Foreign Affairs (closed)

[play_and_ride89]

Devyn fluffed her hair up in the mirror one more time before walking into the living room of her apartment and picking up her suitcase. Her roommate, Sierra, was crying by the front door and Devyn rolled her eyes good-naturedly. Walking over, she wrapped her toned arms around the tiny girls shoulders and hugged her close.

"I'm only gonna be gone for a few months" Devyn assured Sierra as the girl sniffled and hiccuped.

"But.. you're going half...way around the world" Sierra replied.

Devyn giggled softly and hugged her roommate/best friend again. It was true. That morning she was leaving for the incredibly long journey from Washington D.C. to Australia. She was going away for the semester to study, and to gain new cultural experiences, and she couldn't be more excited.

With a few more words Devyn grabbed her luggage and headed down to flag a cab for the airport.

**** 24 Hours Later ****

It had been an incredibly long flight and Devyn was exhausted when the plane finally landed and she was on her way to Melbourne University. Her nerves were a jumbled up mess inside of her stomach and she was scared to death... but she had never been so excited. She caught her reflection in the window and winced. She looked a wreck. Her long black hair was limo, her jeans and tanktop were wrinkled from traveling, and her green eyes had dark circles beneath them.

Sighing, she laid back and watched the scenery fly by the cab window.

 

[Fish_Tales]

Dr. Robert Crameri sat at his desk.

Another load of shit, he thought. He was correcting the mid-year exam for his biomechanics class and the results were less than inspiring. Why do these idiots do this course if they have no intention of putting in any effort?

He placed his pen on the desk, leaned back in his chair and looked out onto the cricket oval. It was a grey day. When isn’t it a grey day? It was only the end of July and already some of the cricketers were out there practising catching and throwing drills.

Cricket. Fucking boring.

He knew he needed to break out of his moribund state, but he was struggling. His wife had finally passed away earlier in the year. Her degenerative neurological disease had progressively worsened until her body had stopped functioning. Her mind had stopped functioning too. Not cognitively. It was just the will to live that had gone.

You have to let me go, Rob, I can’t live like this.

I’m a doctor for God’s sake, Carolyn. Surely we can get through this.

I don’t want to get through this. I want….

….to die.

He clenched his jaw and looked out at the young cricketers.

Enjoy it now. Enjoy every single second of it. You never know, you just never know….

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Yes?”

“It’s me, Rob,” said the voice on the other side of the door. “Can I come in?”

Rob spun his chair around to face the door. He worked with his back to the door. If you don’t engage with the world, maybe it will just leave you alone.

James Helmsley didn’t wait for an answer. He opened the door and came into Rob’s office. He shut the door behind him and sat in the visitor’s chair.

Shut the door. Must be important. Or a problem.

“James,” said Rob, nodding to him. “What brings you here?”

“Rob,” he replied. “Good morning.”

“No coffee?”

“I was going to bring some,” he said. “But I didn’t think I’d be here long enough.”

James was a big man. Unfortunately, he was now big all over. Sitting on the chair, his belly rested comfortably on his thighs and his neck was trying to make a break for freedom by trying to spill over his shirt collar. His pale features, red cheeks and thinning red hair always gave the impression that he had just been exercising. Rob knew that wasn’t the case. The most exercise James got these days was crawling up the ass of the Dean of Medicine. It was a job he’d done well. He was now Rob’s direct boss, but they both knew that the title was irrelevant. Rob didn’t have bosses, he had minders.

“So what brings you here? Without coffee.”

James looked like he was constipated and needed to get something out. Rob knew this meant bad news or he was afraid that a confrontation was about to occur. Or both.

“Um, Rob, I’ve been asked to speak to you about Tom Barker.”

Rob raised his eyebrows.

“What about him?”

“Well, he said he doesn’t want to train with you.”

“This week? I know he has an event on in Canberra and I said that was ok. I was surprised because he has an international competition next month, but I guess one week won’t matter.”

James’ constipation looked like it had migrated to his throat. He was going red and there were beads of perspiration on his forehead. If he got anymore agitated, then Rob would have to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre on him.

Get it out, mate. He nearly smiled watching James struggle with whatever he wanted to say, but he kept it to himself.

“Er, it was more like he doesn’t want to train with you again.”

Rob looked at him.

“He says you don’t understand him.”

“I do,” said Rob calmly.

“He says your methods aren’t helping him….”

Rob cut him off.

“My methods got him to number three in the world, James. He was just a hack miler when his team came to me for help. Now he’s number three. Fucking three. Only two better in the world.”

“Yeah, um, but…”

Rob’s voice was getting louder.

“But fucking what, James? Fucking what?”

“He wants to work with another team. He thinks he can improve with another team. A team that understands him better.”

James fiddled with his collar. Rob knew this wasn’t the worst of the news. When James fiddled, he had all the attributes of Nero. Things were going wrong and he didn’t know what to do.

Rob rolled his eyes.

“I took that ungrateful twerp from a mid thirties fifteen hundred metre runner, to mid twenties. He has the third fastest time. Ever. “

Rob was now starting to shout. Anyone outside the office would be able the hear him. Fuck them.

“I know, Rob, but….”

“But fuck you, James,” Rob yelled. “I totally understand Tom Barker. He’s lazy. He reckons he’s done enough. The money’s rolling in. Number three. He’s done enough. Australia's a small pond. He's a hero at number three. Why push? He doesn’t want to do the work to be number one. Fuck me, he didn’t even want to do the work to be number three. I pushed him and fucking pushed him again. Me!”

“But….”

James wasn’t going to get a word in.

“No, James. I understand Barker. He’s lazy. He’s. A. Lazy. Fucking. Cunt.”

“Um, Rob. There’s no need for that. You don’t mean that. We’ll keep the contract, but he just wants to work with someone else.”

“Who? You tell me that. I’m the best here. Shit, I’m the best there is.”

“Well, he was thinking of working with Prescott….”

“You have to be fucking kidding me, James. Soft cock Prescott? You know how you get a top ten athlete out of Prescott in six months? Give him a top five athlete.”

“You can’t take this so personally, Rob,” James said. He was looking at his raised palms, indicating that it was out of his control. “At least this way we get to keep him and all the associated benefits and publicity.”

Rob didn’t know what to say. He didn’t care really. The display was really to make James feel uncomfortable. He didn’t want to let the bastard off the hook. Bureaucratic weasel. I’ll make you earn those pieces of silver.

“Is that all?” asked Rob.

“Well, for now.”

Rob looked at him and narrowed his eyes.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing, Rob,” he said. “It’s just that we may need to sit down at some stage and discuss your role here. Your performance is outstanding, but ever since Carolyn, your diplomacy and general demeanour have alienated quite a few people. I know you understand that getting outside contracts these days is as important as your teaching and research, but you are making it hard for us to attract and retain new clients.”

“You’re a fucking joke, James? What happened to you?”

“Rob….”

“Don’t ‘Rob’ me, mate, I know what you used to be and I know what you’ve become. And I used to like you better when it was us against the world. Now, you are the world.”

“Rob….”

“Fuck off, James,” he said. “I’ve got papers to mark and then I’m going for a swim. It seems to be about the only fucking thing I can do around here.”

“Rob….”

“I meant it,” Rob shouted. “Fuck. Off.”

James got up and left. He shut the door quietly.

Well, he thought, pretty soon I’ll have nothing.

He opened the top desk drawer and brought out a flask. He screwed off the cap and took a healthy swallow. He raised the flask in the air and then took another swig.

“Here’s to you Tom Barker you weak bastard.”

He could see the cliff approaching and he just kept driving straight for it.

Better not to be sober when I fall off.

 

[Fish_Tales]

Dr. Robert Crameri - 37 and fit.
Doctor specialising in sports. Physiology, training etc.
Takes on clients and improves their performance
Brilliant, but abrasive.
Wife has recently passed away after a long illness - this makes him moribund.
Lives on the coast, but commutes often to work at Melbourne Uni

http://www.serenocenter.com/uploads/RTEmagicC_Blog_32_Fit_Man_Last_Gasp.jpg.jpg

 

[play_and_ride89]

http://www.latinromantic.com/images/big_left_02.jpg


Devyn's first night in Australia consisted of learning the layout of the college she would be attending. The whole point in her coming to Australia was to learn about their sports. Being a major in sports psychology, Devyn wanted to broaden her horizons out of just American sports. A pang struck in her chest as she realized she would be playing softball that season. She had played every year since she was five, never missing a season, and she was damn good at it too, but she didn't regret missing this season... it would be well worth it.

Early the next day, Devyn woke up in the apartment her school was generously renting for her, and got a shower. Since most of her time would be spent on the fields, learning the ropes of the different sports, she only had one actual class. It was a history class which she was told covered sports history in Australia. And that class wasn't until 3pm. So she had all morning to explore.

With that idea in mind, Devyn put on a pair of mesh running shorts and a tanktop and decided to jog towards the sports complex to see what she could find out.

A short while later she found herself in front of a bunch of students playing what she knew was cricket. She had never really seen the game played but it appeared rather boring. But she knew she needed to learn about it more so she decided to stay and watch. Sliding down to sit on the ground and leaned back against a fence post and tried to focus on the practice game that had just began. But it wasn't holding her attention. She found her eyes repeatedly wandering.

At one point they wandered to a window in a nearby building. She could see two men there and one appeared to be madder than a hornet. Devyn watched with interest as the man raved at the other. Once the other was gone, the mad man took what looked like a flask and took a long swig of it.

His eyes traveled to the window then and connected with Devyn's gaze making her gasp and look away quickly. Would he know she had witnessed the entire event?

 

[Fish_Tales]

Robert felt the warmth of the scotch course through him.

Better.

Alcohol always had a calming effect on him. He was worried that it had become his crutch, but for now he needed something to lean on. Damn Carolyn! She should be here. She’d know what to do.

He took one more swallow from the flask and replaced the cap.

Just one more, that’s all.

He turned to his desk and put the flask back in the drawer. He glanced casually through the window at the cricketers on the oval. There were the usual spectators dotted around the oval. Girlfriends, those who wished they could play, and those who were interested.

He scanned them casually and his eyes fell on a young woman looking directly at him. She turned away quickly and returned her gaze to the cricket. She didn’t seem all that interested, but his direct stare had made her look away.

She was unusual. He hadn’t seen her before and she looked a little out of place. Her tanned olive face suggested she was not from here as Melbourne was currently in the throes of winter and she would have been either brave or silly to have acquired it recently. Her dark hair was long and well down past her shoulders. Her features were exotic, but not obviously so. There were traces there of a mixed heritage. From this distance, he couldn’t tell what, but it was intriguing. She was beautiful, no doubt, though the scotch would have helped that. Beautiful, but not loud. Subtle. His mind began to wander….

She was probably new as he hadn’t seen her before. Maybe from up north or even overseas.

Turn it up, Crameri, he thought to himself, you don’t need to be ogling young women around campus. What about the problems with Felicity Kendall? You don’t want to get yourself a reputation do you?

His lips curled at the edges into a wry smile.

A reputation? Besides being volatile, insubordinate, inappropriate, foul mouthed and having a few issues with relationships, he was fine.

Geez.

He shook his head and returned his gaze to the desk. Carolyn’s photo stared out at him. It was taken three years ago, before the disease had really taken hold. They were still happy then. Still had plans. Still had a future. He didn’t want to remember her at the end. He wanted to remember her for how it was. How good it was. I miss you.

He needed to refocus so he picked up one of the examination papers from his desk. He glanced at it for thirty seconds and then threw it back down. He couldn't think straight.

Tom Barker was an ungrateful twerp. If he wanted to work with Prescott, then that was fine with him. He’d find his times rising and then all his delusions of adequacy would be stripped. It had taken all of Robert’s efforts to get him where he was. He was not naturally a great athlete, but Robert had used every trick and technique he had to get him within striking distance of the top.

Fuck him.

Robert knew that he had to be pragmatic. He was such a disruption around the faculty that the only thing that kept him in play was the fact that he could take on athletes on the cusp of greatness and push them over the top. He made them great. He needed to find someone else.

Many athletes around Australia and even internationally regularly sent him resumes and requests for help, but he usually rejected them with a polite reply. He was always looking for someone that had “it”. Without “it”, then you wouldn’t get to the top. “It” could be anything – drive, talent, intelligence, looks. They just needed something to maximise their performance and their exposure. Unfortunately, in the current environment, appearances and marketability mattered in greater proportion than even talent. Sports history was littered with the names of competitors who didn’t quite reap the rewards of less-talented counterparts because they didn’t have “it”.

I have to find someone with “it”.

This is fucked. I need a swim.

I need to think.

Robert pushed back his chair from the desk, got up and switched the lamp off.

He had a quick glance back out the window. The girl was gone. She’d looked directly at him. He would know her if he saw her again.

How could I forget?

He smiled. At least he could still appreciate a beautiful woman. That had to be a positive sign, but now he had work to do.

Swim.

And look for “it”.

He didn’t know what he was looking for, but he was looking. That was a start. Stick it up all these bureaucratic assholes who wouldn't know a lactic from a latte.

Where are you?

I need you?

Where are you?

 

[play_and_ride89]

Devyn stayed and watched a little more of the cricket game... but it truly was boring. Finally, after one more glance towards that office window (the man was now focused on something on his desk), Devyn got up and headed back towards her apartment. She still had several hours to kill before her class and wasn't sure what to do with herself.

She decided to shower and go get something to eat at the campus cafeteria. After taking a nice long, hot shower, to warm up from the cold, she dressed in a pair of jeans and a NFL hoodie. It was weird to think of it being cold here... back home it was late spring, almost summer.

She then headed out to find the cafeteria. She figured out where it was after asking a few people for directions. Turned out it was right by the campus pool. She loved to swim. She would have to make use of that while she was here.

She ate a thick sandwich and a bag of chips, keeping an eye on the people who came and went. Noone spoke to her and she felt kind of out of place. She figured she would have to make friends in her class. Checking her watch she realized it was nearly time for that class and got ready to go and find the correct room and building.

 

[Fish_Tales]

Robert was in the pool. He was reeling off sixty second hundreds with ease.

Fifty five’s next month, he thought.

Three months of that and then he’d be ready for the Danger 1000 at Torquay. He was thirty seven, but he’d finished fourth at last year’s event in the Open section. That meant competing against all the young swimmers and surf lifesavers, but he’d be damned if he was going to nominate for the seniors event.

He alternated breathing on each side, a three stroke cycle. One, two, three, breathe. One, two, three, breathe. One…..

He liked the rhythm of swimming, the way the monotonous became so fluid and instinctive that it was no longer monotonous. He watched the black line below him speed past towards the wall and he turned every thirty seconds.

Like a metronome.

He thought as he swam. He would need to go through all of the recent solicitations he had received recently. There had to be someone in there he could take to the next level. The young tennis player Kristine Lane had approached him, but she was only nineteen and he had seriously doubted her capacity for physical improvement. He had politely rejected her parents’ request at the time. She was a possibility.

The boxer, Yuri Malakov had also approached him. He was a promising heavyweight, but again, Robert had thought he was too light and that the work required to build him to legitimate heavyweight proportions may be beyond him.

The black line kept going past. He had swum well over a kilometre now and had lost count.

I must be stressed if I’ve lost count.

He set himself to swim the last two hundred metres in in fifty second hundreds, both to push himself and also to clear his mind.

***
Robert stood in the shower letting the warm jets of water soothe him. The University change rooms had showers in cubicles. It was unusual for males not to have a communal shower, but it showed their conservatism.

He knew only too well about Melbourne University’s conservatism. He was constantly railing against authority and it was wearing him out. It was odd of James to mention that he’d only become like this after losing Carolyn. Maybe it was true. He hadn’t noticed a change in himself besides the higher level of drinking. He’d always been a heavy drinker, even at his fittest, but having a drink at work was new to him.

I better watch that.

The thought of the drink brought his mind back to the girl he’d seen watching the cricket. He hoped she hadn’t seen him drinking. Not that it mattered because he could always say he’d been taking a drink of water or something just as benign. Anyway, most students wouldn’t care if you’d been drinking or not as they either spent their time in constant inebriation or trying to get there.

He was disappointed she’d left so quickly.

Why? She’s a student. Why would you care?

She’d looked different though. Exotic. More mature.

Standing in the warm shower, his penis began to harden.

God, Crameri, you can’t get a hard on over a girl you saw for thirty seconds.

But the thoughts of her were insistent. He almost had a full erection now and his cock was standing out horizontally.

He smiled to himself.

Thank God for the separate showers.

He tried to get her out of his mind.

Maybe I’ll run into her around the school.

It was no use; his mind started to wander again.

Maybe she’s an athlete? Or maybe she could help me?

He knew he was being totally irrational and fantasising. His cock was now fully erect and he couldn’t resist the temptation to stroke it.

I better get back to the office and start thinking.

He wasn’t going to give up his career without a fight. He was the best sports trainer in Australia. But first he had something to attend to....

He grabbed his cock and began to stroke with more urgency. The warm water ran over him and the soap on his hands made his cock feel like a velvet rod.

Shit, I’m wanking in the shower to a girl I haven’t even met.

He decided that he may as well relax and enjoy it. So he did.

He leaned back against the shower wall and more firmly stroked his cock.

And thought of the girl….

 

[play_and_ride89]

Devyn left the cafeteria and headed towards where she thought her class was. It took her longer than she had thought bwfore she could find the classroom but she eventually found it... and wasn't even late to class.

The class was interesting and Devyn enjoyed learning about the history of Australia. The class was a general history but did focus some at some point on sports. Devyn took detailed notes because unlike most of the kids there, she DIDN'T already know the material. By the time the class was over she felt kind of overwhelmed and needed to clear her mind.

She decided to head over to the sports complex and see if she could talk to somebody about the sports. She went to a main desk of one of the buildings and asked who she could talk to about the sports Australia enjoyed. She was directed to go to Dr. Robert Crameri's office and speak to him about sports. Devyn headed that direction but he wasn't in his office, so she wrote a note, leaving her number, and asking him to contact her when he had time.

With that she headed back towards her apartment to study some of the material from herbuistory class and relax for the evening.

 

[Fish_Tales]

Robert walked back to his office after his swim. He felt like a sheepish teenager after having relieved himself in the shower, but he felt relaxed.

Should toss off more often, he thought and smiled to himself.

When he got to his office, he found a note stuck to the door and pulled it down. He let himself in and sat at his desk. He began looking out the window again, but caught himself.

No time for procrastination, I need a plan.

He’d almost forgotten about the note he’d thrown on the desk, so he picked it up and read it. Devyn Griffith. Must be an overseas student. She was looking for some background on the major Australian sports. She’d left a number so he could call her.

Do it later. First you need to get your life back on track. Find an athlete and then think about what to do.

Maybe Kristine Lane, the tennis player, would have to be the one. The boxer was interesting, but the snobs in the faculty and the sports science community looked down on “the sweet science.” More fool them, he thought, but ultimately he wanted something to kick start his ascension back to the top of coaching and physical preparation so he had to be pragmatic about his choices.

He got up from his chair and walked across to one of the filing cabinets in his office. He opened a drawer marked Athletes and flipped along the files.

There she is.

He pulled it out and went back to his desk. There were various letters of solicitation and recommendations in there. He ignored those and pulled a DVD out of a plastic envelope. He booted up his computer and then popped the disc into it and then sat back in his chair.

The video came up and showed Lane hitting up with a partner. The commentary over the top was provided by the Head coach of the Victorian Institute of Sport. The comments were relatively inane; good footwork, good stroke construction, excellent anticipation.

Blah, blah, blah.

She looked good, as far as Robert could tell, but he wasn’t a tennis expert and all professionals or near-professionals looked good to him.

The video continued with images of Lane undergoing different physical exercises. Vertical jump. Push ups. Crunches. These were all parts of standard testing of athletic ability.

Nothing much so far.

The video then cut to an interview with Lane. She was basically outlining what she wanted to achieve and how hard she was willing to work to get there.

Robert leant forward, paused the video and then went back to the start of the interview. He pressed the play button on video software and the interview began again.

Fuck, she’s good looking, he thought. She speaks well too. Sounds like a well-educated woman.

http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/m...lond-beauty-resting-after-a-hard-work-out.jpg

He thought she looked a little light and he didn’t really know if she would be physiologically suited to a program to build her strength, speed and endurance. He would also have to get inside her head. One of her weaknesses was the inability to beat highly ranked players even though she all the shots and then some.

She looks good.

She speaks well.

Maybe.

Maybe she’s the one.

He again went back to the beginning of the interview and watched it again. He was a little disappointed that he had to base his decision on attributes that were superficial. Ultimately, that would be part of the challenge and part of the pay-off. Lifting someone beyond what most expected of her would be a greater achievement than taking a great raw talent and refining it. The publicity and kudos for making Kristine Lane a star would far outweigh any of his previous achievements.

Shit, this was tennis. The public love tennis.

And, they were crying out for a star.

Australia hadn’t had a champion female tennis player since Evonne Goolagong. Just getting Lane into the top ten would be viewed as a significant achievement.

Ok, he thought, that’s it.

He decided that he would call Lane’s management tomorrow and set up a meeting. There’s no downside. I meet them tomorrow. If she’s a dud, then I can start again.

Robert was buzzing now that he had something to look forward to. He felt like a drink. A proper drink. In a bar. It was still only five. The Luna Bar was the best place to go. It was only a ten minute walk away and then he would be only five minutes from the apartment. He wouldn’t go home to the coast tonight if he had to be back early tomorrow, so he could have a nice quiet drink and a meal and relax.

He shut down the laptop and was about to swing his chair around and get up when he noticed the note on his desk. Devyn Griffith. The overseas student.

Maybe I can call her? Have a drink. I’ll be busy tomorrow, so I may as well get it over and done with.

He smiled.

You never know, she could be a looker….

Yeah right, he thought, probably some chubby girl looking for some ideas on sports to play to help her lose weight.

He chuckled to himself. He didn’t care. He was in a good mood.

Just a drink and a chat.

Why the fuck not?

He punched her number into his mobile and waited.

“Hello?”

Nice voice. American.

“Devyn Griffith?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Hi, Devyn. It’s Robert Crameri here. You left a note on my door about some background on Australian sports? Well, I’ll be busy tomorrow, but I’m up for a drink tonight. How about I meet you at the Luna Bar in about half an hour and we can have a chat and a drink?”

Why the fuck not indeed, he thought.

 

[play_and_ride89]

Devyn had just settled down on her couch to study when her cell chimed. She glanced at the caller ID and didn't recognize the number. She almost didn't answer but then thought again. I'm in a foreign country... the numbers are gonna be weird. Should probably answer it...

Picking up the phone, Devyn answered.

"Hello?"

"Devyn Griffith?" The voice was deep and honestly attractive for her.

She conformed she was Devyn and the man introduced himself as Dr. Robert Crameri, the man she had been instructed to speak to about sports. He invited her for a drink at a bar called the Luna Bar. She had no clue where it was but agreed anyway. Anything to get some information.

"Thank you, Dr. Crameri, I appreciate this" she told him and then hung up. She quickly went to get dressed. She didn't wanna look like she'd come straight from exercising to meet the man. She changed into a pair of dark wash denim jeans and a form fitting long-sleeved state champion Softball shirt. She slipped on a pair of black Nike's and headed out the door.

She had no clue where she was going and after asking several people, she got there right on time. Now came the fun part.... she didn't know what Robert Crameri looked like. As she glanced around for God knew what. And she was surprised when she saw the same man she had saw in an office before, arguing, when she was watching cricket...

Come to think of it.. that office had been almost directly where she'd left thebnpte of her sense of directions were right. That couldn't be Dr. Crameri could it??

 

[Fish_Tales]

Robert got to the pub quickly.

Maybe too quickly.

Guess I need that drink more than I thought.

He smiled wryly as he saw the boys from Bluejuice at the bar and they waved him over. He’d been involved with them last year when they were shooting the video for their latest single. The clip had involved a mock World Championships of Skip Rope and their lifestyle meant they needed to get into shape. They were young guys and it had only been for a few months, but Robert had enjoyed it and it had taken his mind off Carolyn’s illness. The clip had been so good that many people had thought it was real. The band had to go in the media and tell people who didn’t know them that it was a massive piss-take. Now, he often went to their gigs and met the guys for the odd beer. They liked to call him their unofficial personal trainer. Robert thought if smoking pot and drinking beer was a sport, they would be Olympic champions. But they were fun and he needed that.

Badly.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAX_I6eKlnU&feature=relmfu


“Hey, Doc,” said Stav in greeting. “Never thought the guru of fitness would be here before six!”

“Yeah, mate,” said Jake. “Right on time for beer o’clock.”

Robert raised his hand and they both slapped it.

“I’m meeting someone here,” he said. “Otherwise it would be chai tea and a tofu burger.”

“Sure, Doc,” said Jake.

“So what are you boys doing here?” he asked.

“Oh,” said Jake, “we have a gig on at the Corner tonight and we’re leaving straight from here.”

Robert laughed.

“Sounds like a bloody great rehearsal technique to me,” he said.

“You know, whatever it takes, Doc. So, do you want a beer?” said Jake.

“Yeah, mate, may as well,” he said. “I’m supposed to meet someone here, but I just realised I don’t know what she looks like.”

He slapped his forehead.

The guys laughed and ordered him a pot of Carlton Draught. They were already well on the way to being appropriately inebriated for their gig and Robert didn’t want to bother them.

He nodded to them and began to move away from the bar.

Stav called out to him as he left.

“If you want to come to the gig just turn up. We’ll leave your name at the door.”

“No worries,” said Robert over his shoulder. “I’m staying in town tonight so I might just do that.”

Robert looked around the room, nodding to the odd person he knew. Now he had to find Devyn Griffith. Bloody hell, he should have asked what she’d be wearing.

His eyes moved to the entrance and fell on a familiar face. She was standing there by herself, scanning the room, looking for someone or something. She looked good in a sports jersey and pair of jeans.

Of course, she did. She’d look good in anything, he thought.

He looked at her more closely.

Shit.

The girl.

It was definitely her, the girl from the cricket oval. He wouldn’t forget the face that only a few hours ago in the shower he’d been….

Fuck it, he thought.

He forgot all about Devyn Griffith and made his way towards her.

He walked across the room with his beer in his hand.

She was looking straight at him so there was no backing down now.

“Hi,” he said, extending his hand and putting on his best smile, “my name’s Robert Crameri and I don’t think I’ve met you before.”

 

[play_and_ride89]

As those thoughts were running through her mind, the man in question walked towards her. He was holding a beer in his hand and had a smile on his face. As he grew closer, the smile grew as well and he held out his hand.

“Hi, my name’s Robert Crameri and I don’t think I’ve met you before.”

Devyn was shocked. That was Dr. Crameri.

She realized she was staring and blushed a bit. Immediately she stuck her slim hand out and shook his much bigger one. "Hi Dr. Crameri. I'm Devyn Griffith. I uh, its nice to meet you" she said summoning up a pretty smile. He was gorgeous... and a lot younger than she had expected. She had been picturing a seventy year old man. Thinking that this was Dr Crameri had been more of a fantasy... one that had now come true. She saw a look of shock run across his face as well... had he pictured her as old lady too?

"I appreciate you coming to meet with me. I'm sure you must be terribly busy" she told him as they made their way to an empty table.

"I got the offer to come over here for a semester and study sports because I'm a sports psychology major back in the u.s." she explained. "And when I asked who o could talk to, the lady recommended you... saying you could help me out a lot".

She was surely hoping that he could help her. She still hadn't quite gotten over the shock that this was the man she had been watching earlier. He had surely had a temper. She wondered if he was a mean guy. He didnt seem like it... but looks could most definitely be deceiving. She hoped she wasn't getting in over her head...

 

[Fish_Tales]

"Hi Dr. Crameri. I'm Devyn Griffith. I uh, I’ts nice to meet you," she said, holding out her hand.

You have to be kidding me, he thought. She was Devyn Griffith. His shower fantasy girl. Geez.

Her voice was warmer than it had been over the phone.

She looked shocked to see him, but then he had that reaction often. Even though he was thirty seven years old, most people expected a doctor to look older.

“….I’m sure you must be terribly busy…. the lady recommended you….saying you could help me out a lot.”

He was still holding on to her hand. It was soft and it disappeared into his. He could hold it forever….

Let it go, Rob. She’s only just met you. Get a grip. Or rather, loosen it.

She looked gorgeous this close up. He couldn’t believe she was here to meet with him. She would have guys crawling all over her if she’d stayed there alone for another minute.

Rob? Rob? Let it go….

He released her hand finally.

“Well, if you want to know about sport, I’m the man to see then,” he said. “And I’m modest too!”

He had a big wide smile on his face.

Back to cocky Robert.

“I can’t chat on an empty stomach, though,” he said. “Would you like something to drink?”

He gestured towards the bar for her to follow him and started to move towards it.

Maybe he didn't have to rush back home....

 

[play_and_ride89]

Devyn couldn't help laughing as the doctor joked about being modest. She had a feeling he could be quite charming when he tried...

He asked if she wanted something to drink and she smiled. "Sure I would love something... uh... what do you recommend?" She asked. She wanted to try something different than the normal for her. She was here for new experiences to learn... well trying a new beer counted as a learning experience right?

She walked with Dr Crameri to the bar and noticed several people staring at them. She figured it was probably because they knew him... because she didn't know a single person there.

They sat down together and he placed an order as Devyn thought of what to ask and say. "So... what exactly do you do?" She finally asked. She wasn't completely sure what his job description said and was curious to know... it seemed like a good starting place to her.

 

[Fish_Tales]

He liked her already. She was gorgeous.

Maybe your luck’s turning, Crameri.

“…..what do you recommend?” she asked.

She followed him to the bar and they sat down on the stools. He pointed to his beer and the girl behind the bar poured him another two pots of Carlton Draught.

“…..what exactly do you do?” she said.

“Well,” he said, “I’m a sports scientist. I actually majored in medicine, but specialised in sports. Now I basically concentrate on helping elite athletes to maximise their performance.”

The girl put the beers in front of them.

He went for his pocket, but she shook her head and nodded towards Stav and Jake. He looked over and raised his beer to thank them. They both winked at him.

Bloody kids!

“Looks like we’ve got our beers for free. It’ll be a little more bitter than American beers, but you’ll find it refreshing. I do,” he said, “although some people think I find it too refreshing.”

He winked at her.

He was back to his confident self.

Fuck, she was good looking. And intelligent, no doubt, if she’d been granted a semester here.

He raised his glass towards her.

“So what about you, Devyn Griffith? What do you do?”

 

[play_and_ride89]

Devyn couldn't help being charmed by the handsome doctor and she was sure she wasn't the only girl he used that charm on. He ordered them two beers, assuring her that she would like it.

"I generally like any beer" she said, flashing him her own charming smile. When the bartender wouldn't let him pay she saw him turn and raise his glass to some men across the room. She wondered who they were.

“So what about you, Devyn Griffith? What do you do?”


Devyn smiled at him and raised her glass as well. "Well, like I said I'm a sports psychology major... so that takes up quite a bit of my time. But I also play softball for my college. Our college is small and the team isn't very good so I don't plan on every really going anywhere with it unless a miracle happens, but I've played since I was old enough to hold a bat, and I'm pretty good I guess" she said modestly. "Other than that I guess I just hang out like all college kids... watch a lot of sports... listen to a lot of music"... she shrugged unsure of what else to say about herself.

 

[Fish_Tales]

“Sporty, eh?” said Robert. “I like sporty girls. Er… I mean people.”

He smiled.

“In my experience, those that are the most self-deprecating are usually those with the most talent.”

He paused for a while and then laughed.

“Well, it was actually an old coach of mine that told me that. I wouldn’t use “self-deprecating” too often otherwise everyone would think I was a nerd.”

He thought about what she’d just said about music. He hadn’t really thought about going to the Bluejuice gig, but if it meant spending more time with her, then maybe….

“Hey, I know we haven’t spoken yet about what you wanted to learn, but if you don’t have anything on tonight, how about we have a few beers and a bite to eat and then I can take you to a music gig? Those guys over there that bought us the beer,” he said nodding towards Jake and Stav, “are in one of the hottest young bands around here. I’d love to take you if you’re up to it.”

He put his beer down.

“Of course,” he continued, “you could still ask me all the questions you like about sport. It can’t be all pleasure, can it?”

He smiled at her again. Fuck, he hadn’t felt like this in a long time. He was actually trying to take her out.

Why the hell not, Crameri? She’s young and beautiful.

A couple of beers and some music doesn’t have to lead to much.

Does it?

 

[play_and_ride89]

Definitely a charmer, Dev thought as Dr Crameri mentioned liking sporty people. He mentioned an old quote an old coach had told him and said he wouldn't word it that way because he didn't want to be a nerd. Devyn laughed softly.

"Dr. Crameri I don't believe anyone would mistake you for being a nerd" she said grinning. Indeed there was no way someone would believe this hunky man was a nerd. He was too fit, to handsome, too confident to be a nerd.

Then he surprised her by inviting her to a music gig. Her eyesbrows raised slightly ad thebidea intrigued her. She could use s little fun and it could be interesting to check out the Australian music scene.

She smiled at him sweetly. "Dr. Crameri are you asking me to come just hang out with you?" Devyn quipped with a smile and dancing eyes. "How unprofessional... I'd love to" she said.

She was actually pretty excited about going and glanced over to the two men he had indicated. "Is it a thing where you need tickets? Like... should we go ask them for another ticket?" She asked.

The prospect of spending the evening with this intriguing man had Devyn's blood pumping and she was pretty excited. She could ask him questions, sure enough, but she could also have a lot of fun doing it. Maybe too much fun... she thought with a grin.

 

[Fish_Tales]

"Dr. Crameri, are you asking me to come just hang out with you? How unprofessional... I'd love to."

The word unprofessional made him wince, but when he looked into her eyes and saw her smile, he could tell she was joking.

“….should we go ask them for another ticket?”

Wow.

She’d said yes.

You’ve still got it, Crameri….

“That’s great,” he said. “We don’t have to worry about tickets. I’ve helped them out before and I have a standing invite to any of the gigs. Plus, they’d probably be paying me if they knew an old hack like me was bringing someone so young and beautiful!”

There.

He’d said it.

He may as well acknowledge the age difference now, just to make sure she wasn’t only interested in him for his knowledge.

What else would she be interested in, Crameri? You’re at least fifteen years older than her.

My charming personality?

Yeah, right.

He again looked at the girl behind the bar and she nodded. Two more beers on the way.

“Well,” he said, looking at Devyn, “I think we’re going to have some fun tonight. These guys are good.”

He paused for a second and smiled cheekily.

“Oh, and I’m not bad... either.”

 

[play_and_ride89]

Devyn giggled when he mentioned being old and rolled her eyes. "Old hack, ha" she scoffed. "I know to be a doctor and stuff you've gotta be at least... what... 30? But you're not that old. Hell I didn't even believe you were a doctor at first. You don't look old enough to be one".

Age didn't bother her a bit. He ordered them two more beers and she smiled her thanks to him. The beer really did taste good. "I think a night of fun is what I need" she admitted after another drink. "How about we postpone the serious stuff to another time?"

She shot the doctor a charming grin and shrugged. "I'm not really in a serious kind of mood tonight".

Fact was that this man intrigued her in more ways than one. He wad quote move to look at for starters, despite his age. But he was also funny, witty and seemed fun to be around. He was obvious well liked by a lot of people because a lot of them spoke to him. Still... she wondered why he had seemed so upset in his office before. But asking that would prove she had been watching him and she didn't want to admit to that.

She held her beer up and gestured towards him. "So whataya say doc? Here's to you showing me how fun a night on the town in Australia can be?"

 

[Fish_Tales]

“You don't look old enough to be one." she said.

“Gee, all the workouts must be doing something right.”

He raised his hands to her in a shrug, smiling.

“I thought I’d been wasting my time.”

Robert inwardly smiled to himself. At least you’re polite.

….And in the mood for fun.

Truth was, he felt up for some fun too.

“Ok, we can talk about the serious stuff another time.”

Plus it means I’ll get to see you again.

If I don’t fuck it up.

Like I always do.

“I guess we better get to know each other if we’re going to be having …. fun. Where do you come from in the States? Why the interest in sports psychology?”

He looked at her directly.

“By the way,” he said. “You better stop calling me Dr. Crameri. It’s Rob.”

He picked up his beer and took a swallow. The problems with his career had receded from his thoughts. For the moment there was only Devyn.

God, she looks good. And it wasn’t the alcohol talking, either.

He felt like a kid.

 

[play_and_ride89]

“I guess we better get to know each other if we’re going to be having …. fun. Where do you come from in the States? Why the interest in sports psychology?”

Devyn thought about it for a moment. "Well... I'm from Maryland ... about an hour outside of Washington D.C." she said, hoping to give him a general idea. "As for sports psychology... I've always been interested in sports, of course, but the psychology part came from when a friend of mine got injured during one of our games".

Her mind flashed back to that day.

Junior year of high school. Regional championship game. Devyn's high school team is down by four runs. She was on second and her best friend, Katie, was on third. Their coach was desperate for a run and sent Katie home when he most certainly should have. As Katie slid into home something hard gone extremely wrong. As Dev tagged third she heard a crack and then screams and looked up to see Katie clutching her ankle and screaming in pain. The ankle had been broken and Katie had been scared to slide ever since then. Her dreams of playing softball for college were ruined... the full ride to college yanked from beneath her. Now Katie was at home, attending community college and barely able to afford it.

Her mind snapped back to Rob. "The girl broke her ankle and couldn't slide anymore because it was like stuck in her head that she would hurt herself. She lost a lot because of it" she explained and shrugged. "I wanna be able to help girls like her".

She sent a humble smile to Rob and took another sip of beer as her eyes traveled around the room. "So explain more to me about how you help athletes? That's interesting to me" she admitted as her attention turned back to him.

 

[Fish_Tales]

Devyn explained to him that she was from Maryland. She recounted the story of a painful injury to a friend of hers and how it had affected her life.

"I wanna be able to help girls like her,” she said.

Robert listened to her. Maybe she could help him out. If he was going to try and help Kristin Lane, then having a female on board of a similar age might help.

And I’d see her more often.

"So explain more to me about how you help athletes? That's interesting to me,” she said.

Her eyes were focused on him. He knew it couldn’t be true, but he doubted that he’d seen someone this beautiful before.

Exotic.

And intelligent.

He had trouble thinking, which was most unlike him. He’d spent twenty minutes with Devyn Griffith and already he was trying to work out ways to see her more often.

You’re acting like a lovestruck teenager, Crameri.

She was still looking at him after her question.

“Oh, sorry, I was just thinking,” he said. “I wish my intentions had been as noble as yours. My parents always wanted me to go to university, but I was struggling to think of what I was interested in. I was a pretty good footballer and surf lifesaver and I always thought I could make something of either of those.”

He looked across at her. She was listening intently. She knew how to make someone feel important, like they were the only ones there. If that’s one thing Robert needed, it was approval and to feel important. Especially with someone so attractive.

“Sorry, I’ll describe what we call football to you later. I guess that’s what we were supposed to be meeting about, wasn’t it?”

He smiled and had a large sip of his beer.

Careful, Crameri, don’t drink too much. You get a bit too open when you drink….

“Anyway, as can be the way, I met a girl at a lifesaving meet. She was studying to be a doctor and she was gorgeous. So I thought, ‘Why not?’ I applied for her school, which was Melbourne University ironically, and I got in. So I got to study anatomy and physiology day and night!”

He winked at her.

“Ultimately, I also hurt myself. I had serious shoulder, ankle and knee problems, so I could never be elite in anything. I was a top ten surf swimmer because my body would allow that, but had too many problems to be consistent.

“I have always been a hard worker to maximise whatever talent I had, so I drifted into the sports performance area. I couldn’t really see myself looking after sick kids or working in a hospital and this would combine all of my interests. Plus, you get to meet lots of fit people and sporty girls. Hot!

He smiled at her with his attempted humour.

“I know I sound like I’ve got tickets on myself, but I’m probably one of the best in the world now. Though you wouldn’t know it from my popularity around the faculty. They think I’m too hard. Too brash. That I’m a lone rider. I’m not, honestly. I just think I know the best way to do it and I do it, regardless of how much the athlete whinges. Sometimes they don’t know how much work they need to do to make it.”

Roberts stopped and looked at her. He realised she’d been listening the whole time while he waffled on.

She probably reckons you do have tickets on yourself. One of the best in the world. A little modesty might be good here, mate.

He wanted the focus back on her.

Don't just ramble on about yourself.

“Maybe you’d be interested in doing something with me? I’m about to take someone on and she might benefit from your perspective seeing she’s only a little younger than you."

He caught himself again.

“God, I’m sorry. I’ve been waffling on. You’re probably bored now….”

He looked at the girl at the bar.

One last beer. But I’m already talking too much.

“Let’s have one more and then get out of here. Somewhere quiet for something to eat. Oh, that’s if haven’t bored you to tears yet.”

He wanted to be around her.

The boys behind her were getting a little rowdy and giving him the thumbs up and making lewd suggestions. Some of them were shaking their hands in the symbol of “hot”.

He hoped she hadn’t noticed them.

He didn’t want her to think he was a bit of a ladies’ man.

Even though he was.

A bit.

 

[play_and_ride89]

Devyn listened intently as Rob went into detail about his work and what it was that he did. She was fascinated by the fact that he was able to help athletes go from good to spectacular. And she was shocked when he asked if she would like to help him.

"I... I'm not sure what I could do to help but I would definitely be willing to give it a shot. And it would be interesting to meet the girl you're talking about."

He apologized for rambling on and she smiled. "On the contrary I'm really enjoying listening to you speak" she said. "I would love to go to dinner. I have yet to eat. And I would greatly enjoy getting to hear more about this girl you are about to take on. I think it will be really intriguing".

She did notice some movement from behind her but paid no mind to it as she accepted another beer and took a swig. At this rate she would be well on her way to a good might... and a bad morning. She wasn't used to drinking a lot of alcohol. Only some occasionally. But she didnt mind.

"Thank you for all of this Rob. I really appreciate it" she said flashing him a flirty smile and placing her hand on his forearm. It was probably more flirty than she usually would give but the beer was making her bold and she was greatly attracted to the man... so she figured why the hell not?

 

[Fish_Tales]

"Thank you for all of this Rob. I really appreciate it,” she said.

She seemed genuinely interested in what he was talking about. He was worried that he might be pushing the beers. After all, he was able to hold his alcohol well, but he didn’t want her getting too drunk and regretting being with him.

The girl behind the bar passed another couple of pots over and Robert thanked her.

“That’ll be it, I reckon, Amy,” he said to her.

She smiled at him and rolled her eyes as if to say “sure.”

I must be worse than I think.

Devyn placed her hand on his arm and Robert nearly jumped.

You have to stop acting like an adolescent, Crameri. There’s nothing in it. She’s just interested in what you do and is trying to be polite.

He tried to be cool, when all he wanted to do was place his other hand over hers.

Or more…..

“No. Thank you,” he said. “It really would help to have someone around her age who will be able to work with me. “

And you get to be around more.

Her hand was still on his arm. He could feel the warmth where it rested.

It was also getting warm somewhere else, but fortunately his seating position didn’t make it that obvious.

“I’m talking to her management tomorrow. Once I sort things out with them, I’ll let you know and we can make a plan for your role and how you can be involved. It would certainly help with your studies and I’d be happy to talk about it with any of your supervisors, either here or in the States about credits you may be able to get.”

Geez, I’ll give you credits and whatever else you want if your hand stays there.

He reached over and patted her hand. He let it linger, but then took it away. He didn’t want to seem too forward. He was a lot older than her and maybe being in a new country, talking to someone new, having the beers, and going out had lowered her inhibitions. He didn’t want to push it.

In his mind, he couldn’t believe how the day had panned out. He’d gone from losing his star athlete, to seeing a dream girl outside his window, to reorganising for another athlete to actually having his dream girl come to him.

As they say, he’d gone from chocolates to boiled lollies and back to chocolates again.

How long could the night last?

He drank more from his beer, all the while her hand remained on his forearm.

His insides churning.

His crotch getting very uncomfortable.

He looked to Devyn and smiled.

Keep cool.

“Right. We’ll finish these and head off then. I hope you like seafood?”

There were a number of other things he hoped she liked, but they were completely inappropriate to mention.

Yet.