Post by jdfranchise on Sept 26, 2014 23:43:16 GMT -5
"Absolutely not."
"Oh sh*t Nikki," Penny shot out, taking a sip from her Hawaiian Punch. "He's only going to help me-"
"I don't care. I don't like strip clubs." Nikki interjects before collapsing on the bed. "It's a sore spot for me."
"I don't want Ben Vega taking advantage of Penny and getting more than he deserves." I say, breaking my silence as I stand up from the chair. "I've met agents like him, and he won't pull anything as long as I'm there."
We've been at this for a half hour now. Nikki and Penny have been debating on whether I should go with Penny to her business meeting with Wayne's old agent, Ben Vega. The catch is the meeting takes place in a local strip club. I'm adjustable, but this is a moral situation I'd rather not be in.
Dave's been silent this whole time, listening to each of our pitches for the night's events. I glance at him, and he shrugs his shoulders. Not the response I was hoping for.
"Penny sweetie," Nikki says as she sits up. "You're not a big spender. Do you really need Josh there for this meeting?"
"You do know that I'm doing the same thing for you guys." I say as I point toward Nikki and Dave. "This just comes with the territory."
"But a strip club?" Nikki retorts. "You know why I hate those places."
"I agreed to go before I talked to Josh about it, hun." Penny says, sitting beside Nikki and taking her hands. "I had no idea that you'd be opposed. I just thought it was cool an agent like Ben Vega still wants in business with me."
"And since Championship Connections is representing the members of SOS moving forward, I need to see what Vega wants out of the deal." I add. "Penny mentioned wanting to set up a financial portfolio last week."
"Wasn't it at dinner after the show in New York?" Big Dave finally chimes in after being the silent observer for much of the discussion. "I remember a conversation about saving money."
"Yeah," Penny interjects. "It was after Ben stopped me backstage. He showed me the merchandise sales report from last quarter."
"Whoa, hold the phone." I ask, shocked by this new information. "How the hell did he get a copy of that? Talent does well to get their hands on those."
"Didn't you say you had a copy of the same report?"
"I do, and you have no idea what it took to get such information."
"Are you a ninja?" Penny asks, pulling a joint from her pocket. "No wait, you're a spy."
"Close. Let's just say I've become good at making copies very quickly."
Dave chuckles. I don't know if it's because of my anecdote, or if he thinks the scenario is funny. If I were in his shoes, I'd probably laugh about it as well. Nikki apparently doesn't find the banter amusing, because she's now standing up with her hands on her hips and her head cocked.
"Can it, Dave!" Nikki shot out, before turning her attention back to me. "And you-"
"Me?"
"You. Why can't you just pull your weight and get this rescheduled?"
"Because Vega doesn't work for me, so it's a little more complicated than that." I begin, grabbing Nikki's hands off her hips. "Do you think I'm happy about this? Do you think I'm excited about going to where the scum of the earth roam to get this deal done? Penny's contract ties my hands. I'm already looking at spending a sh*t ton of money just to acquire it because she is so important to this group."
"Awww," Penny smiles as she passes the joint through her fingers. "You like me! You really like me!"
"Of course we like you." Dave says while reaching for his beer on the table. "Although we could go without the Sally Field impersonation."
"Hey you got your title," Penny shot out. "Let me have this one."
"Now where's the fun in that?"
Penny pauses just as she was about to speak. I look over at Dave as he fishes his phone from his pocket.
"Card up?"
"Yeah."
"Who's everyone facing?" Nikki asks. "I need to know if I have another title defense."
"Well," Dave says, adjusting himself in his chair. "It doesn't look like a title defense, Nikki. You've got Thornstowe, Penny has Witner, I've got Kirkbride, and Josh has Garrett."
"Sounds fair enough." I say, looking at the time. "We really need to decide, because I don't want to stay out late. What time did Vega say he would be there?"
"11."
"It's 10:30 now." I turn my attention to Nikki. "She's the last piece to making sure we are all financially set, bringing a peace of mind many wrestlers don't have."
"Nikki, I seriously doubt anything will happen." Dave stands up and walks over to me, placing his hands on each side of my face. "See, he loves you."
Going along with Dave, I adjust my face to resemble a sad puppy. Dave pulls my cheeks up into a smile and Nikki begins to chuckle.
"It's hard to say no to that face." Nikki says, grabbing my face from Dave. "Against my better judgement, go with Penny and get the deal done. But that doesn't mean I'll stop worrying."
That's all Penny needed to hear. She quickly grabs her jacket and my keys off the bedside stand before rushing toward the door. Nikki leans in and gives me a kiss before slapping my ass. I walk over toward Penny.
"Nikki, I'll make sure nothing happens." Penny shot out before kissing her on the cheek. "I'll try to have enough fun for both of us."
"At least I don't have to tell you to dress down."
"Sh*t, who said anything about my clothes staying on?"
It wouldn't surprise me if I end up keeping Penny out of trouble tonight. The erotic paradise awaits. Tonight, we go to Shangri-La.
Josh Dean Presents
Shangri-La
Evil world of stress
Utopian winds speak carefree
Come to Shangri-La
*
9/18/2014
Pick of the Litter Gentleman's Club
Indianapolis, Indiana
"You know, Josh, this brooding is really killing my buzz."
It's been years since I've been to an establishment like this. Here is where many men go to find something they don't have in their normal lives. Unappreciated at work, unsatisfied at home, lonely, whatever their situation is quite frankly none of my business. They come here because as long as there's money floating, they become whomever their heart desires. Everyone can escape their current existence for a time, creating in their entitled mind an importance.
I haven't been in a place like this for a while because I don't see the need for it now. I don't have a pressing void for companionship, because Nikki is more than I ever would've imagined or asked for. I have the money and lifestyle that the rubbish frequenting this place of superficial ecstasy only dream they possessed, and I used to flaunt it every chance I got. Now, instead of worrying about tipping strippers and paying for their lives, I worry about college funds to set my kids up for their futures. My priorities have changed and unless there's a good reason, I don't come here.
"Why are we here again?" I ask Penny as a round of beer pitchers come to our table. "This isn't really my scene anymore."
"You like tits, don't ya?" Penny shot, fixing her gaze upon the stage as two dancers switch places for the next song. "I'd hope you do."
"Yeah," I say, pouring myself a mug. "but it's kinda hard to get excited when I have much better at home."
"She's really something else." Penny places her hand on top of mine, trying to ease my discomfort. "I gave Nikki my word that nothing would happen to you, and I plan on keeping it." She playfully jabs me in the arm. "Besides hun, this was Vega's idea."
I feel like I'm committing a cardinal sin just being here. If it wasn't for Penny agreeing to act as my hoe shield, I would've turned it down or rescheduled for a more suitable time and place.
"Listen Penny," I begin. "I know this guy represented Wayne way back when, but how can I trust him and having your best interests at heart when he wants to conduct meetings in the middle of the night at a strip club?"
"He likes tits, too." Penny responds, stirring the straw around in her Absolute Currant with Sprite. "I guess he's trying to appeal to my better nature."
I scan around the room trying to find Ben Vega. I don't like having my time wasted and that's exactly what he's doing now. In the process of my scan, I find myself observing the patrons and the staff. The fake smiles and cheap conversation at the table nearest to the stage. That poor schmuck doesn't know he's being taken for a fool by the brunette giving him a free teaser show. He'll spend half of his paycheck on a lap dance, and that's the vicious cycle of money being turned over.
She knows this very well. While she has her reasons I'm sure, a kid or two at home with no support from a damn deadbeat of a baby's dad. She's just trying to keep food in their mouth while her parents keep the roof over their heads. Nikki could empathize with a girl like her, even offer inspiration to her if she weren't appalled by the way she went about providing for her kids. I'm able to read it from afar but none of that matters, because if her ass is shaking she's a star here.
You are everything you want in Shangri-La.
It's tragic that all of this is a transparent illusion.
"Garrett would fit in here better than I would."
"Why?"
"Because his whole world is based on creating illusions." I say, recollecting on my upcoming opponent. "He fancies himself an actor first. Wrestling is just a means to an end for him."
"Wrestling is a means to an end for a lot of us." Penny shot out, taking a sip of her drink. "But at the same time, we all get in that ring willingly."
"Yes that's true." I retort. "I just don't like the fact he's been given these opportunities due to having a role in a couple B-Movies. What does that say to guys who took the long route getting here? Without saying it, they're telling you it doesn't matter if you've wrestled for years, you're expendable to make room for a sh*tty actor."
"Have you watched any of his movies?"
"No, and that's not the point." I huff, before motioning with my head toward the stage. "Look at that table by the stage. Do you think either of those two would interact with each other outside these doors?"
Penny fixes her gaze on the table as the patron continues to flirt with the staff member. He takes his wallet out of his back pocket. I shake my head knowing he has taken the bait hook, line, and sinker. Say goodbye to your rent money, pal.
"They might-"
"I highly doubt it." I interject. "This place is their safety net. He hides his baggage, and she does the same. Neither is none the wiser."
"Ok, but what does this have to do with Garrett?"
"It's simple, Garrett goes to all these events wearing the only nice thing he owns, throwing money around like a big shot." I kick back my mug, downing the golden ale. "He fits in perfectly here because he's a slight talent that appeals to a niche audience, and no one cares. It's the appearance."
I motion to Penny's hoodie and jeans. She raises an eyebrow.
"I hope you aren't undressing me with your eyes!" Penny shot out, crossing her fingers in the shape of a crucifix. " I'll put a hex on you, I swear it!"
"No you won't."
"Yeah? Watch me."
"One," I begin before dropping my head and shaking it, trying to mask my laughter. "I don't believe in voodoo. And two, I'm making a point about appearances."
"Ok." Penny stirs the melting ice, before taking a big drink. "What about appearances?"
"Let me ask you a question." I say, motioning Penny closer. "Why do you think I specifically said to dress down tonight?"
Penny takes a second to ponder the question. "Because its comfortable?" She looks at me and twists her hair. "I mean it's a hell of a lot better than wearing tights."
"It's low profile." I say, pouring another mug. "Notice we haven't had any staff come over to us-"
"Yeah," Penny cuts me off. "you're f*cking up my game too."
She offers me a subtle wink.
"This is a business meeting, Penny."
"Well, it's business and pleasure."
"It's a distraction!" I shout, throwing my head and putting hands on my eyes. This is exasperating. "How the hell are we supposed to do business here? I don't want people coming over and harassing us for money just because we have it. Keeping a low profile makes us look unassuming. That allows us to focus on why we're here in the first place, which is maximizing on your brand."
I hope Penny hasn't forgotten that amidst the company we keep. The fact that I'm keeping my head and not reverting back to old habits is an indicator to her of how serious I'm taking overseeing her career. I know for a fact Vega isn't. In Penny, he sees an opportunity to become relevant for the first time since Wayne was in his prime.
I don't mean to kill Penny's good time. I know that she and Dave want what Nikki and I have with someone. Tonight is her Shangri-La and the last thing I intend to do is ruin that vibe, but someone has to make sure that this transaction works in our favor. Judging by the look on her face, I can see that I might have already done that.
"I'm sorry Penny, I didn't mean to snap."
"Don't sweat it." Penny says with a reassuring smile. "Sometimes it's a good thing to take this job personally."
"No, it's not ok." I implore. "Instead of coming to support you I'm ruining your good time pointing out the crap in this joint."
"Can I tell you a secret?"
"Of course." I say, giving her a gentle pat on the shoulder. "We're friends. What's up?"
"This isn't my scene either." Penny says, finishing the rest of her drink. "I only came because Vega insisted we come."
"And here I thought you were having a good time." I shake my head. "How did I miss that?"
"Garrett isn't the only person who can act."
"Anyone can act and you just proved it."
"I am having a good time though, and thank you for coming with me." Penny begins. "But I don't want you to assume that I came to get laid. I mean come on Josh, I can see through the sh*t in this place. Same thing with Ben Vega. I know what he thought when he asked me to come here."
"That seems to be a misconception with the gay community."
"That's why I'm glad you came. It's hard for agents to take me seriously because of my orientation." Penny shot out. "It's like they believe I can't control my goddamn urges. Well watch this."
Penny reaches into her hoodie pockets. She pulls out a one hundred-dollar bill. Holding her hand to the sky, she throws her up and proudly waves the bill. Like f*cking clockwork, our table became surrounded by four buxom beauties at our disposal. As they surround us, Penny notices three of the girls paying attention to her. As one grabs her breast she rolls her eyes. She looks at me and drops her arm, before handing me the bill.
"This is the money I owe you." Penny shot out, watching as the staff flock over to me. "Thanks for renting the U-Haul so I could move my sh*t."
I lean in close so the staff couldn't hear us.
"What are you doing Shannon?"
"You aren't the only one who knows how this game's played." Penny smirks before raising up and grabbing my hand, putting my wedding band in clear view. "He's married, by the way."
Penny takes the bill from my hand and folds it into a paper airplane. She tosses it toward the stage, where the bill lands safely on a table full of frat boys. The staff members throw their hands up and walk toward them.
"Now you see where I stand." Penny leans back in her chair. "The attention is nice, but I don't want to pay for it."
"Point proven."
**
Is it what it seems
Enjoy yourself and never
Escape Shangri-La
"You alright? You seem like your head is in another place."
"You alright? You seem like your head is in another place."
I've been distracted for most of the night. Even though we got the deal done, I believe this could've been done over the phone or dinner. And now because of this, I feel as though my focus isn't on Garrett. When it is on him, it's at the wrong time. That isn't fair to Penny, and it isn't fair to Jayson Garrett. I don't want to give him the satisfaction of beating me, because it'll inflate his already saturated ego. Even more so, I don't want an unnecessary distraction as an excuse.
I learned even more about Penny Shannon tonight, which only strengthens the team dynamic that makes the Saviors of Salvation so unique. The group knows my frustration I've been feeling since Daniel Kirkbride pulled the upset of the century off. Should've never happened and now I have to hear about it. From the guys in the back saying I'm not worth the money, to the media saying I'm done.
I've heard it all and I'm sick of it.
"I'm fine."
"Really?" Penny shot out as she hangs her cigarette out the window. "Josh, I know better than that."
"I guess it's this slump I've been in recently."
"I've seen worse."
"This is by far the worst slump I've ever been in."
"Ok so you've had some rough luck against the best of the best, Josh. It's not like you've been losing to scrubs."
"I can't help it. Do you know what people are saying about me?"
"No."
"They're basically trying to put the kiss of death on my career." I huff. "I've put in almost half my live to this profession and I don't know where these people think they have the right to tell me when I need to retire."
"You've already done that once, right?"
"Yeah."
"A lot of people go away for a while." Penny begins. "Drakz went away for a while, Brennan went away for a while. Hell, I went away for a while."
"The difference between you guys and me is that you had the desire to come back." I say with a low tone. It's the most honest thing I've said in a while. "I didn't."
"Then why did you come back?"
"Because wrestling was my Shangri-La."
Penny gives me a confused look.
"Wrestling was my paradise." I begin. "It was where I didn't have to think about what to do, I just did it. And in the process I made a life for myself that I used to dream about. Then I let this business get to me, and it robbed me of that joy."
"What gave you that joy?"
"Truthfully, winning."
"I understand." Penny nods her head as she takes a drag off her cigarette. "I'm not a psychologist, but it sounds like you're thinking about it too much."
"I can't help it, I'm tired of losing matches I know I should win!"
"Then do something about it!" Penny snaps. "Beat Garrett, right the ship, and put us in line for the tag titles!"
That would be nice. We are the only true team in WFWF and our solidarity day in and day out scares a lot of people. Our momentum has been hard to ignore and I know I must do my part to keep it going.
***
If there's one thing I hate more than anything, it's someone who is fake. A person that only cares about serving their own devices to make up for a serious lack of confidence in their own abilities. Better yet, they hide those insecurities with a false bravado in order to create an illusion of importance. Sounds an awful lot like you, Jayson.
And that's what makes me nauseous about facing you at Takeover, is the finger pointing at my shortcomings by the media and the guys in the back. I can't hide my streak of bad fortune recently, and I'm certainly not going to come out and put the spin doctor on my performances to make them seem like heroic efforts anymore. I've performed like crap and because of that I've fallen short in matches I should have won with no questions asked. Drakz, Schneider, and Kirkbride all were matches I let slip out of my grasp. I've let my teammates down, I've let my fans down, and I've let myself down. And I'm sick at the thought of you continuing the streak, Jayson. Those two and a quarter men that beat me, I can at least take comfort in knowing that I lost to men who knew themselves and were comfortable putting themselves out there in front of a worldwide audience.
I don't get that kind of a vibe from you Jayson. I don't see a guy who knows himself and because of that, you hide in your safety net of B-Movies. All so you can say that you're still successful in one of your life's endeavor. That's why you now cleave so tightly to the tag team team title belt. That's why you've been on a four month excursion to find Chase Landon. With him you have a scapegoat for the moment you fall flat on your face. You need that safety net to say you have been successful in wrestling. When Hollywood Unhinged wins, it's because of your talent. When they lose, it's his fault.
Pretty sweet deal you have there.
At Takeover Jayson, SOS will put our stamp on wrestling even further, and in the process zero in on some more gold to stake our claim as the best team in this company's history. You just happen to be an unfortunate victim of circumstance getting into the ring with a man who hasn't tasted victory in a long time. A superior talent in every sense of the word that has had enough of not living up to his potential. I'm beating you at Takeover for no one else except myself.
Your Shangri-La takes a hit, then another and so on until you have nothing but reality left.
Then who are you going to blame?