Ready For The Big Time

----------------------------------------April 11th, 2011----------------------------------------

James: "You really think I'm ready for the big time?"

Brandon: "Of course I do. You've been training with me for a month now"

James: "Yeah, but I started with absolutely no wrestling ability at all"

Brandon: "Yeah, but you also have natural athletic ability. Look at you James, you outweigh me by like, fifty pounds. And you're jacked"

James: "Well, I try to stay in as best shape as I can"

Brandon: "Yeah, well, you're an NFL player. Of course you do. You just had to adjust to wrestling. Besides, if you really wanted to, you could have just tackled and slammed people"

James: "That's true. But I wouldn't have had any other skills"

Brandon: "Which is why I helped you out. I don't like to brag, but I trained you pretty well"

James: "You did. I feel like I can compete. Maybe not amazing, but hang"

Brandon: "Yeah. Just remember, you aren't quite at that main event level. But I'm sure you'll do fine"

James: "Yeah, one day I'll beat you"

Brandon: "You're a football player, not a fighter. Remember that James"

James: "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Don't hate when I'm world champion"

Brandon: "I'll believe that when I see it"

James: "Just give me a few months."

James walked with Brandon over to his car. He sat in the passenger seat as Brandon started the car up and drove off down the road. They headed towards the ME headquarters. When they arrived, they hopped out of the car and walked into the building.

Receptionist: "Hi, may I help you?"

Brandon: "We're here to meet with Chuck Matthews"

Receptionist: "Names?"

Brandon: "Brandon Macdonald"

James: "James Macdonald"

Receptionist: "Ah yes. Tenth floor. Third door on your right"

James and Brandon walked over to the elevator, and rode up to the tenth floor. They walked to the door and knocked on it.

Chuck: "Come in"

Brandon opened the door, and walked in. James followed in after him.

Chuck: "Brandon! Good to see you my man"

Brandon: "It's good to see you too Chuck"

Chuck: "And you are James, correct?"

James: "That's right"

Chuck: "Glad to meet you. Name's Chuck Matthews"

Chuck extended his hand, and James reached across the table and grabbed it tightly. He shook it, keeping eye contact with Chuck. He looked friendly enough. But also looked like he knew when business was business.

James: "Nice to meet you too Chuck"

Chuck: "So you're Brandon's brother then?"

James: "That's right."

Chuck: "Well then you'll probably have some fighting genes in you, if you're anything like your brother"

James: "Well, I hit people for a living. I think this shouldn't be too bad"

Chuck: "That's true. I'm sure you'll do fine"

James: "I've been trained well"

Chuck: "Speaking of that, Brandon, aren't you heading a fight team?"

Brandon turned around from the picture that he was looking at. He looked at Chuck.

Brandon: "Yeah. Team Rogue. Our gym is opening tomorrow night. You're looking at our biggest future star"

Chuck: "If you say so. So James, you're looking to join the Insurgency Wrestling Federation?"

James: "That I am"

Chuck: "And why, might I ask?"

James: "Well, the NFL is locked out. I can't train with my team or anything. What better way to stay in shape than wrestle, right? And if my brother can do it, there's no way that I can't do it"

Chuck: "So you aren't lacking any confidence I see"

James: "Confidence is a big part of my life Chuck."

Chuck: "Apparently. So you're really interested in joining the Insurgency Wrestling Federation"

James: "Absolutely. I think that I can bring a lot to the table here"

Chuck: "Anything specific?"

James: "Well, I know that I could pull off a better spear than anyone who's ever wrestled before"

Chuck: "Oh, I'm not so sure about that"

James: "Oh right, I forgot you are an avid user of the spear. Well perhaps one day we can settle that once and for all"

Chuck: "Perhaps. Right now, I'm too busy stuck commentating with this guy's wife"

Brandon: "Chuck, you love it and you know it"

Chuck: "She thinks I'm like, ten years old"

Brandon: "That's because you basically are. But with a much larger sex drive"

Chuck: "Much much much larger"

James: "Anyways, my contract?"

Chuck: "Right. Okay, so I need information. Full name?"

James: "James David Macdonald"

Chuck: "Date of birth?"

James: "December 3rd, nineteen eighty six"

Chuck: "So you're twenty four?"

James: "Bingo"

Chuck: "Alright, well, I think that everything is in order. If you'll just sign here"

Chuck pushed a piece of paper towards James. He looked it over. Just signing him to a deal with the IWF, with an opt-out option for when the NFL lockout was over. He read it over again. It was clean. He took a pen and signed his name at the bottom of the page. He handed the pen and paper back to Chuck, who smiled.

Chuck: "Excellent. Welcome to the IWF my friend. I'm sure your brother has filled you in on a lot of the going-on's of our business?"

James: "Yeah, he's basically explained it all to me"

Chuck: "Excellent. That means I don't have to explain everything to you. That's good, because I hate explaining stuff to new guys"

James: "Nah, it's all good. I got it all down"

Chuck: "Excellent. So we're having our Bloody Sunday Pay-per-view in two weeks. You'll be ready by then?"

James: "Of course. I'm ready right now"

Chuck: "Okay, well, it's a bit short notice for you this week, but I can guarantee you a spot in a match for Bloody Sunday"

James: "That sounds perfect to me"

Chuck: "Alright. But you should swing by this week at Battle Grounds. Check out how we work. Maybe make yourself known"

James: "I'll be there, you can guarantee that"

Chuck: "Excellent. Well, I look forward to seeing what you can do Mr. Macdonald. But stop stealing my moves"

James: "My spear will break men in half. Your spear? Wouldn't knock me over."

Chuck: "Is that so?"

James: "I've had guys who are twice your size try to knock me over, only to be knocked over by me. It's a fact"

Chuck: "I like you Macdonald. You seem like a guy who I could cheer for. Just don't get too cocky."

James: "I'm not cocky, just confident."

Chuck: "That's what I like to hear. Brandon, anything you need?"

Brandon: "Nah, just came to make sure it all went okay"

Chuck: "Awesome. How's your training going? Back to full strength yet?"

Brandon: "I've still got leg soreness, and my shoulder is still messed from being shot, but other than that, I'm fine"

Chuck: "Awesome. You and Corey should steal the show again"

Brandon: "That we will. Anyways, we gotta fly back to Miami, gym's opening tomorrow, got a big press conference for it"

Chuck: "That's good to hear. Hope you do well. Nice to meet you James, and good luck in the IWF"

James: "Thanks Chuck. See you around"

James followed Brandon out of Chuck's office, and downstairs. He walked out into their car, and they drove off back towards their hotel. James watched as they drove through Chicago, looking at all of the scenery around. He remembered when he came here to play the Bears once. They had lost that game, which wasn't much of a surprise. He had twelve tackles in that game, more than anyone else. He remembered at one point, tackling both Matt Forte and Olin Kreutz at the same time, thanks to a weird play design by the Bears. Not something he was able to do easily. It was memories like these that made him enjoy driving through cities.

They arrived at their hotel, and walked upstairs. James grabbed his already packed suitcase, and walked downstairs. His phone began to ring. He answered it

James: "Hello?"

Vicki: "Hey James"

James: "Who is this?"

Vicki: "It's Vicki. Remember, from the other night?"

James: "Honestly, I don't"

Vicki: "Are you serious? We met at that club in Miami? I went with you back to that hotel? And you know...."

James: "Actually, I don't know"

Vicki: "Well, you know, we hooked up. And then I woke up the next morning, and you were gone. It took me days to find your number. What happened?"

James thought about this for a second. He was at a club the other night. He had met a bunch of chicks. He couldn't really remember bringing anyone to his hotel. He did remember leaving it the next day though. He just must have not noticed that there was a girl beside him when he got out of bed.

James: "Oh. Yeah. I just left. I figured you understood what that was"

Vicki: "Well, I guess. So are you free tomorrow?"

James: "No, did you not hear what I just said?"

Vicki: "Yeah, I heard it"

James: "I don't want to see you again. Nothing personal, it's just how I am"

Vicki: "Wh-what do you mean?"

James: "Well, to be honest, I don't remember that night. And I certainly don't remember you. I'm sure I had fun, but I'm just not looking for anything right now. Understand?"

There was a silence on the other end of the phone. James laughed under his breath a bit. This always happened. They never knew what to say after that.

James: "So thanks, but please don't call me again. Bye"

James shut his phone and placed it back in his pocket. He looked over at Brandon, who was walking over, suitcase in hand.

Brandon: "Who was that?"

James: "Some girl I met the other night"

Brandon: "Oh yeah? And...?"

James: "I don't know, I don't remember it"

Brandon: "Man, what's wrong with you?"

James: "Sorry, I was just partying. I never get to, so I just let loose"

Brandon: "Just don't do it often. I don't want you to end up in a hospital."

James: "Don't worry bro. Contrary to what you might think, I actually know what I'm doing"

Brandon: "Yeah, so that's why you have a girlfriend, right?"

James: "Just because I don't have one, doesn't mean that I can't get one. Speaking of which, isn't your wife expecting a call?"

Brandon: "Shit, you're right. Be right back"

Brandon walked off and pulled out his phone and began to dial. James turned around and loaded his bags into their car. He sat in the passenger seat, and pulled out his iPhone, and began to play with it, while listening to music. He pulled a headphone out of his ear when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around, and saw Johnny Knox standing there, sunglasses on, smiling at James.

Johnny: "James, my man! How's it going?"

James: "Hey Knox. It's been great, how bout you?"

James and Johnny had met when they were both NFL Draft prospects in 2009. Johnny ended up going to Chicago, while James was off to St Louis. They had stayed in touch, and had become pretty good friends.

Johnny: "It's been good man. Pretty bored as of late though"

James: "Got the lockout blues?"

Johnny: "Yeah. I have no idea what to do, now that I can't train with the team. I've been going to the local gym and training, but it's not the same"

James: "Never is. It's a bad time for the NFL right now. I just want them to finish everything up"

Johnny: "Same here. I just want to play football"

James: "Are you guys doing any organized stuff, or anything like that?"

Johnny: "Yeah, me and a couple guys, have talked about doing some group stuff, just so we can stay in touch and in shape. What about you?"

James: "Nothing from the team. Everyone's just doing their own thing right now"

Johnny: "What about training wise? Staying in shape?"

James: "Well, you know my brother?"

Johnny: "Brandon? Of course"

James: "Well, I've been working with him lately. I'm joining the Insurgency Wrestling Federation, the wrestling fed that he's in. He actually taught me how to wrestle, and it's a great way to stay in shape"

Johnny: "Wow, actually? So you can like, suplex people and all that stuff?"

James: "Yup. It's pretty cool actually. And it's tough as hell. Brandon is nuts"

Johnny: "What do you mean?"

James: "Well, some of the stuff he showed me, it's crazy. I mean, I outweigh him by fifty pounds, and he could throw me around the ring"

Johnny: "That's awesome. Your brother is a freak though. Just like you"

James: "Yeah, I guess. It's a cool business"

Johnny: "I bet. Well, I'll be sure to start watching it"

James: "Yeah, my first match is in two weeks at our PPV. You should definitely buy it, check me out"

Johnny: "I definitely will. Anyways, I'll catch you later James. Say hi to Brandon for me"

James: "Will do. See ya Johnny"

James put his headphones back in and continued to listen to his music, while Johnny walked down the street. He began drumming his hands on his legs with the beat, mouthing the lyrics to the song at the same time. He heard the car door open and saw Brandon climb inside. Brandon started up the car and began to drive towards the airport.

Brandon: "Still have that great singing voice I see"

James: "Shut up. Don't hate on my talents"

Brandon: "Who me? I would never hate on that"

James: "Yeah, whatever Brandon. I just saw Johnny Knox. He says hi"

Brandon: "Oh yeah? How's he doing? I haven't talked to him in forever"

James: "I don't even know how you know him"

Brandon: "Dude, I know everybody. But seriously, I met him when the Patriots played the Bears last year. He was a nice guy, and he said he was friends with you"

James: "Yeah, we met at the Combine in 09, just sorta kept in touch"

Brandon: "That's good. In other news, you're going to want to come back to our place for dinner tomorrow night"

James: "On the island?"

Brandon: "Yeah. Anna is cooking dinner, and she has been getting mighty good at it"

James: "Yeah, I got nothing else planned. After we open the gym, I assume?"

Brandon: "Yeah. We'll do that, and then fly back. I guess Keagan is coming too"

James: "Is she still single?"

Brandon: "You really got the hots for my best friend?"

James: "I watched some of her porn once or twice"

Brandon: "Wow, that doesn't surprise me at all."

James: "What, it's not like you haven't done anything worse with her"

Brandon: "True. Anyways, yes, she's single again. She lived out there with a guy named Patrick, who used to work the bowling alley at my house in Ottawa. But when Anna and I were overseas, he got a bit overprotective, and began smothering her. And being Keagan, she didn't like that, so she dumped him. I kicked him off the island when I heard. So she just lives alone there. I'm sure she could use some company."

James: "That's great news. She's hot as fuck"

Brandon: "And she is my best friend, so you better not pull any shit"

James: "Dude, I'm your brother. You know me. I'm not going to do anything that results in something bad happening"

Brandon: "If you do, don't be surprised if I beat your ass"

James: "I'd like to see you try. Look at these guns"

James flexed his rather large biceps for Brandon and smiled. Brandon looked at his tattoo on the right arm.

Brandon: "You're really passionate about your school eh? The Big O on your arm?"

James: "Dude, when you go to Ohio State, you are Ohio State. You guys didn't do that down at TCU?"

Brandon: "Well, it was a christian school, and I didn't even finish one year there. So, no"

James: "Whatever. If you went to a real school, then you'd know"

Brandon: "Just go back to singing"

James laughed as he put his headphones back on. He thought more about Keagan. He remembered her when he was in grade eight and nine, and she was in grade twelve and thirteen. He knew her pretty well because she was best friends with Brandon. And she was smoking hot. He always had the biggest crush on her, but now he was actually confident in himself enough to talk to her. Plus, he had a nice body, and played football, something that he knew Keagan loved. Maybe they would actually have lots in common too. They were only three years apart in age. But Keagan was small, and looked a lot younger than she actually was. That was probably why she got so famous in the porn business. He hoped she still remembered him. He was really looking forward to this dinner now.

James and Brandon arrived at the airport, and rushed to catch their flight. They made it onto the plane, and sat down in their first class seats. James pulled out his iPhone again, and turned on some music. He lay his head down, and fell asleep to the sounds of Pete Townshend and The Who jamming away.

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James awoke to the sound of the plane landing on the runway, and pulling over to the hangar. He looked over at Brandon, who was reading a magazine.

James: "We're there?"

Brandon: "Sure are. You slept the entire way"

James: "I'm exhausted."

Brandon: "Well, hope you feel more rested. Because we have a huge day ahead of us tomorrow"

James: "Yeah. It should be awesome"

Brandon: "Yeah. But we should just grab some sleep first. We gotta get up early and make sure everything is set up properly at the gym"

James: "Yeah, sounds good to me. I could use some more sleep"

Brandon: "Yeah, no kidding. Come on, lets grab a cab to our hotel"

James followed Brandon as they waved down a cab that was across the street. They hopped in, and it took them right to their hotel on the waterfront. They went up to their room, and threw their bags on the ground. James ran and jumped onto his bed, and just lay there, face down, for a few minutes, until Brandon walked back in the room. He was wearing a bathing suit, and had a towel on his shoulder.

Brandon: "I'm heading to the hot tub. Coming?"

James: "Yeah, give me a sec"

James ran to his bag and rummaged through it, trying to find his bathing suit. He found it, and quickly stripped out of his jeans, and pulled his bathing suit on. He grabbed a towel, and walked out the door with Brandon. They headed down to the pool area, passing some attractive young women, who James smiled at. They got to the pool, and were happy to see that it was empty, except for two girls in the hot tub. James smiled, and nudged Brandon, nodding at the girls. Brandon held up his right hand, which had his ring on it. James laughed as he threw his towel on a chair and walked over into the hot tub. Brandon followed him. The girls began talking to themselves, and then one of them looked at the two of them.

Nicole: "Hi, I'm Nicole, and this is my friend Samantha. This is sort of weird, but do we know either of you from anywhere?"

James: "Maybe. Probably him more than me. I'm James Macdonald, and this is my brother Brandon. He's a UFC fighter, and a wrestler. And I play football for the St. Louis Rams. Maybe from that?"

Nicole: "Oh yeah! I knew I'd seen both of you on TV before somewhere. Must have been on ESPN."

James: "Yeah, probably. So where are you two from?"

Nicole: "We're both from San Francisco. We're here on vacation. Just the two of us, alone in our rooms"

James: "Must be pretty fun here"

Nicole: "Actually it is pretty lonely right now"

James was annoyed by these girls' efforts to get with the two of them. It was pretty obvious to what they wanted. James thought of something quickly to change that.

James: "Yeah, I'll bet. Hey Brandon, shouldn't you be in bed by now?"

Brandon: "Maybe. Anna doesn't usually let me stay up this late"

James: "Man, that's the married life for you"

Brandon: "Yeah, no kidding eh? Can't do anything fun anymore"

Nicole: "You're married?"

Brandon: "Sure am. And I couldn't be happier about it"

Nicole: "Oh. Well, we have to go. Maybe we'll see you two again sometime"

James: "Doubt it. But bye"

The girls walked out and grabbed their towels, before wrapping themselves up and walking out the doors. As soon as they were gone, both James and Brandon started laughing, as James held up his hand to high five Brandon.

James: "You knew exactly what I was doing didn't you?"

Brandon: "Of course I did. I saw their eyes."

James: "Yeah, did you see how fast they changed their tune after you mentioned being married?"

Brandon: "They didn't even bother to ask about you"

James: "Yeah I know, it was great"

Brandon: "I'm surprised, I thought you'd be interested"

James: "Man, I'm not just all about hooking up"

Brandon: "Yeah, okay, whatever you say"

James: "I'm serious. I really want to settle down with someone"

Brandon: "Like who?"

James: "I dunno, just someone who is cool like me, and just as fun"

Brandon: "Yeah, I know that. You should talk to Keagan tomorrow night"

James: "You think so?"

Brandon: "The two of you have a lot in common I think. And your age difference isn't that big, and she looks young too"

James: "Yeah, that's what I was thinking"

Brandon: "You've thought about this?"

James: "Well yeah, I mean, I always thought she was hot as fuck"

Brandon: "Who doesn't think that?"

James: "No one. And like, if she's the same as she was when I knew her in high school, she was really fun, and just a cool person"

Brandon: "She is. And you're totally her type"

James: "Am I?"

Brandon: "Dude, look at you. Your biceps are like, the size of my head. You're stomach is almost as toned as mine. You're a football player. Those all meet her criteria"

James: "Yeah I guess. Plus, I think she would really like me"

Brandon: "Probably. She loves football, and not just because of the guys. She just loves the sport thanks to me. But don't mention her porn career"

James: "Why not?"

Brandon: "She's not too proud about it, and she doesn't like it when people bring it up. So if you want anything to work out with you two, just don't mention it"

James: "Alright, that sounds good. I hope things work out. I've always wanted to live on an island"

Brandon: "Yeah, and be my neighbour"

James: "Maybe not that so much"

Brandon: "Well, I'm sure she'd move back to St Louis with you when the NFL opens up again"

James: "If it even gets that far"

Brandon: "Dude, just be yourself. She'll love you, I guarantee it. She liked you back in high school, not much has changed in our family since then"

James: "She liked me in high school?"

Brandon: "Well, not like liked you. But she thought you were cool, and pretty good looking. So yeah, I'm sure she'll enjoy you now"

James: "Hopefully. I'm tired of these one night stands"

Brandon: "Yeah, I imagine you would be. It's about time you settle down"

James: "Yeah, I was hoping so."

James lay his head back and closed his eyes. They sat in the hot tub for a few more minutes, before getting out of it and drying off. They headed upstairs to their room. James got changed, and lay down in his bed, closing his eyes. Tomorrow was a huge day. Opening Brandon's gym, and then dinner with Keagan. He was excited. It was going to be fun. He just hoped that everything would work out like he wanted it to.