We're having a party

TWO

At the entrance of Crystals, the automatic gate opened on sensing the presence of a car.

James drove into his private garage and alighted after putting the engine to a stop.

Nick inhaled the cool air simultaneously closing his eyes. 'It's good to be back.'

He studied the surroundings, not a single thing had changed. Everything was just the way he had seen them before his contract trip, actually more like a flirt trip.

Taping James's shoulder, they both walked majestically into the building, noses in the air.

The employees lined up at both sides of the massive door with smiling faces, heads bowed and hands crossed at the front.

James walked in, his left hand placed inside his pocket while the other hand lifted a black briefcase. He walked past them nodding in response to their greetings. Nick waved at them coolly and was happy to see them after 3 years.

Most of them thought he had resigned.

A fair lady with brown eyes and curly hair appeared from an opened door, piles of files on her hands.

She flashed them a smile, slightly bowing her head, "Welcome boss,"

James nodded, "Claire make sure to prepare his desk." he addressed her.

She nodded slightly while glancing at Nick. He hadn't changed at all except that he looked more handsome with little beards around his lower jaws.

Nick winked playfully and Claire looked away in embarrassment, trying to prevent the files from falling due to her uneasiness.

She was James's personal assistant. While Nick worked as the Vice manager.

Claire came up with Nickolas's schedule as they entered the elevator. Nick shook his head, the feeling of having to work sucks! he was back at work, AGAIN!

James pressed the button and the elevator ascended upwards.

Studying the schedule, he murmured, "it's too tight," while stealing glances at James.

"You don't expect people to do your job while you are away. I even had Claire do most of them. Be grateful!" James glared playfully, mimicking a harsh voice.

He glanced at his wrist watch, muttering something inaudible.

"Is anything wrong?" Claire chipped in as she noticed he was lost in thoughts.

"No." He answered looking at Nick who seemed lost in the files.

He chuckled, "You really look different when it comes to work..."

Nick gave a fake smile and grunted under his breath. He turned to Claire, "Thanks for the cover."

She smiled back and exited the elevator at floor 9.

Nick watched her Walk away until the elevator door closed, a mischievous grin on his face.

"Hey, you could strip her naked with your eyes, you know?....don't tell me you're still..." James snapped him out of his thoughts.

Nick eyed him, "Don't make me sound like the bad guy. I'm not lusting over her...she's not even my type."

Silence fell. Nick dressed his suit while looking at the elevator mirror. He adjusted his tie and dressed his collar. He loved looking smart.

"We are having a party. To celebrate the sealing of the contract. I don't think our African partners would be available, so it's just us and Mr Clinton's organizations." James broke the silence.

"Is it necessary? I'm sick from traveling" Nick complained awkwardly, facing James.

He just wanted a silly excuse to escape the party. It did be embarrassing if he showed up in the council of billionaires after flirting for 3 years...3 Fucking wasted years!!!

"It took 6 months to seal the deal. And 3 years to plan a party while waiting for you. Who's fault is it? Your team arrived at the pace of a year and you took 2 and half to return, yet you want to delay the party? I can't believe you." James felt disappointed and glared at him.

"Well it's late already. Just don't plan a party," Nick pleaded with soft eyes.

"It has been decided, the party is tonight." James declared walking out the door, "You have to be there."

"What the fu*k?"

:::::::::

The night beamed as prestigious guests drove in and out the residence. The party was held at Crystals hotel, one of the top expensive hotels in America, owned by James.

Claire helped the ushers attend to most of the guests as she ushered them towards their seats. Nick stood at the back stage, pondering on what to do. He was scared and ashamed of what people would say - he wasted time in Africa because he was busy with women.

He was a flirt. A flirt who's smart at work!

The party was rocking. After some hours, Mr Clinton arrived alongside his daughter, Suzanne.

Suzanne was putting on a skimpy gown that barely covered her knees. She had amber eyes decorated with the perfect liners and shadows. Her lips were as red as Cherries and her hair was packed in a bun with loose locks at the front.

James thought she looked cute.

She rushed over to James, throwing herself on him. James stumbled but took balance.

"Here is my prince charming," she giggled, holding him tightly, almost pressing her boobs on his chest.

James laughed staring at her cute face, "How is princess Suzanne doing?" He pinched her blushed cheeks softly.

"Very well. I missed you. Did you miss me?" She pouted her lips, almost kissing him.

James stopped her and turned to her father, "You are welcome, Mr Clinton."

Mr Clinton nodded as he dragged Suzanne away to meet a few partners. She'd be taking over his business soon.

Moments later, he stood in front of the podium, addressing everyone as the party hit its peak. Nick stood by his side.

"It's good to have you all here today. As you know, this gathering is graced by your presence. We have great successful business men here, people who made out time to attend this little party. I say thank you. Let's make a toast - to successful contracts and business."

They clicked glasses and cheered.

He smiled as usual and continued. "Once again, you are welcome. Nickolas and his team successfully sealed the deal with our first partners in Africa concerning our petroleum company. It's been done since 3 years ago but for some reasons the party was shifted," He paused and looked at Nick who silently prayed he had shells to run into.

He continued with an unnoticed chuckle "I sent Nick on another assignment. I'm sorry for that, please accept my apologies."

Nick gasped.

There were cheers . He continued, "this party is meant for Nickolas's team and the contract's success. Enjoy!"

Nick heaved a sigh of relief - James was kind enough not to embarrass him.

As James walked down the stage with hands in his pockets. Two business men walked up to him for a proposal. They wanted to invest in Crystals.

His company was one of those who had like 6 petroleum countries sign a deal with it. He wasn't just based on petroleum only but jewelries, cars and many more.

He was too tired to give them audience so Claire scheduled a meeting.

He was heading home.