Michael Balkind: Sudden Death

Finally, Carl burst out laughing. “So, Buck, you’re testing us to see if we have the balls,” he continued to laugh. “Well congratulations, you win the biggest balls award. No one has ever tried a stunt like this. I love it. If Reid wins the Masters, we pay an extra $15 million. If he loses, we save $15 million. The funny thing is, if Reid wins the Masters just before we start our ad campaign, our increased profits should be more than adequate to cover the overage.” Carl shook his head as he stared directly at Buck. “Buck, you are amazing.” Carl turned toward Reid, his brown eyes glowing. “Reid, I hope you know how lucky you are to have him representing you.”

Reid nodded anxiously as Carl looked around at his team, then back at Buck.

“Gentlemen, typically in negotiations like this, we would need at least a few days to make a decision, but Buck, your challenge works for us either way,” Carl announced firmly, placing both palms on the table. “Therefore… we accept!” The CEO of Eagle stood up and reached across the table to shake hands with Buck. “You’re good, Buck!”

Reid’s sigh of relief had been obvious to all. Carl shook his hand. “Welcome aboard, I’m looking forward to having you on our team. Gentlemen, let’s hear it for Eagle’s newest member and to his winning the Masters.”

After a quick round of applause and congratulations, Carl called down to the Atrium to check on their lunch. He hung up the phone and said, “Lunch isn’t ready yet. Let’s all go have a drink.”

Reid was in shock. He couldn’t believe it. He needed to sit for a short while. Buck said, “Come on, let’s go.” “Go ahead, I’ll be there in a few minutes.” The room cleared and Reid just sat there. My God , he said to himself. He chuckled out loud as he thought, I have more money than I could ever spend in a lifetime. And to think, I wanted to play pro football. For the first time in a long time, he wanted to call his mother just to share the good news. He relished the thought that he had something to impress her with. He grabbed the phone and dialed. When she picked up he said, “Hi,

Mom.” “Oh my goodness, Reid, is that really you?” Joan Clark responded. “Yes, Mom, it’s me. How are you?” “Are you all right?” she asked without answering his question. “What’s the matter? You’re in Augusta, aren’t you?” “I’m fine, Mom, and yes, I’m in Augusta. I just wanted to tell you the good news.” “Are you sure you’re okay? You never call me.” “I know, I know. I just wanted to share what just happened here. I just had a meeting with Buck and the CEO of Eagle. Mom, they just agreed to a $100 million endorsement contract.”

“Oh my God!” she gasped. “Reid that’s wonderful… Dear, promise me you’ll be careful. You know, that kind of money can bring about as much bad as good.”

“Don’t worry, Mom, I’ll be careful.” Reid smiled. It felt great to final ly have news that was good enough, even for her. Her unconditional love made him feel good, yet guilty. It also reaffirmed that what he was about to do was not only right, but necessary.

“Mom, there are two things I’d like you to do tomorrow. First, I want you to call your friend, I forget her name. You know, the real estate broker.” “Angela. Angela Stehlik. Why?” “Because I’m buying you a house, Mom. Have her start looking in the two million-dollar range.” He continued without giving her a chance to respond. “Then I want you to call your cousin Joe over at his dealership. I’m buying you a Caddy. No arguments, okay?” “Reid you don’t have to do this.” “Mom, I don’t have time to argue right now. Please make the calls, it’s what I want. I will be up to visit as soon as I can. I’ve got to go.” “Oh honey, I’m so proud of you! Please come see me soon. I miss you.” “I promise I will. ‘Bye, Mom.” “‘Bye dear,” she said and hung up. He felt much better after the call. Okay, he thought, time to go join the celebration. On his way, Reid stopped in the gift shop. He bought two thank-you cards, one for Buck and one for his mother. He filled Buck’s out quickly.

Walking to the Atrium, he briefly thought about Jennifer, his girl friend. He knew he should tell her about the endorsement soon. If she found out about it through the press, there would be hell to pay. Oh well, he would worry about it later. Now it was time to party!

A round of applause broke out as Reid entered the dining room. He walked to the empty seat between Buck and Carl, grabbed the nearest glass of champagne and raised it. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to make a toast. I want to thank you all and I want to commit to you that I will do everything possible to be the type of spokesman Eagle will be proud of.” He glanced at Carl, “Carl, I am very excited to work with you and your team.” Turning to face Buck, he said, “Buck, once again, you surprised me.” Looking forward at the group, he continued, “Folks, I had no idea what Buck had in store for you all at the meeting. What I do know is that you need to be prepared to write out the check for the extra $15 million, because I didn’t come to Augusta to lose.” He raised his glass a little higher. “Here’s to making Eagle enough additional money so that paying me will be a small expense. Thank you all.” He sat back down. The room erupted in applause and yells of, “Hear, hear.” Carl stood up next. “I promise I’ll keep this short.” “Hear, hear,” came from a member of Team Eagle with a chuckle. “Very funny,” Carl continued. “Reid, borrowing your expression, we didn’t come to Augusta to watch you lose. I am equally excited to work with you. Here’s to a long lasting, profitable relationship.” Again, “Hear, hears,” were babbled around the room. Buck stood up and said, “Well folks, time for an admission. I usually make it a habit of keeping my negotiation emotions to myself, but what you all witnessed upstairs was the most exhilarating as well as the most nerve-wracking half-hour of my life. Here’s to a winning combination, Reid Clark and Team Eagle.” A final round of, “Hear, Hears,” was said in unison. “Okay, let’s eat, this looks delicious,” Buck said as he sat down. Platters of mouth-watering salads adorned the table. While they ate Tarragon Lobster, Waldorf and Nicoise salads, a trio played various jazz and classical tunes on the far side of the room. Everyone was finishing lunch and things had quieted down when all of a sudden, a pretty young woman wearing a dowdy brown uniform barged in. “I’m looking for Reid Clark. I need his signature for a delivery,” she said forcefully.

All eyes turned to Reid, who slowly raised his hand and said, “Over here.”

She waltzed over, handed him an overnight envelope and said, “First open the letter. Then I need two signatures.” With a look of doubt, he asked, “You want me to open and then sign?” “Yup, those are my orders,” she said. He opened the envelope and took out a large card that had one word on it: SURPRISE. The delivery girl immediately opened her shirt, exposing her large bare breasts. “Please sign here and here,” she said pointing at each breast. The group cheered as the musicians played the appropriate music while the girl stripped and did a lap-dance for Reid. Reid’s face turned crimson, and he laughed along with the others.

When she finished her dance, the girl leaned over and gave Reid a big wet kiss and said, “Congratulations from Carl and the entire Eagle team.”

Reid laughed, gave her a pat on her ass and said, “Thank you.” Once again Reid stood up and said, “Thank you all. I can tell we are going to have a lot of fun together. I just hope the fun doesn’t get any more embarrassing.”

The luncheon came to an end, and as Buck, Reid and Carl left the room, Carl told the others, “Enjoy your afternoon; let’s meet back in the bar at 7:30 for drinks before we leave for dinner.”