Courting The Champion

13 - La Familia

Just as I git to Linear Impact Co my trainer, Trevor tells me I'm being summoned to the highest level of the building, that is, Smith's office.

I wonder why Arabelle isn't here today as the doors to the glass elevator shut close and I begin to ascend.

The doors open up to the glorious golden floor that I'm starting to get more familiar with. I notice some pictures on the walls that I hadn't noticed before.

Smith is standing next to what looks like his family. A short and slender Asian woman is standing next to Smith with three mixed young children, who appear to be in their late teens or early twenties.

The door is already open when I enter Smith's high end office.

“Ah there he is! My favorite boxer.” Smith exclaims enthusiastically as he rises from his seat. He gives me a hug and I mirror his energy, not wanting to give anything away.

“Wassup boss? I gotta say, I'm getting accustomed to this room now, you sure you ain't thinking about leaving the company to me?” I question and Smith cracks up in laughter. I join him and nod my head as I look around in admiration.

Rule #1. To get along with the greedy, act just as greedy.

“Ahh little Drew.. See this is why I like you. You remind me of myself when I was around your age,” he says pouring La Roux into two glasses. I grin at him and he slides one of the glasses in my line of sight.

He walks around his desk and settles down on his seat.

“I was just as ambitious, I joked around a lot, got along with everyone, minded my own business and didn't try to stick my nose in stuff that didn't concern me. I got to the top that way. I like that about you Andrew,” he says and I chuckle.

“Yeah that's pretty much me man, all I wanna do is reach my fullest potential and show other boys like me that you can be anything long as you put your mind to it,” I say not exactly stating which side I'm on. I feel like buys it.

“And you're going to do just that here. I'll show you all the damn ropes. You can be successful and who knows? Maybe you'll start your own company too one day,” he says and sips on his drink, now a bit serious. I nod my head.

“That's the plan boss. One way or another. Err'thang I do– is for myself only,” I say and he hums in approval.

He pauses for a moment. Then points at me with his index finger whilst the rest of his fingers support the drink near his mouth.

“How do you feel about becoming one of us?” he questions and I raise my brows in surprise, when in reality I'm only just curious.

“Us? I thought I was already part of the team sir,” I say innocently and he laughs.

“Oh no no relax Drew. Yeah of course you're part of the company. But... We have a.. What can I call it? A family. The big boys,” he says and I nod my head weighing the scales in my head. I gesture at him. “Please elaborate sir. I'm definitely curious about this.. band of big boys.”

He laughs at my terminology.

“It's.. business partnerships, alliances, holidays and vacations together. We're actually having a dinner tonight. Come check it out and then you can decide. What I can promise you Andrew, is that our wives have very gorgeous friends. Really elegant and successful ladies, you might actually meet the one.”

I raise my eyebrows at him and give a knowing laugh which he takes as interest.

“Well why didn't you mention the ladies to begin with?” I ask and we both crack up.

“But... I'm guessing we'll we go there after Wayne's fight?” I ask even though I already know where this is going.

He clears his throat.

“Ahhhhh. Wayne, Wayne, Wayne... I noticed him tryina get close with you lately. But.. you best believe me when I tell that, that boy is nothing but trouble,” he says bitterly and I nod.

“I see I was actually wondering why a lot of the boys don't get along well with him,” I say more to myself than him and it sparks his interest.

“How so?” he questions and I act clueless.

“It's just, yesterday he got into a serious argument with Spencer and some of the boys. It was so serious I had to step in and tell him to behave,” I say, twisting the story in my favor. And he gives a knowing laugh.

“You see? I told you. He's not as good at boxing as you anways, why waste our time to go see him. You can always just hear about it tomorrow. No biggie,” he says with a smug look on his face.

“Alright then. I'll take your word for it. I guess I'll be seeing you later?” I question and he nods and starts to walk me to the door.

He pats me on the back. “You take care boy. Especially around the likes of Wayne. Don't let him play mind tricks with you. The only thing he wants is to you drag you down with him. Because he sees you're nothing but a threat to his career.”