Moving Forward

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.