Page 53 of Puck Lust

I adjustmy tie and walk into the Phoenix Hotel in Oakland for the Play It Forward donor event, actively ignoring the voices in my head that keep screaming for me to find jack in the crowd and beat the fucking shit out of him for what he did to me in Minnesota.

Again.

Because tonight is not about unleashing anger or spewing hateful rhetoric.

It’s about helping kids deal with challenging circumstances, ones that I want to help change.

So screw Jack Larson and his goddamn inflated ego.

There are people who legitimately need help and that’s why I’m here.

The only reason I’m here.

Looking around, I can see that Jase Maxwell and Lucas Bentley definitely leveraged their networks to get the top names in professional basketball, hockey, and football here in one room to show support for their organization. I exchange smiles and handshakes with some of the guys I know from the league, as well as others whose careers I’ve followed over theyears. I’m trying to distract myself from the unfortunate way my pulse rockets when someone mentions Jack’s name and asks how it is playing with him.

Jesus, they have no idea how loaded that question actually is.

The hotel corridor leading to the ballroom is draped in a soft glow, crystal chandeliers illuminating the bright and airy space. The décor is modern and sleek, accented by gold and marble.

Pretty glitzy digs. I really hope these donors open their wallets wide tonight to help. I was lucky enough to have everything I needed to learn the mechanics of hockey and jump on the path toward playing professionally, but I remember a few guys I came across in my early hockey days who had nothing but heart and focus.

Sadly, it wasn’t enough to break them away from their circumstances.

So much wasted talent because they just couldn’t get the opportunities that kids with money could take advantage of.

Hockey was always known as the rich man’s sport, so talent alone doesn’t get a kid very far. Hopefully, this charity can help reverse the tides for some and get them visibility with the right audiences.

“Carter Van Kleef, it’s great to see you here.” A tall man with a wide smile and dark eyes approaches me, holding out a hand. “Rex Ashton, Excelsior Sports Management.”

I nod. “I’ve heard of your company. It’s nice to meet you.”

That’s it. Play it cool. Pretend like you haven’t been stalking his agency for months since you signed with Oakland.

“Sam mentioned you’d be here tonight. I’m a big fan. I followed you from your days back at Notre Dame. You’ve had quite a career so far.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that.”

“You really made a name for yourself playing for the Irish. Washington was lucky to get you. I’m really looking forward to watching you guys play this season. I think with you and Jack Larson joining the Raptors, the Stanley Cup is definitely in reach.” He leans forward conspiratorially. “And I’m hoping he’s not the only one I’ll be getting endorsement deals for.”

“I’ve seen your client roster. Pretty impressive.”

“I’m always happy to take on more talent.” Rex winks and pulls a business card from the inner pocket of his suit jacket. “If you’re looking for a change in representation, give me a call.”

I try hard not to let my jaw hit the floor.

I take the card and stick it in my pocket, swallowing the urge to let out a loud whoot. “I’ll definitely be in touch. Really good to meet you, Rex.”

Dammit, I hate that I’m still riddled with imposter syndrome, even after all these years.

I’m here, aren’t I? I was paid to come to Oakland.

Maybe not as much as Jack, but Enver wanted me and I belong here.

I allow myself a self-satisfied smile.

Rex obviously knows it, too.

Fuck yes, I’ll get that championship ring, no matter what I have to do.

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