Hot Boyz (30 page)

“Yes,” Mason and Mercedes said in unison, nodding their heads toward him and one another. Mercedes rotated her new ring back and forth without even realizing it.

“Now, because I’ve talked to your son and daughter in detail, I’ve taken these conversations and converted them into an outline for healing. I want you to know that children, subconsciously, and to their own detriment sometimes, internalize your behaviors as being their fault. They tell themselves that if Mom is sad today, it must be because I was on the phone past my curfew. If Dad is distant, it must be because I did something to irritate him. Do you follow me?”

“Yes,” Mercedes responded.

“Good.” He repositioned himself in his chair. “Now, I need to know what each of you sees as the biggest dysfunction in your household.”

“As parents or spouses?” Mercedes asked.

“Whichever is bigger.”

Mason answered. “I see the biggest dysfunction being that I have a high-profile job, exposing me to a high level of visibility and stress.”

The doctor took notes. “And how does that affect your wife?”

Mason crossed his leg over his knee. “I think it causes her to take up the slack when I’m not around and sometimes when I am around.”

“How do you think that makes her feel?”

“Surely she must feel pressured and weighed upon.”

“Would you agree, Mrs. Wilson?”

“Absolutely,” Mercedes replied looking pleased.

“How does it make you feel? You tell him yourself.”

“I agreed to take up the slack a long time ago. I knew it would be like this. But, once your young children get older and more aware as teenagers, sometimes their concerns are so serious and so real that the answers that used to work no longer do. And when that happens, my response is anger.”

“Anger at whom?”

“Anger at myself for not having the right answer, not having the ability to have my husband home more and have him at the PTA meetings, recitals and tournaments.”

“Would you say you’re angry at your husband, though?”

“At times,” Mercedes admitted, looking at Mason as though she awaited a reaction.

Dr. Little asked, “What would cure that anger?”

“More focused quality time with me and the kids. It’s just that simple.”

Mason countered, “But it’s not that simple, doctor. I have obligations and demands that I have to work in between family time.”

Mercedes replied, “Sometimes I think you work
us
in, in between work time.”

“Wow. Did you hear what she just said?”

“Yes, but—”

Dr. Little interrupted, sensing a denial coming. “Now, with all due respect, I asked did you hear what she said? That is her opinion and not hearing her invalidates her. Did you hear her?”

“I did.”

“What did she say?”

“She said it feels like I fit the family in between my career, as if they’re second.”

“Is that right, Mrs. Wilson?”

“Yes.”

“Mr. Wilson, what do you think about that?”

“I can see how that would be her opinion. And I apologize. It’s truly not my intention and I didn’t know that she felt that way. It makes me feel bad because of course my family comes first. I work for my family so that I can provide for my family.”

Mercedes interjected. “And he’s done that. A darn good job of it, too. But to nurture relationships takes true, dedicated, devoted, focused time.”

“And time is something I don’t have enough of”

Dr. Little looked content. “So, I can see that we’re getting somewhere. We’ll work on that. But now, Mrs. Wilson, what do you see as the biggest dysfunction in your family?”

“Probably that we live this rich lifestyle with the Lynx meetings, golf club memberships, magazine covers, jumbo accounts and fancy cars and homes. Yet behind closed doors, I see two unhappy kids and a so-so-marriage. As a wife, I think I overcompensate the emptiness with food, shopping, and even with sex.”

“Oh really?” Mason asked, looking extremely surprised.

“Yes, even though the sex has never been a problem.”

Mason remarked snidely, “Okay, so we’re in sync on something.”

“But also, we’ve been caregivers for my ailing mother-in-law
who I love dearly. We take care of her a little less now that Claude, Mason’s brother, has taken her in. But with jobs and responsibilities, I’d almost give anything to have my husband with a normal job, as ungrateful as that may sound. Some women would think I’m nuts for saying that.”

“Do you agree, Mr. Wilson?”

Mason crossed his legs in the other direction. “Agree that we have a so-so marriage? No. But, damn, I’m starting to feel guilty for being successful. This life we live is anything
but
so-so. If I wasn’t a professional golfer, Mercedes wouldn’t overeat, the kids would be happier and my mom would be healthy. I can’t take the blame for everyone’s problems.”

“Now, do you really believe that?” the doctor asked.

“It’s like if I had a normal job this family would be normal. It’s not that simple. I know plenty of people who work nine-to-five and have more problems than we do. Abnormal schedules should not equate with abnormal family members.”

“You’re right, Mr. Wilson, but everything in moderation.” Dr. Little looked at Mercedes. “Do you see how he feels?”

“Yes,” she replied, smiling at Mason.

“What did he say?”

“He said that he feels to blame and that even a different job would not be a quick fix.”

“Is that close?” he asked Mason.

“She gets it.” Mason kept his eyes fixed upon the doctor.

“Okay, now. Let’s me explain this. Dysfunction is normal and is also very common. It’s not the level of the issues that makes a family less dysfunctional, it’s how you handle the crises that matters. Since you’re here in the flesh, I think that’s evidence enough that you want to fix it. I can see that you want to learn how to deal with the issues. And so here we are. So far we know that time is a big issue and relieving pressure from Mrs. Wilson by having quality interactions with all family members in a balanced way should help. The diet and anger could possibly be relieved once the relationships start to gel. It sounds like emotions are at the root, not the food itself.

“And from the teens’ point of view—Rashaad seems well adjusted.
He’s just growing into young adulthood. And Mr. Wilson, you’re walking in the very shoes he’s going to fill. Remember that. As far as Star is concerned, I think she’s borderline genius. I know you know that. I think you should get her tested.”

Mercedes nodded her head in agreement. “Yes, we’re very aware of that. She always scores off the charts on placement tests.”

“Well, she’s definitely an old soul, I’ll say that much. Now dealing with Rashaad’s issues, even though they’re minor, will be our topic in two weeks. And Mr. Wilson, I want you to make a focused commitment to be here every Wednesday for the next six weeks like clockwork. Is that a deal?”

“Yes.”

“So next week we’ll deal with Star and her conflict about the attention that being famous draws. She wants and needs to be individual. She looks forward to a future of anonymity. Then we’ll talk about how Mrs. Wilson’s needs can be met. And the fourth week we’ll discuss how Mr. Wilson can give more time to the family.”

Mason remarked, “Shoot, I’ll just retire from the circuit and we can save ourselves six weeks of psychotherapy.”

“Mason has really been trying,” Mercedes said, placing her hand on his back.

Dr. Little leaned forward toward Mason, who looked up with a blank stare. “No, no one is saying that, Mr. Wilson. There is room in between the passive and the aggressive choices. That would be overly aggressive and much too impulsive. The fifth week we’ll talk about caregiving and the future over the next five years as parents. The sixth week we’ll bring in all four of you to tie things together. Allow twice as much time that evening. Are we clear on our goals and outlook?”

“We are,” Mercedes answered. “What can we do in the meantime?”

“Work on being there for each other—both of you, with a hug, a smile, a phone call, an e-mail, a wink, a surprise, a touch. Just show some kind of attention. Focus on what really matters in life—
lover

“It sounds like we have our work cut out for us,” Mason replied in a low tone.

“Yes, you do. Both of you do. And it goes deeper than what can be covered in a few sessions. It’s a lifestyle change and a life commitment. And one can’t do it alone.”

Mason responded after Mercedes and the doctor gave him a look, as if awaiting a reply. “Don’t look at me.”

“You have to be there mind and spirit, willing to do the work.”

“I’m willing,” Mercedes said.

Mason agreed, coming to his feet as if he wanted it to be over. “So am I.”

The doctor and Mercedes stood as well. “Okay then, I’ll see you both next week. Oh, one more thing. Your homework is to recall a pivotal moment in your life that changed you forever. I want it in writing so that it takes up at least one complete page. And I want you to read it aloud next week.”

“A moment about each other?” Mercedes asked.

“Whatever moment you want it to be.”

She shook the doctor’s hand. “Got it, Dr. Little. Thanks so much.”

“Call me in the meantime if you need me. Good luck.” He handed them both his business card.

Mason nodded his head and led the way out.

The next Saturday, the house smelled of cilantro and Mexican spices.

Mercedes walked from the kitchen to the living room and passed by the tall, exquisite vase of colorful tulips that Mason had sent the day before. She sniffed them and then proceeded to take a seat on the sofa.

Mercedes and Star watched Mason’s last shot at the twenty-seventh hole at Torrey Pines. The previous day he’d shot a sixty-seven and was ahead by one stroke, leading into the final round.

Star was seated on the floor, leaning back in between her mother’s legs. Usually they’d watch highlights or check in for the latest updates from time to time. But today, they sat and watched in silence, almost as if they were watching a tournament with players who were complete strangers. They did not react any more to
Mason’s play than they did to the play of other golfers. They just watched quietly, enjoying the game itself, almost as if Mason’s achievements had suddenly become routine.

As usual, Mason was now ahead by a few strokes. The last hole was a close one. The runner up came within one stroke, but their husband and father pulled it off and won. The Fox interviewer chased Mason down for an interview.

Mason looked relieved, yet cool. He spoke, sounding a little winded and very rushed. “I had to master my mind, just as my father taught me so many years ago. You can’t allow yourself to be distracted. You have to stay in control.”

“You seemed to get every break, I mean you escaped the sand and nailed the fairway woods like you were on a mission.”

“That’s exactly how I felt,” Mason replied. “I could not allow myself to slip up. I had to stay focused.”

“Looks like your win has qualified you for a spot in the five-million-dollar World Golf Championship event in Ireland this month. Are you prepared for that?”

“I can’t think that far ahead right now. I’m not even sure if I’ll enter that one. I really want to spend more time with my family for a while. I’ve got to go, thanks.” Mason rushed up the hill with a peppy Winton at his side.

The reporter pulled aside one of Mason’s representatives from the Tideist company. Mercedes’s eyes bugged.

“Natalie Glenn, what is the Tideist company’s stance as Mason Wilson just mentioned that he’s probably going to spend more time with his family and might not go to Ireland. What do you have to say about that?”

Natalie seemed elated, yet her voice was very soft and calm. “I think our stance is and has always been evident. Mr. Wilson is and has been a very important individual to us. He has represented our company and our products with class and we are very proud of him. He is a stellar athlete and a warm human being.”

“Miss Glenn, what will happen if Mason Wilson decides to take time off, or better yet retire?” Mercedes sat up, leaning in toward the fifty-five-inch flat screen.

“We don’t know anything about that. I don’t think he said retire. If and when Mace, I mean Mason decides to do that, we will discuss our options. We’ll support him in whatever he does.”

Star reacted. “Mace?” she commented, giving every ounce of her attention to the interview.

Natalie continued, “For now I think it’s a little premature to speculate.”

“Okay, Miss Glenn. Thanks for taking a moment to speak with us.”

Natalie smiled and hurried up the hill in her tight-fitting, knee-length skirt. Her long, candy-apple red hair was blowing and bouncing as she took each fast-paced step. But to Mercedes, it was as if she was walking at a snails pace. Natalie met up with Mason and shifted her long mane to the left side just as she stood to pose for a couple of pictures while Mason made his acceptance speech. She then continued to stand directly behind him in the winner’s circle as he was presented with the trophy and given his check.

Almost like a zombie, Mercedes moved her leg from around Star’s body and simply stood up. She went into the kitchen to check on the pan of enchiladas she’d made for the kids.

Star still sat watching the closing moments of the event. Then she changed the channel to BET, sitting in her usual yoga position on the floor with her back against the sofa.

“Mom, when is Dad coming home?” asked Rashaad, draped by a towel at his waist, running inside from his afternoon swim.

“He’ll be back in a couple days, son.”

He grabbed a drink from the fridge. “I have a golf tournament that the school entered me in. It’ll be on Saturday morning. Do you think he’ll be able to catch it?”

“I assure you he wouldn’t miss it, baby.” Her mind was divided.

“Cool.”

“Now get washed up for lunch,” she said, sounding as though she was speaking in monotone.

“I will, Mom. It sure smells good.” Rashaad gave his mother a look of approval, savoring the aroma.

“I’m very proud of you,” Mercedes said to her son as he was halfway down the hall.

Mercedes picked up the kitchen phorie and dialed. “Sequoia, where are you? Are you in the back house?” Mercedes sounded frantic. She grabbed a snack from the top of the refrigerator.