You're the Best Man
One.
Jack Brewer wrapped his fingers around a lukewarm mug of coffee. He had no worries. The bright afternoon sun rays slipped through the open blinds of the apartment and warmed his face, relaxing him. A content sigh left his lips as he rested his back against the couch. His eyes wandered around the spacious apartment before they focused on Kimberly Beulah Crawford, his fiancée. There was nothing but peace and tranquility.
Often, he wondered how they could be so fortunate in their relationship, while others failed. He remembered how they decided to see other people for a while. The memory of their period apart created a huge pit of discomfort within his chest. He took a deep breath in and exhaled the bad memories. Despite their time apart, they found their way back to each other somehow. He could only thank the heavens above.
Kim looked at him, eyebrows raised. "Why do you keep looking at me like that? Like you've never seen me before."
Jack shrugged. "Maybe because you said yes."
"Jack," Kim remarked, eyes back on the bridal magazine. "That was two months ago."
"Yes, it still doesn't feel real yet."
Kim nodded. Jack wondered what could have crossed her mind. He winced when Kim's fist collided with his shoulder. He massaged the sore area and decided to keep his mouth closed. Sometimes it was best to accept his fiancée's sporadic violent behavior.
"There, that hurt, I'm sure," she commented. "Everything is real, including the punch."
She lifted her hand, her engagement ring glowing upon her finger. "This is real too. Now stop being so cheesy. I'm looking at wedding dresses and you are distracting me."
Jack snorted. "Alright, you didn't need to hit me. By the way, when are we meeting your parents again?"
"Tomorrow around 5pm. Please, please, be on time. This is the food tasting. According to my mom, this is on the list of important things."
"I thought we were just going to have Phil cater?" Jack questioned.
Silence settled around them. Kim turned to Jack, brows raised. Uncaged laughter escaped from Jack as he held his sides. Kim's expression of displeasure was an amusing sight. He could barely keep back his joy. He gave her a smile and then planted a kiss to her forehead.
"I'm joking, and don't worry I'll be on time. I already discussed with my manager. He knows exactly what to expect in my absence."
"As the owner of the store, I wouldn't think you would spend so much time there," Kim remarked.
Four years after graduating from Seaford University, he put his business dream into action. Jack became the proud owner of a new Karate Store called 'Kickin' It'. The store sold karate equipment at a reasonable price. For karate lovers, he provided karate themed merchandise. A year passed and he still held the same excitement for his store. He already had plans to open more chains.
Jack pulled on his jacket and grabbed his keys. "I'm the owner which is a good reason to show up there all the time. I call them surprise inspections, Kim. Plus, I think Earl is taking his one hour breaks again. I have to make sure that doesn't happen."
"Right, Mr. Business man," Kim stated. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow. I have a shift at the hospital tonight."
"Have a good night. I'm going to drop by the store before I head home."
Kim waved him away as he headed out the door. A smile graced his lips as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. He opened the door to his sports car, the warmth of the afternoon sun on his back. He glanced at his cellular device and shot a quick reply to a text from Milton. He pulled out of the parking lot of Kim's apartment complex. Hopefully, Earl wasn't taking an hour break like he predicted. Maybe the teenager would surprise him.
-1-1-1-
Seaford hadn't changed much over the years. A few new stores popped up on the wharf, but other than that the familiar sights of Seaford greeted Jack every day. He twirled his keys upon his finger as he passed by Wasabi Academy. The heat of the day still beat down on his back, but he was used to the temperature. A large brick colored building grew nearer as he walked. Once he arrived, he stood before the building and stared.
"What are you looking at, Mr. Brewer?"
Jack glanced at the very pale face of Earl, a sixteen year old sales associate. He stuffed his hands into his pockets.
He looked to the teen, brows raised and arms crossed. "You on break?"
"Yes."
"When did it start?" Jack asked.
"5 o' clock, sir," Earl shared.
"Earl Burger that was an hour ago!"
Earl's lips stretched into a wide smile as he gave Jack a thumbs up. The teen threw open the doors and darted into the store. He really should reevaluate the boy's employment, but firing the teen was a difficult decision to make. Rudy referred the teen to his store, because of his vast knowledge in Karate. It would be hard to find someone with an equal amount of passion.
"What is the story Mark?" Jack questioned.
Mark Jacobs was the store manager. He had excellent ideas and knew how to handle peak times at the store. He remembered when he first hired the man on to his team. Within three months, he was already a manager. Just like his application stated, a fast learner.
"Business is booming as always. I suspect it has to do with a certain famous acting background."
Jack rolled his eyes. "Or Kickin' It sells quality karate equipment and excellent karate merchandise."
"True, plus your manager isn't half bad."
Jack smiled. "Good Job, Mark. Just came by to see if there was anything new. Did you know Earl is still taking one hour breaks?"
"I told you about him, Jack. But you must have some kind of vision for the kid. If it were me, I'd be looking for another associate. Shouldn't be hard, everyone wants to work here."
Jack rested his elbows upon the counter. "Not everyone."
"Right, true, some of the employees get kind of stiff when you are around. Apparently, it gets stressful working with the owner breathing down your neck. They were just telling me they prefer – I mean – oh you were fishing for a complement. My bad. Forget what I just said. Everyone adores you."
Jack gave Mark a look. "I want the sale numbers on my desk when you have the time."
Jack didn't give him a chance to reply. He turned away from the register counter, and then headed through a doorway to the back of the store. He scanned the equipment lining the shelves, taking mental notes on inventory. Tara, another sales associate, appeared to his left and he waved. He smiled when she returned the greeting.
He sat down in front of paper work, double checking the shipment for the next day. He had to make sure he had a large enough team for tomorrow's load. He checked the schedule. 500 boxes were scheduled to arrive around noon. Jack was happy to know that he anticipated correctly.
"You work too hard."
Jack looked to Mark and then glanced at the paperwork. "Shouldn't you be out on the floor?"
"Eh, they can handle it. Our peak time isn't usually until 6p anyway. So, I'm surprised you stopped by," Mark commented, running fingers through his blonde locks. "Alright, not really surprised. You always come by. I just thought you'd be spending all your time with Kim, the future Mrs. Brewer."
"Kim is working the night shift at the hospital. My mom, Kim, her parents, and I will meet at the food tasting tomorrow."
"Wow," Mark stated, plopping down into an empty chair in front of Jack's desk. "You are really living the dream, aren't you? A beautiful smart wife to be, who is an excellent nurse, and this successful business. Oh, how could I forget? You also have an acting career you could pick up again anytime you want. How do you do it man?"
Jack chuckled at the question as he signed off on a few documents. "Do what?"
"All that," he gestured. "Not everyone has your life, you know? Plus, you still have great hair. I'm balding and I'm pretty sure I'm only a year older than you."
"Well you are right about the hair. It is still great."
Mark huffed, arms crossed.
Jack looked up from his work and gave Mark a smile. "What? Look, to be honest it can be a bit much sometimes. Running a business from the ground up isn't easy, you know that. Wedding planning isn't easy. There is a lot in my life you don't know about."
Mark looked at him, eyes wide. "Wait, does that mean you've reconnected with your agent?"
During his sophomore year of college, a director came to him asking about the unreleased Karate Games film. Jack was weary until he looked into the man's background. After he figured out the man wasn't insane, he gladly picked up the role. Unfortunately it was a solo journey. Kim was more focused on her Nursing degree.
"No, Mark. I'm done with acting."
"I respect that. You got out at your prime honestly," Mark said, a smile on his lips. "Who knows what would have happened if you stuck around? I may have seen the name Brewer and the word scandal at one point. We may have never met."
"Mark! Stephen is challenging a customer to a protein bar eating contest again."
Both males turned to the door, eyes set on a young female in her twenties.
"Protein bar challenge?" Jack questioned.
"No, worries," he smiled. "Coming Elisha. See you later Jack, duty calls."
Jack bit his lip, eyebrows furrowed at the thought. He normally charged into action, but decided to let Mark do his job. As the owner, he didn't have to put out every tiny fire. For a second, his mind wandered to their previous conversation. He hadn't talked to Thomas, his acting agent, in years. Maybe he should reconnect for old time's sake. He packed up his belongings and put his phone to his ear.
"Hey, yeah, Thomas. Long time I know. What has been going on with you?"
-1-1-1-1-
Jack watched his mother and Mrs. Crawford chat over the food selections with a twinkle in their eyes. Mr. Crawford or Chuck, poked at the salmon on his plate with a fork. Jack wondered if he was a seafood kind of guy. He guessed not but that was one of the many candidate dishes for the wedding reception.
"Where are you Jack?"
"What, Kim? I like the mashed potatoes," Jack commented, eyes on Kim's annoyed gaze.
Kim let out an exasperated sigh and then replied. "Jack, the mashed potatoes were a part of the very first menu. Is that really all you've enjoyed? Are you okay?"
"Kimberly, dear, please," Mrs. Crawford giggled. "Save the nagging for after your married."
Kim flushed. "Mother, please don't."
"Don't embarrass Kim, Annie," Mr. Crawford grinned. "We all know you were the worst bridezilla of them all. I consider it lucky that Kim hasn't acquired any of that from you."
"Chuck."
"Dad," Kim laughed. "Don't tease mom so much. You've been non-stop since we got here."
"I can't help it, she is so easy to tease. And so easy to love."
Jack snorted at the cheese fest in front of him. Although, it was nice to be surrounded by happy marriages and he wanted the same for his future with Kim. A waitress set a few more food selections on their table. The rich aroma of grilled chicken and mixed vegetables drifted toward his nose.
Mrs. Crawford turned to him, brows furrowed. "Now, Jack, Kim has already told us about her Maid of Honor."
Silence fell upon the table. Jack noticed the look Kim and his mother gave him. He shrugged off their concerned gazes and smiled.
Mrs. Crawford continued the conversation, sipping the red wine from her tall glass. "We know how popular you are around here. Do we expect any celebrity friends as the Best Man?"
"Hadn't given it much thought really," Jack replied.
Kim's hand landed on his knee.
"What? But dear, the Best Man is a very important part of the wedding," she remarked. "He is a ring leader of the groomsmen. If it is hard to choose, just think of the person that has been with you through thick and thin. Your best friend. The person that knows you the most."
Jack smiled as he heard Mrs. Crawford drone on. He hid the urge to grit his teeth in annoyance.
"Annie, please, you are flooding the boy with your passionate speech. I'm sure he has someone in mind already. Am I right, Jack?" Mr. Crawford asked.
Jack shrugged, once again at loss for words. Kim's fingers laced with his own under that table and shocked him to life.
"Jack has someone in mind," Kim shared.
"Well, who is he? Hm, you know I just thought of someone. There was this one boy, Kimberly. I'm terrible with names but wasn't he a great friend of yours. Really, great," Mrs. Crawford said.
"Milton?" Jack's mother supplied.
Jack bounced his foot up and down as the conversation continued. He didn't understand why the situation was such a big deal. He'd come up with a Best Man when the time was necessary. The time wasn't necessary. They had only been engaged recently. The wedding was practically next year. There was no hurry.
Mrs. Brewer swirled the liquid in her glass, eyebrows furrowed. "Well yes, but no. There was another one, goofy, a bit of a trouble maker. Now what was his name?"
"His name was Jerry, Jerry Martinez," his mother stated.
Jack narrowed his eyes at his mother, a warning on his lips.
"Ah, yes, Jerry. I heard so many stories about you both, best friends. Yes, what about him? I'm certain he knows all about the engagement and well – You know I didn't see him at the engagement party."
"Mom, really, there is no hurry," Kim assured, eyes on Jack's hardened features. "How about we discuss it later?"
"Later? Well I just don't understand the lack of enthusiasm. Do you want to discuss the wedding later too?"
Mr. Crawford placed a hand upon his wife's hand. "Annie, remember we talked about getting too excited? I know you are happy for Kim, but let us just accept their wishes. How about we continue the food tasting? I'm interested in what dessert selections we have."
Mrs. Crawford nodded, returning to the remains of her meal. "Right, of course. Sorry, honey."
Jack forced a smile on his lips as they continued with the food tasting. He kept the same strained grin on his face as he walked into Kim's apartment later the same evening. He dropped down on her couch, kneading the flesh between his eyebrows. Kim sat nearby and sighed.
"Jack, are we going to talk about what happened?"
"No, we aren't going to talk about what happened, Kim, because nothing happened."
"Jack, I saw you. As soon as your mother brought up Jerry's name – well you nearly broke the glass in your hand."
"No, I didn't. I wasn't mad. I was contemplating. Anger means I care, which I don't. I stopped caring seven years ago."
"Jack, I know you aren't ready to talk, but I think it is time."
Jack narrowed his eyes at the floor, heart pounding. "Time for what?"
"It is time to call him and I don't know burn bridges or whatever they say. We are getting married and, don't you want him to be there?"
Jack's heart ached at her words, but he banished the feeling soon after. Yeah, right. He didn't want Jerry anywhere near his wedding or his family. He glanced at the darkened sky through the window. He didn't know when it had gotten so dark.
"Look, this is just about your mother. Just don't worry. I'll ask Milton, alright? I'll just ask Milton. Can you please drop the Jerry thing? Please. I can feel myself boiling, just please Kim. Please," Jack said.
"Jack, I—okay," she responded, hands raised in surrender. "I mean Milton is your best friend too. I always thought that Jerry was a little closer, like a brother. But don't mind me. Sorry for pressuring you."
She arose from the couch and headed into the kitchen. Brother. He didn't know what Kim was talking about. He rested his back against the couch, finger on the remote. Milton was a great best friend. He'd make an excellent Best Man. It was as simple as that. He didn't even know why he hesitated at the food tasting in the first place.
An hour later, Kim collected her coat and purse. Jack remained seated on the couch, arms out by his side. He felt defeated. Their recent conversation wouldn't leave his mind. Kim gave him a quick peck on the lips. He looked up at the concern in her eyes, but then turned his gaze elsewhere.
"Jack, what you are doing to yourself, it isn't healthy. Pretending you aren't hurting, it isn't good."
Jack took Kim's hand and intertwined their fingers. "I'm fine."
He locked eyes with Kim, lips stretching into a smile. Kim returned the grin with one of her own. She broke hand contact and turned toward the door, bidding Jack a farewell. Jack let out a heavy sigh when Kim shut the front door behind her. A chuckle left his lips as he stretched out on the couch. He didn't think he was hurting. Maybe seven years ago, but at the moment everything was fine. Everything was just fine.
-1-1-1-1-
Hello Everyone! I'm back again with a whole new story. Excited? I am.
First off, thanks to everyone for taking a look at the first chapter of this story. This chapter was so much fun to write. I can't wait for this story to unfold.
Any comments good and bad are welcome. I'm curious about all your thoughts. My favorite scene to write was honestly toward the end. Curious about what has Jack so mad? Stay tuned to find out.
On a side note, the page break function isn't quite working so for now I'm using dashes and numbers to separate scenes. In case you were wondering about the odd number 1s and dashes. Hopefully, it'll be fixed for next time.
Anyway, thanks again to everyone for reading. The next chapter is 15% (estimated) of the way done. Feel free to check my profile for updates and news on this story!
Thanks again.
Until Next Chapter,
Bye