Post by FPV on Nov 25, 2023 21:29:01 GMT -5
FPV RP #8 - Keys to the City
It was getting cold in the city of New Orleans. It always did this time of year.
Mayor Cantrell spared no expense when it came to this press conference, having already talked up the candidate for Man of the Year for a few minutes now as the crowd buzzed in anticipation. Her podium was emblazoned with the flag of the city, a symbol I had been proudly hanging over the TPG headquarters for many years now. To call this city my home for so long, and to receive this sort of treatment, it felt DAMN good, if I'm allowed to be a little selfish.
While my career in WGWF so far has not gone the way I had wanted it to, I could for at least a little while put that all in the back of my mind and focus on a much happier occasion. It was an honor to be considered the New Orleans Man of the Year 2023. Not only that, but it came with some considerable perks. For one, at some point before year's end I would be given a parade in my honor throughout the city. Not only that, but come Mardi Gras season I would be leading the processions for those parades as Grand Marshall (my face even on the doubloons that would be tossed from the floats.) But perhaps the biggest of them all was the ability to "suggest" people for certain offices held in the city.
Now this wouldn't be something I planned on abusing, mind you. I'm not much of a politics guy myself, at least when it comes to the actual running of the city. I certainly have my own strongly-held political opinions, but in most cases I find it makes my life so much easier to keep those opinions to myself, especially as a queer man. But I couldn't help but think of a certain customer who would always come by the shop for a morning coffee and breakfast sandwich. Sgt. Brian Trahan, a beat cop when I first met him who over the years had worked his way up to running for District Attorney. A great man, Brian is, but also more importantly an honest man. It wouldn't be the biggest thing in the world, but if an endorsement from me helped get him to the job he's always dreamed of, then it would without a doubt be my first act as MotY.
That was all weeks and months down the line, however. In this moment, Mayor Cantrell was winding down her speech, and the build-up began as to who the lucky man was.
It was getting cold in the city of New Orleans. It always did this time of year.
Mayor Cantrell spared no expense when it came to this press conference, having already talked up the candidate for Man of the Year for a few minutes now as the crowd buzzed in anticipation. Her podium was emblazoned with the flag of the city, a symbol I had been proudly hanging over the TPG headquarters for many years now. To call this city my home for so long, and to receive this sort of treatment, it felt DAMN good, if I'm allowed to be a little selfish.
While my career in WGWF so far has not gone the way I had wanted it to, I could for at least a little while put that all in the back of my mind and focus on a much happier occasion. It was an honor to be considered the New Orleans Man of the Year 2023. Not only that, but it came with some considerable perks. For one, at some point before year's end I would be given a parade in my honor throughout the city. Not only that, but come Mardi Gras season I would be leading the processions for those parades as Grand Marshall (my face even on the doubloons that would be tossed from the floats.) But perhaps the biggest of them all was the ability to "suggest" people for certain offices held in the city.
Now this wouldn't be something I planned on abusing, mind you. I'm not much of a politics guy myself, at least when it comes to the actual running of the city. I certainly have my own strongly-held political opinions, but in most cases I find it makes my life so much easier to keep those opinions to myself, especially as a queer man. But I couldn't help but think of a certain customer who would always come by the shop for a morning coffee and breakfast sandwich. Sgt. Brian Trahan, a beat cop when I first met him who over the years had worked his way up to running for District Attorney. A great man, Brian is, but also more importantly an honest man. It wouldn't be the biggest thing in the world, but if an endorsement from me helped get him to the job he's always dreamed of, then it would without a doubt be my first act as MotY.
That was all weeks and months down the line, however. In this moment, Mayor Cantrell was winding down her speech, and the build-up began as to who the lucky man was.
Cantrell: It is with great pride and honor that I introduce to you, your 2023 Man of the Year...FRANK! PATRICK! VENABLE!
Now listen. I had thought I had heard big pops in my life, being in pro wrestling you yearn for those reactions and strive to achieve them at any cost. This was something else. This was rapturous. And it elated me to no end.
I emerged from the back, dressed in my best purple, green and gold suit ensemble, looking New Orleans from head to toe. I smiled from ear to ear, my sunglasses covering a tear or two that I'd be too embarrassed to let people see. I shook hands with Cantrell, and as she left the stage, I made my way over to the podium to address my people...
I emerged from the back, dressed in my best purple, green and gold suit ensemble, looking New Orleans from head to toe. I smiled from ear to ear, my sunglasses covering a tear or two that I'd be too embarrassed to let people see. I shook hands with Cantrell, and as she left the stage, I made my way over to the podium to address my people...