I have no idea how long I knelt there. When both my knees started to become numb, I got up. I walked around his desk and sat down. I still don't know what I should do. But I have to decide quickly, since the meeting probably started already.
I looked at my phone and confirmed that I was right. It was already a few minutes past eleven. If I really want to take this opportunity, I should probably go right now. If I don't, the risk of getting caught will increase. Since even though I know approximately how long such a meeting starts, nothing is written in stone. They might as well finish earlier and then I'm doomed. If Jack were me, he would go without a second thought. But there's only me and I...
At that moment, my phone rang. I got a message from Jack containing only a date: 1994.08.13. It's likely his date of birth which he forgot to tell me and probably only realized just now. But that's alright. I myself didn't realize it until I received his message.
I looked at the text again and this time I also realized that it's only a few days until his birthday. The thought made me smile a little. I leaned forward with the phone in my hands and rested my arm on my legs for a change of position. I don't know how he plans to celebrate it. Whether it will be only a close family gathering or his father is planning to invite other people and have a party as well. Or he might even go out with his friends somewhere. Whatever. None of my business.
I stood up and decided to try my luck. If everything comes to worst, I'll just say that I lost my way and accidentally went into the wrong room.
I walked to the door but I wasn't even close enough to open it when it opened and Jack's father came in. It couldn't have surprised me more if I were to suddenly wake up and realize that I'd dreamed the whole thing while being drunk.
I stepped out of his way and waited for him to sit down. I closed the door and I thought in panic that if I hadn't been sitting here for the past few minutes I surely would have been caught in the act. What is he even doing here? Shouldn't he be in the meeting just like his son? I went closer to him but did not dare sit down in his presence. At least not in a work environment. But he pointed at the chair and waited, so eventually I had to sit down anyway.
"Sir, the meeting has already started," I informed him hoping to make him leave but failed miserably.
"I know. I only wanted to go in for the last few minutes or so in the first place. Since it is a test for him to prove his worth." He looked at me seriously without blinking. I bet he meant Jack.
"I see."
"Now about why I came here... You probably don't know, but Jack's birthday will be in a few days. I decided to invite some friends of our family. Here is their contact information," he said and handed me a paper on which the name of the guests and their contact info was written. "I have already talked to them and since they just came back from China recently, they are more than happy to come. I want you to get in contact with them and organize the details. Nothing fancy is needed just a friendly dinner. But I would prefer it if we would make a good impression."
"Understand, sir. I will contact them right away. Is there anything else I need to know? Like the type of food for dinner, the type of cake to order, etc." I was still holding the paper he gave me and tried not to crumple it accidentally.
"You should discuss that with Mrs. Nichols. I believe she would be able to help you more than I do."
"Yes, sir," I replied automatically.
"Please, be very discrete and do everything in your power to make our guests satisfied."
"I will do my best, sir," I told him which seemed to be enough for him since he got up to leave. Seeing this, I stood up as well and opened the door for him. After he left I decided not to go through with the original plan. Since Jack's father didn't intend to attend the whole meeting, he probably went back to his office already.
Instead, I looked at the paper he gave me. There were three names on it. On the top, Guo and Hua Chen, and then the name Mimi Chen was written right under it. Then their address followed, then their phone number, e-mail address, and other ways of contact via social media. I looked at the three names and I couldn't help but think that it must be a family of three. Father, mother, and... their daughter. There are only three names listed, so it's too convenient to be otherwise.
I folded the paper and put it in my pocket. Mr. Liu's intention is as clear as day. He wants his son to marry their daughter. Simple as that. Probably that's one of the reasons why they came back. The celebration is just a bonus. It will be a day to remember when they grow old that they reunited on such a joyful occasion. Whether Jack awaits this reunion, I have no idea. He never told me about his past, and except for Lei, I don't know any of his other friends. If it weren't for his father and Mrs. Nichols, I wouldn't even know that his mother died. Though it's understandable that he doesn't want to talk about it, so I forgive him for this.
Still, the thought of them stepping into the house just saddens me. I wish I could do something about it but I can't. And even if I could, it doesn't mean that I should. So I leave it at that. I'll just sit here for a while, then make my first move to contact this Chen family to see what they are made of. Especially their daughter.
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