Chapter 16: Harry Johnson

I woke up to the smell of chicken and salsa. As I fully opened my eyes, I also noticed I wasn't at my house. Everything was white except for a carpet and fireplace. Then I realized I knew this house.


"Wake up asshole," I heard a voice that felt like a sonic boom. My head begin to ring as I turned to the source who was no other than Johnathan. Last time I checked we were at his house drinking while I complained about Chris. I couldn't believe he moved on that fast and the guy he left the coffee shop with wasn't even all that good looking. I rubbed at my head as I sat up slowly. Through white blinds of the window I saw that it was dark outside. John approached me with a glass of water and Advil. He plopped down next me and pushed the pills towards me.


"Take these," He said sounding irritated, "And we are leaving once we eat."


"What has your thongs in a bunch?" I asked taking the pills and water.


"You have been a pain in my ass all day," He yelled and I put my hand over his mouth to say, "I understand you are pissed but my skull feels like it's on fire. So please can you whisper?"


He groaned as I let go and then whispered, "Your fucking skull wouldn't be on fire if you weren't stupid."


I rolled my eyes as he continued, "I understand you felt bad but it was your fault. You should have told Chris what was going on. Plus, you had sex with someone else too, so you shouldn't be mad."


"That isn't why I- "


"Bullshit Harry! You think your shit is always justified but now that someone has the balls to do something back to you, you want to act heartbroken."


"Its not an act John," I stressed to him, "I really like him."


"Oh...I know," He stated, "You kept saying it over and over while we were at my house. Then you forced me to take you here and you made a total idiot of yourself."


"Huh," I asked confused but then I looked around again. I knew the colors seemed familiar but I thought everything I did was a horrible dream. Then Evan walked in from the kitchen and said, "If you guys want chicken tacos, they are ready."


Seeing him I knew that I had made a fool of myself. I actually cried and thought I was drowning. Then I remembered what I said to Chris.


"Oh my God," I yelled into my hands as Johnathan slowly got up from the couch.


"I'm going to eat and then we are leaving, "he stated, "You really need to go home."


I didn't even hear what he had to say because I still couldn't believe what I said. Chris must have been completely freaked out when I said I thought I loved him. We hadn't even completely gotten to know each other yet and here I was coming out with the L word. I took my face out of my hands and saw Chris coming into the living room. He was wearing red plaid pajamas and a black tank. He looked almost scared to approach me. He sat down in the space next to me and then punched the shit out of my shoulder.


"I couldn't hit you while you were drunk," He expressed as I rubbed my shoulder trying to soothe the pain, "You are such a dumb ass, man. I mean who gets drunk in the middle of the fuckin' day because of drama they started?"


So much for him being over what happened. I'm just glad he wasn't ripping me apart. Even though I hate that I had to it bring up, I knew it had to be said. I asked, "Did I mention anything to you about love?"


He froze and all the anger was replaced with fear. That was all the answer I needed as I hopelessly fell out on the couch. I had made a complete fool of myself and Chris now knows that I was just an asshole in good clothes.


"You were just drunk Harry," He said pulling me up, "I didn't take it seriously. People say a lot of shit drunk."


Then his expression shifted seeing how I reacted. Just a moment ago I swear he was afraid to even speak of it. Then now it was like if I just brush it off he was going to be upset. Did I mean what I said? We barely knew each other and we both were unsure about how we felt. It wasn't like we could lock ourselves in a room and just talk. He was busy with the finals for basketball and I had my own business to tend to overseas. However, this weekend he didn't have to travel anywhere. I overheard Darrius tell my brother that he would make up for my disaster of a party by planning something this weekend.


It was perfect timing. Caleb would be gone and I won't have to be on my plane until Sunday night. This time I'm going to get clarification that Chris is available all damn day and night.


"Hey," I said gaining his attention, "We need to really sit down and talk about what the hell we are doing here. I know we both agreed on casual sex but you have to agree that the sex feels more than just two people trying to get off."


He gulped at my bluntness as I continued, "So this weekend, leaving sex out of the equation, we need to figure out could we actually even stand each other."


Chris seemed hesitant to answer and I couldn't blame him. He probably couldn't stand me right now because of everything that has happened. Then he breathes out and says, "Sounds good. So, there is no sex?"


I nodded even though I don't know if I could obey my own rule. It was going to be me and Chris. In the same room. Just talking for the entire day. Easy right?


**


Johnathan continued to laugh as I explained my plans to him at my house. Caleb even got in on it, rolling on the floor. They were both almost to tears when I yelled out, "It's not even that funny."


"You have never kept it in your pants longer than an hour, "Johnathan laughed helping Caleb get off the floor. He had forgiven me long enough for him to hear my plans. I rolled my eyes before I spoke, "I'm serious about this though. I told Chris something and I need to figure out if I even meant what I said."


Their laughs died down and Caleb was the first to speak, "Okay. If you have to decide if you meant it, you obviously have some doubts about if Chris feels the same. When you are drunk, you speak with a sober tongue."


"Wrong and right," Johnathan jumped in, "Sometimes people say crazy things when they are drunk but you must be feeling something for Chris if you said it."


He got up and placed his hand on my shoulder caringly, "Plus, I've never seen you act this way for anyone before. I mean, you almost let a deal slip through for this guy and you almost hit me for insulting him."


"You almost hit Johnathan?" Caleb asked shocked and I rolled my eyes as Johnathan answered, "Yea. I was being mean though. I called Chris a boy toy."


"He has loved him since he was a kid," Caleb stated and Johnathan turned so quick that I thought he was going to break his neck.


"Wait, he has had a thing for Chris since he was a kid?" He asked and I could hear the concern in the question. I knew I was going to have to clarify this to him before he suspected something was wrong with me. I turned him to face me again and confusion was everywhere on his face as I said, "Yes but I never did anything to him. The most I did was say hi and let them play. I was dealing with my own shit."


He let go of all his worries in one breath and chuckled, "I thought you was like a child molester for one minute."


"No. Even as a kid I didn't think about Chris sexually. He was just always a pretty little boy. I admired him but seeing him again, as a man, well you both know I had to get that."


"Still weird you liked him as a kid though," Johnathan expressed, "Did you think about other kids that way?"


"Hell no," I said, "Chris was the only one that I admired from a far and the rest were my own age."


John just nodded but I don't think he fully understood it. I didn't have time to further get into the situation. I had to plan an amazing day in for Chris and I. Caleb could see the wheels turn in my head and he stood up from the couch.


"You better not go overboard," he warned standing in a white t-shirt and black gym shorts, "Chris already told you last time that he isn't a big gestures person."


"How would you know that?" I asked.


"He tells Darrius everything and I'm upset you told him to keep the secret about his dad from Chris," He stated looking worried, "Now he can't tell him that he knew and its eating him up."


I didn't know that Darrius was still torn about the situation and it was affecting my brother as well. I approached him as I spoke, "I'm sorry. He can tell him that he knew if that would make things better."


"If he does Chris is going to be pissed he didn't say anything and it's going cause issues, "Caleb said biting his lip, "Just don't mess things up with Chris. If you truly like him, just show him. Stop trying to maneuver around everything and just be honest with him."


Any other time I would just brush what he said to the side but this time, I listened. I wanted to listen. I carefully placed my hand on his shoulder and said, "I understand and I will make sure that I get everything out on the table. I won't leave anything unanswered."


"Even if he asks about Justin," Caleb asked and the scar on my stomach felt like it was a fresh wound. He saw my disgruntled face and whined, "Harry!"


"If he asks I will, okay! Damn," I yelled and saw Johnathan turn his head in shock, "I'll just let out all my dirty secrets to him on Saturday? How about that?"


"It happened a long time ago Harry!"


"What the hell is he talking about?" Johnathan chimed in and Caleb turned to him, "This guy a long time ago he- "


"Shut up!" I shouted not wanting to recall what happened. Johnathan knew everything except for that. He didn't need to know what actual started my bad track record with crazy men. I didn't want him to know about my life before him. I never told anyone what happened but if Caleb wanted me to be an open book with Chris, that's what I was going to do. Maybe I will tell Johnathan later but not now. Just that topic alone scared me shitless.


Caleb was taken back by my sudden outburst. I didn't want to scare him but he shouldn't talk about what he barely knows. All he knew was that his brother came home one day and he didn't look like his brother. I took a breath to calm myself down before I apologized, "Sorry but you don't really know anything and it's my business to tell."


He nodded in understanding before his phone ringed and he answered, "Hello?"


A smile grew across his face as he raced upstairs probably forgetting about everything that just happened. I turned to Johnathan who was also checking his phone with a focused expression. He looked up at me before handing me the phone. I saw a text message that read:


I will come and visit you at your office tomorrow morning but I have learned some information I would like to share with you.


I didn't have to ask who this was because Robert did inform us that he would be stopping by the office. Hopefully I would be cured of this horrible headache by tonight.


**


I sat at my desk the next morning rubbing my forehead. Johnathan was pacing in his blue button down and khaki slacks. I was trying to keep my brain from bouncing out of my temple. I still wasn't fully over my hangover from yesterday and Johnathan's back and forth wasn't helping.


"Can you please stop," I hissed, "You are going to make me puke again."


He stopped and leaned over my desk to say, "Well you shouldn't have drunk half of my liquor cabinet the other day."


I glared at him as my assistant came through the door, "There is a Mr. Norway here for you."


"Send him in," I said getting up from my seat. Johnathan straighten up his shirt before Robert came in through the door wearing an all-black suit with matching loafers. I could see his face more clearly now and the glow of his face matched with Chris's. He took one confusing look at Johnathan before he said, "I thought I said, I only deal with the person in charge?"


The anticipation in Johnathan's eyes dulled to gloom as he gave a nod and went for the door. I stopped him and said, "Johnathan is part owner of this company even though my name is on it. He is every bit as important as me and so he needs to hear whatever new information you wish to give us."


Robert nodded, straighten up his posture before announcing, "A source has told me that you have developed a relationship with my son."


The color drained from my face as Johnathan spoke, "Well, you are right. This doesn't involve me."


He moved around Robert to get to the door, leaving me to fend for myself. I wasn't scared but I was nervous about what his reaction may be to the news. I swallowed the big lump in my throat before asking, "Who told you that?"


"A source, "he stated, "Is this true?"


He was unsure which was good for me. All I had to do was deny and everything would be strictly business. I know Chris probably didn't want his dad all in his business and I for sure didn't want to lose this deal. With a smile, I answered, "No. I barely know your son."


"But he was at your brother's party," he mentioned.


"Yeah, Darrius and my brother are dating. Chris, as you know, is Darrius's friend."


He paused for a second and then let out a small chuckle, "That is a relief."


I let a relieving chuckle out as well and said, "You actually thought me and your son were doing something?"


"My source was convinced that you were," he stated moving towards the large window, "and little Darrius is gay now huh?"


"Not technically," I said moving towards him, "Just him and my brother built a bond that they can't really explain."


"Young love is the best love," he expressed smiling, "spontaneous and so care free. Then it's not anymore."


It struck it cord with me on how much truth was in his words. Especially since I know it to be. However, I don't think that is what my brother and Darrius are feeling. They are mature even though one of them is a big ass thorn in my conscience. I turned my attention back to Robert as he said, "If you were dating my son, I would have said you were a pathetic man but also insane."


I kept my angry comment at bay but asked, "How? Because he is so young and he is your son that you would have gone crazy."


He snickered, "A man that dates someone younger obviously wants to control someone even though they won't to admit it. However, if you were dating my son- "


He paused locking his eyes with mine. I could feel the atmosphere turn cold as he spoke again, "I would say he is not easy to control... and he really doesn't take things well if he is lied to."


"Like you have," I wanted to say but I just smiled and nodded, "I pray for the person who ends up with him."


He laughed and said, "Yes, he is a firecracker. Gave me this scar because of a misunderstanding but I forgave him. He still hasn't forgiven me though but life goes on."


The scar on his forehead looked deep from the way it healed up. Almost like my brother's was. I couldn't believe that Chris did that just for a misunderstanding. However, how much did I really know? Caleb has told me that he didn't handle lying well but from the small lies I have told him, he has never gotten violent with me. So, maybe there was probably more to the story then Robert was letting on but I'll find out once Chris and I get together this weekend.

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