Page 3 of Sin Bins and Second Chances
“If y’all want to have a seat, I’ll let them know y’all are here.” She picks up the phone and we make our way over to the waiting area.
Chad and I sit in silence as we wait, both scrolling on our phones. After seeing another article of “Bad Boy Miller”, I lock the screen and shove my phone deep into my pocket.
Is There Any Saving Miller’s Career?
Bad Boy Miller Strikes Again!
There’s something new every day, regardless of if I warranted the news or not. The truth is, I don’t need saving—I need a fucking chance. A fresh start to prove myself. I’m not like the articles make me out to be. I’ve simply been the scapegoat for so long, I don’t know how to dig myself out of that position.
A few moreminutes pass before someone escorts us up an elevator and down a long hallway that smells like fresh paint and determination. The meeting room is huge—dark polished table, leather chairs, and nearly a dozen men and women sit around the table.
Fuck.
Big crowd. This could be good or bad, but I like my chances.
Surely, if they weren’t honestly considering me, they wouldn’t care to have this many people take the meeting. Even Chad seems taken back. They’ve got to be heavily considering it.
“Let’s get straight to the point.” An older gentleman with a full gray beard leans back in his seat. “You need a team and we could use a player with your skills. The offer isn’t much, but it’s serious.”
I swallow and nod, keeping my expression neutral.
“I’m sure we can come to some sort of arrangement,” Chad says as he slides into a seat and starts scanning over the paperwork.
“If I may,” I start. “I’m willing to put in the work. It doesn’t matter what the contract says.” I mean every word. “Whatever it takes.”
One of the women across the table smiles atme. “That’s good to hear. We want to help rebrand your image. I think having you be a part of the Lonestar Bobcats franchise isn’t what anyone is expecting, but they don’t know your roots like we do.”
Chad glances between the woman and me.
“It’ll be good to be back home.”
“Exactly.” Her smile grows. “I’m Veronica, Director of Public Relations here for the Bobcats. Our goalie speaks very highly of you and says the articles are probably making things worse.”
“Andrew?” I can’t help but smile. “We were best friends growing up.” I knew he got traded a few years ago, I didn’t realize he still thought so highly of me. I’m going to owe him one.
Before the Wolves, I was with the Bears. The Bears played the Bobcats, but that was before Andrew joined them. I’d been traded to the Wolves around that same time. I haven’t played with or against Andrew Miles since high school, when we played together.
I haven’t talked to him in years, so it doesn’t make sense that he would stick up for me. What was in it for him?
“He’s a real go getter, Andrew. Our teamalready has a plan on how to help your image, starting immediately. We’ll go over the plan once the contract is signed.” Veronica sits back.
“It’s a standard, simple one-year contract,” Chad speaks up and slides the papers over to me. “It’s not what you’re used to, but I think it’ll be good for you.”
“We need to fill seats.” Marcus Jones speaks up.
He doesn’t need to introduce himself. I’d recognize the owner of the team anywhere. Marcus bought the team three years ago. Most of the team has been turned over since then. It wasn’t just players and coaches, most of the staff around here is new. He’s making changes the world doesn’t understand, myself included.
“You’re right.” Marcus glances from me to Chad. “A standard one-year contract, no bells or whistles.” His gaze meets mine. “Let’s see what you can do, and we’ll consider a better offer on the next one.” The corner of his mouth tilts into half of a smile. “You’re not done playing on the ice. We both know that. Let’s prove it to the rest of the world.”
“Yes, sir.” I nod in agreement.
“You have four months to get youraffairs in order. The news of this trade is going to stay between the people in this room until then.”
“May I ask why it’s a secret?” It doesn’t make sense to me.
When pro players are traded and moves are being made, it’s front page news. If my trade is a secret—for now—what other secrets do they have up their sleeve?
“We’ve been making changes that will make more sense at the end of summer when we share with the entire team. It’ll be right before the season start. It will be a show to remember. Do we have a deal?” Marcus narrows his eyes on me.
