Michael or Mac Ep. 06

Emma now rolls her eyes at me, "they are not proposals, just statements of intent."

I have to laugh at that; she's not wrong, and I do intend to marry her one day. I finish my breakfast, and we clean up the kitchen.

"So, are we going upstairs for this or what?"

"No, this involves Paps as much as us." Donna sits back down and looks at me expectantly. "Right, I'm not sure how to tell you this, Donna, but please don't take this personally. What I am about to say to you needs to stay inside my circle of friends you have become a part of. Before we start, do I have your word that you will not tell a soul outside our circle of friends? Even then, you need to be selective in what you say to people."

"Well, how will I know who I can talk to?"

"Donna, that will be explained to you later. Now, do you promise to keep what I am about to tell you a secret?"

"Yes, I promise."

"Okay, my full name is Michael Aron Carter, but I'm also known by people who don't know me as Michael Walker."

"Yeah, so?" Donna says, looking a little confused.

"Maybe it will make more sense if you follow me," I say, getting up and leading Donna out of the back door towards the garage. "Maybe this will help you along a bit." I open the door, and Donna steps in as I turn the lights on.

"Holy shit, you are Michael from school." She has her hand over her mouth as she turns to me. "But why?"

"That's a long story and one for a different time." I turn to go back.

"So, what's under that cover?"

"That's my Mother's car. I have kept both Dad's first car," I say, pointing at the Mustang." And my moms," I say, pointing at the Lambo.

I go to walk out, "you may as well show her everything, Mac. It hurts not to be able to share what an incredible time you have given me." Emma says from the door.

"Come on then, help me with her cover," I say to Emma.

As soon as the car comes into view, Donna's eyes double in size. "Wow," she says as she walks around looking at the vehicle. "So, can we go out for a drive?"

"Not today; time is a little short. Maybe you can come down to the track when we go down sometime."

"Oh yeah, Mitch can come, and we can make a day of it," Emma says enthusiastically.

"Hang on," Donna says, processing everything. "So, you've been down to the track already?" She says, looking at Emma. Emma nods and smiles. "And Mitch knows?"

"Yes, Mitch and the rest of the band know I come from a wealthy family. They just don't know how wealthy."

"So you're like a millionaire?" I can almost hear the cogs turning in her head as she has an information overload.

"No, he's a billionaire," Emma says as she leans against Dad's car, not letting me give my usual shorter answer. "1.4 billion to be precise."

We cover the car back up and make our way back into the house. Donna is a little quiet as we walk back into the kitchen. She sits back down and then asks, "why don't you have a huge mansion then?"

"He does," Paps answers pointing to a picture on the wall.

Donna gets back up and walks over. "This place is real?" She looks at it, "have you been here?" She then asks Emma.

"Of course, this is the ranch I have been talking about all these years. We were also there two weeks ago."

"How? You two went down to the beach house."

"Yes, but then we got a call from Olivia wanting Mac to have a word with Old man Parker before his ranch went on the open market."

"So, how did you get there?" Donna asks, slightly disbelieving.

"Oh, private jet and then a helicopter," Emma replies in a matter o fact way.

"Come on; I call bull."

Emma walks up next to her friend and gets her phone out. "Here, this is our weekend away. See, beach house, private jet, helicopter, horse ride." Again Donna is stunned into silence. Emma takes her hand, "come on, let's go upstairs to talk."

I breathe out, pleased how that went. "Mac, I've been thinking. I will need a new truck for the new year. Do you want to get something a little more practical?"

"What, Paps?" I say, being drawn out of my distraction. "New truck? what did you have in mind?"

"I was thinking that you could delve into some of that money building up in your bank and get yourself a vehicle that you can use. Maybe even get one that to can put a car trailer on the back of."

"Mmmm, not a bad idea. So you are looking to replace yours like for like and hope to get a better deal because we will be getting two trucks?"

"Yep, that about sums it up."

"Paps, you are the only man I know with more money than he can spend, and try to save money on a new truck." I laugh at just how tight he can be.

"I know, but old habits die hard."

"Okay, Paps, I will leave early to pick Olivia up and stop by Moody's on the way."

He smiles, "thanks, Mac. There's another reason. I always like squeezing Moody for every cent I can get."

I get up, pat him on his back, and walk upstairs to tell Emma we will be leaving earlier than we thought.

Emma is sitting on the couch, telling Donna who knows what and who she can talk with safely. "I don't add to any conversation; then it's easy." I hear Emma say.

"What do you mean?"

"Ummm, maybe if someone says that Mac is wealthy, just agree. There's no need to say how much money he has."

"So your wealth is just on paper?" Donna says turning to me.

"Yes, the majority is in assets and company worth."

"So if you were to put your bank card in and get a balance, what would it say?"

"It changes all the time, but there's never more than four million in my account at any one time."

"Four million dollars?" Donna squeals. "I can't believe my mum knew but never told me.

"You do know that they have sworn to protect Mac?"

"Yeah, Mum said something about a promise she made to Mac's Grammy. It hasn't made much sense until now."

Emma then goes through her phone, showing Donna some photos from our trips away. The pictures Emma took of the ranch and beach house and the hotel room in Charlotte. Then she shows her standing in front of the company jet. "Hey Mac, when do I get to go on your private jet?"

"I don't go on it that much, Donna," I say.

"Why not? It's got your name on it."

"It's a company jet, Donna, not my private transport. Anyway, Em, we will need to leave a little early for the airport. I have a chore to do for Paps, and I think you need to get something as well."

"I better be going soon," Donna says, looking at her phone's clock. "Mitch is coming over, so what time do you want me over?"

"Half three for a four o'clock start?" I say, not too sure.

"Sounds good; I'm going to go. I need a word with mum before Mitch arrives."

"Don't be too hard on her, Donna," Emma says.

"But she stopped me from marrying a billionaire."

"Believe me, Donna, she didn't," I say without trying to laugh.

"I know," Donna says, sounding defeated. "But I can dream."

"Look on the bright side," Emma says. "Your friends with a billionaire."

"Yeah, but it's not as though I can brag about it, so where's the good side?"

"You get to do stuff like go to Nashville free," Emma says, trying anything to brighten the mood.

In a split second, Donna changes her mood. "Yeah, but your one lucky bitch. Now I've got to get and will see you love birds later."

Emma escorts her out, and I get ready to depart. We leave twenty minutes later and head for the medical center. After that, Emma's place.

As we pull up, Kim and Ron are emptying the car. "Look like you bought half the shop," Emma says as she grabs a couple of bags.

"Well, we have to make a good impression. I still can't understand why we've never met Olivia," Kim says.

"That's easy," I say, picking up another two bags and following Kim into the house. "She's been busy raising two boys and looking after the house she owns. Then when she was ready, I put her through University for a double law and business degree, so she's not had much time."

"How long has she been working for you?"

"I asked her to become my employee nearly five years ago. She's done most of her early work from home. She did have to spend two years getting her Law degree, which she passed last year."

"Christ, that must have been some conversation."

"What conversation?"

"At thirteen years old, I mean."

"Oh, she's always been there and treated me like an adult. She looked after me a lot when I was in West Virginia. It seemed obvious to me at the time. Susan has met her on a couple of trips up to the ranch. "

"You always seem to gravitate to the right people. It's been a pleasure to be one," Kim says.

By the time I had finished helping Kim and Ron with the yearly shop, Emma had changed and was ready to go. "We will be around at about six. Is that alright, Kim?"

"Perfect, Terrie and Susan will be here about then as well."

"Great, I'll see you later." With that, we get back into the truck.

"Mac?" Emma says as I pull away from the sidewalk.

"Yes, Em?"

"Can I put some things over at yours, so I have a change of clothes?"

"Yeah, no problem, not liking the walk of shame?"

"What's the walk of shame?"

"You know, where you return home the next morning still wearing what you went out the night before in."

Emma laughs, "Yeah, something like that."

It goes quiet in the truck, and I glance across to see Emma looking out the window with that contented smile on her face.

"Moody's Trucks and accessories," Emma reads out loud as we drive into our local Truck dealership. "What are we doing here?"

"Pap's has been bugging me to buy my own truck because I've been using his so much lately. He wants me to see if I can get a better deal and a new truck for him at the same time." Emma forms an O with her mouth as she scans the trucks lined up as we drive past. "Now, Emma. When I go into places, I like to look as though I'm......."

"Poor?"

"Well, I wouldn't say 'Poor,' but that I'm unlikely to buy a new truck."

"Okay, got it. You don't want to be hassled by the salesman."

"Something like that. I watch Paps go into a place, and they're around him like locusts."

"You like time to breathe." I look across, and Emma has the biggest smile on her face. "So, we are here to replace this truck and get you a new one for you. What are you looking for?"

"Not sure; I was thinking of getting one that can tow the car to the track."

"Good idea, although I did enjoy driving down."

"Yeah, but it doesn't help the car much traveling at thirty through the suburbs."

We park away from the entrance and walk in. The place is quiet, and the two salesmen are sitting at their desks. There's a middle-aged guy and a much younger one. Luckily they stay seated as Emma and me slowly look around the showroom. We quickly find the newer model to Paps' truck and look inside to see what extra's they have put in this one.

"How can I help you today," a voice says from behind me. I turn and see the young salesman behind me.

"Morning," I say. " We are looking to replace a truck old for new and also a second truck that's got a little more beef to tow a car trailer."

"So you're looking for another Chevy?"

"Yep, but if I remember, this only comes with a 2.7-liter engine in, right?"

"Yes, Sir. Hang on, let me go get the brochure."

He goes off to his desk as we look at the truck next to the one Paps has requested. It was the same model but custom built. It had a row of spotlights across the top roll bar and larger skirts. There is a bull bar on the front, and the rear looks wider.

"Ah, I see you've noticed our custom special. We buy a basic Chevy shell and get a local garage to put a bigger block in, a custom spray job to your specifications, and many add-ons. If you want to tow a car trailer, I suggest a vehicle with a similar engine and transmission. Can I ask what car you will be towing?"

I look at Emma, and she's already happily sitting in the passenger seat. "Oh, my Lamborghini," I say. This got the attention of the older salesman.

"I'll take over from here, Trent," he says with a false smile.

Trent starts to walk away. "Ah, no, you won't. Trent is seeing to me, and I am more than satisfied with how he is helping me."

"But I'm senior sales executive."

"You're also lazy and waited for Trent to do all the leg work."

I throw Paps truck keys to Trent. "Trent, would you go outside and price up the truck in parking space twenty-three. Let's see what sort of deal you can get me."

Trent runs off, "Mac, you should come to sit in this one." I climb into the driver's side and am surprised by the upgrades. The dash is mainly digital, but there's also a set of clocks towards the right depicting turbo pressure and temperature. The seats mold themselves to you.

"You realize that you can't sit close if I buy this one."

"Yeah, I know, but it's not as though we are going far in it anyway."

Trent comes back in, "excuse me. That is Mr. Walker's truck."

"Yes, Trent, Mr. Walker is my Grandpa. He would like to trade that one in like for like. I, on the other hand, need something with a little more pulling power, and I ain't talking about the ladies." I say, trying to be funny. I glance across at Emma, and she doesn't look amused. I'm sure Trent just laughed because he wanted to sell me a truck. "Anyway, Trent, before I make a decision, I would like to see what accessories I can get in the form of trailers."

"So, would you like me to do the price on the new truck for Mr. Walker first?"

"No, I would like them together, so show me what sort of deal you can get me."

Emma leans across, "I do like the business, Mac. You're so different when you do business."

Trent is looking a little uncertain. "Trent, you will need to ring the big boss on this. Tell him Michael Carter is here and would like his best price."

This seems to give him a direction. "What are the exact specifications for Mr. Walker's trucks?" I hand him a piece of paper that Paps gave me with everything he wants. Trent gives me a brochure with trailers and other towable accessories.

We spend the next half hour clarifying what I need, and Trent then gets all the prices worked out. It's only when he is satisfied that he picks the phone up. "Hello, Mr. Moody. I have Michael Carter in the showroom, and he is looking to update his Grandfather's truck and get one himself one of the customs with a matching car trailer."

"Well, put the boy on," Mr. Moody says.

"Hello, Mr. Moody."

"So, how are you doing, son? It's a rare treat to have you in my showroom."

"All is good, Mr. Moody. How's your wife?"

"Still nagging son. So has your Paps finally got fed up with you borrowing the truck?"

"Yeah, that's about the long and short of it."

"So out of interest, is Trent dealing with you because he was the only one to ask if you needed help?"

"Yes, Sir, Trent's been a great help and even given me some good suggestions."

"Okay, Mac, can you put him back on, and we will give you the best deal we can." Trent goes through all his figures, and I watch Emma's eyes get bigger and bigger as the figures are added up, and numbers are crunched.

Finally, he says goodbye to his boss and hangs up. "Right, Mr. Carter, what we can do for you is, and I am personally surprised. For the Chevrolet with the crew cab, we will give you twenty-eight and a half for yours leaving twenty-seven thousand to pay, and for your custom, you are looking at seventy-three."

"How much with the trailer?"

"That is total with trailer, and we are also going to get the trailer trim done at the same time."

That's not a bad price, and it means I get a discount on the car and a free trailer. I get my phone out and talk to Paps, who is more than happy with his part of the deal. His truck is nearly four years old, and he's getting twenty-eight for it.

I pay my deposit to get possession before Christmas and arrange to return the next day with Paps to sign for his side of the deal. I shake Trent's hand and get my receipt. Emma and I get out and make our way straight to the airport.

Emma and I are waiting in the Arrivals area. Olivia's plane landed about twenty minutes ago, and I see the top of her head bobbing along. I indicate to Emma. As soon as she comes into view, Emma rushes over and wraps her arms around Olivia, welcoming her.

They then make their way over to me, and Olivia looks at me, wondering if she will get a second hug from me. I roll my eyes, "why are you women all getting so needy?"

Olivia laughs as my arms open to receive her, "because Mac, we have been starved for the last ten years." She steps forward and buries herself with a self-satisfied grin.

"Plus, you're so good at it," Emma adds.

"Oh, so huggable," Olivia says as we part. The two ladies then laugh as I grab Olivia's suitcase and we walk back to the truck with me feeling a little ganged upon.

Paps hugs Olivia as she walks into the kitchen. He's been busy preparing a light lunch to keep us going before we go over to Emma's for dinner this evening.

We hear Donna coming a mile off, and I go to the front door to let her in. She doesn't even break stride as she walks in.

"Hi, Donna," Emma says. "Donna, this is Olivia...Olivia, this is my best friend, Donna."

"Hi Olivia, it's nice to meet you."

"Hello, Donna, I hear you have found yourself inside Mac's inner circle."

"Still trying to work out if that is a good thing."

"That depends."

"On what?"

"Whether you want to come up against me or not."

Donna's eyes widen, and Emma stands. "Olivia, stop playing with my friend." Grabbing Donna's hand, she walks towards the stairs. "Come on, Mac, we have a show to do."

Oliva looks at me, "who's playing?" She says with a smile.

"Are you coming?" I say as I get up.

Olivia shakes her head, "no, thank you, Mac, I need to make myself look beautiful for this evening. These people have kept the most important person outside my family safe, and I want to make the best impression." I roll my eyes and walk upstairs.

Donna is in the process of linking my TV with her computer and setting up her camera. I go over and turn on my keyboard and amps for the guitar. Once I am happy that everything is working and ready, I sit on the couch to have a good view of the TV.

Donna's computer screen appears on my TV. She then positions the computer under the TV and the camera on top, so we look towards the camera and see what's happening online.

Emma quickly moves out of the picture as Donna counts us in. "Hello and welcome to my live cast. I know it's been a while since our last live chat with Mac. As you can see, Mac has joined me." She laughs, "and yes, Emma is here as well. Say hello, Emma."

"Hello," Emma says from the other side of the room.

"Right, we'll get things moving by answering some questions. Mac, if you wouldn't mind answering what you can."

"Oh, thanks for that," I say as Donna picks up her phone as it vibrates. Her eyes light up, and she gets up and goes to the computer as I try my best to reply to some of the questions.

"Sorry to but in Mac, but we have a special guest on the show." Donna presses a button, and Miley appears next to me on the screen.

"Hi, Miley, how's it going," I say, relaxed as I can.

"Hello Mac, good to see you again."

Donna then cuts in, "now the room has gone ballistic, but for those who don't know, Mac and Miley have been trying to organize a weekend where they are both free so they can meet up and collaborate on something."

"Yeh, that's right, Donna. I'm hoping Mac can come down with you girls for a weekend sometime before Christmas."

"Oh god, that's done it. It looks like people want to hear Miley and you do a little song together."

Miley smiles, "thanks for that; we've not prepared anything. Can I get my earphones in so I can hear you play?"

I laugh, "Of course, you can, so are we doing something?"

"Yeah, but what? and will the timing be okay?"