"You're right, I will be" James answered patiently.
"Good" Morgan folded her arms defensively and pouted "practically running straight through us to get to the girls you actually like"
So that's what this was about. He wasn't sure if she had any particular interest in him or just struggled with rejection.
"Not that I can blame you" she added sadly "I'm perfectly aware nobody likes me. If they even notice me at all"
James felt sad for Morgan. The crazy thing was she was utterly gorgeous. And clearly smart, and she seemed to have more depth to her than most. She reminded him a lot of Nicola, both physically and personality wise. In fact, if she had been like this from the start he would almost certainly have spoken to her ahead of Maria. Maybe even ahead of Roxanne and Alexandra.
"I find it hard to believe anyone wouldn't notice you" James began diplomatically. Morgan turned to look at him with interest "but you don't exactly make it easy for people to like you"
"I know, and thank you for your honesty" Morgan sighed sadly "and for what it's worth I should apologise to you too. You're nicer than I thought you would be,"
"So are we friends?"
Morgan smiled and nodded.
"Yes, and as your friend, can I give you some advice?"
"Of course" James was interested in what she had to say, he knew it wouldn't be sugar coated.
"Stop messing about with four women and pick Meghan, you big dummy!" Morgan playfully slapped him playfully on the shoulder.
"Why Meghan?" James asked. Morgan rolled her eyes in exasperation.
"Are you an idiot? Because she's incredible, obviously"
James didn't disagree, but he felt the same way about the other three.
"Look, I know you like Melanie. Everyone here has seen how goofy you act around her" Morgan continued.
Great, so it was that obvious.
"And for what it's worth, I know she likes you too but.." Morgan paused and chose her words carefully "things with Mel are more complicated than you probably realise. I'm afraid I can't say any more than that"
All James wanted to retain from that was that Melanie liked him. But this was all wonderful intel. He decided to probe for more information.
"And what about Alexandra?"
Morgan laughed "she'd eat you alive"
"And Roxanne?"
"Be careful with her. She has a way of making you feel like you are the centre of her universe when she is talking to you. But it's all superficial. You aren't"
Funnily enough James already had the same concerns about Alexandra and Roxanne. Perhaps he was close to rounding down from four to two thanks to Morgan. This conversation had been hugely valuable.
"Thanks Morgan" he smiled genuinely at his new ally and confidant "and just so you know, when I first saw you I definitely noticed you. In fact.."
Morgan smiled endearingly and raised her hand to stop him there "you don't have to humour me, but thank you"
James nodded. He hadn't been humouring her, but it was best to leave it there "I'll catch you later"
"Whatever" Morgan smiled and winked.
Well, that went well. James wondered how much time he had on his hands and how he should spend it.