Enough is Enough Part 2 (Hayden)

“You look great Goose.” Danny gave me his knowing smile with a thumbs up. What does he know about wearing a suit? All of his life he’s only worn one for our moms funeral, his Bar Mitzvah and prom. Then again, it’s not like I go around wearing one either. “Do you think you’re going to take Double J up on his offer?” He’s a little curious and leaning across our couch like a sloth.

After a shrug off my shoulders I humor him with a reply,” I’m thinking about it, what, do you want to join the force?” Of course he does, his girlfriend is going to be there.

“Maybe if they pay me enough.”

“It’s not always about the money you know?”

“That’s what poor people say so they don’t feel about themselves. Like I don’t believe that crap about it not buying happiness. You walk up to a complete stranger and offer them oh I don’t know one-hundred dollars or let’s just say one-thousand. I’m willing to bet their eyes are going to light up. Do you know why?”

“No.” I know, but it’s best to let him go on his little tirade.

“Because you’re giving them hope. Not only that, but that’s money that they didn’t have. You give Benji a dollar and he’ll think he has a million.” He nods and swoops Ben up who so happened to be walking in the room. “Isn’t that right Ben?”

“First of all Daniel, you’re an idiot and Benji is four. If you give him candy he’ll think he hit the lottery; isn’t that right Ben?” I give my son a pat on the head and gives me a shy little smile.

“Candy?” Benji repeats.

“See?”

“Everyone loves candy!” Danny sits up and gives me a look.

“Actually, I don’t care for it.”

“You’re just not human.”

I shrug again and fix my tie. “That’s debatable, I’ll catch up with you two later. Behave yourself, Benji keep an eye on Danny.”

“Okay daddy!”

-

“Mr. Jarrett” I extend my hand as Jeff smiles and shakes my hand. His time away from TNA has done him wonders.

“Call me Jeff, Mr. Chandler I can’t tell you how happy I am that you got back to me. I was getting worried. Come on in and have a seat. Do you need water or anything?” He turns to me and I shake my head.

“No thank you, I’m fine.” I loosen my tie and take a seat. “You can call my Hayden.  Now Jeff, let’s get down to business shall we?”

“Hayden, you took the words right out of my mouth.” Slowly he scooted up his chair. “I know that you’re loyal to TNA, and I also know what you’ve done for the talent there and former talent. I hear nothing but praise about you. The fact that you get the backing from people from not only people in TNA, but WWE and indy talent speaks nothing but volume speaks about your character and I would be a fool to not want you to be a part of the staff.  I have talent saying they’d only join if you come along too; that’s some real dedication Hayden.”

A smile crosses my face, it’s a confident booster and it really means the world to know that I’ve made some sort of difference and what I do means something. “I guess I’m doing something right then.”

“You guess right.  I cannot stress enough how much of an asset you will be to the team. You have a real mind for this business and is someone who I believe that I can trust. We both have visions and something tells me that we both want the same thing. Just hear me out, if you join, not only will you be head writer, but I’ll give you the opportunity to scout and bring in talent. You want what’s best for wrestling and so do I. I want nothing less than the best and let’s face it, you are the best.”

“Jeff, this is a lot to take in. Are you really promising me, no guaranteeing me this?” I arch my brow.

“Son, nothing in life is always guaranteed, but yes, that is exactly what I’m guaranteeing you.  Hayden, you want what’s best for talent correct?”

“That is correct.” I pull out my pen and notepad jotting down notes.

“If you can want what’s best for them, why can’t you want the same for yourself?”  He raises a point and I don’t think I’ve ever really put that much thought into it.

“Putting talent over myself has always been my priority.”

“And it’s mine to give my staff and roster opportunities. Look, I’m not forcing you into jumping ship and I’m not telling you that you have to, but I’m just letting you know that it is an option. TNA is a sinking ship, and I just don’t want you to go down with it.”

I nod my head and place my pen done. “Well Jeff, thank you for taking me into consideration. It’s an honor it really is.  Like you said, I am very much dedicated to TNA and though it is sinking as you put it, I feel obligated to do everything that I can until I can’t any further. I’m not completely dismissing the idea of joining you and the GFW staff because it tempting.  It’s really tempting and if things so happen to not work out in the company, I’ll defiantly give you a call. How much are we talking here say I do join?”

“Thought you’d never ask.” Jeff flashes me a grin and jots something down on a piece of paper before sliding it over to me. I give it a glance and I think my eyes pop out of socket. “Oh yeah.”

“Can I get back to you in a few days?”

“Take your time.”

-

It’s been days since I met up with Jeff and the whole thing has been weighing heavy on my mind. A little too heavy, I haven’t been able to concentrate and get work done. With a sip of coffee, I get out of my chair and decide to stretch my legs backstage. Like always it’s pretty quiet, usually because the major guys have their own locker room while everyone else has a trailer out back. Maybe some fresh air could do me some good. As I walk, I feel a slight tap on my arm.

“There’s my favorite Knockout.” It’s Heather and she really is my favorite Knockout. Camilla is a referee so she doesn’t count. “What can I do for you?”

“Nothing really, just wanted to say hey. It seems like forever since I’ve been able to just talk to you.” She looks up at me with those green eyes.

“Well, being engaged will do that to you; I know nothing about it, but I hear it’s stressful and takes up a lot of time.”  It makes her smile.

“It does, have you and Camilla considered getting married?” Here we go with that and I let out a long sigh.

“She wants to get married, it’s not really my thing. We already live together and have Benji. How much more do we need?”

Heather shakes her head, I can tell she’s disappointed in me. “Every girl wants to be marry her prince charming Hayden.”

“I’m no prince.” I confess.

“You’re more than and I’m not just saying that.”

“Oh yeah, I am on your list after Eddie. Does he know about this?” It’s the perfect change of subject and we share a laugh as Eddie walks past us with Davey.

“Yes, now stop before it gets me in trouble. What’s new with you?” Should I tell her? It is Heather after all. I take her by the ear and whisper in her ear. Heather backs away and I nod my head.

“Yeah that’s what’s going on with me.”

“Are you going to do it?” She crosses her arms over her chest.

“I’m not going to lie to you; I kinda want to, but I’ll miss you too much.” I try the light-hearted approach and it’s true, I would miss her and a few others.

“Oh Hayden, don’t let me stop you from passing up opportunities. Wherever you go, you’ll do great. If you go, I will miss you, but I can’t be selfish. Do what your heart tells you.”  

“I talked to a few others and they say go, but I don’t want to rush into things.”

“You’re not getting any younger.” Heather smirks and sticks her tongue out at me.

“I know I’m old, but you don’t have to rub it in.”

“I’m not calling you old, because look at what that’s saying about me.” She places her hands on her hips.

“But I’m older than you. When you were in High School, I was finishing up college.”

“And I’m sure you did excellent in college that’s why you’re a creative writer and has the chance to be a head writer for an up and coming company.”

“Heather Flynn.” She looks at me again. “Is this your way in saying to take the job.”

With a smile she nods her head and says “Yes.” I seriously love this girl and pull her into a hug. She laughs and hugs me back. Usually, I like to keep my relationships with talent strictly professional, but Heather is one of the few exceptions in who I consider to be a friend.

“If I weren’t with Camilla and you weren’t marrying the greatest man to ever live, I’d snag you up myself.”

“Hayden!” She gives me a playful punch. “Don’t tell Camilla that. Seriously, marry her already!”

“After yours.”

“Deal!”

“I never said when.”

“As long as you do it. I’m sure you have to get back to work.”

“Something like that.”

“Ohh.” I think she’s read my mind. “I’ll let you get to that. Good luck.”