Michael Balkind: Sudden Death

Reid paused again to take a sip of ice water from a glass on the podi um. Not until he took a sip did he realize it was someone else’s vodka on the rocks. He fought to refrain from spitting out what was in his mouth as he put the glass down abruptly, splashing the contents all over Bill Taylor’s notes. Looking up at Bill, he said in embarrassment, “Sorry Bill, I hope you memorized the rest of your speech, because I just soaked your notes.” Turning to the audience he added, “I hope that’s the only water I splash this week.”

After a quick laugh from the audience, Reid finished his explanation. “Folks, this was not meant to be a solicitation, but if you wish to contribute to The Inner City Sports Foundation, you can call or log onto our website to find out how. Buck will leave a stack of his cards at the door for anyone who wants more information. I want to thank you all and the PGA again for this wonderful contribution. Good night.”

The audience applauded as Reid left the podium, but as he passed, the president politely reached out and stopped him. He asked Reid to come back to the podium with him.

Leaning toward the microphone, the president said, “Buck, would you please join us?”

He waited until Buck was next to them. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention for one more moment. I was not prepared to discuss this, but after listening to Reid, I feel I must. I knew about the ICSF, but I obviously didn’t know enough. I think it’s fantastic. Reid, Buck, accept my sincere congratulations on this endeavor. Reid, you had me fooled. I would never have thought the ‘Bad Boy of Golf’ would be the co-founder of such a selfless, giving and productive program. I’m going to ask our congressional leaders to look into the possibility of a grant for your foundation. It sounds to me like American sports can flourish with the help of the ICSF. I can’t wait to visit AllSport and see this program with my own eyes. Let’s hear it for Reid, Buck and The Inner City Sports Foundation.” The applause was deafening. Reid and Buck thanked the president one more time and left the stage. As they walked and shook hands, Buck whispered to Reid, “Come out to the bathroom with me. I’ve had to pee for the last 10 minutes. I think my eyeballs are floating.” “Sorry pal, it’s not piss that you’re full of,” Reid whispered back. “Hey, at least I’m not the windbag that just took 10 minutes at the podium blowing hot air. Do you have any idea how many calls I’m going to get in my office tomorrow?” “Are you really going to complain about it?” “No, I’m just kidding around; you did a great job up there.” “Glad you noticed.” They shook hands with as many people as they could as they walked out of the room. On the way out, Buck placed a stack of business cards on the maitre d’s table at the door. As usually happened after the speech, Reid and Buck were followed by some big potential contributors, philanthropic people who had the resources to donate millions.

Stopping them as they reached the lobby, J. Barnes said, “Gentlemen, are tours available at AllSport? I have been looking for an appropriate charity, and I think you just described it. I’d like to see the camp as soon as possible.”

J. Barnes was the founder and CEO of S-Link, one of the top satellite communications companies in the world. Buck turned to him and said, “Of course, Mr. Barnes, we would be happy to give you a tour anytime you’d like. Here’s my card. Call me and we’ll arrange it.”

Next to Barnes was Steve McAllister, CEO of the largest sporting goods chain in the country. “Please add me to the list, Buck. I’d also like to speak with you about a possible endorsement offer for Reid.” Buck handed him a business card. As the two men walked away, Reid said, “I’m going to head back to the hotel. I’ve got to turn in.” “Okay. I’m going to stay for awhile and take advantage of your speech.

The crowd seemed very receptive. I’ll be back soon. Good night.” “See you in the morning.”

The sports segment of the news was on and Reid’s endorsement story was the headline. Melting into the recliner, it suddenly dawned on Reid that he had never called Jennifer. Oh shit , he thought, this is not gonna be fun. He picked up the phone and dialed.

As usual, Jennifer answered on the second ring. The phone was basi cally an extension of her ear. She never missed a phone call. Sometimes she switched back and forth between conversations on two lines. “Hi honey, how are you?” he asked. “How am I?” she growled. “I’m pissed. What did you expect? You couldn’t call me? I had to find out about the endorsement on the news?” “Look, I’ve got a lot of things going on down here. I’ve been so busy I haven’t had a chance to call. To tell you the truth, right now I don’t have the time or the desire to fight with you. I need to focus on the tournament.”

“You don’t have the time? Well you better make the time ,” she yelled. “Is this how you’re going to treat me when we’re married? You just go ahead and focus on the Master’s, but we need to talk about this later.” Her attitude oozed through the phone.

Holding the receiver away from his ear to soften her wrath, Reid was becoming annoyed. He was thinking, Why did I even call? The more she ranted, the more irritated he became. Finally, hearing the word married, he snapped. “You know what Jennifer, between the endorsement and the Masters, I’m in the middle of the biggest week of my life. I’m really not in the mood for your crap right now. I’ve wanted that Green Jacket for as long as I can remember, and you are not going to ruin it for me. As far as marriage is concerned, forget it. In fact, why don’t you start looking for a new apartment for yourself? I want you out before I get home next week. If you can’t find a place by then, I’ll stay in a hotel until you do.”

Jennifer quietly said, “Reid, look I’m sorry for yelling, I was just upset…” “Save it, Jennifer. It’s over. There is nothing more to say.” “But Reid, I love you,” she cried into the phone. “No you don’t. You love my money! In fact, Jennifer, that’s the first time you have ever said you love me, and now it’s too late. We’re over. I want you out of the apartment by the time I get home…understood?” He heard her quietly sobbing on the other end of the line. “Don’t make me ask again.” “Okay, Reid,” Jennifer said through her sniffling. Reid hung up. Great! Now he was all worked up. He was glad that she was out of his life, but breaking up was never easy. The more he thought about her, the more worked up he became. Well, he had not been happy with the relationship for the past month anyway. He knew he was going to end it. Now it was over and he could move on. He flipped through the channels, ending up where he always did, The Food Network. One of his secrets was that cooking always calmed him down. He considered himself a closet gourmet cook. Oh good , he thought. Emeril’s on.

Buck walked in around 2 a.m. and covered Reid with a blanket. He looked very comfortable sleeping in the recliner. Buck shut off the TV and called for a 7 a.m. wake up call, guessing that Reid hadn’t. He decided to let Reid sleep a little later than usual. The days before a tournament were days of practice, focus and rest. No distractions! He knew Reid well enough to know he would hardly talk to anyone all day. He would put himself into a trance-like state. People would say hello and he would barely notice.

Buck retired to his room. His body felt like a walking contradiction: totally exhausted yet extremely exhilarated from the negotiations and entertaining. Thinking back, he still felt relieved that no one from Eagle had seen the scathing article in the newspaper. What was it going to take to get Reid to smarten up? If he didn’t stop acting like a child with the paparazzi, he was really going to destroy everything Buck had painstakingly built for him. Buck shook his head and sighed as he realized he was going to have to do whatever it took to convince Reid to grow up once and for all.