Sully

I’m King of the World. Okay, Matt is the King, but I’m the Prince. Except I’m surrounded by real princes and princesses. So yeah, I’m just me, even though I pretend to be more.

I play my part well, flying the globe in private jets, living in the best houses, and throwing the best parties. Everyone expects it from me, because it’s all I’ve ever given them. At least since my family moved to the U.S. I was just a kid then, but I learned quickly that the more I had to give everyone around me, the more willing they were to accept the Muslim kid.

Thanks to Matt Corrigan, and the guilt he felt over something he thought he did, I’ve always had plenty to give. I’ve been giving, and giving for years now. Parties, meals, trips, holiday gifts...anything my so-called friends could think of, I’ve given them. It’s kept me safe for the most part, and I’m thankful to be breathing, but I’m tired. Tired of buying friendships, tired of keeping up the act of being a pompous ass, just tired.

But, if I’m not this guy I’ve been for so many years, who am I? I just graduated from college, which is why we’re here, celebrating in a private room in one of my favorite Vegas restaurants. We could’ve celebrated at the Corrigan apartments where Matt and most of his friends live, but I didn’t want my “friends” there. I know most of the people in this room are here because of the Corrigan name, even after years of going college with me. They’re here to see what Matt’s going to give them for graduating—or what they think he’s going to give them. A rude awakening is all that’s coming their way.

Because, I’m done. Done with the fake bullshit, the fake friends, and especially the fake women. All of it is only because of who I’m only one degree of separation from. Matt Corrigan, and yeah, Dylan Gallagher. The basketball star who’s crazy in love with my sister, Nev, and can get me tickets whenever I want is just as big a draw as the billionaire who thinks of me as family. Just another person for me to exploit, even if I hate everything I’ve done.

My life is such a mess, but it’s going to get better. Matt and I talked last night, and I told him what I want to do now. What I have to do in order to regain some of my self-respect. It’s going to surprise a lot of people, including my sister, but I know it’s the right thing to do. I can’t go on living the way I have been. I won’t.

* * *

Beckham

My parents can’t afford dinner at this restaurant. It’s all I can think about as they smile at me, pride in their eyes. Pride that shouldn’t be there, but I can’t bear to break their hearts. Yes, I graduated today, but I lost my job last month. The job I need to eat, and have a bed to sleep in. The job I was damn good at, but lost anyway, because I had to say “no” to someone.

A rich asshole called, and asked for me to arrange something I couldn’t, because it’s illegal. I told him we couldn’t accommodate him, explaining the law, but he called back and complained. He said I was condescending, and rude, so I was fired. Never mind that there was a recording of the call, showing I was actually polite. He’s connected to the richest of the rich, so I was gone, just like that.

I’ve got two days to come up with rent money, or I’m out on the street. My roommate says she hates to do it, but she’s never really liked me, so it’s just an excuse. Her boyfriend keeps saying he’ll pay if I join them in bed, and that only made things worse. She thinks I might actually take him up on it, but I’d never do that—even if he wasn’t dating her.

I get that she’s pissed, and I’ve been looking for another job in between finals, but everyone’s looking for a job right now, and I’m nothing special. My former job saying they wouldn’t re-hire me when other places call them doesn’t help, either. So yeah, I’m smiling, but I know we need to be at McDonald’s and not here.

As I’m contemplating all of this, I hear a voice I recognize. Turning, I see the doors to a private room closing. They don’t close fast enough, because I see him. Sully Ayoub. Big Ass on Campus. King of the Assholes. The fucktard who cost me my job.

I don’t even realize I’m across the restaurant until I’m slamming the door open. I hear someone tell me I can’t go in, but I ignore them. I ignore all the eyes that turn my way as I stalk over to Mister Privilege himself.

“You didn’t have to crash my party, Beautiful. I would’ve invited you.”

“I. Hate. You,” I spit out as I pick up the drink in front of him, and douse him with it.

“What the fuck?” he yells, standing up, and glaring at me.

“Some of us need our jobs. Some of us don’t have rich friends who will make sure we have food, and a place to sleep.”

“You think I don’t know that? I’m not stupid.”

“No, you’re just the entitled asshole who got me fired last month because I wouldn’t kiss your ass.”

I see the realization dawn on his face, and something that looks like regret shines is his amber eyes. “Shit.”

“You lost your job?” my mother asks from behind me, and I hang my head. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

I turn, and take in my parents, who are in their best clothes. Clothes that cost less than the meal we’re eating. I feel no shame in growing up poor, or in the couple standing before me, but I want to sink into the floor, nonetheless.

“There is nothing you can do.”

They know it. I know it. Everyone in this room knows it too. Life is almost never fair. I’ve accepted it, but as I look at my parents, and see their faces fall, I want rail at God, and ask him how he could do this. How he could let these good people, who live a good life, struggle.

“Bitch, you need to leave.”

I don’t know which of Sully’s friends says it, but it doesn’t matter. None of the people in this room matter. I walk out with my head held high. Taking my parents’ hands, I walk out, knowing what I just said in there meant nothing to the people sitting at that table.

Until Neveah Ayoub walks up to our table a few minutes later. “May I join you?”

“Yes.”

She’s even more beautiful in person than she is when she’s on TV with her boyfriend, the basketball star. She looks down at her hands, before bringing her gaze up to mine.

“My brother’s behavior towards you is inexcusable. I am truly sorry for what he’s done.”

“You’re not responsible for him. He’s an adult.”

“You are correct. It is not my fault, but I would like to fix it. Matt and I would, I mean.”

As she finishes her sentence, I hear a commotion, and look up to see all of Sully’s friends being led from the restaurant by Matt Corrigan and his friends. No one looks happy, especially the one with the bloody nose. I don’t know if he’s the one who called me a bitch, but I’m guessing he might be.

“I appreciate that, but unless you have a job I’m qualified for, I don’t know what you can do.”

I won’t accept a handout from her, or Matt. God knows, they can afford to give me one, but I’m not the kind of person who could take it; I work for what I get.

“As a matter of fact, we do have a job for you. It comes with an apartment as well. Come see Matt on Monday, and he’ll go over everything.”

“Oh wow. Okay. Thank you. I’m a hard worker.”

“I know, Beckham. There wouldn’t be an offer if you weren’t. And please, order whatever you’d like. Dinner is on me. Consider it a graduation present.”

It’s not until she’s walked away that I realize she called me by my name. I never said my name, but she knew. Corrigan & Co., and its Foundation are a mystery to most of the population, with many of them speculating about what they do. Once, I wanted to figure them all out, but now I’m just thankful to be working with them. Because, I’m definitely in. No matter what the job is, I’m taking it.