A/N- Alright. So sorry I'm updating a little later than I said I would. I forgot that this was a holiday weekend. Hope everyone had an awesome fourth of july. And hope you like the first chapter. I think it turned out pretty well. Let me know!
Got Game?
Some men are born with it, something in their genes that makes women attracted to them. The other ninety percent have to fake that they have it, and if they can't fake it, there's no hope for them. And if there was ever there was a guy who was born without a hope, it was Ryan Evans.
Being the only son of the successful Lava Springs Country Club owner, he was destined for a life of fame and fortune. But he broke his father's heart when he turned down his proposal to join him in the family business and instead, choose to take up a career in the world of musical theatre.
His career quickly escalated in the business and he became a promising actor right out of college. Every troupe and agency was trying to hire him, until he had an accident. During an audition, he fell and shattered his knee. It's been two years since the accident and although he his able to walk normally, his years as a performer and dancer are over.
But Ryan's passion for theatre lives on and he is presently forming his own troupe. Which as you can imagine costs a lot of money. So how does an injured, unemployed twenty-five year old pull this off? Easy, with daddy's money.
After the injury put an end to his dancing career, his father offered to pay to help him do whatever he decided to do. He was thrilled when his plans turned to 'running' the theatre instead of dancing for it. As a result, Vince Evans gave his son fifty million dollars to start his group and an additional five million just for the heck of it, and he keeps it coming.
In other words, now he's got all the money in the world at his disposal. Usually, the seemingly endless flow of money would be enough to attract the attention of any available, and/or taken, ladies. But in Ryan's case, no such luck. And after watching him for a few minutes, Troy began to see why.
From his spot on the steps, he could see just about everything: dealings on the street, people eating in the cafe across the street, couples walking in the park, people relaxing on their lunch break, and Ryan Evans making a complete and total fool of himself.
He was sitting half a flight down and a few yards over from him and trying to eat his lunch. I say trying because his was spilling most of the sandwich's contents on himself.
Troy shook his head as he watched Ryan tried to scrub the mustard off his pants. With one hand, he was hopeless rubbing at the stain and only succeeding in making it even more noticeable. In the other hand, he was holding the sandwich at a dangerous angle, and just as he gave up on the mustard stain, the rest of the sandwich fell onto his lap. He sighed dolefully, moved away from the mess, and waited dejectedly.
Troy chuckled to himself and slid his shades over his eyes as he walked towards his next client. "I suppose even sandwiches can be tricky sometimes." Ryan jumped at the sound of his voice and looked up at him. "I got your call about your 'problem.' Take these, go change, and we'll talk," he said handing Ryan a new pair of pants.
He gaped as he took the hanger. "How did you..."
"Don't worry, it's all a part of my services. Now, go change and we'll talk about the wonderful lady who's caught your eye." Troy watched amusedly as Ryan's face lit and he ran off to change. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. Then he heard a loud crash and several screams and turned to see Ryan wound up in the ruins of a vendor's cart and struggling to get free. "Spoke too soon." he said as he ran up the stairs to help Ryan. This was going to be an interesting day.
That Night At The Bar
"No way!"
"Dude, totally serious. Mustard everywhere," he said downing the remainder of his beer.
"And the girl?"
"I don't know yet. I was too busy handling the vendors." When he noticed his friend's confused look he continued, "I gave him some pants to change into, and on his way to the restroom he crashed into some cart. Totally demolished it, one of the wheels came off and rolled down the steps; hit some big wig in the head. Next thing I know the police were there taking statements and everyone was taken to the station for questioning. I spent the entire afternoon trying to clear his name and keep the people from suing."
Chad almost squirted beer out his nose. After several coughing fits, he finally managed to choke out a, "What happened?"
"I got them to drop the charges but Evans still had to pay for the damage. He didn't seem to mind though, he's totally loaded."
"And still having lady problems?" Troy gave him a meaningful look. "Oh, right. Well, man, I don't know how you do it. I would have bashed my head against the pillar if I had to deal with that everyday."
"Well, I'm sure your hair would cushion the blow," Troy chuckled.
"Hey," his face serious now, "don't insult the fro." The two stared at each other for a while before busting out laughing. "I'm serious!" he said stopping suddenly.
Troy laughed, "Did I hurt its feelings?"
"Frieda is very sensitive. Aren't you sweetie?" he said patting his hair.
"Aww man Chad, you did NOT name your hair. Again?" Troy groaned. His friend gave him a questioning look. "How's, Tay feel about that?"
"Oh, you know Tay, totally overdramatic. I don't know what her problem is."
"Dude, ever think that's it's because she's not competing with a girl, because Tay could totally kick any one's..."
"Watch your mouth mister!"
Troy smiled at his friend's juvenility. "All I'm saying is that your wife shouldn't have to compete with your hair for your attention."
"
At least I have a wife.""Still not sure how I managed that one," Troy teased. Chad ignored him.
"All I'm saying is that maybe it's time for you to..."
"No way man, we've had that conversation before." Troy said quickly as he grabbed a pool stick and walked over to an open table.
"Right, cause the 'date doctor,' a man who makes a living helping people commit, can't commit to anything for more than one night." he said as he racked the balls.
"Just drop it Chad. I don't want to talk about this tonight," he growled shooting the cue ball into the pyramid. Chad sighed and wordlessly joined him.
"And that's game." Chad said moments later.
"Like always," Troy muttered taking another swig from a bottle.
"You know what your problem is? You only think about the short game. It's always, what's available now? What's easy? You don't think about the future, how that move will affect you later. And that's why you always miss out on the rewarding experience that comes with the sweet taste a victory. This about how to win in the long run, not just how to score a quick point."
"Dude, I said I didn't want to talk about relationships. I'm so sick of talking about how I could have this great relationship with some girl. I'm not going to live happily ever. Everyone has someone out there, and mine got stolen by another guy. Why? Because I couldn't stand up for myself. I had my chance, I blew it. Fate played me, and now I'm doing whatever I can to mess with it. I won't let that happen to anyone else." he said sadly as he grabbed his beer and fell back into a chair.
Chad stared at him stunned. "I was just talking about pool."
"Sure you were," he said, sarcasm heavy in his voice.
"Dude, I mean it. I'm not that deep. But you... and know that you bring it..."
"I didn't." he insisted.
Chad ignored him, "It's time to let it go. So your love at first sight, all-American, perfect, cheerleading, brainiac, artistic, musical, creative, sensitive, girl next door, dream girl got stolen by the shallow, insensitive, brain-cell lacking, pompous jerk of a football captain who had a killer body. It was seven years ago. It's time to move on. There are more important things in life than..."
"Listen it's late. I've got to meet with my new client in the morning. I'll talk to you later. Alright."
"Sure man," he sighed watching his friend trudge towards the door. "Hey wait," he yelled. Troy turned slowly. "You coming to the cookout next weekend right?"
"Wouldn't miss it." he said. "And tell Lil J he owes me a rematch." he shouted over his shoulder as he reached for the door.
"Glutton for punishment aren't ya Bolton!"
"I can't let a five year old beat me at basketball!" he grinned. "Tell him!"
"He'll be thrilled. See ya man."
"See ya." he returned walking out the door and turned towards his apartment.
"Glutton for punishment," he mumbled racking the balls and taking aim. He hit the cue ball and watched as the red and yellow solid balls fell into the left corner pocket and the red and yellow striped balls fell into the right corner pocket.
His grandmother had always said that signs are all around us. Begging us to heed their warnings. So Chad knew that it hadn't just been a coincidence. Something was about to change, he could feel it. And whatever it was, it was coming in twos. Chad sighed and walked around the table. He hoped that whatever it was, it was good. The gang was already under enough pressure right now. He hit the ball and watched the solid blue ball and the solid brown ball go into the same pocket. "Blue and brown," he said. Was that another clue? "Wonder what that means."
He finished his game and headed home. It was getting late and Taylor was probably already angry that he hadn't called. He texted her quickly and headed out the door singing an old tune, "Wild-cats, are the best, red white and gold."
A/N- Alright, a bit of foreshadowing. Dun dun dun. Anywhoz, let me know what you think and please review!