saw you and your boyfriend on Wednesday." he mutters, an unreadable expression on his face. "I didn't think you were the bad boy type."

The comment ticks me off, and I snap. "You know absolutely nothing about him, and you won't know anything about him. Who I date is none of your goddamn business, and I don't appreciate your comments on him. He's not a 'bad boy', and he certainly is a better boyfriend than you'd ever be. Leave my room now, or I'm going to scream. When everyone comes rushing up here and asks what happened, I'll tell them that you're harassing me."

"Morgan, don't fucking do that. That isn't-"

"Don't test me. I will do it, and you can't stop me." I interrupt, and watch as Jake's mouth shuts immediately.

When he doesn't move, I lean forward and give him a shove. "Goodbye Jake, it's time for you to go now. Thank you for the unwanted visit, I didn't appreciate it."

Without another word, he gets up and leaves my room. I don't appreciate the way he slams the door behind him, but at least he's gone.

I genuinely don't know what the hell my dad sees in him.

**a/n**
hi guys, i'm sorry this chapter is literal garbage but i wanted to get something out for you guys. i promise that the story will progress soon, i'm just building it up. love you all and thanks for the support you've shown me through this entire series <3