Our James.

Episode 1: An Invitation.

James pulled his old, beat up pickup into the garage of the beautiful mansion up on Silverton Heights. His truck was as out of place in this upscale neighborhood as he often felt but it was perfectly suitable for him and he'd refused Rose's generous offer to replace it with a newer model.

Getting out of the cab he stretched his tired muscles. He'd worked out this morning with the gym equipment in the basement. If he'd known how strenuous work was going to be he might have chosen to skip the workout. The four story shopping complex in the downtown boutique shopping district the team was working on these days involved a lot of heavy lifting and cramped working conditions but he was putting in extra time to get the job done quickly. If they could meet the deadline for the spring opening there was a generous bonus involved.

Mr. Draco's was very delighted with the progress they were making, especially James. They were reaching a phase where the other contractors would be taking over the building to complete their work and they would have a couple of months of respite before they'd need to return to finish up. If the other teams didn't encounter any complications then they would definitely hit the deadline. As it was they'd be early, largely due to Jim's peculiar gestalt perception of systems and patterns.

He had poured over the building's blue prints to ensure he understood where their installations would run and noticed some errors in the construction of the building's layout. Two important walls had been poured in the wrong location and there wouldn't be enough room in the central utilities shaft to house all of the required conduits. He'd brought this to the attention of the new site foreman who confirmed James was right and contacted the project managers, the Klein Group, with the setback. James provided an alternate suggestion for the location of the electrical conduits which actually cut some of the cost so the foreman was able to take steps to keep the project moving.

But today James was tired. It was late. Getting home at 9PM every night this week was draining but he was done for the weekend. No Saturday shift tomorrow.

He entered the house and heard voices coming from the kitchen and the wonderful aroma of cooking. He followed this until he was standing in the doorway looking at the two women he shared the home with.

Rose noticed him first as she was facing his direction. Her smile dazzled him as it always did. Lovely blue eyes twinkled with delight as he stood enraptured by her beauty. Lush red hair cascaded over her shoulders and partially obscured her abundant cleavage. His eyes were trapped there for a moment as she subtly arched her back to tease him just a little.

Grace turned with a smile and he looked into her loving dark eyes. She was not as tall or svelte as Rose but she absolutely glowed with love for him and quickly crossed the room to pull him into a tight hug. James kissed her and felt himself floating away to heaven as her soft lips against his were absolute bliss.

"Welcome home," she purred when she pulled back. He loved the feel of her body against his but he was just too pooped to respond that way.

"It's good to be home!" he sighed happily.

Grace released him and he made his way over to Rose. He pulled her into a hug and kissed her. She slipped him a little tongue which sent a spark to his groin but he pulled back and shook his finger at her. "I'm not risking falling asleep while making love. Tonight I sleep. Tomorrow..." he bounced his eyebrows at the two ladies who chuckled at him.

Rose patted his thick bicep, feeling a tantalizing little tingle shoot through her and turned to get his dinner.

"I made a chicken casserole from that recipe you gave me." Rose said as she pulled the dish from the oven. James's mouth began to water immediately. She served up three plates, giving James a large portion. They carried their plates to the table. "Careful everyone, it's hot!"

Grace brought tall glasses of cold water to the table and they sat together.

"You two don't have to wait for me to get home to have dinner!"James exclaimed.

"Nonsense! We love eating together!"
Rose insisted and Grace just smiled at him. She knew he was secretly delighted they were sharing this mealtime with him.
James blew on a forkful of the steaming noodles and chicken then popped it into his mouth. His eyes closed in happiness as the flavors melted across his tongue. "Oh, that's so good, Rose!"

She gave him a very pleased smile and enjoyed her own meal.

"How was school today?" James asked Grace. She was attending college studying accounting as she wanted to be a forensic accountant.

Grace's sudden smile warmed his heart. He was so glad she was finally on the path she was destined for and he was so glad he was able to make it happen for her.

"It was really good! The professor is taking us through an actual case history of a company involved with money laundering!" she gushed.

Rose smiled at the other woman's obvious delight.

James turned to her and she dabbed her mouth as she swallowed. "Well, I had lunch with a bunch of very wealthy ladies with too much time on their hands, she quipped."

James looked at her curiously and she realized he hadn't caught her self-effacing tone. Grace raised an eyebrow at her and she nodded apologetically.

"With our neighbor from the top of the hill no longer available to attend these social events, the Empanada League invited me to their luncheon. Most wouldn't even look at me as I hadn't inherited my fortune but one of the ladies was friendly so the lunch wasn't a complete loss. They were discussing some big charity gala event tomorrow night. I think it's a five thousand dollar a plate dinner with a silent auction and celebrities attending."

"Five thousand dollars a plate, that's crazy! But I'd pay $2000 for another plate of this casserole." James exclaimed.
Rose snorted and got up to get him some more. On the way back to the table the phone rang. She put the plate in front of him and ran her fingers through his hair as she walked past to get the phone. James and Grace got to hear one side of the conversation.

"Hello? Oh, hi Tristan. Tickets, no, I didn't buy any. Tomorrow night? Yes, I know. What?! No, that's- that's too generous... I- I suppose I could bring a date."

Rose looked desperately at James who just winked back at her. She looked to Grace who grinned, pointed at James and nodded.

"Yes, I have a date. What? Yes... he is pretty special. Are you sure? OK, I'll see you there. Seven PM at the Esplanade. Thank you!"

Rose looked back at their curious faces. Her mouth was working but she couldn't speak.

Grace grinned at her excitement. James just continued to eat as he watched her.

"That was the nice woman I met at the luncheon, Tristan Grant. She's invited me and my date to the charity dinner tomorrow night."

"Who are you taking?" James asked.

Rose smiled at him and Grace snorted.

"Me! At a fancy charity dinner? what should I wear my fancy jeans?" he grinned.

"I guess we're going shopping tomorrow!"
Rose cheered.

James grinned and hung his head to the sound of Grace's giggles.