Chapter 3: Negotiations
A/N: I know I haven't updated this in a while, but I'm starting to get ideas again, which is a good thing. Special thanks to Mick-a-rana for taking the time to read and review this story. Your encouragement has really helped me to keep going. Thanks a million, and I hope you enjoy this chapter, too.
Disclaimer: See chapter one.
Phil made his way from the airport to the offices of the WWE in Stamford. He'd decided it was the best way to showcase Preston's tape and get him into the company. Phil was nervous though as he thought about what Vince would say. Would he like Preston and give him a shot, or would Preston's past be against him? If that was the case, Phil wouldn't be happy. Yes, Preston had made mistakes in life, but he'd bounced back from them and was trying to redeem himself. Everyone deserved another chance, and he only hoped Vince would see that.
After he entered the building, the receptionist told him to wait until she could allow him in. After waiting a few minutes, she came back and said, "Okay, Mr. Brooks, you can go in now." Phil thanked her and went to Vince's office. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door and stepped in when asked to do so.
"Phil, it's a pleasure to see you," Vince said. "What brings you here?"
"I have a tape of someone who really wants to be in the company," Phil replied. "He asked me to bring this to you so you can see his work and determine if he's the right fit for WWE. He really needs this opportunity, sir. He has a son he's supporting all on his own."
"I see," Vince mused. "Well, John and I will look at the tape and get back to you. Thanks for sending it to us."
"You're welcome," Phil said. A sinking feeling hit his stomach as he heard that John Laurinaitis would be looking at the tape. He knew nothing good would come from that unless Vince saw something in Preston that John didn't see. John didn't really care about talent the way JR had. He just cared about making money. That's why he'd hired a dumb model named Barbie Blank (Kelly Kelly) to be a wrestler and had let go so many great women's wrestlers.
Phil said nothing more and left when asked to do so. He knew Vince was busy and that it would take some time for him to look at the tape. He just hoped that it would all work out. He spent some time in Stamford while waiting for his flight to Boston where the next show was being held. His phone rang, and he picked it up. "Hello?" he said.
"Hey, man, did you give Vince the tape?" Preston asked.
"Yeah, I did, but he's not looking at it now," Phil replied. "He's going to wait and look at it with John Laryngitis and see if you have any talent in the company."
"Oh, man, that can't be good," Preston groaned.
"Well, maybe not, but if Vince sees potential in someone, he usually fights for them," Punk explained. "Maybe you will get a shot."
"And if that don't work, I can come and plead my case," Preston said.
"Yeah, maybe," Phil mused. "Well, I'll talk to you later, Pres. I have to go catch a flight."
"Okay, man, talk to you later," Preston said and hung up.
Just as Phil was ready to board, his phone rang again. "Hello?" he said.
"Hey, Punk, where are you?" John Cena asked.
"I'm in Stamford getting ready to head to Boston," Phil answered.
"Oh, okay," John said. "We were getting worried for a little bit there. See you when you get here, man."
"Yeah, see you," Phil said. He knew Cena was always looking out for him, and he appreciated that. Despite the feuds in the ring, Phil and John were really good friends along with Randy Orton. All of them loved to hang out and have fun together. Phil boarded his plane and sat back, thinking about all that had happened. He couldn't wait to tell his friends about Preston and how he was trying to get him a job.
When the plane landed Phil saw John and Randy waiting for him. He smiled as he saw them and their relieved faces.
"It's about time, man," John said, giving Phil a hug. "We thought maybe something had happened to you. How was your time at home?"
"Great," Phil replied. "I met an old friend, and he wants to work for WWE."
"Wow, that's awesome," John said. "I hope he makes it, Phil."
"So, how was your time at home?" Phil asked.
"Good as always," John answered. "Of course we had the big gathering like always. My brothers and I just horsed around and had a blast. Dad was really glad to see me."
"Mine was eventful to say the least," Randy added. "Alanna's been having some trouble in school, so I had to go to a conference to talk to the teacher."
"How'd it go?" Phil inquired.
"It went well," Randy said. "I think the teacher was a bit speechless when she saw me though. She said Alanna's having trouble in math and that she might need extra help. I told her that if she wanted her to have extra help that would be fine. I kind of feel bad that I can't be there for her all the time."
Phil nodded. Randy took being a father seriously and really wanted to do the best for his daughter. He reminded Phil of Preston and how he wanted to do the best for his son. Maybe one day Alanna and Ryan could be friends.
"So, Phil, tell us more about your friend," John said as they headed to the arena.
Phil told them all about Preston and how he wanted to be in the WWE. Randy and John listened and nodded, remembering their own passion for the business. Randy was even more sympathetic at the fact that Preston was a single father.
"That's tough," Randy said softly. "I really hope Vince sees something in him."
"Well, if John Laurinatis is trying to see talent, there may not be much hope," John replied. "That guy doesn't know talent when he sees it."
"Yeah, but maybe there is," Phil replied. "If Vince sees something in him, he might fight for him."
"I hope so," said Randy. "He needs the shot. And I'll mentor him if he needs it. I know what being a father and being on the road is like."
"I think he'll appreciate that, Randy," Phil said. He was glad his friends were willing to help him out with Preston and that they were willing to befriend him. That would go a long way toward helping Preston make his start.
"I think that'll be a good idea," John agreed. "You could really help him out with that."
"His son's a fan of yours, John," Phil added. "He really admires you."
John's face lit up. "Seriously?" he asked. "That's great. I'll have fun with this kid."
Randy playfully punched John on the shoulder. "Hey, stop acting so surprised," he said. "You should be used to the kids liking you by now."
John punched Randy back. "Hey, it's always nice to get a new fan," he said. "Don't tell me you don't act that way when women look at you."
"No, I have eyes only for Sam," Randy declared.
Phil smiled mischievously. "Sure you do," he teased.
Randy rolled his eyes at the dark-haired man and just laughed. "Just wait until you find that special someone, Phil," he said. "Then you'll be singing the same tune."
"Yeah, okay," Phil replied. "We'll see." He was so happy to be with his friends after his time at home. They really knew how to cheer him up, and his worries for Preston left him. He decided the best thing to do was to let the chips fall where they may.
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As the tape played, Vince McMahon couldn't help but be amazed at Preston's moves. He was a natural in the ring and had some great moves. Beside him, John Laurinatis wasn't impressed. He felt that Preston was like any other wrestler and that he didn't have anything unique about him.
"That was amazing," Vince commented when the tape ended. "This kid really has some good moves. I think he could be a star here."
"He moves like any other superstar," John replied. "I don't see anything unique about him. And have you seen his record? He's been in jail three times for drunk driving. Do you really want someone like that representing the company?"
"He's paid his dues and redeemed himself," Vince countered. "He hasn't been in trouble since then, and he's been taking care of his child by himself. I think he'd be perfect for the company. He's proof that even under the worst conditions you can make something of yourself. I say we give him a shot."
John sighed. "I get what you're saying, but I don't think he's right for the company," he argued.
"Then maybe we should have him come to us," Vince said. "Maybe if we meet him and see what he's got, we can analyze him better."
"I think that's a good idea," John said. "Let's do that." He wasn't on board with the idea of Preston Quimby joining the company, but when Vince got that light in his eyes, it was best not to contradict him. Vince was good at spotting talent when he saw it, and when he had an idea, he stuck with it.
"Good," Vince said. Then he made the call to Phil to let him know what was going on.
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Phil got off the phone with Vince and smiled. "Good news, guys," he said. "Vince is going to let Preston come to Stamford and try out for the company."
"That's great," John said. "Did Laurinaitis agree to it?"
"Reluctantly," Phil replied. "According to Vince, he didn't see anything special in him. I really wish Vince didn't hire that guy to be in charge of Talent Relations."
"Yeah, but what can you do?" Randy sighed.
"Well, maybe Preston and I can give the fans what they want," Phil declared. "He wants to help me bring about change here in WWE."
John rolled his eyes. "Here we go," he said, raising his eyes skyward. "Another little recruit to the Punk Regime."
"Hey, it's a good thing," Punk protested. "Preston thinks we could start some mayhem here. You know, if we started a tag team, we'd be Straight Edge Mayhem."
"I like it," Randy commented. "Nice name."
John smiled. "Okay, you win, Phil," he said. "I just hope this works out."
"Me, too," Phil replied. "I'll call Preston and give him the news."
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Preston was at home watching TV when his phone rang. "Hello?" he said.
"Hey, Preston, it's Phil," Phil said. "Vince saw your tape and wants you to come to Stamford to try out for the WWE. He thinks you have a shot at making it here."
"Awesome," Preston said. "I'll be happy to do it. What did John say?"
"Well, he was reluctant about it," Phil admitted. "He didn't think you had anything, but Vince is fighting for you, which is a good thing."
"Great," Preston said. "I'll be sure to go there and prove to them I can make it."
"Okay, talk to you later," Phil said.
"Talk to you later," Preston said and hung up. He was glad Vince was giving him a shot, but he was nervous about Laurinaitis. He had to prove to him that he deserved this shot. He looked at a picture of Ryan and remembered why he was doing this. Maybe if he told them about Ryan and how he had to raise him on his own, they'd realize why he wanted the chance. It was the best shot he had, and he was determined to do it.
A/N: And another chapter is done. So, will Preston get his shot, or will he be turned down? Find out next time in the next chapter of Straight Edge Mayhem. Feel free to leave a review after you've finished reading, and have a shelltastic day.