Courting The Champion

8 - Lights Camera Action

One round. In just one round, I had just knocked out a hot and shining world class boxer. In a round that lasted less than two minutes.

Chuck Millstone, a thirty year old Scottish boxer, a really good looking guy who got  famous for taking the Championship last year at State level.

What I did is incredibly remarkable, judging by the amount of cameras running after me as I make my way towards the SUV that Trevor, Wayne and I, came in. I couldn't talk to my boys Troy and Lance after the fight so I sent em a group text that I'd be coming with a friend on Sunday for the barbecue.

“Andrew! Andrew! Trevor!” the reporters call out.

Just as we reach the car we get swarmed and boxed in by news reporters from every possible angle. There are fans taking videos and pictures. I should've brought some shades like my boy Wayne did. He probably experienced this before, so he kinda expected the fame that come with it.

“Trevor how did you train Andrew for him to show such enormous amount of experience during his first fight?” a man dressed in a suit with hair slicked back questions. Trevor chuckles and looks straight at the cameras.

“At Linear Impact Co. We don't train newbies, we train champions. To get in a ring like this, you have to already have the skill and the experience. That's all I can say. Look forward to our next fight. Thank you,” he says confidently and gets inside the car.

“Andrew! Andrew say a few words!” a reporter yells from my window. I look at Trevor and he nods.

I clear my throat a little. Then aim my stare at the reporter.

“I'm very pleased with today's fight. It's only the beginning of history. I look forward to another match. I think every fight itself is a good opportunity to self assess. Uhhh.. Thank you.” I say then purse my lips in a tight smile.

The driver rolls up all the car  windows and we take off.

To my surprise the SUV ends up outside the building of Linear Impact Co. I look at Wayne who smirks in my direction. He whispers lowly. “They're going to try to sway you with a good deal, and ask to extend your contract by at least five years. Don't take less than a million for a fight,” he finishes with a wink and I widen my eyes. I look at him and he looks at me and grins.

I signal for him to come closer again. He leans in and I ask.

“You mean... I git paid per every single fight?” I asks and he nods.

I blink.

“That means they think you got like Floyd Mayweather potential. That just happened to me last month. I'm happy for you man. I'm not alone anymore,” he says and gives me another wink and clicks his tongue.

It's already way past midnight. I ain't that surprised when I hear from Trevor that Mr Smith is pleased with my fight and wants to make a toast to celebrate my victory. Thanks to my boy Wayne, I already know what's up.

I whistle lowly at the amount Wayne is telling me. A million for one fight? Surely something else is up. If they're willing to give me a million dollars that easily then just how much am I  bringing in to them?

Surely triple. Or even more.

As we enter the building Wayne tells me to reduce pace. So Trevor walks ahead of us a little. Wayne grabs my arm.

“No less than a million. I took a million and half. The only thing I advice you against is asking too many questions. Take the deal or you don't. I'm sure they're ripping us off, but I'd rather be getting a million than not.”  he says lowly and I take my time to think it through.

Without them, I have no money. With them, I make a hell lot more money. The only catch is, most of the money I make is going to them. So what's the better option here?

“And other companies?” I ask curiosly and Wayne looks at me, looks in the distance, then sighs.

“I'm sure it's the same. But we can look into it. Just say yes for now and we'll see if they are trying something. I've had my suspicions but I didn't really have a friend here,” he says and I nod.

“Yeah good plan.”

We keep walking and something sparks my curiosity.

“Does Arabelle have access to information like that?” I question and his eyes widen. I widen mine at his reaction.

“Dudeee. You're so onto something here. She's his secretary. All documents go through the secretary before they go to the personal assistant. The personal assistant is probably the other key,” he says and I furrow my eyebrows in confusion.

“Yeah but who's the personal assistant?” I ask and he shrugs. “I have no idea man. But I'm not really close with Arabelle,” he says and I nod.

“I'm kind of close with her I guess. I think she likes me or in the least, wants to be friends,” I say.

“Oh so I guess you can find out. But don't be too direct. We don't know how close and loyal she is to either Trevor or Smith,” he advises and I agree because people can surprise you. Arabelle and Mr Smith might be close and she might tell him if I'm asking too many questions or snooping around.

“So none of these boxers here have ever tried finding anything out?” I question and Wayne chuckles.

“None of them talk about it. If you try to like hint at the money topic they just cut ties with you. The few I tried talking to, avoid me like the plague now.”

“That means they know sum' man. We gotta find out. But first lemme hear what Smith has to offer today. Maybe he might give me an idea as to what he's hiding,” I say and Wayne nods.

Mr Smith asks me to join him for a drink in his office. Wayne and Trevor stay with the other boxers eating Chinese at the company restaurant.

I take a sip of the strong drink in my glass while Mr Smith smiles as me. I smile back in a gullible manner. Never act smart around men like Smith is what I tell myself over and over again.

“Great fight kid. I knew from the moment I watched you fight in New York City that you'd be something. The accuracy of your punches, and the way you can predict and anticipate the opponent's next move in very little time is incredible,” he marvels at me and I laugh.

“Thank you sir. I appreciate it,” I say my words buttered with all the respect in the world.

He nods and I can tell he's buying the naive act.

“No no don't mention it kid. You're talented. That's why I want to offer you two million per every single fight you get in. And extend your contract for another seven years,” he says and I widen my eyes. I don't have to act surprised because I really am.

“Wh-What? Really? That's so crazy man! I'm honored sir,” I say and he laughs victoriously as he pushes the thin and posh looking file towards me. I grab it and pretend to skim through briefly. I  sign without hesitation and grin at him.

He nods his head and raises his glass. He gives me a lopsided smile.

“Welcome to the family little Drew.”