Rising to my feet, I wander to the window and gaze out. I’ve always loved being in New York, observing the way the city never sleeps, always feeling alive, always moving. But right now, it doesn’t bring me the same happiness.
“You need a temporary place to stay as your current room is rented to you by the team.”
I instantly start calculating how many moving boxes I need. “Shit, I wasn't thinking about that.”
“Otherwise, there isn't much you have to do other than return your gear and empty your locker by tomorrow afternoon.”
I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. This is really happening. I’m leaving the Woodpeckers and joining their rivals. After years of thinking that the Peacocks are the enemy, it's a lot to process. But I’m a professional, and I know that I have to handle this situation with a clear head.
“Okay,” I say, “I’ll pack my stuff and find a new place to stay this week.”
“That’s the spirit,” Em cheers me up. “Listen, Jas, I know this is tough, but I believe in you. You’re one of the best players out there, and I know you’ll rock it with the Peacocks.”
I nod, even though she can’t see me. “Thanks, Em. I appreciate it.”
“Hey, we’re friends, right? I have to support my buddy.”
That makes me laugh. “Yeah. Is the information about my trade public yet?”
“It'll be later today, so be prepared for all the media.”
Rubbing my face, I sigh, taking in the magnitude of the situation. “Like I didn't have enough of that already.”
“At least you and Flick will be playing together again.”
That makes me smile. Flick, aka Felix Hildebrand, is one of my closest friends, and we used to play on the same team all through college. People called me, Felix, and Westerholm the Three European Menaces. I wonder if those two still keep in touch. Probably not, since Westerholm is a dickhead.
“Do you know if he's looking for a roommate?”
Em chuckles for the first time since calling me. “He would hate to share his space with you.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“You know I didn't mean it like that. He enjoys having his own apartment and space for all his miniatures and other D&D stuff.”
“Yeah, right. So, I hand over everything today?”
“That would be wise before the media finds out.”
I start gathering my clothes from the floor, still not believing this is really happening. “I’ll go to my place first and then the arena. I need to say goodbye to the guys and staff, too. Fuck—”
“Jas, I know this sucks as you haven’t played for any other team during your professional career, but trust me, it’ll be okay. Felix has really enjoyed playing for the Peacocks.”
“It just feels wrong,” I mumble.
“What does? Going from the Wood to the Cocks?”
Her use of the fan nicknames for the two teams makes me roll my eyes. “Can you stop using those stupid as fuck nicknames for the teams?”
“Nope,” she says, popping thep. “That’s how I know the teams as a Shamrock fan.”
“Why did I hire you?”
“You know you love me, even if you won’t admit it. No one else would put up with all of your crap as your agent,” she jokes, and I know it’s all said with the love we have for each other as friends.
It has never been more between us as I know how much my agent means to Felix, even that stupid man hasn’t admitted his feelings after close to ten years of pining after her. Maybe I could help with that once we play on the same team again.
“Thanks for calling me, Em. I appreciate you as my agent and friend in general—I hope you know that.”
