by P. A. Jones
“Hello. Am I talking to Mr. Brown?”
“Yes. Can I ask who is this?” The man from other side sounded unfamiliar.
“I’m Charlie from ACORD Sports Company and I have a good offer for you.”
“What kind of offer?” I didn’t know him and hadn't worked with him before.
“An offer, which involves a two hundred thousand dollar contract.”
“I’m listening.” Two hundred thousand dollars was a huge amount for me.
“We want you to fight with Peter, current USA champion, for three matches, and if you win we will give you that money and a contract for a year for developing boxing for young students across the country. Of course, that will fetch you even more money.”
“Can I ask why this has all come about suddenly? And what if I lose?”
“It’s simple. You will get no money.”
The offer was too good to be true. I just couldn’t believe it. And there was Eva, who didn’t want me to fight. But before doing anything, I thought I would check with Mason first.
“Can you give me couple of days to think this over?” I didn’t want to miss it. But there were lots of things on the other side of the coin, which I had to confirm before committing to anything.
“Yes, of course. Take your time. I’ll call you back after couple of days. Or you can call me back on the same number when your decision is made.”
“I’ll…”
He hung up the phone.
I turned back to the sport shop clerk. “What if I keep the boxing bag with me?” I just might need it to practice if I got into the matches again.
“That would be minus two thousand from your total cost. Still, it’s good money for you without that.”
“That’s a deal, then. Here is my address. Come as you see fit.” I handed him my address.
“What about this evening?”
Not evening. I must catch up with Mason in the evening. “Can you make it afternoon? I have something to do before the evening.”
“Of course. I’ll come personally.” He tried to smile again.
As I came out of the shop, I dialed Mason.
“Hey, what’s up, bro. Did you receive the invitation from Gavin?”
“What invitation?” Gavin had called me few ago back for some information from a company. What invitation was Mason talking about now?
“He’s getting married. He asked us to be his best men.”
“What? Married?” I remembered Emma. “Is that girl's name Emma?”
“Yes, but how did you know it?”
“That’s a long story. This is huge news. Good, I’m so happy for him.”
“So what do you say? Shall we go? I already sent him a yes.”
“Well, is the wedding in L.A.?”
“No, it’s on some island.”
“I need to check with Eva, dude. Anyways, I have news.”
“What the news now?”
“I got an offer from the ACORD company today to have three matches with Peter. And if I, win they’ll pay me two hundred thousand dollars.”
“What? I know that company. They are Peter’s sponsors. How come they are asking you? What did you say to them?” He did a rapid fire of questions.
“I didn’t commit anything to them. I needed to talk to you first about this all. My head is spinning just thinking about it. What are you doing right now? Do you have some time to buy a used car from Clifton Park Market?”
“Used car? For whom? What happened with yours?” Mason said.
“Buying it for Eva. Do you have time in the evening?”
“Sure, bro, I’ll pick you from your home then.”
“Please.” I hung up and drove back. As promised, the seller from the shop came to pick up the items. He was very much satisfied with the quality of the items and he paid an extra five hundred dollars.
The remaining task for me was to wait for Mason. He came around four p.m., in the evening.
As I hopped in his car, he started telling me about the research he had done on the company. “Well, I researched more on this company and they certainly have some plan behind this. There is no way they are offering you bounty for defeating Peter in three matches.”
“What do you think? Should I take this up?” I asked.
“What about Eva? Did you ask her?” He started the car.
“I’m not sure, but the money looks too good to pass up. I got a call from a banker a day ago. They have decided to crush me. And two hundred thousand will be a good amount to shut them up and get my home back from the bank.”
“Then go for it. But remember, you have to get everything in writing.” He paused for a second.”Do one thing; ask them to prepare the papers and send it across so we can get it checked through the lawyer.”
“That sounds cool.” Mason was a perfect businessman. I liked his ability to analyze and react on any situation in a determined manner. When I looked back in our journeys, I saw now that we always crossed paths with each other though we were sort of rivals. He had always remained a best friend of mine. “Thanks, Mason.”
“I think we should start practicing, as well. How about tonight?”
“Not tonight, I’m planning something special for Eva. She deserves a lot better than I’m able to give her. If I win these matches, I’m sure I would be able to be a good husband that she deserves.”
“You are a good husband, Nathan. You were and you will be.” He squeezed my shoulder. “If it wasn’t for me, you might have been with Samantha till now.” He sighed with sadness.
“No way she would have stayed with me. If it wasn’t you, she would have run away with anyone. It was just the money she was after. When I remember it now, I thank God for teaching me the lesson I needed.” I felt good for having Eva in my life.
“What car are you thinking to buy?”
“A minivan for her, so she can fill up with groceries and do lots of shopping as well.” I smiled. Being a family man was a different feeling altogether.
“I feel it’s different this time. You seem to be settling in your married life. She is good, Nathan. Hold on to her,” Mason said.
“Yes, she is, buddy.”
Shopping for car was a bit more difficult than we thought. After almost an hour of searching, we finally decided on a minivan a Honda Odyssey.
“Here goes my seven thousand bucks.” I sighed as I gave the payment to the car dealer.
“It’s a good deal, buddy. I have seen many of these cost fifteen grand for a 2006 model and you got a 2008 model for only seven thousand bucks. Chill and enjoy. She will definitely like this one.”
“I hope so. I didn’t tell her that I’m buying a car for her. When she said she is going to use the public transportation for college. Then I decided to buy this for her.”
“She will be more than happy. Trust me on this one.” He patted me on my shoulder. “Now I’ll head to the club. I’ve got some practicing to do and I’m hoping to see you there soon.”
I waved him good-bye and drove back to the apartment. My parking wasn’t going to accommodate the minivan so I had to park it in public parking. Eva wasn’t home yet and that was better, with my plan to cook some dinner for her.
I quickly changed into comfortable shorts and t-shirt and started preparing.
“Hey, babe, what are you doing in the kitchen?” Eva threw her bag on the couch and hugged me before running to the bathroom.
“Making some cupcakes for you, babe, along with some pasta.”
“Lovely, baby, but what’s the occasion?”
“Nothing. Just thought of making it.”
“That’s good for me” She gave me a sweet smile. “Let me change into something comfortable and then we can enjoy them with the wine. I brought some along with me,” she shouted while running to the bathroom.
I quickly took out the cupcakes from the oven and packed them in a lunch box. I packed the pasta in another box and put both things together along with the wine bottle. I wanted to change into jeans befor
e she got out of the bathroom.
“Why are you changing? Aren’t we going to watch TV and eat the delicious cupcakes of yours?” she asked as she entered the bedroom.
“Well, we are going out to the nearby park.”
“Ohh, why?”
“Just because.”
“Cool.” She smiled. She looked exhausted, but she didn’t complain. She quickly changed into a nice skirt and a white blouse in just less than five minutes. She didn’t even apply any makeup; she actually didn’t need any makeup, she looked prettier just as she was. Her beautiful eyes sparkled with happiness when she saw me holding the picnic basket along with the bottle of wine.
“What is so special, baby? Is it my birthday today?”
“Is it? I really don’t remember when it is.” I chuckled.
“And that will be last day of your life on this poor earth.” She giggled.
“Come on, there is something waiting for you below.”
“What? I thought the picnic is the only surprise,” she replied in that cherished sound that I loved. She sounded like beautiful tones from heaven.
“Just follow me.” I walked down and took her to the van and handed her the key. “It’s for you.”
A rainbow of colors passed through her face. Amusement, surprise, cheer, happiness; everything was glimpsed in her expression. She couldn’t believe it at first. She touched the car, opened it with the keys, checked inside and then looked at me with eyes light with amusement. “What is this, Nathan?”
“It’s your gift, babe. And you are driving us to the park so we can have a cool night out.” I smiled.
“But why? What happened that you bought me this expensive car?”
“It’s not that expensive. Don’t worry about the price, just hop in and drive me. I’m so hungry right now,” I complained.
“Thanks a lot Nathan. You are such a babe.” She jumped on me and wrapped me in a bear hug. I almost fell back, but could manage to stand somehow.
“Relax babe, you can save that for tonight.” I chuckled.
“I can’t express how happy I am right now.” She screamed and then started checking the car.
“Sorry it’s a used one.”
She looked at me. I thought she didn’t like it.
“Are you kidding, Nathan? This is more precious than a new one. This is my first car and a gift from you. I’m not going to let anyone use this. This is my sweetheart from now on.” And she hugged the car. “I even love this more than you.” She winked.
“That would be the last day of this car.” I raised my eyebrows. But then we both ended laughing hard with each other.
Chapter 16
Eva
When Nathan told me about the surprise, I thought he had bought something for me and kept it in his car. But I didn’t imagine that it would be a car. Though I couldn’t believe it yet, I was happy for what he did for me. But then came the guilt. Only two days ago, I used all of his money accidently and almost broke him. How did he buy this one, then? First I thought he might have sold his own, but this van wasn’t in the parking and his car was there. That option is closed. How did he, then?
We enjoyed our evening in the park and drank a lot. Driving that minivan back home was a pleasant experience. I was eager to show it to Chloe.
“Tomorrow, I’m driving it to school.”
“Sure babe. It’s yours. You can take it wherever you want.” He smiled and kissed me in the van.
“Thanks a lot again, sweetheart.” I kissed him back.
When we entered the house, he went back to his workroom. “Sorry, Eva, I have to finish some work. You get a good night’s sleep and I’ll join you when I can.”
“It’s okay, dear. I know you have work to do. I’ll get some coffee for you before I go to bed.”
He smiled and disappeared into his room. I changed into a nightdress and prepared a coffee for him. While the coffee was getting ready, I thought about the car my mom offered me. That car was more expensive and comfortable than the one Nathan had given me, but it reeked of money. This car, in contrast, was filled with the love of Nathan. This car is definitely better than the costlier Mercedes or any other car in the world. I smiled to myself and carried the coffee mug to his workroom.
When I entered the room, I felt odd; something had changed from the morning. Something was missing.
A treadmill, probably. I checked again. A bunch of other things were also missing. The only remaining workout equipment was the boxing bag. Where did it all go? Did he…
I felt like a bolt of electricity passed through me to the ground. “Nathan, did you…” My throat choked. I couldn’t say another word. Did he really sell those things for my car?
He looked at me without saying anything. But I knew the answer. He had sold all those things for my car. I couldn’t take it anymore. I ran towards him and hugged him tightly. There was no limit to this man and the amount he cared for me. Silent tears started flowing from my eyes. I grabbed his head in my arms tightly. There was nothing to say or discuss, only emotions flowing between us. He had done an unimaginable thing for me. While the emotional turbulence took me over, he remained calm and silent in my arms.
“Are you trying to make my coffee salty?” he asked finally.
“Hmm.” I wanted to say yes, but some weird voice came out of my throat. I hugged him again and fresh tears came from my eyes.
“I’m speechless, Nathan.” After few minutes, I could say something to him.
“Don’t worry. I didn’t need them anymore. I have you now.” He pulled me in his arms and kissed me on my lips.
***
Two days passed, and Nathan remained neck-deep busy in his work. The only time he came out of his room was when he went to meet Mason. Whenever he came back from Mason, he looked exhausted. Maybe he was hitting the gym with him. And it was essential for both of us. That’s why I had started running again. My little belly fat was irritating me.
On Saturday morning when I walked inside the kitchen after a long training session, the calendar grabbed my attention. The 28th was marked in red. “Only two days remaining.” Last day to file my scholarship.
“For what, babe?” Nathan kissed the nape of my neck.
“Yuk, that must be sweaty,” I said.
“I don’t care unless it’s someone else.”
I punched his shoulder. “I’ll kill you if you kiss someone else.”
He chuckled.“Well, do you remember my friend Gavin?”
“Isn’t that the one who called you in Canada for some work? What about him?”
“He is getting married in a month and I’m going tomorrow to meet him.”
“Why now, if he is getting married in a month?”
“Well, there are some things we need to do and, of course, a bachelor party is due.” he said. “He is richer than your mother. So he owes a big party to me and Mason.”
“Okay, then I’ll move to Chloe's for couple of days. I can enjoy her and her new boyfriend.”
“Keep it to her only. I don’t want my wife doing any kind of threesome” He laughed loud.
I punched him again. This time he avoided it. “You dork.”
He pulled me and wrapped me in his arms. “And I love you.” His maleness, his arousing scent filled my lungs. I shifted back into the dark world of sex. He literally bound me whenever I found myself in his arms.
“I love you, too. When are you leaving?”
“Tonight”
“Do call me once you get there. And is Gavin a very good friend of yours?” I asked in curiosity.
“Yes.” He looked at the horizon for a second like he was checking something from his past. “It goes way back to college when Mason, Gavin and I used to be bests friends. We enjoyed a lot back then.”
“So it is kind of reunion then.”
“Sort of.”
Chapter 17
Nathan
“It’s painful, dude. To lie with to one you love so much.” I expressed my feelings to Mason. Ly
ing to Eva was extremely painful for me. I never thought it would be at first, but as the moments passed after telling her the half-truth, I started feeling the heat of it. I told her that I was going to meet Gavin. That was in the plan, but things were a bit different.
In the last couple days, Mason and I had discussed with Charlie the contract and we finally agreed on two hundred and fifty thousand bucks. That would pay off my debt to the bank if I won two out of three matches with Peter. For me, it was three bulls in one shot. Peter, the bank and Martha. The only downside to the plan was that I’d had to lie to Eva to make it work. I just couldn’t tell her. My intentions were good and I wanted to give her the life she deserved.
“Don't stress too much, dude. Remember one thing: if you want to earn money and be successful, the best chances that you can achieve it with your passion only,” Mason said.
Looking at him reminded me that he used to give us these sorts of motivational talks when we were in college. Most of the time, he used to be true and inspirational. This time, my heartfelt he was right. Boxing was my passion and if I won these matches, it would be the best thing to have happened to me after meeting Eva. “Still, it’s hard to lie to one you love most.” My guilt was eating me from the inside. I had never lied to her for anything.
“Sometimes, you have to lie for the greater good,” he said in a very serious tone along with a serious face.
“Now you are talking like Dumbledore.” I chuckled. His dialogue changed my mood.
“Come on, I’m better than him.” He smiled.
“What are our plans? When are we meeting Gavin? Did you inform him?” I had spent last three days in training and Mason had taken care of everything else.
“No, it’s a surprise for him. I informed Sam and he will send a car to pick us up from the airport.”
“Sam? Wow, it’s long time since we’ve seen them both.”
“And we are going to stay with them, so we can have a real bachelor party after you are done with your matches.”
“Yes, maybe.” The three matches were scheduled back to back in one day. It was brutal, but that was the way sponsors earned their money back. “If I’m able to stand on my own legs after the matches.”
