Crazy Baby (12 page)

“And? What’d you think?” I ask her.

“That. Was. Amazing! I can’t believe I’ve been missing out on that this whole time. Is everyone as good as you are?” she asks.

“I certainly hope not.” I smile. “That’d make it much harder for me to win the fight.”

“Is there any way I can start coming to watch you fight? Maybe bring a photographer with me? We won’t get in the way, I swear. I’m just amazed, and I can’t wait to share this with your adoring public.” I can see the wheels turning in her mind as she plans the future of my publicity.

“I’ll talk to Joe. Maybe he’ll go for once a week, but I wouldn’t count on being here every time I’m in the ring.”

“You’re in the ring more than once a week?” she asks incredulously.

“Well, yeah, sparring. Not in a full-on fight, though.”

“I am truly amazed at what I just witnessed, Luke. Honestly. I usually abhor violence of any kind, but what I just watched was different. That was like watching a symphony in motion. Your movements were so fluid, so refined. It’s like your body is a finely crafted instrument and you effortlessly hit every note with perfect pitch and tone.”

“I’ve never heard boxing described with that analogy before,” I say, running my hand through my sweat-soaked hair. “I’m going to take it as a compliment. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell me if it’s not.”

“It is definitely a compliment, Luke,” she says emphatically. “In fact, I can’t wait to see more of your fights. This is so exciting! Maybe I’ll bring my own camera, too.”

It’s odd that Syndi is just now developing a personality that’s slightly better than a wet paper bag. At least she’s getting into the very thing that she’s being paid to promote me for, though. If I get into a good exhibition fight, her backing can really help get the fans on my side before I even step foot into the ring.

The more the fans talk about me, the more everyone else in boxing will pay attention to my skills. It’s not always about who you know. Sometimes it’s about who knows you. When the paying crowd knows a fighter, they are very vocal about wanting to see that fighter in action. This conversation has just revved my engines up even more.

Joe, Mack, Charlie, and Artie all reemerge from Joe’s office with smiles. Charlie and Artie stop to shake my hand again on their way out. As Joe and Mack stop beside me, I turn to them and raise my brows in question.

“Well? What’s the verdict?” I ask.

“We’re going to check out the competition and get a formal contract so they don’t switch fighters at the last minute. It’s an exhibition fight, so it won’t go for or against your stats. But, it’s a great opportunity to get in front of a large crowd and overcome a case of the nerves,” Joe says, his New Jersey accent making itself known. He’s been in Vegas more years than not, but he reverts to his old accent when he gets excited.

If Joe’s excited, then I’m excited.

“Go on to your room and eat a good meal, kid,” he says with a smile. “You’ve had enough for today. Come back ready to hit it hard tomorrow morning.”

“Will do,” I quickly agree. I’m hungry and I’m ready for a shower. “Oh, my PR representative asked if she and a photographer could come in once a week to watch me spar, snap some photos. What do you say?”

“Sure, sounds like a great idea,” Joe says with a huge smile before he walks off with Mack.

Who is this man and what has he done with Joe Malloy?

“Take advantage of it before he changes his mind,” I chuckle. “I’m headed back to my room to shower and eat. I’ll catch you later.”

“Would you like to have dinner with me tonight? We should discuss the plans for the photo shoot next week with
The Top Contender
magazine,” she offers.

I think about it for a second and realize I’ve had dinner alone every night since I arrived here. It’d be nice to have someone to talk to for a change. “Sure. Let me get cleaned up, and I’ll meet you in the restaurant in my hotel lobby. Sound good?”

“That’s perfect. I have a few things to take care of first. So I’ll meet you in, say
—
” she looks at her watch “
—
two hours?”

“Good for me,” I reply, thinking that’ll also give me time to call Andi and tell her everything that’s happened today.

Things are falling into place and happening fast.

LUKE

February

During dinner, Syndi and I have a chance to get to know each other a little better. Up to this point, she’s been a pain in my ass with all the photo shoots, interviews, and being the epitome of Miss Proper Etiquette. She’s still too prim and proper, but she’s finally allowing me to see a little more of her other side.

“I know I keep saying it, but I’m just completely shocked and in awe of you,” she gushes for the third time.

“It’s just what I do, and I’m not even in the same league as most of these guys. Seriously, I appreciate it, but until I can say I’ve won the championship belt, I’ll never think I’m as good as I can be,” I explain to her.

“Well, I’ll certainly do my part to help you get there. If that means more pictures, interviews, and magazine articles, then that’s what I’ll do,” she says with determination. “Speaking of, your photo shoot with the magazine next week will be great. I’ve seen the set they’re using, and it’ll be perfect.”

I grunt in disapproval, and she levels me with her business look. One eyebrow slowly quirks up, as if she’s daring me to challenge her expertise.

“Look, I appreciate everything you do. I don’t mean to sound unappreciative,” I start.

“But...” she says and waits for me to finish.

“But, it’s just a lot to take in. I’m not into interviews and pictures of me everywhere. I came here to learn from the best so I can make a career of this. It was naïve of me not to think about the PR part of the business, but I guess I just assumed someone else would take care of all that.”

“When you get to a certain point, that’ll be easier to manage. You have to give up your time and privacy to get to a point in your career where time and privacy are yours again.” She shrugs. “Until then, the adoring fans need to know everything there is to know about you.”

“Everything there is to know about me, huh?”

“Yes, and each demographic will want to know different things about you. The guys will want your fight record, your workout routine, and your chest and arm measurements. The women will want to know everything about your personal life—who you’re dating, what she does, if it’s a serious relationship, and if you’re getting married.”

The waitress shows up at that moment and takes our dinner order. While Syndi orders, I think about what she said. The different demographics of people, the information they’ll want to know about me, and how detailed some will want to get. Just like the pictures and news about Andi and Travis, my personal life is about to become public record to be dissected, poked around in, and put back together in whatever story sells best for the day.

“You know my relationship status,” I say nonchalantly. “You can field those questions.”

“Are you planning to marry Andi?” Syndi asks.

“Yes, we’re engaged now,” I say, leaning back against my chair.

“Your female fans will be disappointed. Even the illusion of being available can draw more fans for some men.”

“I don’t need to disillusion my fans, Syndi.”

“Okay, just a suggestion,” she replies, unfazed.

The predictable Syndi is emerging again. Just when I think she’s redeemable, she reverts back to the shady spin doctor, looking for a way to sensationalize the story and make it more interesting than it really is.

“I’m sure you have other suggestions.”

“Don’t think that Travis’s camp isn’t doing this same thing, Luke. Even though Andi isn’t the main act, tying her to Travis can increase the hype and increase album sales. The label is all about making their money back on their artists, and the boxing commission is no different. The more demand they create for you and Shane, the more they can drive ticket sales through the roof,” she says.

It makes sense, but I have to admit that I bristled at the thought of anything that involves Andi and Travis being together. As if on cue, the image changes on the TV over the bar, and I’m staring at Andi and Travis with their arms around each other’s waist. Inhaling deeply, I grit my teeth together tightly to keep from spewing expletives.

Sensing the change in me, Syndi turns and looks at the screen. When she turns back to me, understanding shows on her face and she reaches her hand across the table to squeeze mine.

“Luke,” she says reassuringly. “Remember what I told you. This is all for show. If you look at the sales of their EP, I’d bet my last dollar that they’re through the roof. There’s probably a spike every time the networks show their picture. They’re selling the illusion of happily ever after.”

I nod, not wanting to think about Andi having a happily ever after story that doesn’t involve me. Even if it isn’t real. “So, how will that
—
” I nod toward the continued coverage of Andi and Travis “
—
affect me and my image? If their PR is trying to sell a story that doesn’t exist, how will that look when I come on the scene and reveal that I’m engaged to her?”

“You’ll be the loving, trusting, supportive fiancé. Let Travis’s camp worry about how he’s seen.”

“And how will Andi be seen?”

“That’s the wild card in this scenario, Luke,” she says hesitantly. “I’ll be honest with you. It can be good or bad for her. If it looks like Travis is pining for her but she’s faithful to you, she’ll be the most envied woman in the world. If it looks like she’s with Travis and stringing you along, she’ll be the most hated. There’s really no in-between and no way to control which way the tide will turn.”

“I’ve seen how the tide of the paparazzi turns on people, Syndi. I don’t want them turning against Andi again. You make sure that she’s viewed in a positive light.”

“I’ll do my best. But you’re my main concern, not Andi.”

“Well, that’s enough of that talk,” I say as the waitress sets our appetizer in front of us. “Tell me all about Syndi. The only thing I know about you is how good you are at your job. Oh yeah, and that you’ve never seen a fight before.”

She flashes a genuine smile at me. It’s demure, unsure, and a little surprised, and it matches the tone of her voice. It also reveals her inner beauty. There’s no doubt that she’s a beautiful woman, but her bulldog attitude sometimes overshadows her looks.

“You really want to know about me?” she asks and I nod.

“None of my clients has ever asked about me before,” she says thoughtfully. “You
are
different than most men I’ve met.

“Let’s see. I was born and raised in Los Angeles. My parents own a successful chain of restaurants, so I grew up in an affluent area. I’ve always known what was expected of me, what I wanted to do, and how to get what I want. My parents are still a major influence in my life and we’re very close.”

“Any siblings?” I ask.

“Yes, I have a brother and a sister.”

“So do I.” I smile. “Older or younger?”

“My sister is older and my brother is younger.” She smiles widely, pleased we have something in common.

“My sister is younger and my brother is older,” I laugh. “I’m also close to my parents, though we’ve had our rough patches.”

“What family doesn’t? The important thing is that you can count on them when it matters the most. Minor disagreements can be forgotten when the big needs are consistently met.”

“So true. I know without a doubt that I can call my family for help and they’d be there for me in a second. Even if I’m wrong, they’ll still have my back—after telling me about it.”

“Exactly!” she exclaims. “Sounds like our families are very similar in that respect.”

“What drew you into public relations?” I ask, genuinely interested now.

Her expression morphs into a mixture of serious and sad at the same time. “My best friend in high school was a guy. He really was just a friend, and we were very close. His name was Parker Lee. Parker was an incredible athlete, but football was where his heart and soul were. He had college scouts coming to watch him play and several agents were each trying to woo Parker and his parents to sign with their companies.

“Parker’s parents were very wealthy and well-known. One of the agents got especially vigorous in his attempts to get Parker to sign with him. He dug up some information about Parker’s parents that revealed that his father wasn’t really his father. It caused a huge fight in the family, his parents went through a nasty break up, and Parker blamed himself for it.

“He committed suicide over it. The note he left said he couldn’t take the negative publicity that his talent created. He thought if he hadn’t pursued a football career, his family would still be together because none of it would’ve ever come to light.

“So, after watching what happened to my best friend and his family, I decided I wanted to help the people who are in the limelight. Most people are just trying to realize their dreams. If I can help my clients achieve them, I feel like I’m honoring Parker’s dreams.”

“I’m very sorry for what happened to your friend, but I’m glad you shared that with me. It helps put a lot of things into perspective for me,” I say honestly.

“I’ve never told anyone that story before. I don’t know why I felt so comfortable telling you, but I’m glad I did. I’m fully aware that I can come across bossy and all business, but it’s always with my clients’ best interests at heart.”

“I believe you mean that.”

When our meals arrive, we eat and chat about anything and everything, like old friends catching up. Laughing about the similarities in our upbringings, how our affluent parents dealt with rebellious teenagers, and finally how they were glad to get us out of their hair showed me that we are more alike than I originally thought.

It also feels really good to enjoy a meal with someone else for a change. Shane is always busy and is on a different schedule than I am. Andi’s schedule, with the frequent and late-night concerts, doesn’t give us much time to talk. Watching TV at night just pisses me off when I see the gossip channels speculate on how long it’ll be before Andi and Travis publicly announce their relationship.

I’ve missed real conversations with someone who genuinely wants to talk to me.

“Thank you for having dinner with me, Syndi,” I say earnestly.

“It’s my pleasure, Luke,” she replies with a smile. “Any time you want company, just give me a call.”

“Be careful. That may be every day. It gets old eating alone every night,” I admit.

“I’m sure you miss Andi terribly.”

“I do,” I admit. “But it’s more than that. I guess I just miss having a friend to hang out with sometimes.”

“I’d be honored to be your friend,” she offers.

“I’ll take you up on that offer,” I say as I extend my hand to shake hers.

Taking my hand in hers, she lightly squeezes as she shakes it. “As friends, I expect us to spend time together that’s not work related. Your schedule doesn’t allow much downtime, I know. But I’m sure you can find
some
time for me.”

“I think that can be arranged,” I chuckle.

When the check arrives, Syndi tries to take it first. Snatching it from her hands, I give her my stern look of warning. “This is my treat tonight.”

“I’m the one who invited you, remember? We came to talk about your magazine shoot next week. That makes it
my
treat, or rather, my company’s treat.” She smiles and takes the check away from me.

“Fine. This time, since it’s a business expense. Next time, I’m taking my friend out for dinner.”

“Deal,” she agrees.

When I walk into my hotel room, it hits me that I’m alone again. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I hit the button to FaceTime Andi and wait for it to connect. When she answers it, the screen is mostly dark but I can hear screams in the background. Glancing over at the clock, I’m surprised to see my dinner with Syndi lasted so long. It’s already well past the time I’m usually in the bed, but I’m much too energized to sleep now.

“Luke?” Andi yells over the background noise.

“Where are you tonight?” I yell back.

“We’re in Washington, DC. Sound Bar is onstage right now. I’m waiting to do our duets together.” She smiles. “Hear that crowd? They’re crazy tonight!”

“Everyone’s crazy about you, Andi,” I say.

“I gotta go, Luke! Travis is ready for me. I love you,” she says quickly.

“I love you,” I manage to get in before she climbs the stairs beside the stage. 

She blows me a kiss and disconnects the call. I sit staring at my phone for a minute while her words run through my mind like a freight train.

Travis is ready for me.

I just bet he is.

Scrolling through my contacts until I find Syndi’s number, my thumb hits her name and I wait for her to answer.

“Hello?” she answers.

“Hey, Syndi. It’s Luke,” I state the obvious.

“Hey, you. What’s up?”

“If you see or hear anything that indicates this coverage of Andi and Travis is more than just a sales ploy, you’ll tell me, right?”

“I will definitely tell you, Luke,” she promises. “Did something else happen?”