The Misadventures of Johnny Driver, Season 2, Chapter 9, Part 2: P. Diddy Takes Johnny Towards the End of His Rope

Johnny had had a lot of deliveries that morning, and they were all spread out around the Hamptons. It was a good thing he knew his way around, because he was able to map them all out in a way that got him back to the shop around two o'clock, right when he wanted to be. He figured there should only be one or two locals and then he'd be able to pack the van for Penelope's party and get out so he could make his date with Ben. When he stepped into the shop, only Misty was there to greet him.

"Heeeyyyy Johnny, how'd it go?"

"Oh man, it was rough getting around, but all in all it wasn't too bad."

"Aw, that's nice. Well, I got some news for you that I think you'll like. P. Diddy's having a shindig at the beach in East Hampton and he ordered some centerpieces."

"P. Diddy? Wow!" Johnny would normally be excited, but... "When's this party?"

"Six o'clock. Stewart and Jackie ran down to the garden center for some moss. They should be right back."

Johnny was fuming. "But I'm supposed to leave at 3:30."

"I don't know what to tell ya Johnny." Just as Misty said that, Stewart and Jackie walked in.

"Hey Johnny! Good, you're back. I need you to grab the moss out of Jackie's car and bring it around back. We've gotta get these arrangements ready. Misty, how are Penelope's arrangements coming?"

Before Misty could answer, Johnny protested.

"Stewart, you remember I need to leave early today, right?"

"Oh, that's right. I forgot. I'm sorry Johnny. There's just no way. I'll tell you what; you can get off at two o'clock tomorrow."

"But today is Ben's birthday and..." Stewart was done with the conversation, ignoring Johnny and tending to the plans for P. Diddy's party with Jackie.

Johnny felt like a volcano ready to explode, but as usual he said nothing. He stormed out to get the moss boxes out of Jackie's and went out back to have a cigarette and call Ben. He nervously dialed Ben's number.

"Hello."

"Hey birthday boy!" Johnny was happy to hear Ben's voice. He sang, "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you..."

He could tell that Ben was smiling on the other end of the phone. "Aw, thanks Johnny. You're so sweet. I can't wait until tonight."

"Um, yeah, that's why I'm calling."

"What's the matter?" Ben asked expectantly.

Johnny told him about P. Diddy's party, and that Stewart promised him an early day tomorrow. "I'll still come out tonight when I'm done, and then we can have two nights to celebrate your birthday." He knew that was a stretch.

"Okay, okay." Ben was clearly disappointed. "Just call me when you're home."

"Are you okay Ben? I'm really sorry. It's not my fault and I'm as disappointed and angry as you are right now. I'm starting to hate this job, but unfortunately I need it."

"It's okay, really. I'm fine." With that, Ben just hung up. Johnny stared at the phone for a moment, and then put it in his pocket. Ben wasn't fine and Johnny couldn't blame him. The knots in his stomach grew tighter.

"Johnny, are you done with your cigarette? I need you in here." At that moment, Johnny hated Stewart and Misty and Wellington's. He flung his cigarette butt on the ground and went back to work.

For other installments of The Misadventures of Johnny Driver, please see:

Chapter 1: A Change in Personnel

Chapter 2, Part 1: Misty Langdon Takes Over

Chapter 2, Part 2: Misty in Charge

Chapter 3, Part 1: Driftwood

Chapter 3, Part 2: Conclusion

Chapter 4: Fourth of July Frustration

Chapter 5: A Budding Romance

Chapter 6: A Socialite's Dinner Party Gets in Johnny's Way

Chapter 7: Hostile Hamptonites

Chapter 8: Johnny Parties with Misty

Chapter 9, Part 1: Johnny Gets a Night Off with Ben