I scoffed “Well if that’s what you want then where do I sign up?” I rolled my eyes.
Ignoring my sarcasm, he continued. “Logan, we’re looking to replace one of our players. Not to trade. Replace.”
“How is that even possible?”
“There’s an investigation, I can’t discuss the details. Therefore, we can’t pull a player from another team. We’re not giving anyone up and we’re certainly not looking for rookies. We need a pro. We needyou.”
“I don’t know where you’re getting your ideas from but I’m not—”
“From you. You’re suddenly a regular at the youth center. My distributor just told me you ordered a shit-full of inventory from him. You’re on your way back, and you don’t even know it.”
I shook my head. “No. And that’s a hard no. So please.” I motioned to the exit.
“Alright listen. You don’t have to play for the team. Actually you’d need approval from all executives and proof of your release from New York before we’d make any offers. I just—I need you to show up at the rink on Friday afternoon. Tomorrow.”
“Why the hell would I do that?”
“You need time to think about it, I get that, but if you don’t show up Friday, I can’t…” he ran a hand through his hair. “I might have already told the execs that you’re interested. I needed someone to propose at last week’s meeting and you—”
“Please leave.” This guy was looking to use me to help him look good? The league hadn’t changed one bit.
He stood. “This is beneficial for both our careers. You just don’t realize you still have a long one ahead of you if you want it.”
“I don’t.”
He nodded. Disappointment clear in his features. This was not how he’d hoped this would go. But that wasn’t my problem. I pulled the door open.
He looked at it, unmoving. “How successful is this place anyway?”
“You know damn well I don’t need the money.” If that was where he was going with this.
“I know. You’re doing this for someone.” He pointed outside the door. “A family member?”
I didn’t respond.
“Yeah I get it. Look I don’t have all day. Here’s my card.” he took one out from his wallet and left it on my desk. “Tell you what, show up on Friday just for shits to prove to my executives I sought you out. Got you in. And when you get there, just say no.”
Seemed easy enough, but I didn’t owe the guy anything.
He looked around the store again once we were out of my office. “Otherwise, some of your vendors might get calls about this place.”
“What the hell does that mean?”
“I’ll see you Friday, Buffalo Gaters Arena, five o’clock. The team doesn’t have practice till later that night, but the execs will want to see some movement on the ice. So I suggest no heavy lifting that day, alright?”
I drew in a breath and glanced at Tisch as she walked by, ignoring us. “Five o’clock Friday.”
15
Friday afternoon,I jumped at the knock on my door. It had been quiet all day with Sam at work and Jax in school. I was still getting used to having most of my days off and only working evenings when the Gaters had a game.
“Ray, it’s me.” I cringed at the sound of Max’s voice at the other side of my door. The ominous edge of it.
I stood and marched to the door. Knowing if I didn’t, he’d likely bang harder and demand I open it.
“I thought you were going to call,” I said before the door was fully open.
He pushed past me. “I decided to come by instead.”
