Hostile Takeover (3)

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Scene 1

Off Camera

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The past few months have been a whirlwind ride for Summer Collins.  It’s been quite similar to a roller coaster ride with the ups and downs that have made up her life as of late.  The excitement of starting a new journey in the professional wrestling organization known as Emerge, and not just that but tag teaming with her husband Neil Newman as they attempt to claim their tag team championship gold.  The shock and major letdown upon hearing the news of the death of her parents followed by an even bigger shock when the will was read and it was announced that she was given full ownership of the family business; Collins Incorporated.

While her parents dying is definitely an unwanted event, it was also expected and thus Summer had already braced herself for that inevitability.  What she did not expect was for her parents to give her the keys to the kingdom, so to speak.  Collins Incorporated grew from a small family business to a major international powerhouse.  During the time when their parents were too sick to run the company, it was Summer’s older brother Michael Collins who took charge of the company and made all of the major decisions.  It stood to reason that Michael would be given the ownership of Collins Incorporated upon their death.  Yet it seems that their parents had other plans in mind.

It baffles Summer to no end and she still isn’t even sure herself if she wants to own Collins Incorporated.  Running this major international corporation brings with it a great deal of responsibility.  Many employees are relying upon her decisions to keep the company moving in an upward motion.

“Quit the primping, babe.” That’s the voice of Jessica Lasiewicz, daughter of Angelica Jones and Summer’s best friend.  Jessica sits in the living room of Summer’s luxurious estate, watching her friend stare at herself in a full length mirror. “You look fine.  But then again, don’t we always look absolutely Fabulous?”

Summer chuckles. “Of course, not that you needed to use our catchphrase to remind me of that, Jess.”

“I need to get you away from the mirror some way.” Jessica insists. “Besides, do you really need to look good for a training session with your husband?”

“Point taken.” Upon hearing those words from Jessica, Summer turns and sits down on the sofa next to her.  She sighs. “Maybe my mind is just not all there right now, if you know what I mean.”

“Oh there are places I could go with that, but I won’t.” Jessica remarks with a wry grin.

“Wise decision.” Summer says with a noticeable frown.

“What is bothering you, babe?” Jessica asks quizzically. “Is it your mom and dad still?”

“No, not that.” Collins shakes her head. “They were sick for quite some time.  Their deaths were expected.  It’s what I found out after the fact, at the reading of their will, that’s been troubling me.”

Jessica’s eyes grow wide with a look of realization upon her face. “Oh yeah, you inherited the entirety of Collins Incorporated.”

“Yep…” Summer’s voice trails off.  Jessica stares at her best friend for awhile, studying the look on her face, before answering.

“You’re not happy about it, are you?”

“No.” Summer shakes her head.

“Why not, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Michael deserves it, Jess.” Summer begins with a deep sigh. “He has been running that company for a very long time now.  Ever since mom and dad got sick to the point that they couldn’t handle the company any longer, it was Michael who took the reins.  He did it because he was the business savvy one.  Me?”

Summer shakes her head. “I am far from business savvy.  I wouldn’t know the first thing about how to keep that company running.  Maybe I should just give it to Michael and wash my hands of this…”

“Seriously?” Jessica asks with a puzzled look on her face.

“Yeah, seriously.”

“Summer, you may doubt yourself right now but your mom and dad clearly had faith enough in you to give you the company and not your brother.  Collins Incorporated is already a powerhouse.  It’s going strong.  You just need to keep it going.  How hard can it be?”

“You have no idea.” Summer remarks.

“But I believe in you, and so did your parents.  So consider it.”

“I’ll give it some thought.”

“That’s all I ask.”

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Scene 2

Off Camera

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While Summer was off with Jessica, Neil was waiting for his wife inside of the state of the art gym he is more grateful than ever she insisted to set up. He wouldn’t start without her. He didn’t mind waiting, there lives have been more than busy. Between Emerge and the huge responsibility laid on the lap of his wife, Neil’s main responsibility has been making sure the weight of the world didn’t crash down on Summer. Tough enough to deal with a parents death and a company with hundreds of employees to worry about, being a wrestler as well? Enough “excitement” to unsettle anyone. Neil is happy, not once thinking about how recent events affect him. 

Summer eventually showed up, looking as fabulous as ever.  Summer stepped into the ring Neil was waiting for her in. He can tell she was trying to get into training mode. He wouldn’t blame her at all if her mind was elsewhere. Exactly what he anticipated. She closes the distance between them. 

“How about we start with this...?”

Neil doesn’t lock her up. He doesn’t try to take her down. He... poses like he is a praying mantis. 

Summer looks at him strangely. “Babe...”

“Work with me here.” Neil insist. 

“I don’t get the point of this.”

“Good.” Neil goofy smiles. “We need to prepare for anything. Moustache Ride will throw anything at us.”

Summer chuckles. “Don’t think they know the praying mantis style.”

“I don’t either. They could. They are unpredictable. I was thinking what is the most unpredictable thing I can throw at you.”

Summer raises her eyebrow. “Well...” Summer breaks out laughing. “Stop. You look like a goof.”

“I kinda do.” Neil stops acting like a praying Mantis. “Would you like to see what else I had in mind?”

Summer shakes her head. “That’s ok. Thanks, I needed that.” 

Summer sighs deeply.  “Neil, can I ask you a question?”  

“Anything.”

“I spoke with Jessica earlier.  I got her opinion; now I want yours.  Collins Incorporated has always been my parents’s business, or Michael’s, but never mine.” She shakes her head. “Never ever was it my baby.  Michael has been running it for years for mom and dad.  That’s why them willing it to me is so shocking.  I’m seriously considering just selling it to him.  But Jessica doesn’t think I should.” 

“My business expertise is next to zero, but; the question you need to ask yourself before you come to a final decision is, are you going to be able to give Collins Incorporated the time needed to ensure the family business continues to prosper? Take wrestling for instance, both of us dedicated our lives to become the best we can be. We train religiously. We travel, you more than me, we do live our lives on the road. We have to stay on top of the opponents we’re facing. There is a lot of time and energy that goes into what we do. I imagine it would be the same for running a business. Long hours. Being briefed on the inner workings. Whatever else you need to do to ensure the business doesn’t fall apart. In todays age you can work from home or on the road, modern technology does make things easier. In my eyes, not a matter of if you can, I believe, so did your father. With everything going on, are you certain you can continue to keep the pace you have between Emerge, GCW and running Collins Inc? Answer that, we’ll move forward. Whatever you decide, I’m all in.”

Summer pauses to take time to consider the words uttered by her husband.  He makes good points and she does truly want to fulfill her father’s wishes.  “My dad wanted me to have this company, I don’t know why but he did.  Clearly he believed in me.  And if he believed in me, then so should I.  And if it was his dying wish for me to continue the family business, then who am I to turn that down?”

Summer grins from ear to ear. “It may be challenging, but it is a challenge that I’m up for.  I will do whatever it takes to keep things going.”

Neil smiles. “I knew you would. Remember, you’re not alone.”

Summer hugs her husband. “I know. Thanks for all your support.”

Neil and Summer continues to embrace knowing there would be challenging times ahead. 

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On Camera

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Since day one of the arrival of myself and my husband upon the scene in Emerge, we have had one singular stated goal and that was to become the tag team champions and use that platform to reinvigorate tag team wrestling in the sport today.  And let’s face it, anything we touch becomes golden and it becomes absolutely Fabulous.

What have we done since our arrival?  What have we done since declaring our intentions of one day becoming Emerge Tag Team Champions?  Win.  We’ve been winning again and again and no one has been able to stop us.  Quite honestly, I am beginning to wonder if anyone really can stop us.  The answer is simply no, no one can stop us.  Reinvigorating tag team wrestling, making it golden again, and making it Fabulous, that is the destiny of myself and my husband Neil.  It’s what we were born and bred to do.  It is what we WILL do here in Emerge.  And you don’t have to thank us for saving your tag team division, Drew.  Believe me, it is our duty and responsibility to make tag team wrestling great, under the Newman banner.

“There was a huge announcement a few weeks ago. Emerge is officially its own company. That’s great. A step in the right direction. As great as that accomplishment was, lets not lose sight of one simple fact, Emerge isn’t perfect. It will be soon because of me and my wife, lets not allow the positive publicity to hide behind the fact that tag team wrestling in Emerge has been on a slippery slope for a very long time. The first champions abandoned this company. Jason and Willow imploded on each other. ToXXin are no longer around, neither are those twins whose names I can’t recall. And Tombstone? Pfft. Hardly the wrestlers me and my wife are. Picking off the carcass of a division that has always been broken. No more need to worry. Unlike Serotonin, ToXXin, Jason-Willow, the twins and Tombstone, we are the embodiment of tag team wrestling, me and my wife won’t just make the tag division great again. We’ll make it great, period. It is an insult to us Drew you handed Mustache Ride a championship match at Invasion: Miami? This is what we’re talking about, the division is so broken you handed a title match to those two.  That’s ok, at Emerge #27, we’ll prove how wrong you are placing your faith behind a bunch of hairy clowns. 

Hostile Takeover (2)

It is a cold and unfeeling room.  The walls have a very light brownish tint to them and the floor is carpeted with royal blue carpeting.  One singular large window takes up nearly the entire wall, showing the skyline of Palm Beach County, Florida where Dean and Ginger Collins, parents of Michael Collins and Summer Collins, called home.  In the center of the room is a large oval table.  At one end one can find Summer Collins with her husband Neil Newman.  Complete silence dominates the atmosphere right now.  It’s an unfortunate but necessary reason that Summer has to be here; the reading of the will.  Just one question remains; where is Michael?

“Where the hell are you, Michael?” Summer asks with a frustrated tone.  “Not that it matters.  The attorney isn’t even here yet.”

Neil grabs and squeezes Summer’s hand “He’ll be here, don’t worry.” 

“Oh I know,” Summer sighs “he’s always late.”

“Could be traffic related, possibly?” Neil says. 

“Or schmoozing with big wigs.” Summer chuckles. “The lifestyle of the rich and famous has always been for Michael; not me.  No doubt he and the attorney are probably downstairs in the lobby somewhere making small talk.”

“Wouldn’t shock me.” Neil shrugs. “I can go downstairs, hurry things along if those two are busy talking about their stock options.”

Summer shakes her head. “No, it’s ok.  I’m just being impatient.  I should be used to it by now, though.  It’s who he is, it’s the lifestyle he lives.  It’s my brother.”

Neil leans over and kisses Summer on the cheek. “I have no idea what is in store for you. Could be huge. Could be nothing. No matter what comes of this, brother or not, you two will need each other now more than ever.” 

It is at that moment that the door to the conference room starts to open.  A few moments later Summer’s brother, Michael Collins, emerges.  He is flanked by none other than the attorney.  Both men are wearing nice, slick suits.  The first thing Michael does is approach his sister.  Summer stands up and the two embrace in a tight hug.

“What the hell kept you, Michael?!”

“Nice seeing you too, Summer.” He chuckles.

“Does it have anything to do with Meagan?” Summer asks.  “I notice she’s not with you today.”

Meagan is Michael’s wife, Summer’s sister-in-law.  Michael shakes his head. “Meaganr’s fine, just still recovering from the injuries sustained in GCW.  Traffic was what made me late.  Lucky, I arrived just about the same time Mr. Morton the attorney arrived.”

Summer shakes the attorney’s hand.  She knows him well; this has been the Collins family attorney for as long as she can recall. “Nice seeing you again, Josh.”

“Nice seeing you, Summer.  Of course I recognize Michael.  But who is this?” He asks, motioning to Neil.

“This is my husband, Neil.  Neil, this is Josh Morton, our family attorney.”

Neil stands up. He offers Josh Morton his hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Morton.”

Josh, being polite, shakes Neil’s hand. “Nice to meet you too. Wish it was under better circumstances.”

Neil nods. “I agree.”

Josh sighs. “Well, if everyone will be seated we can begin.”

Michael, Neil, and Summer find seats at the table.  Josh is the last to sit.  Before sitting down, the attorney produces a large envelope from his coat and places it upon the table. 

“This envelope contains the last will and testament of Dean Collins, father of Michael and Summer.  I was instructed to keep its contents an absolute secret until the children could meet and hear it at the same time.” He takes the envelope and opens it.  He produces a document from inside. “As everyone in this room knows, what started out as a small business for Dean Collins eventually grew to become a powerhouse corporation.  Collins Incorporated now branches out to cover multiple industries, including but not limited to modeling and many other chains of stores, restaurants, and so many popular brands that fall under its umbrella.  This powerful business empire started out as a small business and that illustrates something special about the man known as Dean Collins who we knew and loved.  That business made him a great deal of cash and that, along with the business itself, must be handled appropriately as per the terms of the will.  But first, I have been instructed to read this hand written letter by Dean Collins himself.”

The attorney produces another document from the envelope. “Mr. Collins wrote this the day he and I finalized the will.  He asked that I read this, and so I shall.”

He clears his throat. “My children, Michael and Summer, you no doubt are hearing this at a time of grief.  If you are hearing this, then no doubt your mother and I have passed.  In my lifetime I have created many businesses under the Collins Incorporated umbrella, starting with my very first convenience store and now including so many other chains of stores and eateries across the nation.  Am I proud of what I have accomplished?  Yes.  But my greatest achievement and greatest accomplishment is the two of you.  A man must always remember priorities in life and no amount of money or trophies can take the place of one’s family.  This said, I will let you know now that all of the total accumulated wealth in mine and Ginger’s bank accounts, down to the last penny, is to be split evenly between the both of you.  As for my business, your birthright, Collins Incorporated will go in its entirety to Summer.  I hope you continue to remain loving of one another, supportive of one another, and I hope you always remember that your mother and I loved you.  Always.”

The attorney places the note down.  He sighs. “I can confirm that the will does indeed say precisely that.  But if anyone in the room wishes to read it themselves, I will allow it.”

Neil motions for the attorney to slide the document over to him. Josh does so. Neil goes reads through the document to make sure everything Josh said was as he presented. He then slides the document over to Michael so he can read it. Neil leans into Summer’s ear. “I’m not an expert on these things... looks legit to me.”

Summer’s eyes grow wide with shock. “What…?”

“Well,” Michael stands up as he passes the will back to the attorney “I have dabbled in some law and I can say that it does appear accurate.”

 Michael approaches Summer and smiles. “I guess congratulations are in order.”

“I had no idea, Michael.” She shakes her head. “Why would he give it to me?  You’re the businessman.  Not me!”

“I don’t know what is logic was.  It doesn’t matter.  The company is yours now.” Michael nods. “And I couldn’t be happier for you.”

Neil looks at Michael. “Summer may be in control, legally. Collins Incorporated is a family business. Your father would love nothing more then his children standing side by side, keeping the family business alive so the next generation will takeover.”

“Of course.  And Summer,” he looks again Summer “I am always here for you.  You need anything, anything at all to assist you in running the business, just let me know.  You are not alone.”

“I know.” Summer nods her head. “Thanks, Michael.”

“A lot of the business jargon confuses me--” Neil lightly chuckles. “-- anything I can do to help, let me know. Don’t know what I can do, I’m here to support you anyway I can..”

“Thanks guys.” Summer says, forcing an uneasy smile on her face. “I appreciate the support, I definitely need it.”

Hostile Takeover (1)

Neil Newman is a man who doesn’t desire a lot. Growing up in Boston, Massachussttes in a middle class home; being the beneficiary of a rich lifestyle was the furthest thing on his mind. He didn’t believe much would change when he married Summer Collins. He was taken aback by the stark contrast between the middle class lifestyle he was accustomed to and the lifestyle Summer lived that resembled the lifestyle of the rich and famous episode; he has tried his best over the years to keep things simple, to not become too sucked into trappings his parents preached about having too much money.

There was no chance in hell he was going to turn down the state of the art gym Summer had built on the grounds of the Collins Estate.

The gym resembled a mixed martial arts training facility on the inside, all the trappings;  Summer did work out, she has to keep her fabulous body in shape somehow, Neil is the one who used the gym to its fullest potential. Whenever his wife was on the road with GCW, he would invite sparring partners over daily to keep himself in tip top shape inside the octagon. Today wasn’t about showing men who weren’t close to his life that he still has the capacity to out wrestle anyone on the planet, standing in front of a heavy back with black trunks with white trim, Neil Newman wailed away with right jabs. He made sure to wear gloves to protect his hands.

He was consumed by his warm up he didn’t notice that he wife walked into the room from the entrance behind him. She wasn’t dressed to work out. Looking as fabulous as ever wearing a red dress. She is carrying a Louis Vutton purse. Neil doesn’t have a clue that his wife is walking up slowly behind him. She doesn’t say a word. He picks up the pace, mixing him left jabs with the relentless rights he is throwing. Done for the time being, Neil turns around, a pleasant smile forms on his face seeing his beautiful wife standing in front of him. 

“I can see my investment is being well spent.” Summer remarks with a wry grin.

“This definitely beats carrying logs up a god forsaken hill, Kyle [Butler] can kill himself if he wants, I love it here. Thanks babe, good thing you didn’t listen to me. This state of the art facility is a godsend.” Neil kisses his wife on the cheek.

“Who says money can’t buy happiness?” Summer laughs. “It definitely can buy fabulous.”

“Having money makes happiness more attainable. My parents weren’t smiling every morning having to look forward to working 40-50 hours a week barely able to keep the household going. I don’t need to worry about that anymore.” Neil says.

“Having wealth most certainly helps.  I can’t help but feel Michael and I were born and raised in a bubble.  Protected from the harsh realities of what everyone else has to endure.  I have done my best to try and make sure, at the very least, I understand those harsh realities.”  She sighs. “I fear Michael never did grasp that reality.”      

“And that’s part of the reason I love you, Summer, you’re not one of those rich people who have there blinders on to what the less fortunate are going through.” Neil smiles. “In any event, I am doubly excited to step back in the ring. Being inducted in the GCW Hall of Fame reignited the fire again. It’s odd going into a Hall of Fame at a young age, I always felt the Hall of Fame is the end. It didn’t have to be for me. There are other companies out there. I’m glad you’re taking this journey with me. I’ll ask again, are you sure you want to do this? Are sure the travel won’t get in the way of what you and Jessica want to accomplish?”

“Neil, I need this.” Summer answers definitively. “It wasn’t that long ago that I returned to the ring after taking a few months off.  Prior to my break I was a monster.  I truly was a tyrant.  Lucky I have a second chance to make things right.  I don’t want to be remembered as that monster.  I want to be remembered as one of the best wrestlers to step into the ring.  Jessica and I are only a part of that; this is another important part of that goal.”

Neil nods, “I’m sorry I didn’t do more to help you. I should have protected you from Loretta, Myra--”

Summer shakes her head. “It’s not your fault, Neil.  Loretta and Myra got to me for other reasons.  Mentally, emotionally...they just got to me.  I was basically ignored growing up in favor of Michael.  He was always the more aggressive one, he wanted the wealth and the fame and the power.  Me, not so much.  So when someone does put their focus on me, you can see how it would be easy for them to get to me, manipulate me.  But my time off helped.  I got serious counseling and I feel better than ever.  I’m ready to move on from my past, from people like them, and focus on creating a better future for me, for us.”

Neil runs his hand through Summer’s hair. “You are a stronger woman now, there is a silver lining in that. I wish you didn’t need to go through those experiences, like you said, that’s in the past, we’re going to move forward.” Neil pauses. “ I underestimated how much I needed to wrestle. This sport is all I knew, high school, college, the pros, guess I was more burned out then I realized. Me and Kyle accomplished everything as a team. I didn’t feel there was a next until GCW Resurrection, walking off the stage after me and Kyle’s speech was a real eye opener; I couldn’t let my career end like that.” Neil shakes his head. “It does sadden me a lot of the business doesn’t the old school ways, that’s ok, they don’t need to. I can represent what I feel wrestling should be. Gandhi says something along the lines of be the change you want to see in the world. We can give the world a dash of old school and fabulous.”   

Collins nods her head. “Precisely, and anyone who wants to stop us?  In their dreams.  Nothing stops us this time.  Unlike years past, I’m focused and determined.  WE are focused and determined.  We can take this tag team division in EMERGE and remake it in an old school yet absolutely fabulous image.”

“Amen to that.”

Neil pulls Summer in for a kiss. Just as his lips were about to meet hers, the phone inside of Summer’s purse rings. He wants to ignore the ringing, it was clear to both of them that whoever is on the other line didn’t care of the couple sharing an intimate moment. Summer reaches into her purse, takes out the phone.

“Sorry, I’ll get rid of them.” She looks at the caller ID, which reads ‘Michael’.  Summer roll sher eyes as she puts the phone up to her ear. “Your timing is horrible.  What is it?”

Summer waits impatiently and listens carefully.  Her eyes widen at whatever he just told her. “Oh...well yeah, I’ll be there as soon I can.  Right away.  “Bye…”

Summer puts the phone back into her purse.  Her attitude has noticeably changed.  She looks downtrodden and sad.  Her head is bowed. Neil immediately picks up on Summer’s shift in mood.

“What did Michael say?” Neil says concerned.

“Mom and dad are gone.  Dead.”

Neil’s eyes widen. His first instinct is to pull Summer in. He wraps his arms around her, hugging her as comfortingly as he can, he says. “I’m so sorry, anything you need I’m here, promise.”

“Thanks…” her voice is quiet as it trails off “...it’s tough but not unexpected.  You know as well as I do that they’ve been in bad shape for awhile now.  The Collins wealth had been able to purchase the best medical care to keep them going but Michael and I knew it was only a matter of time.  I just didn’t expect it so soon.”

Neil hugs her tighter, “I knew this was inevitable. Summer, it’s ok, you don’t need to rationalize this away, it’s ok to be vulnerable. Let go, it’s ok to let go. I’ll be your strength...”

“Thanks, Neil.  I appreciate it.” She wipes some tears from her eyes. “We’ll need to go their estate soon.  Speak with Michael about plans for burial; I know they wanted a funeral mass.  The attorney will be there for the reading of the will.  Mom and dad kept that a secret from both of us.  Neither of us know what’s in it.”

“Lets take care of that.” Neil lets Summer go. He wipes another tear from her eyes. “I’ll hop in the shower first, then we can head over to the estate. It’s easy to say now, we’re going to make it through this.”

Summer smiles warmly. “Yeah, I know we will.  Together.”