Is It Revenge Or Love?

Breach of Contract

~Deon~

I hated having to get here early to make sure everything was set up. I wanted to be at the Mackey residence, waiting for Jaylene to show up. There’s a buzz in the air tonight, and I’m sure it’s because of what I have planned. I plan to make Jaylene mine officially, and I can’t wait.

I smooth out my pants and pick some lint from my blazer, taking one last look in the mirror. I’m in the Presidential Suite of the hotel we are having the event. It’s equally social and professional, and we hope to get some good business out of the night.

I hurry and leave the room, wanting to move out of the way of those I hired to fix the place up. I ordered flowers and champagne to be placed in the room for ambiance. Tonight, I plan to take Jaylene, and I plan to do it right. We haven’t been together since high school, so I want tonight to be special.

The party has already started, the music bleeding from the closed doors. The elevator closes behind me as I watch people make their way to the ballroom we are hosting in. I take a few deep breaths and walk down the hall to the double doors. My future is waiting for me on the other side, and I’m ready for it.

The doors open, and I step through, surveying the scene lying out in front of me. We set up a spectacular event with different vendors around to try to gain some business. The room is decorated in red and gold, simple yet elegant. The centerpieces are red roses with gold along the edge of the petals and a gold ribbon tied around the stems. The right side of the room has round tables with chairs so we can sit and dine. The left side has smaller, high tables that allow people to stand and socialize. There’s a dance floor in the center of the room and a bar on each side.

The drinks are flowing, and caterers walk around with appetizers. This event is giving off elegance and money. I love how it looks and how it makes the business look.

I scan the crowd and clock my parents, entertaining a group of people close to the dance floor. I look around again, hoping to see the Mackeys. I know Jaylene will be with them; that was the plan. They said they would bring Jaylene with them tonight, though I would have rather picked her up myself.

I walk over to my parents, looking around the room as I go. I see the Mackeys approaching from the opposite side but can’t fully see them. I’m able to see Benny and the arm of Georgia. There are too many people milling around and obscuring my view. My parents turn so their backs are to me. I know they are greeting people including the Mackeys.

I walk up behind my parents, placing my arm behind my mother, putting her between me and dad. What I see in front of me makes my anger spike. I work on keeping it in until I get all the facts. Georgia and Benny are in front of me, but I don’t see Jaylene. Maybe she’s in the restroom or something.

I greet the couple and listen to them speak with my parents and the other couple joining them. My eyes are latched onto Georgia, and she’s making it a point not to put her eyes on me. Something is up, but I don’t know what it is.

The couple excuses themselves, leaving me, my parents, and the Mackeys. “So, where is Jaylene?” Benny looks away while Georgia looks down at her feet. I already know that what they say is going to piss me off. I have to keep my emotions in check since we’re in public. “Well?”

Benny clears his throat and wraps his arm around his wife. “She isn’t here.”

“Excuse me?” I feel my anger climbing, and that’s not good.

“She isn’t with us. We told her to be at the house, but she didn’t show.” I stop closer so others can’t hear me.

“What sh.it are you two trying to pull?!” I’m whisper-yelling and clenching my fists at my side. “I was very clear! Jaylene was expected to be here tonight. Tonight was supposed to have me making our relationship official. How the hell can I do that if she isn’t here?!” Georgia looks up at me with unshed tears in her eyes.

“We’re sorry. I don’t know what’s come over her lately, but she’s not acting like herself. I called and called, but she ignored me. I don’t know what I can do to force her hand. She’s been independent for years now, so we don’t have any leverage.” I turn my head to the left and the right, letting my neck crack and trying to gain some type of control over my emotions.

“We will talk about this later. This will get fixed, or we will be making good on the breach of contract.” I notice the widening of Benny’s eyes and the hitch in Georgia’s breath. I turn to my parents, who give me a sympathetic look. I shake my head and step away from the couples, needing to get some air. A caterer walks past with me a tray full of champagne, but I decide at the last minute to skip that. I need something much stronger.

I walk to the left side of the room, nodding at people as I pass them. Some look like they want to stop and talk to me, but I’m sure the look on my face is telling them that now isn’t the time. When I get to the bar, I order a scotch neat. I down it and order another one. The best thing tonight might be for me to get sh.it faced.

There are murmurs around me, and their words filter through even though I’m not really paying attention. “Isn’t that the new business guy out of England?”

“Yeah, that’s him. He’s stayed hidden for a while, but I was at his coming out party.”

“Who’s the girl on his arm?”

“I don’t know, but she looks familiar.”

“I thought he was a bachelor. I wonder if it’s serious.”

“It could be judging by how he looks at her.” I look up to see a group of women not too far from me. I have no idea who or what they’re talking about, and I don’t really care. I honestly wish they would shut up so I can wallow to myself.

I turn around, putting the bar at my back as I sip my third scotch. I survey the room, watching the happy faces as they socialize with others. “Monroe Jensen, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Walter Fredricks.” I turn my head and catch the side profile of that prick, Monroe. I’m still pissed about his dinner with my woman and that bullsh.it in his office.

“It’s nice to meet you. I saw that we have a meeting on the books next week, correct?”

“Yes, indeed. I’m looking forward to it. Who is this lovely creature on your arm?” Monroe shifts, and my blood runs cold at the presence next to him. She looks better than I’ve ever seen her, but she’s glued to him.

“This is my date, Jaylene Mackey.”