Page 46 of Love By The Falls

“Trevor, I don’t care what reason, excuse, or explanation they give. No one is to be permitted into my office again without an appointment.”

“I’m sorry, sir. She had a business card and sounded very sincere.”

“I’m sure she’s a talented actress. Many of them are. But this ends today.”

“It won’t happen again.”

“Thank you. Now, have you heard from Arty Cohen, Guerrero’s agent?”

“Yes. He said he’s willing to meet with you this afternoon at Dimitri’s. He said around three.”

“Perfect. That’s great news. Thanks, Trevor.”

I hang up the phone and call Devina, one of the other owners. “D, I think it’s going to happen today.”

Devina’s raspy voice sounds cynical, and I picture her rolling her eyes. “What’s going to happen?”

“Guerrero will sign the contract today. I can feel it.”

“You said that when you booked a vacation to St. Kitts.”

“I know, but as I explained, there was an unfortunate accident then. There are no distractions now.”

“Yes. I recall you mentioning the accident, but I don’t recall why it took you six days to return to New York.”

My lips twitch. “The view was incredible.”

“The view, huh? I don’t get you, Cal. So secretive, so mysterious. One day, I’ll figure you out.”

“Nothing much to figure out, D. I just don’t talk about my personal life.”

“Too bad for me, as mine is non-existent.”

Devina works as much as I do.

“You might try getting interviewed by some fake reporter and say how it’s romantic that your friend met his wife when she barged into his hotel room.”

“Shit. Did it happen again?”

“Yup.”

“If that ever happens to me, I’ll shoot the fucker. Nobody better drop their pants in front of me unless I’m holding a whip and tell them to.”

I bark with laughter and sign off on the call. “Talk to you later, D.”

“Ciao.”

The next few hours fly by, and I’m consumed by stats and financial figures. Taking on Guerrero will be a huge chunk of our budget, but I think it’ll be worth it. He made the All-Star team last year and won the HomeRun Derby. I believe he’ll be one of the game’s most celebrated players in three to five years, and by then we won’t be able to afford him. If I can convince him to join the Lions now, we’ll have a real run for the championship.

It's been a dream of mine since I played little league. I thought I’d have to give up that dream when I injured myself in college, but thanks to some hedge funds and good connections, I became part owner and now it’s my life ambition to bring the World Series home again.

The first part of my plan is to sign Teoscar Guerrero.

My phone alarm beeps, and I put away my papers and leave for my meeting with Arty. “I’ll see you in a few hours, Trevor.”

“See you later.”

The taxi is parked outside. I barely shut the backseat door when my phone rings.

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