The Hype

“Hey Hun, let’s go for a walk and get some fresh air and lunch down at the diner.”
TJ’s ears perked up at the idea of eating and sprung out of his favorite leather recliner. He tossed out his arms and began to stretch, hearing his joints and bones begin to crack for sitting so long.  A rush of relief filled his body, tingling every part of him.  He looked over at Sarah who already had her shoes and winter coat on.  Still looking so fit and lovely, TJ grinned and tossed on his snow boots and heavy coat. Grabbing her hand, the two left through the front door and into the chilling winter weather.

“Tell me again why we didn’t drive?  It’s so cold, and you used my weakness of Breezie’s delicious food!”

Sarah began to laugh at her boyfriend and just shook her head.  
“It’s only three blocks babe and you need your exercise!  I mean, you are facing the Conquest Champion this week.”

TJ looked in to Sarah’s eyes and grabbed the door handle of their favorite local diner.  Being a gentleman, TJ let Sarah enter first, shivering as he followed closely behind her.  The waitress saw the couple and she waved them in excitedly.  The waitress appeared older, about fifty five or sixty,  short and plump but a bubbly character none the less.  Upon her name tag said “Patrice.”  She began chatting the two up as she took them to their favorite table by the window in the corner.  On the wall were decorations celebrating the holidays and not too far away was a collection of framed photos of the diner’s regulars.  At the bottom sat a picture of TJ and Sarah sharing a piece of cake, hearts decorated around the borders of the frame.  After sitting the two, Patrice waddled off to get the two their usual lunch special, letting the two lovers talk.
“Thought you’d want some hospitality before your big match, babe.  Patty is always so excited to see us!”

“Hah, you know me too well, Sarah.  It‘s nice to be able to just relax with you before a big match.  You know how to clear my head.”

“I think you’re just excited for the food, but thanks for the effort.”

The two began to laugh; TJ began to feel more loosened up.  Just then, the speedy waitress came flying out of the kitchen with a large plate holding the two’s food.  She sat it down in the middle, starting some casual conversation.  The diner was never super busy, it was a nice quaint spot that small families and elderly couples usually go for a Sunday morning brunch after church.
“You two are so adorable. It is hard to believe that you folks can be so violent on the television! Tim, I’ve known you since you were fourteen and have never seen any aggression from you, so calm and sweet.”

“Haha, Thanks Patty…I think.” 

The three continued on with sidle chit chat and recounting memories from TJ’s childhood.  TJ and Sarah took no hesitation to start eating their delicious meals.  Patty soon waddled off to help other customers and Sarah could hear nearby high school students talking.

“You think its all hype man?  I mean, Desmond White is one tough cookie.  TJ looks like he’s experienced but they always hype up duds now in the wrestling world. Not many people can survive it anymore and they just burn out so fast.”

“Believe me man; I’ve been following this guy for a long time.  And TJ is no one to ever count out!  I mean he’s our hometown hero, think he would disappoint us?”

“I’m not sure man.  I mean he looks so small over there.  You gunna grow the cojones to get up and go talk to him?  It would be a great addition to the school newspaper. Maybe someone will actually read it if you got a local celebrity to comment on a few things.”
Sarah grinned and grabbed TJ’s sleeve prying him out of his seat with a sandwich hanging from his mouth.  The two approached the table of the two young boys and Sarah tossed TJ next to the kid talking about their newspaper.  

“Believe the hype boys, this man will overcome any obstacle you throw in front of him. Tj has beaten men three times the size of that idiot Desmond.  And after this win he’ll show the world he’s champion material again and will get his title shot…and WIN! I hope your writing this down.”

TJ had a look of surprise on his face as he finally finished his sandwich and the two boys sat at their table speechless.  One grabbed a small note pad and began jotting down key points.  He looked up over at TJ, who was wincing because Sarah was jabbing his ribs with her elbow.

“O…O of course.  Me and Floyd go way back.  He knows me better than anyone else in the company.  I guess he knows this will be a good match between Desmond and I!”

“Just a good match, Tim?  You’ve beaten Ranger many times, they were great rivals, boys.  He knows this man’s potential.  It was only a matter of time he put TJ in a match against a champion already. Better sooner than later.  I mean, it isn’t for a title but I guarantee the hype your hearing is all true.  This Desmond White character doesn’t know what he’s in for!”

TJ nodded.  It had been a long while since he conducted an interview.  Sarah knew what she was doing and he always enjoyed having her as a mouth piece. Sarah became so so fiery in the heat of the moment.  He began to scratch his head searching for the right words but Sarah kept going.

“Desmond is a snob and he’ll realize money and fame will fade soon. Especially when TJ puts him in his place!  He has more heart in his pinky finger than most athletes I’ve ever seen. My man here is one talented wrestler and if you’re not a fan you will be very, very soon. Mr. Phoenix here never goes down without giving every ounce of passion and fight he has in his body.  He’ll be all over that ring; he’ll make Desmond’s head spin so fast he’ll go unconscious from the dizziness. C’mon babe, you have more training to do. Sorry for not being able to stay longer and help you two out but it was pleasant chatting with you boys.”  

Sarah grabbed TJ’s sleeve again and gave him a light tug.  TJ said his goodbyes, impressed with his lovely girlfriend.  The two boys had gigantic smiles on their faces as TJ saw them high fiving as he tossed money on the table to cover the bill. The two said their goodbyes to Patrice and soon exited the small establishment. TJ had his arm over Sarah’s shoulder as her hand was around his waist as they joked, walking past the large window of the store.  The two students gaping in awe as the couple disappeared past the end of the glass. They turned to each other.

“Looks like we have a story, bro! TJ's girl is a total babe, the guys at school might not even believe this.”