“I don’t know what to say. Every part of me just wants to punch you in the face for what you did before, but we’re grown now. I can’t do that, and I don’t think you’re lying. Even if you were, I trust Olivia, so I know nothing will happen.”
“Good. Then are you okay with us being friends?”
“I will be. I just need to ask you one question. When Olivia and I split up in high school, she told me that you weren’t with her before we broke up. Was that true?”
I knew what I needed to say there. I had to tell him what he wanted to hear. Otherwise, this whole thing could end ugly. I told him that nothing but a kiss ever happened between us while they were together, but I felt bad as I did. I had kissed Olivia many times the night before they broke up, and she had even come to visit one summer while they were together. We did a lot more than kiss then. It was a strange feeling. I wouldn’t have changed any of those things if I could, but I still felt bad about lying to his face.
“Good. Let’s join the others then,” he said, and we took our seats beside our friends.
It was a good night. I would have never thought that I could sit anywhere near Richard and say that, but against all odds, Olivia and I were going to get to be friends. What was even stranger was that I might end up being friends with Richard before it was all over. It was a good feeling, but it was also one that felt wrong on some level. I knew in my heart that I belonged where he was. He was sitting beside my destiny, and there was nothing I could do about it. For now, all I could do was be friends with a woman who still held my heart.
Chapter 28
When It All Catches Up To You
Four Years Later
Over the next four years, I stayed in touch with Olivia. We actually got to talk on the phone and text from time to time. It was nice, but it was also at a distance. After my uncle recovered from surgery, we went back home. I was back in Miami with Chastity. After dating for a couple of months, we got an apartment together. I managed to pick up seven more clients over the next four years, too. We were doing well. What was even better was that my parents were getting out of jail on that day. My sister had gotten engaged to a man named Ross a few months before, and they planned the wedding around our parents’ release. It was going to be in two weeks. That wasn’t the only thing going on, though. Over the last two years, Chastity had been hinting about marriage. I wasn’t ready back then. I was still holding out hope that something would change with Olivia. It never did, though, and I had decided that I couldn’t make Chastity wait any longer. She deserved for me to commit to her permanently. I didn’t want to take any of the attention away from Catherine’s wedding, though. We were having dinner with my mom and dad that night for the first time in years, and I asked her if it would be okay if I proposed to Chastity there. Not only did she say yes, but she was ecstatic for me. It seemed like everything in my life was falling into place. Sure, it hadn’t all gone according to plan, but I was in a really good spot. Why ruin that with thoughts of the past?
“It’s going to be nice to see your parents again,” Chastity commented as we got into the car.
“Yeah, it is. I think tonight is going to be really great. You know I love you, right?” I asked.
“Of course.”
“No, I mean it. You make me happier than I thought I could be. The last four years have been everything I imagined and more.”
“I feel that way, too. There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about along those lines,” Chastity said nervously.
“What is it?”
“I’ve been dropping hints like crazy, so I’m sure you already know, but I want our life together to be permanent. Why haven’t you asked me to marry you yet? It’s been four years.”
“I love you, but I’m just not ready.”
“When are you going to be ready?”
“I don’t know. Can we not talk about this tonight, though? My parents just got out, and I want to focus on that right now. I promise we’ll discuss this seriously soon.”
She agreed to drop it. It was almost too perfect. The last thing she expected was for me to ask her to marry her that night. Sure, she was mad then, but I couldn’t wait to see her face when I put the ring on her finger.
When we got to the restaurant, I saw my mom and dad first. My sister and her fiancée had picked them up earlier. It was the first time I had seen them in regular clothes in years. It was strange, but we were a family again. It might have been odd, but the first thing I thought about was Uncle Gary and Aunt Kristen. Wouldn’t they love to be there? I just knew it would make them happy to see this. I hugged my parents immediately, and we sat down. After we had ordered, I asked my father a question.
“So what are you looking forward to now that you guys are out?”
“Everything. For starters, the food. I’m definitely not looking forward to finding a job, though. When I was younger, I thought I would be retired by now. I actually thought that we would get away with what we were doing and be done with it after another five years. We got caught too soon, though. I don’t know how to start over,” he said.
“We don’t need to talk about that right now. What we need to concentrate on is Catherine’s engagement,” my mom said.
“I agree, but neither of you should worry. I made over two million just this year alone. I’ll help you get back on your feet,” I said.
“You don’t need to do that.”
“I don’t mind. Now, let’s talk about this wedding,” I said and smiled.
We talked for almost an hour and ate some of the best food in town. When it was almost time to go, my mom asked everyone a question that gave me the perfect opening.
“Well, it looks like it’s just about time to go. We’ve talked about the wedding, life outside a cell, and Eric’s recent success. Is there anything else big that we can celebrate?”
“There is one big thing,” I said and turned toward Chastity.
I got down on one knee and pulled the ring out of my pocket. Before I could even say a word, she blurted out yes. I put the ring on her finger and then rose up to meet her with a kiss. Everyone at the table seemed happy for us but my mother. I didn’t understand why. She had smiled blankly all through dinner. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I knew something was wrong. Before we left, I pulled her to the side in the lobby.
“What’s going on with you? You look sad,” I said.
“It’s nothing. This is a happy day. Your father and I are free, and both of our children have found happiness. That’s all we’re going to concentrate on for now.”
“For now? You can’t say something like that and not tell me what’s going on. I want to know, Mom.”
“Your father and I stayed married while we were incarcerated. We barely saw each other, but it made sense to see how we felt when we got out. There’s nothing there, Eric. Nine years is a long time to be away from someone, and we talked about it. Neither of us wants to stay married. It’s time for us to start fresh. That’s a good thing, but it’s new. It scares both of us. We’ve got to find careers and finalize a divorce. After that, we’ve got to put together some type of life.”
“Mom, are you sure? Shouldn’t you give it more than a day before you make a decision like this?”
“I made this decision a long time ago. I changed in prison. I’m a better person. Your father is the same, for the most part. I want my life to be different, and he needs his to be, too. When we look at each other, all we see is our pasts. That’s not healthy. A clean break is the only way for us to truly turn over a new leaf.”
“I can’t say that I’m happy about this, but I understand. Don’t worry about a career right now, though. I’ve got a good job, and I can help both of you as much as you need.”
“That’s all right. We’ll be fine.”
“Where are you staying?”
“At a motel downtown. I’m going apartment hunting tomorrow.”
“No, you’ll stay with us.”
“I’m fine with a m
otel, Eric. You’re my son. I’m supposed to be taking care of you and not the other way around. I’ll call if I need anything,” she said and hugged me.
As we left the restaurant, I had mixed feelings. It had been a great night, but at the same time, it was also terrible. No one ever likes to hear that their parents are separating, even if it is for the best. Chastity noticed that I looked down when I got into the car. She put her hand in mine and spoke.
“What could possibly be wrong on a night like this?” she asked.
“It’s nothing. Our engagement is way more important.”
“I’m going to be your wife. You can tell me anything. Your happiness is mine, too, now, but I also want to share your sadness.”
“My parents are getting a divorce. They didn’t say anything at dinner because they wanted it to be a happy time. It’s probably for the best, but the little boy in me doesn’t think so.”
“I’m sorry. Did they say why?”
“My mom said they needed to change, and when they look at each other, they only see who they used to be.”
“I can understand that. It’s going to be a good thing if they do change. They should be more like you. You’re the most honest man I know.”
“I’m really not. Let me ask you something. If you found out I was a fraud, would you still love me?”
“Where is this coming from?”
“I just need to know. If I were like my mom and dad, would you still marry me?”
“I love you, and it doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the past. Eric, I want to be with you forever, and nothing you say or do can change that.”
That settled it. I had found the perfect woman. I still wasn’t going to tell her about my past, but it was nice to know that when I did, she would still love me for everything I was.
When we walked into the apartment, Chastity immediately kissed me and pulled me toward the bedroom. Before we could properly celebrate our engagement, I got a call from Emmitt.
“Just let it ring,” she said in frustration.
“It might be about the contract we’ve been negotiating. It’ll only take a second, and then all of my focus will be on you. I promise,” I said and answered the phone.
“Hey, what’s up?” I asked.
“Have you turned on the news lately?” Emmitt asked.
“No. Why?”
“You need to.”
I turned on the news, and the first thing I saw was a story involving Emmitt, William, and me. Someone at the university had squealed about what players and boosters were doing. I sighed and turned away. I saw Chastity standing there and looking at me with disappointment.
“This is bad,” I said to Emmitt.
“Do you think?” he asked sarcastically.
“We just need to lay low. This will hurt your image and mine, but I’m sure it’ll blow over. It’s not like they can charge us with anything criminal. The NCAA’s rules aren’t law.”
“I’m in the middle of a contract negotiation. The last thing I need is image problems, Eric!”
“I know that. What can I do about it, though?”
“I’m going to have to do what’s best for me here, man. I’m sorry.”
“What does that even mean?”
“It means that I’m letting you go and doing what I can to save my image.”
“What are you talking about? I’m the one who pulled your sorry ass out of every bar and club in Miami for years, and I got you to the exact team you wanted to go to when no one wanted you. I’m a good agent, and I’m an even better friend. Are you really going to throw that away?”
“I don’t have a choice. It’s not personal. I’ll see you around, Eric,” he said and hung up.
“Do you want to tell me what this is about?” Chastity asked.
“It’s a long story. I’m guilty of taking the money, though. I was offered an opportunity to funnel money to Emmitt through a booster. As a perk, I would be given money and access to a lot of athletes. That’s how I got my start. I’m a liar, but I didn’t do anything that everyone at that university doesn’t do.”
“You can’t be serious right now! I’m engaged to a criminal.”
“No, you’re not. Nothing we did was actually illegal. It was just against NCAA rules.”
“You’re no better than your parents.”
“What happened to you loving me no matter what I did?”
“I need some time.”
“So that’s it? You’re just going to leave me when I need you most?” I asked while following her into the bedroom.
“I need to think about what I’m doing here, Eric,” she said as she put her clothes into a bag.
“You know what? No. You’re not going to walk out that door and come back later on. You either stand with me now, or we don’t need to get married. A good partner would be there, and if you can’t be, then that tells me everything I need to know.”
“Then I guess we’re not getting married,” she said just before she started to cry. Then she zipped her bag shut and walked toward the door.
“I’m sorry, Chastity. I didn’t mean that. Please, don’t go,” I pleaded.
It did no good. She was determined to leave. I was about to be left alone to sift through the biggest mess of my life. Throughout the evening, I got calls and texts from several clients. All of them were dropping me except Marcus. I expected his call to come soon. I couldn’t sit in that apartment for one more minute and watch the news. I walked across the street to a bar. This was a place I hadn’t been in a long time. Back in college, I made a lot of bad decisions that started with alcohol, so I had distanced myself from it. Right then, all I wanted was relief, though. As I drank, my parents and my sister tried to call. Even my aunt and uncle tried to get in touch with me. I didn’t answer any of the calls, though. I didn’t need to hear from anyone. I just needed to drown my feelings. It didn’t help that a familiar person came into the bar that night. William walked in. He sat down and proceeded to mock me.
“If it isn’t the big time agent. I remember when I made you who you are, kid. It’s too bad that you’re less than no one now,” he said.
“You’re in the same situation as me,” I said.
“I’m richer than you could ever hope to be. People love me. My name being in this won’t even hinder me for a second. You, on the other hand, will lose your entire business, and your name will be mud forever. How does that feel?”
“I could show you, and if you don’t get out of here, then I will,” I threatened.
“Do you think I’m scared of a piece of . . .” he managed to say before I punched him.
When he went down, I didn’t give him a chance to get up. I kicked him over and over again. William had picked the wrong night to rub my nose in this. My fiancée was gone, my clients had fired me, and my parents were getting a divorce. Kicking someone who was writhing in pain seemed like the best release possible. Unfortunately, a bouncer managed to restrain me, and the police were called. I sat in jail all night. I figured that William would press charges, but much to my surprise, the next morning a guard came to let me go.
“You’re free to leave,” he said while unlocking my cell door.
“Seriously?” I asked.
“Yeah. The other guy isn’t pressing charges. We’ve got an officer who’s going to give you a ride home. He’s waiting out front.”
I walked out and got my belongings. Then I found the man who was supposed to take me home. There was one problem, though. We were going the wrong way.
“Where are you taking me?” I asked.
“You pissed off the wrong person last night. I’ve been instructed to take you to a certain location and let you out. Outside of that, I have no idea what’s in store for you.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Money talks. Don’t ever make someone angry when they could buy you,” he simply said.
I understood exactly what was going on after that statement. William wasn’t lying when he said that
this wouldn’t inconvenience him. He could buy anyone, even the cops. I won’t lie. I was scared. What was going to happen when I got to my destination? Would I be killed? Did William have that kind of pull in Miami?
We arrived in a back alley where I was instructed to get out. The first thing I saw was two men walking toward me with guns. I couldn’t run. I would be killed if I did. William walked up behind them and addressed me.
“You screwed with the wrong person, and now you’re about to pay for it, Eric. If you move, these men will kill you, so take it like a man,” he said.
I did as he said. It wasn’t like I had any other choice. I stood there until two of the biggest men I had ever seen got to me. One of them punched me in the gut. After I fell to the ground, they did exactly what I had done to William the night before. They kicked me over and over again until bruises covered my body and face. Then William walked over and kicked me a couple of times, too.
“If I ever so much as see you again, I’ll kill you. Know that,” William said before they walked away.
I simply lay there for a few seconds. I didn’t want to move. My whole body was aching. Eventually, I pulled myself up, though, and caught a cab back home. What I saw when I walked in made things even worse. There was a SportsCenter exclusive on television, and the person being interviewed was Emmitt. I could only fear what he was going to say.
“So you’re saying that you had no idea your roommate was taking money?” a reporter asked him.
“I know it’s hard to believe, but I am. I was just a college kid, and I thought he came from a rich family. When he said he would pay for some things, I assumed he was just being a good friend. Plus, I needed help. I barely had enough for food on most days. I had no idea that some booster was paying him or that he was only my friend to get to more athletes so he could be an agent when he got out of college,” Emmitt said while appearing to be on the edge of tears. I was surprised. He was a good actor.
Destiny Page 26