Page 26 of Hot Puck
“Mom.” My gaze moves over the back of the house, taking in every window, the back deck with its outdoor seating and barbecue. “The best thing might not be staying here.”
I can’t get the advice I want or need but just saying things out loud, in the spot where she did her own thinking, gives me the strength to make the tough decisions.
It would be so easy to accept a contract with the Rogues, so so easy, but the logistics of signing on with them would mean moving across the country. Putting the twins in a school where they wouldn’t know anyone.
And leaving the only home the four of us have ever had.
Nat
When Chase came back inside, he seemed more centered. Less freaked out and calmer than when he came barreling down the stairs after waking up.
He didn’t eat, instead took over bedtime with the girls and I made a quick exit to the lower level.
Cassidy and Crystal don’t need tucking in but I’m sure since their parents died, Chase has been more attentive and supportive. He mentioned the three of them reading to Candace in her room before the twins slipped into their own beds.
While Chase deals with his sisters I take a few minutes to message Oakley, Blake, and Cami.
I’ll be gone more than the few days we planned for.
Oakley
Is he proving a hard sell? We can come up there and Walker can talk to him.
Not necessary.
Blake
Give him my number. Tell him to call if he’s got questions.
Cami
What do you need from me?
I smile at Cami’s reply. She isn’t involved with the day-to-day running of the team and insists she shouldn’t be because it’s not her area of expertise.
In some ways, I agree with her, but others, like planning our media coverage and press releases, I think she’d be the perfect person for it.
Unfortunately, it’s not what she wants. And I’m not about to force it on her.
The four of us are KAW, but Blake and I are the only two who are employed by the Rogues organization. Oakley doesn’t actually have a job with the franchise—she’s the face of the owners, and she’s excellent at it. Takes the pressure off me and Blake, and of course Cami.
I’ll keep you updated. Just wanted to let you know I’ll be working remotely for the rest of the week.
Putting my phone on silent, I tuck it into the side pocket of my laptop bag and pull out the contract I came prepared with. I also pull out a set of highlighters and a small pad of sticky notes.
Chase can mark anything he’s concerned about or make note of any questions he might have to run by his agent or a lawyer.
Which reminds me. Fishing around in the inside pocket of my bag I pull out a business card.
Drake Morgan
Sports Agent
I have no idea who has been guiding Chase in the last few years. It might have been just his father or former coach, but if he’s going to seriously consider a place in the league—with the Rogues or any other team—he’ll need an agent.
And Drake is a cut-throat agent. One I’ve gone up against several times. I’m currently dealing with him over our backup goalie.
The reason I put up with the man’s shark-like tendencies is because he’s good—fair—and I want my players to be happy. I’m willing to negotiate most things and Drake isn’t one to ask for the ridiculous.
