Page 10 of The Friend Zone
“What about your job in New York?” Senior asked.
Cole worked at a property management firm. As a manager, his portfolio included a mix of properties with a wide range of rents.
“I’ll figure out the details later.”
Something was up, but Cole was sneaky and wouldn’t divulge the information before it was time, and certainly not to Omar.
There had always been a weird rivalry between them, which kept them from being close. As a kid, Omar idolized his older brother and, for a long time, did almost anything for a better relationship with him—including investing in a couple of his failed businesses over the years. Cole made it clear he never really wanted a relationship, though, and Omar realized the issues went deeper. Cole was jealous, though he never explicitly said as much, and nothing Omar did could change Cole’s resentment, so he finally gave up.
Omar’s relationship with his fellow football players was much better. He formed a bond with them and experienced the true meaning of brotherhood, where they looked out for each other and trained together, and when he was a rookie, he lived with a couple of the guys for two years.
Academically, Cole had always done better than Omar. Omar used to struggle with his school work, and if not for his athletic ability, he was pretty certain he would have been held back at least once during his middle school or high school years.
His businesses might have failed, but Cole never had a hard time getting work. He was charming and knowledgeable about a range of topics, enough to BS his way into several good-paying jobs. However, while he excelled in his professional life, his personal life was always chaotic and filled with one disaster after another. He married young and then divorced within a year. After initially setting up his own phone repair business, he went bankrupt because of mismanagement. He eventually earned his broker license and got a job at a property management firm. Four years ago the office manager sued the company and Cole, alleging sexual harassment. They settled out of court for an undisclosed sum, but he kept his job.
Now here he was hanging out in Atlanta as if he didn’t have a job in New York, and even more shocking was his talk about moving here. Was he running from something?
“If you’re serious about moving here, let me know,” Omar said. “I know a lot of people and could get you in touch with the right folks to get established here.”
Several beats passed as Cole studied him from the other end of the sectional. “I might take you up on your offer.”
Senior cleared his throat. “You’re welcome to join us when we play golf. Might be fun, the three of us out there together.”
Cole shook his head. “I can count on one hand how many times I’ve played golf. It’s a rich man’s game.”
“Nonsense. We’ll teach you everything you need to know, won’t we, Omar?”
Omar immediately nodded. “Absolutely.”
Laughing, Cole said, “Okay, you’ve twisted my arm. Next time you play, include me. Playing golf will give me something else to do besides sightseeing.”
“Excellent.” Senior’s gaze connected with Omar’s, and a message passed between them—one of hope of potential changes to come.
“Dinner is ready,” Dorothy said from the doorway.
“Good, I’m starving.” Senior hopped up from the recliner with the agility of a much younger man and was the first one out the door.
Omar called his son and soon the family was gathered around the table. His father led the prayer and then they dived into the delicious food, passing plates around, laughing and talking like a normal family should.
Cole’s response to Omar’s and Senior’s offers lifted Omar’s spirits. He remembered Dana’s comment last week and thought maybe, just maybe, Cole’s visit presented the opportunity for them to finally mend their relationship.
6
“I’m so happy to see you and your brother get along so well,” Dorothy whispered, standing at the back door leading to the driveway. “Cole’s visit was a good decision, don’t you think?”
Though she didn’t verbalize her thoughts much, Omar knew the strained relationship between him and his brother caused his mother deep concern.
Cradling a sleeping Prince against his shoulder, Omar replied, “I’m starting to think so. Any idea how long he plans to stay?”
His mother shook her head. “He’s been very vague, but he’s welcomed as long as he wants to. You’re both in your thirties, and it’s time to set aside your differences. Make the best of his visit here.”
“I’ll try, Ma.”
He would do anything for his mother. Her encouragement and unconditional love over the years helped him excel in football and become the man he was today. Whether she wanted him to walk across hot coals or perform the much more difficult task of mending the relationship with his brother, he would make a sincere effort to try.
“Good night,” Dorothy said quietly, waving as Omar walked the short distance to the Escalade.
Earlier, he placed the food they were taking home in the back. With all the leftovers his mother packed for them, he and Prince would have dinner for a couple of days.
