Post by ____ on Jul 31, 2010 13:06:29 GMT -5
Suburban America, the domain of the middle class living a life of small luxuries away from the constant noise of the urban environment. The movies portray it as rows of picket fences, the children playing in the front yard while the women sit on the porch gossiping over a cup of tea. Though the ideal is mirrored by reality, the hyperbole of it all is the cause of much scorn. The image projected by the media presenting an easy target for extremists groups to target, and citizens of other nations willing to do whatever it takes to achieve that which they desire.
Cookeville is very much like that. The middle ground between Knoxville and Nashville, it provides a quaint atmosphere while still being close enough to a large city to enjoy their amenities. The houses are not loquacious but exude the fact that their occupants have a bit of money or importance to their name. The trendy blue jeans, flat billed cap and Tap-Out t-shirt of the young man strolling down the walk appears out of place, the lack of formality in his attire in stark contrast to the rigid environment around him. Opening the gate to number seventy-four, he strides up the walk and then up the stairs before pressing the bell.
The familiar chorus can be heard from inside and soon the pitter patter of footsteps before a blonde women opens the door.
Amy - “Chris!”
Amy Register shrieks as she throws her arms around Chris Hart, who smiles and reciprocates. They stay like that for a second before she lets go and ushers Chris into the house, following him in and shutting the door behind him. Chris removes his sneakers as Amy stands in the doorway, inadvertently sizing Chris up. As he unlaces the left sneaker, Chris speaks at Amy, into the floor.
Chris - “Sorry I didn’t bring anything. Apparently I’m not old enough to buy liquor here and I’m lost at buying flowers or something like that.”
Amy - “Don’t apologize, if Kurt expected you to bring something he would have bought it himself. You should know that by now.”
Amy just smiles as Chris shakes his head. Having spent six months practically conjoined at the hip with Kurt Noble he knew how the man worked. If there was something he wanted, he would get it, no matter what it took. Putting his body through hell, working with the ‘scum of the earth’ or looking over the fact that the women he loved and was now set to marry, had been having certain ‘liasons’ with his best friend and partner.
Chris - “What about you though, or is Kurt wearing the pants in this relationship?”
Amy just snickers and walks away from Chris who smiles.
Chris - “Nice ass.”
This time Amy turns her head and sticks her tongue out at Chris but her smile grows. As she walks away, she puts a little more emphasis into her hips as Chris follows her into the lounge that over looks the outdoor patio. Kurt Noble is standing next to a propane grill, the hood open and a large chicken on the rotisserie grilling. Chris slowly salivates, seeing the meat as Amy walks out the door and yells at Kurt that Chris has arrived. He raises a hand in acknowledgement and returns back to the grill as Amy looks at Chris.
Amy - Seeing as how you can’t buy anything to drink, would you like something?
Chris - “Sure, whatever you’re having.”
Amy smiles at Chris and heads out of the room just as Noble swings open the door and steps in. His hair is neatly coiffed, not a strand out of place, fitting in amongst the neighbours. He turns and looks at Chris seated in the high backed chair and shakes his head at the young charge as he’s already rummaging around the candy dish.
Kurt - “They’re all the same Chris.”
Chris looks up at Kurt and shakes his head, grabbing one and begins to open it before Amy strides into the room with three Copita’s in hand. Kurt smiles as Amy passes one to him, and then one to Chris before taking a seat on the sofa next to Noble.
Kurt - “So how are you doing Chris?”
Chris - “Not too bad all things considered. A little sore but someone took my masseuse and then didn’t hire one when they opened up a new company.
Kurt - “I’m sure there are hundreds of places around here that will do the job for you.”
Chris - “I know but I had an established rapport with the previous one.”
Amy - “You’re certain it had nothing to do with the ’happy endings?’”
Kurt blushes as Amy and Chris laugh at his discomfort. Collecting themselves, all three take a sip of the sherry before setting the copita’s down.
Kurt - “Be right back guys, I’ve got to check on the chicken.”
Chris - “I’ll get Amy to check mine.”
Again the color rises in Kurt’s face as he strides out the door to a chorus of laughter from Chris and Amy. As he stepped outside though, the straight face turns to a smile. The anxiety from before about how the dynamic between the three of them would change was slowly being alleviated, even if it was at his expense. The two former lovers, now content to simply share their friendship in less carnal ways. As he raised the hood, he looked in on the two laughing like school children. Back inside Chris sits up in the chair and continues on.
Chris - “So how have things been with you?”
Amy - “Really good. I’ve been busy making sure that things have been in order for Kingdom of Pride on the advertising front. You’d be amazed at how many people want to affiliate with the wrestling down here, but have to make sure that it wouldn’t negatively impact their brand.”
Chris - “I wouldn’t doubt it. It’s become almost a dirty word in the mainstream but theirs still a rabid fan base and it’s fairly easy to know what demographic you’re targeting.”
Amy - “I thought you said you dropped out of high school?”
Chris - “I did. That doesn’t mean I’m an idiot that when presented with facts, I’m simply going to ignore them and say it doesn’t exist.”
Amy - “Speaking on someone in particular?”
Chris just smirks at Amy as Noble comes back inside and throws his arms around Amy and leans over the back of the sofa, kissing her on the top of her head. Amy pauses for a moment before leaning back so slowly Kurt’s lips pass down from her head to her lips. As soon as they touch, Chris, in his infinite wisdom interjects.
Chris - “Get a room.”
Kurt breaks away and looks at Chris.
Kurt - “So it’s okay for you to joke about doing the …”
Chris - “Get that stick out of your ass Noble. You’re starting to blend in with your neighbours.”
Chris laughs as Noble shoots him a glare causing Amy to lightly tap Noble across the cheek.
Amy - “You two knock it off.”
Kurt - “Two on One?”
Chris looks at Noble shocked as Amy turns and gives him a surprised look. Noble stays serious for a moment before slowly he breaks and begins to smile as finally Amy and Chris crack up as well. Coming around and taking a seat next to Amy, Kurt looks across the living room at Chris who’s taking the last swallow of sherry out of the Copita.
Kurt - “What do you think of Kingdom of Pride so far?”
Chris - “I think for having been around for two weeks it’s on solid footing, especially inside of the locker room. Most of the guys seem upbeat about it and the crows have been hot up and too this point. There are a few guys who have been going through the motions it seems but they’ll come around. For the most part you’ve done a good job keeping the divas away as well so there’s a level of cohesiveness as well.”
Kurt - “Good. I know we’re not near the level we used to be at in Illinois but we’re going to get there. Jeremy’s doing a few things and Amy’s already beating the pavement.”
Chris - “I know, I got a house out of it.”
Apparently Kurt has yet to tell Amy as she leaps off the couch and comes across to give Chris a hug.
Amy - “That’s great.”
She turns to Kurt.
Amy - “How come you didn’t tell me?”
Kurt - “I figured you’d arranged it with Richard. He came into my office and said that he’d talked to you about sponsoring KoP, and was wondering if we could go beyond a simple financial transaction.”
Amy - “No, he must have done that on his own.”
She turns back to Chris this time.
Amy - “What’s it like.”
Chris - “It’s fairly plain. It’s furnished but not a lot else. I’ve got to go shopping to get all sorts of basic stuff.”
Amy - “I’ll go with you. Are you busy tomorrow?”
Chris - “No, I’m free until Sunday. It’s a big week so I’m staying away from any sort of Kingdom of Pride related ventures. You know the drill Amy.”
Amy - “Preparation beats skill, skilled preparation is unstoppable.”
Chris - “Yeah.”
Amy takes down the last of her sherry, and Kurt has already finished off his. Amy scoops up the three copita’s and heads out of the room, ostensibly to get a refill. Chris watches her leave before turning across and looks at Kurt.
Chris - “Can we talk business for a second?”
Kurt - “Sure. What’s up?”
Kurt seems confused by the line of questioning as Chris leans back in the chair.
Chris - “Last night after you left I ran into this girl who invited me to a party for a bunch of the Memphis Tigers returning to campus.”
Kurt - “O’ know, Chris what did you do?”
Chris - “No, nothing like that. I’m not going to ruin that contract the night after I signed it.”
Kurt - “Okay.”
Chris - “Anyways, when I was there I got talking to a man named Raekwon Carter. I know him because he was one of Coach Cal’s first recruits when he came to Memphis away from New Jersey. He’s setting up a sports marketing firm, one of his reasons to be around the party was to introduce himself to some of the guys on that basketball team, it’s not illegal for him to simply be there and enjoying himself. He saw me and came over, saying he was a bit of a professional wrestling fan himself and that he couldn’t help but introduce himself to me.
Chris pauses for a minute as Kurt adjusts himself on the sofa.
Chris - “He got talking about how as professional wrestlers we’re in a market that is underutilized by advertisers. He says that we’re a great value for advertisers who want to reach certain segments of the population, without having to spend hundreds of thousands on a big ‘name’ athlete. He said that even here in Tennessee he expected I could make five or six times my salary, just in endorsements.
Kurt - “I don’t doubt that. Rent on that house would probably be worth double what you’re making for wrestling.”
Chris - “Yeah, he brought that up to, that if I had an agent he’d be able to do all the work in finding me the best place to wrestle and for the most money. I told him my interests in KoP was about a lot more than money and he said he knew that, but as a side booking every once in a while. The same as I’ve done with UWL and UWC before.”
Kurt - “I wouldn’t have a problem with you going to wrestle in other places as long as you’re still committed to Kingdom of Pride.”
Chris - “I know you wouldn’t and I told him that I’ve considered working a few more dates but am wary of burning myself out. He told me that whatever I told him, he’d be able to get it done. I’ve been rolling it over in my mind but the more I think about it, the more I think that it’s a deal I can’t refuse. Essentially he’ll do all the work, take three percent off the top of any non-salary earnings but from there, I’m making easy money.”
Kurt - “From what you’ve told me Chris there doesn’t appear to be a downside. Of course, I’d be more than willing to read any documents before you signed off on them.”
Chris - “That’s what I was going to ask next. I think it’s perfect for everyone involved, he gets a head start in starting up Carter Corporation. I’m making more money than I ever thought I’d get through wrestling, maybe make it so I’m not crippled and still dragging myself out there because I need to feed myself. Kingdom of Pride also gets exposure because people see me and then want to come out and watch the shows. I can’t remember what it’s called in business terms …”
Kurt - “Pyramiding.”
Chris - “That’s it. I don’t see how there’s any downside to it, it just trickles down from Me, to Raekwon and Kingdom of Pride, and then to the others stars as we grow more.”
Kurt - “I’ll take a look. Did you tell him you’d meet him at a time?”
Chris - “No, he just gave me his card and said there wasn’t a big rush in deciding and that if I wanted to talk it over with some form of legal counsel, then that’d be fine.”
Kurt - “Well from what you said, it appears like you’ve just got yourself another one.”
Amy - “Another what?”
Amy comes back into the room, carrying the three copita’s refilled again. Chris turns to Amy and takes his glass from her.
Chris - “Just another potential marketing deal. Once we close it, we’ll let you know.”
Chris smiles as Amy sets to the two glasses down in front of Kurt, who’s looking down at his wrist watch.
Kurt - “Well, I think that bird is done.”
Kurt takes the sherry out as he gets up and heads towards the screen door. Amy gets up and heads towards the kitchen, grabbing hold of some cutlery and taking it out to the dining room. Seeing this, Chris gets up and helps her, grabbing the three plates and following in her steed. The lounge is empty as the scene fades away.
Cookeville is very much like that. The middle ground between Knoxville and Nashville, it provides a quaint atmosphere while still being close enough to a large city to enjoy their amenities. The houses are not loquacious but exude the fact that their occupants have a bit of money or importance to their name. The trendy blue jeans, flat billed cap and Tap-Out t-shirt of the young man strolling down the walk appears out of place, the lack of formality in his attire in stark contrast to the rigid environment around him. Opening the gate to number seventy-four, he strides up the walk and then up the stairs before pressing the bell.
The familiar chorus can be heard from inside and soon the pitter patter of footsteps before a blonde women opens the door.
Amy - “Chris!”
Amy Register shrieks as she throws her arms around Chris Hart, who smiles and reciprocates. They stay like that for a second before she lets go and ushers Chris into the house, following him in and shutting the door behind him. Chris removes his sneakers as Amy stands in the doorway, inadvertently sizing Chris up. As he unlaces the left sneaker, Chris speaks at Amy, into the floor.
Chris - “Sorry I didn’t bring anything. Apparently I’m not old enough to buy liquor here and I’m lost at buying flowers or something like that.”
Amy - “Don’t apologize, if Kurt expected you to bring something he would have bought it himself. You should know that by now.”
Amy just smiles as Chris shakes his head. Having spent six months practically conjoined at the hip with Kurt Noble he knew how the man worked. If there was something he wanted, he would get it, no matter what it took. Putting his body through hell, working with the ‘scum of the earth’ or looking over the fact that the women he loved and was now set to marry, had been having certain ‘liasons’ with his best friend and partner.
Chris - “What about you though, or is Kurt wearing the pants in this relationship?”
Amy just snickers and walks away from Chris who smiles.
Chris - “Nice ass.”
This time Amy turns her head and sticks her tongue out at Chris but her smile grows. As she walks away, she puts a little more emphasis into her hips as Chris follows her into the lounge that over looks the outdoor patio. Kurt Noble is standing next to a propane grill, the hood open and a large chicken on the rotisserie grilling. Chris slowly salivates, seeing the meat as Amy walks out the door and yells at Kurt that Chris has arrived. He raises a hand in acknowledgement and returns back to the grill as Amy looks at Chris.
Amy - Seeing as how you can’t buy anything to drink, would you like something?
Chris - “Sure, whatever you’re having.”
Amy smiles at Chris and heads out of the room just as Noble swings open the door and steps in. His hair is neatly coiffed, not a strand out of place, fitting in amongst the neighbours. He turns and looks at Chris seated in the high backed chair and shakes his head at the young charge as he’s already rummaging around the candy dish.
Kurt - “They’re all the same Chris.”
Chris looks up at Kurt and shakes his head, grabbing one and begins to open it before Amy strides into the room with three Copita’s in hand. Kurt smiles as Amy passes one to him, and then one to Chris before taking a seat on the sofa next to Noble.
Kurt - “So how are you doing Chris?”
Chris - “Not too bad all things considered. A little sore but someone took my masseuse and then didn’t hire one when they opened up a new company.
Kurt - “I’m sure there are hundreds of places around here that will do the job for you.”
Chris - “I know but I had an established rapport with the previous one.”
Amy - “You’re certain it had nothing to do with the ’happy endings?’”
Kurt blushes as Amy and Chris laugh at his discomfort. Collecting themselves, all three take a sip of the sherry before setting the copita’s down.
Kurt - “Be right back guys, I’ve got to check on the chicken.”
Chris - “I’ll get Amy to check mine.”
Again the color rises in Kurt’s face as he strides out the door to a chorus of laughter from Chris and Amy. As he stepped outside though, the straight face turns to a smile. The anxiety from before about how the dynamic between the three of them would change was slowly being alleviated, even if it was at his expense. The two former lovers, now content to simply share their friendship in less carnal ways. As he raised the hood, he looked in on the two laughing like school children. Back inside Chris sits up in the chair and continues on.
Chris - “So how have things been with you?”
Amy - “Really good. I’ve been busy making sure that things have been in order for Kingdom of Pride on the advertising front. You’d be amazed at how many people want to affiliate with the wrestling down here, but have to make sure that it wouldn’t negatively impact their brand.”
Chris - “I wouldn’t doubt it. It’s become almost a dirty word in the mainstream but theirs still a rabid fan base and it’s fairly easy to know what demographic you’re targeting.”
Amy - “I thought you said you dropped out of high school?”
Chris - “I did. That doesn’t mean I’m an idiot that when presented with facts, I’m simply going to ignore them and say it doesn’t exist.”
Amy - “Speaking on someone in particular?”
Chris just smirks at Amy as Noble comes back inside and throws his arms around Amy and leans over the back of the sofa, kissing her on the top of her head. Amy pauses for a moment before leaning back so slowly Kurt’s lips pass down from her head to her lips. As soon as they touch, Chris, in his infinite wisdom interjects.
Chris - “Get a room.”
Kurt breaks away and looks at Chris.
Kurt - “So it’s okay for you to joke about doing the …”
Chris - “Get that stick out of your ass Noble. You’re starting to blend in with your neighbours.”
Chris laughs as Noble shoots him a glare causing Amy to lightly tap Noble across the cheek.
Amy - “You two knock it off.”
Kurt - “Two on One?”
Chris looks at Noble shocked as Amy turns and gives him a surprised look. Noble stays serious for a moment before slowly he breaks and begins to smile as finally Amy and Chris crack up as well. Coming around and taking a seat next to Amy, Kurt looks across the living room at Chris who’s taking the last swallow of sherry out of the Copita.
Kurt - “What do you think of Kingdom of Pride so far?”
Chris - “I think for having been around for two weeks it’s on solid footing, especially inside of the locker room. Most of the guys seem upbeat about it and the crows have been hot up and too this point. There are a few guys who have been going through the motions it seems but they’ll come around. For the most part you’ve done a good job keeping the divas away as well so there’s a level of cohesiveness as well.”
Kurt - “Good. I know we’re not near the level we used to be at in Illinois but we’re going to get there. Jeremy’s doing a few things and Amy’s already beating the pavement.”
Chris - “I know, I got a house out of it.”
Apparently Kurt has yet to tell Amy as she leaps off the couch and comes across to give Chris a hug.
Amy - “That’s great.”
She turns to Kurt.
Amy - “How come you didn’t tell me?”
Kurt - “I figured you’d arranged it with Richard. He came into my office and said that he’d talked to you about sponsoring KoP, and was wondering if we could go beyond a simple financial transaction.”
Amy - “No, he must have done that on his own.”
She turns back to Chris this time.
Amy - “What’s it like.”
Chris - “It’s fairly plain. It’s furnished but not a lot else. I’ve got to go shopping to get all sorts of basic stuff.”
Amy - “I’ll go with you. Are you busy tomorrow?”
Chris - “No, I’m free until Sunday. It’s a big week so I’m staying away from any sort of Kingdom of Pride related ventures. You know the drill Amy.”
Amy - “Preparation beats skill, skilled preparation is unstoppable.”
Chris - “Yeah.”
Amy takes down the last of her sherry, and Kurt has already finished off his. Amy scoops up the three copita’s and heads out of the room, ostensibly to get a refill. Chris watches her leave before turning across and looks at Kurt.
Chris - “Can we talk business for a second?”
Kurt - “Sure. What’s up?”
Kurt seems confused by the line of questioning as Chris leans back in the chair.
Chris - “Last night after you left I ran into this girl who invited me to a party for a bunch of the Memphis Tigers returning to campus.”
Kurt - “O’ know, Chris what did you do?”
Chris - “No, nothing like that. I’m not going to ruin that contract the night after I signed it.”
Kurt - “Okay.”
Chris - “Anyways, when I was there I got talking to a man named Raekwon Carter. I know him because he was one of Coach Cal’s first recruits when he came to Memphis away from New Jersey. He’s setting up a sports marketing firm, one of his reasons to be around the party was to introduce himself to some of the guys on that basketball team, it’s not illegal for him to simply be there and enjoying himself. He saw me and came over, saying he was a bit of a professional wrestling fan himself and that he couldn’t help but introduce himself to me.
Chris pauses for a minute as Kurt adjusts himself on the sofa.
Chris - “He got talking about how as professional wrestlers we’re in a market that is underutilized by advertisers. He says that we’re a great value for advertisers who want to reach certain segments of the population, without having to spend hundreds of thousands on a big ‘name’ athlete. He said that even here in Tennessee he expected I could make five or six times my salary, just in endorsements.
Kurt - “I don’t doubt that. Rent on that house would probably be worth double what you’re making for wrestling.”
Chris - “Yeah, he brought that up to, that if I had an agent he’d be able to do all the work in finding me the best place to wrestle and for the most money. I told him my interests in KoP was about a lot more than money and he said he knew that, but as a side booking every once in a while. The same as I’ve done with UWL and UWC before.”
Kurt - “I wouldn’t have a problem with you going to wrestle in other places as long as you’re still committed to Kingdom of Pride.”
Chris - “I know you wouldn’t and I told him that I’ve considered working a few more dates but am wary of burning myself out. He told me that whatever I told him, he’d be able to get it done. I’ve been rolling it over in my mind but the more I think about it, the more I think that it’s a deal I can’t refuse. Essentially he’ll do all the work, take three percent off the top of any non-salary earnings but from there, I’m making easy money.”
Kurt - “From what you’ve told me Chris there doesn’t appear to be a downside. Of course, I’d be more than willing to read any documents before you signed off on them.”
Chris - “That’s what I was going to ask next. I think it’s perfect for everyone involved, he gets a head start in starting up Carter Corporation. I’m making more money than I ever thought I’d get through wrestling, maybe make it so I’m not crippled and still dragging myself out there because I need to feed myself. Kingdom of Pride also gets exposure because people see me and then want to come out and watch the shows. I can’t remember what it’s called in business terms …”
Kurt - “Pyramiding.”
Chris - “That’s it. I don’t see how there’s any downside to it, it just trickles down from Me, to Raekwon and Kingdom of Pride, and then to the others stars as we grow more.”
Kurt - “I’ll take a look. Did you tell him you’d meet him at a time?”
Chris - “No, he just gave me his card and said there wasn’t a big rush in deciding and that if I wanted to talk it over with some form of legal counsel, then that’d be fine.”
Kurt - “Well from what you said, it appears like you’ve just got yourself another one.”
Amy - “Another what?”
Amy comes back into the room, carrying the three copita’s refilled again. Chris turns to Amy and takes his glass from her.
Chris - “Just another potential marketing deal. Once we close it, we’ll let you know.”
Chris smiles as Amy sets to the two glasses down in front of Kurt, who’s looking down at his wrist watch.
Kurt - “Well, I think that bird is done.”
Kurt takes the sherry out as he gets up and heads towards the screen door. Amy gets up and heads towards the kitchen, grabbing hold of some cutlery and taking it out to the dining room. Seeing this, Chris gets up and helps her, grabbing the three plates and following in her steed. The lounge is empty as the scene fades away.
