The Tech Reveal Party: The Arrival

Things were finally ready for the tech reveal party. Between helping Meredith and coordinating things with Kenji, I had been in constant motion. Rich had me check in with Velena, Luis and Sam again. I was feeling exhausted, but with a sense of accomplishment.

"Mr. Walker, thank you for your hard work. Tonight will be a success due to your efforts," Meredith said as she looked around at her vision brought to life.

"I'm glad that I was able to prove myself."

"You did." Meredith shook my hand. "Perhaps we'll work together again someday."

"You never know," I said with a smile.

I parted ways with Meredith and headed to the lab to see Sam. Sam was looking at formulas and calculations on a white board. I sat in his chair and put my head down on his desk.

"Hey John. I haven't seen you in a minute. You look tired."

"It's been a busy week working with Meredith and working on Rich's projects."

"Well, tonight's the big night. Are you excited?"

"I just helped with decorations and planning, Sam. You should be excited because this fancy tech has your fingerprints on it."

"I'm still a little nervous, but I'm ready. I've been trying to keep Velena calm. She half expects this to blow up in our faces," Sam said as he leaned against his desk.

"Is she coming with you tonight?"

"No, but we both have to be here anyway." Sam paused before asking, "Is Sarina coming with you?"

"No. She's coming with Rich. He asked her to be his date."

"What? That's a first. I'm so used to seeing the two of you together. I'm still surprised that you two weren't secretly dating."

"We're just close friends, but I understand. We get that a lot. I didn't think you felt like that since you know us so well," I said as I spun around in his chair.

"So, if Sarina is coming with Richard, then who are you bringing?"

"I was going to bring my mom. She used to work with Mr. Grayson back in the day. I figured that she would like to see what he's been up to since she resigned."

"That's cool. It would be nice to see your mom again," Sam smiled and gave me a thumbs up.

"This also presents me with a rare opportunity."

"What's that?"

"I have control over my closet tonight," I said with a big laugh.

Sam laughed with me. After a few more minutes, I left the lab. I went upstairs to Rich's office. Kimiko told me that he had already left to get ready and that I could leave too. I nodded after a little flirting.

I got home and hopped in the shower. I heard a knock at the door as I was drying off. I slipped into a pair of sweatpants and ran to the door. My mom was standing there in a form fitting black dress.

"Hey mom. Come in. I just got out of the shower, but I'll be ready in 10 minutes."

"Okay honey," she said as she entered.

I returned to the bathroom to put on my deodorant and cologne. I was putting on my clothes when I heard another knock on my door. I heard my mom open the door before I could step outside my room.

"Hey mom, who was at the door," I asked as I stepped into the living room.

"Sarina and Rich stopped by," mom said as she motioned towards the smiling couple.

"Hi. I didn't expect to see the two of you until later."

"I couldn't let you show up tonight looking tore up," Sarina said as she looked me up and down.

"I would've thought that you would be busy raiding Rich's closet."

"He took me shopping for our outfits for tonight," Sarina said with a smile. "You did a good job. Seems like you have been paying attention."

"John has always been a fast learner," my mom said as she hugged my arm. "Although I never understood how he let you get away."

"Mom. You know that Sarina and I are just friends," I said as I felt my cheeks getting warm.

I noticed that Sarina was also starting to blush. Rich looked between us before staring at the floor. Mom picked up on the awkwardness. She walked over to Richard and placed her hands on his shoulders.

"Richard, you've always felt like a son to me. This is a very special young lady. Don't let her get away."

"Um... Yes ma'am."

Richard turned a shade of crimson. Sarina smiled, but her blush deepened. I recognized the opportunity. I quickly grabbed my coat and opened the door.

"So... Rich, do we get to ride in the limo?"

Twenty minutes later we pulled up to the entrance of Grayson Industries. Rich and Sarina got out first. I exited and helped mom out of the limo. Some newspaper photographers were taking pictures. They focused mainly on Rich and Sarina.

We had to pass through several security checkpoints to get to the party. Luis really was planning to be on top of every thing tonight. Mom squeezed my arm as we followed Rich and Sarina. She smiled at me, but I could see a hint of sadness in her eyes.

"Are you alright, mom?"

"Yes dear. This just brings back memories."

"Hopefully some good memories," Mr. Grayson said as he walked up with Meredith in tow.

"Hello Rory. You look well," mom said.

"Meredith, this is Thelma Walker. She is one of the most brilliant women that I've ever known. She used to be one of my executive vice presidents."

"It's an honor to meet you. I've had the pleasure of working with your son recently," Meredith said as she shook mom's hand.

"I hope that he wasn't too much of a problem. He can be a bit of an overachiever sometimes."

"I couldn't tell," Meredith said as she looked at me.

"Then you didn't challenge him enough," my mom said with a big smile.

"Please excuse my mother. She likes to make things harder for me so that she can brag later."

Mr. Grayson threw his head back and held his stomach as he laughed. Mom smiled sweetly while trying to look innocent. Meredith looked completely out of her element.

"Thelma, may I speak to you for a moment," Mr. Grayson asked while motioning towards the patio.

"Alright," mom said with a hesitant pause.

"Your mother seems to be very familiar with Mr. Grayson." Meredith pushed her glasses up on her nose. "It seems you have a bigger connection to the Graysons than you let on."

"I've known them for a long time, but Rich and I didn't really become friends until college."

My phone vibrated. I pulled it out and saw I had a text from Kenji.I checked the text message. I looked around and saw him sitting at one of the VIP tables with an older woman.

"Please excuse me, Ms. Brooks."

I headed towards Kenji. I texted Rich to let him know. As I neared the table, I could tell from the tones that the conversation was heated. I smiled as I approached, but the woman glared at me.

"John, I'm glad that you could stop by," Kenji said as he stood up. "This is my mother, Police Commissioner Kim Tanahashi."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," I said and extended my hand.

She looked me up and down sizing me up before shaking my hand. "You're Mr. Walker?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Kenji tells me that you have him designing a nightclub."

"That's not entirely accurate. I just coordinate with him on the project for my boss. Kenji has the ideas and I'm just trying to help him achieve his vision."

"I feel like he should be doing something more productive with his time," the commissioner said. "Like the military or a real job."

"You should love John. He's a Marine too," Kenji said with a smirk.

Commissioner Tanahashi looked at me with new interest. After a few questions, her attitude towards me had changed. Kenji sipped on his drink letting me work my magic.

"Your son is very dedicated to this project. He's been fiscally responsible. He's motivated and he understands the science of the business."

"There's a science to nightclubs," the commissioner asked.

I nodded and looked at Kenji. He sat up with a smile. His eyes flashed as he begun to explain the intricacies of bar design, traffic flow and how to select the best tables and chairs. I eased away from the table to find some friendly faces.

"Hello John," Kimiko said as she took a sip of her drink as I approached.

Her eyes were mesmerizing, but her outfit was intoxicating. She was wearing a green satin off the shoulder mermaid dress with a slit going to her thigh. I noticed the green lace over the knee stockings that crowned her black knee high cross laced boots.

"Hi Kimiko," I said as a trickle of drool escaped my mouth.

A manicured hand passed me a small towel. I took it and wiped my mouth. I looked at the person who handed it to me and found myself staring into a familiar pair of brown eyes.

"Kiyoko?"

" Yes sir. My name is Kiyoko. May I get you something to drink? Or perhaps a cup for your drool," she said with an acerbic tone.

"No ma'am. I think I'm good."

Kiyoko rolled her eyes. Kimiko tried to hide her giggle behind her glass. Kiyoko stood by her sister, but kept her back to me. My eyes dropped to take in her figure. Her server outfit was tight and accentuated her curves.

"Is this guy behaving himself," Kiyoko asked her sister.

"He's being a gentleman," Kimiko replied with a smile.

"He's a tough nut to crack," Kiyoko said as she glanced back looking me up and down.

"I think that's he's charming," Kimiko replied as she raised her glass.

"John, who are your friends," Mom asked as she placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Wow! You have a beautiful date John," Kimiko said.

"Please introduce us," Kiyoko added as if on cue.

"Kimiko and Kiyoko Lee, this is my mother, Thelma Walker. Mom, this is Kimiko and Kiyoko Lee."

"Pleased to meet you," the twins said in unison.

"It's my pleasure," mom said before looking between the twins. "One or both?"

"Mom," I shouted in mortification.

"Both," the twins said in unison again.

I face palmed. The twins started laughing. Mom smiled and gave my shoulder a squeeze. I cut my eyes towards her.

"Be careful of the one with the green eyes. She's got that mysterious aura that means trouble."

Kimiko looked off innocently as she took another sip of her drink. Kiyoko started crying and laughing. Kimiko looked at her, then playfully slapped her shoulder. Kiyoko feigned shoulder pain.

"Aren't you supposed to be working," Kimiko asked.

"Yes. I need to get back. John, I love your mom," Kiyoko giggled as she left.

"See what you've done," I said to mom.

"I just don't want you getting hurt. You know I will get anybody that tries to hurt my baby." Mom said while placing her arm within mine. ""I think Samuel wants to see us. Are you coming, Kimiko?"

"Yes ma'am," Kimiko replied wrapping her arm around my other one.