Chapter 14: Harry Johnson

The Dallas Lounge looked amazing. Johnathan and I had gotten here early so we could tell the crew how everything was going to be organized. Since the theme is going to be mostly royal blue, the room is going to be pretty dark. So certain sections are going to be white so that way it wouldn't be as dark as expected.


Johnathan and I were working on the bar when he said, "So guess what?"


I smiled putting a bag of strawberry starburst on the shelf and said, "What?"


He smiled back putting another bag of cherry starburst on, "I invited Robert to the party."


I paused as he continued, "I thought it would be much easier to have the meeting here. You know so he could feel comfortable and relaxed. He works through the week, so it was the only time he was free."


My heart was pounding and I held on to an empty shelf to steady myself. I would have reacted differently if I had talked to Chris, but Caleb told me it was close to the basketball finals and the team had been practicing like crazy. Darrius didn't even come over this week, so I knew Chris returning my calls was not going to happen.


However, how could he be so stupid. We had this discussion with Darrius. If Chris saw his father here, it would for sure ruin Caleb's party. Johnathan continued to smile thinking this was a great idea. Then he took a better look at my worried face and asked, "What's wrong?"


I pushed him making the glass shelf shake and he looked at me shocked before I said, "You're a fucking idiot! Why would do this?"


He rolled his eyes and scoffed, "Because if we don't jump on this soon, he is going to take his business elsewhere. I'm not about to lose an amazing deal over the fact that your new boy toy has daddy issues."


I pulled him in roughly by his shirt, pinning him against the bar. Johnathan sometimes can go overboard with his judgement of the people I date. Usually I would let him, but Chris was off limits. I could feel his heart beating on my knuckles and see the fear in his face as he said, "Wow you really care about this one."


I let him go and he adjusted himself before continuing, "I thought you talked to him."


"I didn't but still if I did, he wouldn't want to see him at the party John!"


"But this is a big deal Harry," he stated putting his hand on my shoulder, "Business is not personal. Chris and his dad have issues personally, but I know neither one would stop the other from gaining business."


He pulled his hand away from me but went on, "I'm not asking you to be this guy's friend. I'm asking you to close a deal that will be great for our business."


I couldn't deny the point he made. Personal situations aren't meant in the business world and for people that do conduct in that way fail. This just didn't sit right to me and I know a thing or two about gut feelings. I didn't want Caleb to have a bad party and I didn't want Chris to hate me. However, I can't just let this deal slip through. So, with a heavy sigh I just said, "Okay just make sure that him and Chris do not see each other."


Johnathan smiled excitedly and hugged me before he spoke, "He told me that he will only be here a few minutes since he didn't want to keep you. I swear 15 to 20 minutes and he is gone."


I put my hand over my head and asked, "When is he coming?"


"Around 7:30 or 8," he answered, and I nodded in approval. That is just the start of the party and everyone would more than likely be here around that time. I hope God is listening because I'm going to need a miracle to pull this off. I just hope that if Chris does see his father that he will at least kill me quickly.


**


"Oh, you are so fucking dead," Caleb stated nonchalantly as he put on his suit for the party, "and the only reason I'm not killing you is because I want to see Chris do it."


"But wouldn't a murder ruin your party?" I asked him, and he replied, "No it would make it memorable."


"I honestly don't think he would react that badly to seeing him," I expressed, and Caleb's eyes shifted back to me. He had one eyebrow raised as his face scrunched up into disbelief as he said, "The fact that you actually said that makes me truly know that you have no common sense."


I was sitting on his bed crisscrossed while hugged up to a large pillow. He was right, nothing good could possibly come out of this. Damn it Johnathan! Why did you have to choose tonight? All I wanted to do was have fun at my brother's party and now I had to act like a double-crossing spy trying to keep two enemies apart. Plus, judging from how Caleb's face was turning a deep red, I knew he was mad. He was 18 and now had to think about drama at his party. I shook my head and couldn't even get the words I was about to say out when he said, "Don't even say you're sorry. It's not going to change how selfish you are being."


"It wasn't my fault!" I yelled.


"But you could have had the meeting any other time instead of today," he spat back turning towards me now, "If you were smart, you could have had the meeting this week instead of waiting for Chris to call you back if you were just going to do it anyway."


"Johnathan said the man was busy through the week Caleb," I said getting up from the bed, "I've waited this long to set up a meeting, I'm not waiting any longer. What Chris and his dad have going on is not related to his business."


Caleb was still upset but he let me talk, "Look I will do my best to keep them apart. Robert is only going to be there for like 30 minutes. If they do happen to see each other, I know that Chris wouldn't ruin your party to fight his own father. You know it too."


I could see the wheels turning before he spoke, "Yes I know but he is still going to want answers when his dad leaves and judging from your past boyfriends, you don't like to clean up your own shit."


I laughed weakly and rubbed my neck, "Well this time I will. Chris deserves to know why and I should be the one to tell him."


He seemed to be calm now as the doorbell ringed. I was already dressed in a navy colored suit and the tie my dad got for me before he passed. I told Caleb to stay up here to finish dressing while I got the door. Before I went out of the room, I looked at him. He was standing in front of his closet mirror trying to decide what tie to wear but all I could see was the little kid who use to sneak into my parent's room to put on my dad's clothes. I could imagine the oversized shirt covering up most of his body as he laughed and spins around flapping his arms. He had grown up so fast and I couldn't believe that I had a hand in raising him. The doorbell ringed again and he turned towards me, "Harry, I think that's Darrius and the guys. I told them that we can all go to the party together."


I nodded and made my way down the stairs. The doorbell kept ringing and I could even hear a small beat against the door. I knew it couldn't be anybody else but Darrius's friend, Tre. I smiled as I opened the door and Tre almost fell not paying attention. I looked at all the boys and they were wearing royal blue button downs, but they were all different fabrics. They wore black slacks that were fitted amazingly and hair was cut to perfection. I greeted them as they all came in and then I saw Chris getting out of his car.


He stepped out looking magnificent with the same fitted black slacks but his button down was for sure pulling me in. Every muscle was highlighted through this shirt and when the sun hit it just right, the fabric sparkled. I've only seen that on wedding dresses and skirts. This shirt was amazing because you didn't really see anything like it. The tulle fabric wasn't loose and it looked so comfortable. I was getting hot not just because of the way he looked, but by the effort he put into his work. He should really be working for someone or owning his own business. As he walked up the steps, all I could do was stare.


He smiled while wiping his hand over his neck and said, "I know that you are probably upset with me from ditching you last week but I just want you to know that I was visiting a relative. I always do every second Saturday but I really wanted to spend time with you and I thought it was just dinner- "


"Chris it's fine," I said before he begins to ramble, "But thank you for your apology."


He gave me a wide smile before chuckling a little. I swear his laugh just gave me shivers and he smelled so good as he hugged me. Then he pulled back and it seemed as if he was shaking thoughts out before asking, "So what is it that you wanted to tell me?"


"Huh," I said pretending I didn't hear but he spoke again, "The thing you have been wanting to tell me. You know? The reason you called and texted me."


"Oh yeah. I kind of want to tell you about a new deal that I have," I expressed nervously. His smile grew as he prepared to hear what I had to say. I wanted to tell him but my mouth went dry along with learning how to form words.


"W-w-w-well, uhm y-y-you see," I stuttered, "I-I-It's not final yet."


He laughed before coming in and saying, "You know you don't have to tell me?"


"Oh, but I do," I stated before Tre ran towards us, putting his arm in the space between Chris and I.


"Dude you gotta fixed this hole," he whined pointing to the opening on his elbow, "Darrius is really chewing my ass out. Pause."


"Tre I will get to you later," Chris answered putting Tre's arm down, "Harry was just- "


"No, it can wait," I interrupted finding an out to our conversation. Maybe I didn't have to tell him about his dad. The guy was only going to be there for like 30 minutes. I'm sure I could find something to distract Chris from going towards the booths for that long. I would have to get one of the other guys to do it considering Darrius would kill me if I asked him to. Chris nodded and said, "Okay, well let me get my stuff from the car."


He left us alone and a light bulb went off in my head. Even though I knew he was probably the last guy on the team I would want to ask, Tre was the closest to me right now. Taking a deep breath and praying, I smiled and turned Tre towards me, "How good are you with being a distraction?"


His brown eyes squinted in suspicion. I never noticed how tall he was until now. He was a good few inches taller than me and he was just as good looking as his teammates. He had a sharp jaw line with a freshly cut fade and a board upper body that seeped through his shirt. Just looking at him now, I didn't know why he didn't have anyone. Then he opened his mouth, "That depends...how many Benjamin's you want to spend? Because prom is coming up and ya boy ain't got no funds."


I glared up at him as he continued to smile. I had no other choice, so I quickly fished into my pocket and pulled out 3 hundred-dollar bills. He took the money and placed it inside his pockets as I said, "Okay, I'm going to give you my number and when I call you, take Chris to the back of the lounge and stay there for at least 30 minutes. You got it?"


He nodded winking at me and replied, "I got you!"


Just then Chris came walking through the door with a small bag that probably contained his materials. He shook his head at his friend before expressing, "You better be glad that I had the fabric in here or else you would have been walking around using one arm. Now come on because the party starts in a minute and I don't need to hear Darrius's mouth."


"Right, right," Tre answered following Chris to the dining area where everyone else was. He turned back to give me another wink and a thumb up. Even though I wanted to believe he was fully capable of doing this task, deep down in my conscience something didn't feel right. Hopefully nothing will go wrong, and my brother would have a drama free birthday party. Hopefully.


**


I've never seen Caleb smile so hard or dance that hard as he moved along with Darrius. The place was filled up having me thinking that he invited more people than he let on, but it didn't matter. As long as he kept smiling. I was right about the royal blue making the room a little darker, but the chandelier was deemed down enough for a little light. Kids were hanging out at the bar sipping soda out of champagne glasses pretending to be adults for the night. Others were sitting down waiting for an empty space on multicolor dance floor. Plus, the decorations turned out better than I expected. I had a few pictures of Caleb hanging around as well. Darrius made fun of one them because he was naked getting out of the tub as a baby. The booths had lights above them, so people could see where they were sitting.


Johnathan was waiting at the door, bumping along with the security guard and wearing a matching navy suit. I was standing up at the DJ booth looking over everything. I was making sure no one was messing up any of the decorations or trying to spike anyone's drinks. You never know what could happen at these parties, so you have to keep an eye out for anything. Then my eyes landed on the basketball team. They had everyone's attention as they danced almost in sync. Jace did a small move and passed it to Gerald who showed off his break dancing skills. For a guy of his height, I was surprised that he even could move like that. Then Tre stepped in and started doing the running man but with his own flare. I saw everyone dancing except the person I wanted to see.


Then a new circle opened, and the guys went crazy. I stepped a little closer to the edge to see over everyone. They were rooting so loud, that Caleb and Darrius came over. I still couldn't see, so I took the stairs down to the floor. I could feel the vibration of the music as I moved through the crowd with some people also trying hard to see what the commotion was about. After almost getting elbowed in the face and stomach, I finally made it to the center only to come face to face with what I feared. The small doubt I had about Chris's interest in women, heighten. Chris literally had this girl's ass so close to his dick that I thought he had sprung her out from the front of his pants. She was bent over with her hair covering up her face as Chris held on to her hips and moved where ever her ass did. If she moved left or right, he grind and moved with her. Then she came back up, flipping her hair to the side and moved against him. She was pretty and very filled out to be in high school but to me, at this moment, she was a roach.


He was very much into it as he bit his lip and matched her motion. From the side I could see the basketball guys going wild and I thought I heard Tre yell excitedly, "That's my nigga!"


I folded my arms unimpressed, but my heart had plunged into my stomach. I was doing everything to make sure he knew how I felt about him and this was how he showed me? My anger was setting in as everyone chanted for them. Then the girl laid her head on his shoulder and if he turned his head towards her they would have kissed.


"Why are you torturing yourself?" I thought and couldn't find an answer. I turned away, trying to push myself through the crowd again when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I thought some kid needed to find the bathroom so I turned and was met with Chris's sapphire eyes. The crowd had disappeared back into a cluster of sweaty teenagers again and the girl had disappeared as well.


"I've been looking for you," Chris said smiling and trying to catch his breath, "This party is amazing."


"Yea," I answered emotionless, "I see that you are really enjoying yourself. Didn't know that you could move like that?"


Even though it was kind of dark, I could sense him catching on to my nonchalant attitude by the way he took his hand from my shoulder.


"Yea," he said distancing himself, "We were just dancing Harry."


"I know," I replied still sounding a bit hurt, "It just confirms things you know?"


"Confirms what?"


"You know, the whole bisexual th- "


"Oh my God really," he exclaimed angrily, "Even after I confirmed it to you."


The music was getting louder now and I had to step closer to him to talk, "I know you said it but now its most definitely clear. Especially the way that you were dancing with her."


"Because I was dancing and yea she was attractive to me, "he stated honestly. Someone bumped into me pushing me farther into him and if I wasn't so hurt right now I would tell him how great he always smelled. I was going to turn around when he took me in his arms and hugged me.


"Harry," he spoke holding my waist, "If we are going to work, you are going to have to understand that yes I am attracted females too but that doesn't mean you aren't enough."


I could feel how sincere he was. I knew he probably had to tell his ex this and I didn't realize I needed it too. It felt great that he could read me better than myself and he was younger than me. I guess that was something else I had to get use to as well even though he never really showed his age. I always wondered about that. He seemed so mature even though sometimes he would joke around to hide certain feelings.


Looking only at him and watching his shirt shine in the light, all I wanted to do was kiss him. I almost did until I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I pulled away from him and pulled out my phone. Johnathan's picture appeared, and I answered, "Hey what's up?"


"Robert Norway is here," He replied, "So whatever you have planned to keep them apart, you might as well do it now."


My nerves shot up as my palms begin to sweat and my heart pulsated through my shirt. I looked around the crowd of teens for Tre but all I saw was teens on top of more teens. I kept my phone held against my ear while pushing through the crowd. I stood on my toes to find the tall boy but I finally saw him bent over as a girl laughed slapping him on the booty. I rushed towards him and pulled him towards me by his collar.


"Heeeyyyy," Tre yelled as he stood upright, "That was my future wife."


"Focus or you will not be able to keep that 300 dollars," I stated and that instantly got Tre's attention, "Chris's dad is here and Chris is over there. Do what I told you to do for exactly 30 minutes. Do you understand?"


Tre nodded quickly making his way over to Chris as I made my way to the front. I saw Johnathan talking to someone whose back was turned to me. Johnathan cracked a smile as I approached them and said, "Here is the other man, Harry Johnson."


The man had a low fade and was wearing a white button down with matching slacks. He turned around and I instantly felt the same pull of attraction that I had towards Chris. He had those same light blue eyes and that smile that brighten up any room. The only thing that was different was the beard and small scar on his forehead. He also had a few wrinkles around his eyes to show his age but judging by how wide his shoulders are he didn't look like it under the clothes.


I felt it was strange how strongly attracted I was to him but just like Tre, he doesn't think before he speaks.


"So, you're the man that think keeping the fashion world's most infamous designer on hold a good idea?" He plainly asked.


The arrogance that spilled through each word was enough to fill the entire lounge. That was most definitely not like Chris. I shook my head, just to really gather what he said. Then I wondered if I was just trying to find something to set him apart from his son, so I just laughed and said, "Well, I was going to call you but my brother needed help with the party."


"Sounds like an excuse that has nothing to do with me," He replied before looking at Johnathan, "So our meeting is going to be surrounded by loud teenagers and music? Not very professional but at least I'll get food."


Johnathan and I awkwardly laughed as we showed him to a nearby booth. I was watching to see if Tre had done his job right. I saw no sign of them so that was a plus. Then I looked at Johnathan trying to get more clarification so that I know that I wasn't crazy. He just shrugged as I mouthed, "Seriously?"


We sat down and there was already fresh food on the table. Robert seemed pleased at that as he picked up one of the boneless wings. Johnathan was the first to speak but was quickly shut down by Robert putting his hand up to say, "I rather speak to the actually person that runs the company."


I clenched my fist together for a split second. Johnathan was just as important to this company as I was. I was ready to jump across the table until Johnathan took hold of my wrist. He shook his head unhappily as he motioned for me to move aside so he can slide out the booth. Once he left, Robert smiled and placed his hands on the table.


"So...let's talk about what you can do for me," he said leaning against dark cushion of the booth, "I have one of the biggest clothing lines in the world. My designs are sought out by the elite and only available to those that can afford it. However, I see now that I could have a wider audience if I were to sell to those that aren't as fortunate. That's were your little department store comes in."


"I wouldn't call it that considering we sell everything from Gucci to Alexander Wang pieces," I countered and his smile faded a little but he continued, "As I was saying, tell me why I should give some of my pieces to you?"


I straighten myself and calmed my nerves down just enough to answer, "I just believe that the Elegant Pauper would be a perfect fit for you. We made over 2 million dollars in revenue last year and we have been mentioned in many design magazines articles. We can take your private business and make it even bigger than it already is. That's what Elegant Pauper can do for you."


"Articles don't mean anything just exposure but money talks, "He said eating another wing, "I'll admit I've heard of you but the fashion thing is not what you are most famous for."


"No, I am into other ventures as well," I clarified leaning on the table, "I have my hands in a little bit of everything."


"You are so young though," He threw in, "Young people tend to make a lot of mistakes when they are running a business for the first time."


"Well when you have been in this business for as long as I have, you aren't really considered a rookie anymore."


He smirked again looking around. Then his eyes landed on a big picture of me and Caleb before he asked, "How do you find the time to do these things?"


"Excuse me?"


"You know to be someone's dad or parent," he asked still looking longingly at the picture. For a moment all the arrogance just disappeared and he seemed taken back by something else. He turned back to me waiting for my answer.


"Well...I just do it," I confessed, "All I have is my brother and he deserved a life that we couldn't have."


"I read that your parents passed when you were 18 and you had to take your brother in. If you had the choice would you have not taken care of him?"


"I would do it again in a heartbeat," I quickly answered and didn't understand why the conversation took a personal turn but I decided to hit him with one question of my own.


"Do you have any kids?"


He froze the minute I asked him but then he smirked, "One son but I don't tell everyone. He is...something. Don't really speak much but try to keep in touch. He came to visit me one time and then 2 weeks in, he left to stay with his aunt."


Chris never told me that he left his dad during the summer. I knew he went but I didn't know he left. Robert looked at me again and continued, "He is the reason I wanted to do a show here. Just so he can see what dad does, you know?"


For a few more minutes, we just talked about life. It was a contrast to the guy that I met earlier and the monster Chris paints him out to be. However, there is always snakes in the grass and I'm still not for sure if Robert is one of them. Then close to the end of the conversation he said, "I'll tell you this...give me the rest of my visit to figure out my decision. I may show up at your work or home just to see if I can trust you. Right now, I'm impressed with you. You seem very trustworthy, easy to open up to."


I nodded but inside I was relieved. I didn't have to get out of character with him and I almost definitely have a yes. All I have to do is have my office and home in order. I could tell by the way he fidgeted when some kids ran passed him that he was over being at my brother's party. We shook hands once before we left the booth. Johnathan was waiting by the stairs for us and smiled as Robert came down the small stairs. Then I heard Tre's voice and I knew I had to get Robert towards the entry fast.


"Well it was nice meeting with you, "I said picking up speed and he stopped me to say, "Wait, I just want to apologize."


The voices begin to come closer as I nervously tried to get him to just go, "No need and I know you are probably tired."


"No, I want to apologize about saying your brother's party wasn't a good excuse," He stated almost a foot from the entrance, "Even if it wasn't one, that still wasn't the right thing to say."


I looked over at Johnathan and judging by the way his face flattens into one of panic, I knew he could hear the voices too. However, Robert just kept rambling and I don't even think we were still on the same subject. I just wanted him to get out.


"Mr. Norway," I stated kind of warningly, "I think you really should head home. You know, there is like tons of traffic."


Then without a warning I heard, "What the fuck are you doing here?"


My body went cold and I was sure the color drained from my face. I looked to Robert who looked just as confused as his son probably was. I turned on my heels slowly and once I made eye contact with Chris, I felt the scorching burn of his glare. I didn't even try to fake a smile knowing how serious I messed up.


"Chris?" Robert said gaining his son's attention. Chris's glare was now geared towards his father as Robert approached him. The older man smiled and said, "Chris how have you- "


He couldn't even complete his sentence before Chris's fist met with his face. Darrius and the other guys were on top of it, holding their friend back before he did anything else. I turned to Tre who stood biting down on his lip nervously as I sped walk towards him.


"You had one fucking job," I shouted just as Caleb came out of the crowd to see what was going on. He looked from me to Chris and knew exactly what happened. I saw Johnathan pick up Robert and escort him out of the lounge. Caleb turned to me again and even in the dim lighting, I could see how embarrassed and upset he was. Everyone was staring now and I told them the situation was handled. Chris broke free from his friends and looked towards me. The look of pure infuriation on his face said it all. He stomped away from the guys towards me.


I stood my ground but the closer he got the more I felt myself begin to shake. His anger was so strong that even Tre was smart enough to get out of the way. The moment he stepped in front of me, I spoke, "Listen Chris- "


"Right after I comfort you, you do this?" He shouted, "What else are you not telling me?"


"Nothing I swear," I shouted back but then I saw him walk in. Caleb saw him too and we both knew this party was most definitely over. Alejandro came charging towards me wearing a royal blue fishnet top and tight leather pants with a long black coat. He kissed me on my cheek as Chris stared at him not amused. Alejandro ignores him and says, "I've missed you since the other night baby. So, you know I had to take you up on your invitation for the party."


He was moving his hand through my hair as I was trying to push him off but I knew I was dead no matter what. Alejandro finally noticed Chris and asked seductively, "And who is this caramel dream?"


Chris turned his eyes to me and stated angrily, "I'm his brother's friend. Nothing more."


With that one line, he turned to leave. Darrius went after him but Chris snatched away, probably telling him to stay. He looked at me with disappointment etched across his face. I looked at Caleb before Darrius came over to comfort him. Darrius only shook his head as I thought, "So much for a drama free birthday."

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