Page 81 of Revenge Puck

“No, of course not. Answer it!” Elle says encouragingly.

When I still hesitate, Maya says, “Take your call, Pres. I’ll keep Elle company.”

Elle nods her head in agreement, so I tell her, “I’ll make it quick” before heading out the front door.

“Hey, Tommy. What’s up?”

“Good news,” he says.

“What?”

“I have an offer with your name on it. You need to sign ASAP, today if possible.”

He’s crazy if he thinks I’m going to make a decision this huge in a matter of hours.

“Which team?”

“The Grizzlies.”

“California?” I exclaim, then remember why I’m talking to him outside, to keep Maya from overhearing. “I can’t go to California. That’s literally on the other side of the country!”

“Beggars can’t be choosers,” Tommy replies. “I suggest you sign this baby now, tonight, before shit goes sideways in the next championship game.”

“I’m not…I hope I won’t get ejected from any game, but I can’t sign tonight. I need some time to think.”

“If you don’t sign with the Grizzlies then the only hockey you’ll be playing is a pick-up game with old men on a frozen lake.”

“So, you still haven’t heard anything from the Warhawks?”

“Not a peep. And I don’t expect to either. If they wanted to keep you, they would’ve already made an offer.”

“Right. Fuck.”

“So, it’s Cali or bust, my man. Well, there has been some chatter from one another team.”

“Which team?”

“The only one who can’t exactly let it get out that they want a player from the team about to beat them out for the championship trophy.”

“The Bobcats want me?” I say in disbelief.

“Don’t worry. I’ve made it clear that you wouldneverplay on the same team as Riley. He’s a lock with them for at least three more years since he’s already got his eight-year contract on their books. Grizzlies are offering significantly more money than you would get out of the Bobcats, anyway.”

Playing in Greensboro while it has serious downfalls, like having to put up with Christian Riley’s sorry ass every damn day, also has it perks. At least one. Elle. But can I afford to take a pay cut? Not if I have to find another place to live while keeping up this house if Maya and Finley stay here.

Besides, Elle and I just met. We barely know each other. Moving just to be near her and taking a slash in my pay would be crazy long-term.

“So, it’s looking like I’m going to have to move to California.”

“That’s what I thought. I’ll send you the contract tonight. Think fast and don’t tell anyone about it until the ink is dry. They could change their minds if you drag your feet.”

“I’ll read over it and give you an answer as soon as I can,” I assure him. “But I doubt if it’ll be before the end of the week.”

Tommy makes a groan of annoyance. “The sooner the better, Preston. I don’t think I can stress that enough. One mistake in the finals and you can kiss this opportunity goodbye.”

“Yeah. I understand,” I reply.

I know he’s right. I would be a fool not to sign an offer tonight when my options are so limited. But leaving Maya and Finley in D.C., being so far from Elle, I don’t want to think about either of those things right now.

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