JAX
“Idon’t understand. Why would they even want that?” I had gotten really tired of dodging a bad curveball, and life was throwing me another right now via cell phone.
“They think you’d be a good fit. You’ve been one of the best pitchers in the league, Jax. That counts for a lot.” Dan sounded tired. I guess dealing with my fall from grace had taken a toll on the poor fella.
“When do I have to give them an answer?”
“When?” I could hear the sneer through the phone. “Now.”
“It’s Christmas, and… I’m not ready to commit to sitting on the sidelines. What if I say no?”
Dan damned near giggled with glee. “No one says no to this kind of job, kiddo. This is the kind of opportunity that a pitcher past his prime hopes for.”
Past my prime? Damn, that hurt. “I’m not past my prime, Dan. I just can’t pitch anymore. But that doesn’t mean I want to… I’m twenty-six, for fuck sake… Look, I know it’s a great opportunity. I know that. But…”
“But nothing, Jax. Since you blasted out onto that field and became one of the faces of the franchise, it’s been just as good for them financially as it has been for you. Losing you is something they would prefer not to do. Do you know how much press they would get if they could say you’ve transitioned to their pitching staff? Your punim could stay on the street poles and the rest of the league’s PR materials. Kid, it’s a step toward staying in the game forever. Teams will fight to get you under contract. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
“Doesn’t feel like it.” I had no idea how I felt about this. It was a chance to stay in the game, sure, but not the way I wanted.
“Listen, kiddo. How long do you need?”
“Can I have twenty-four hours? I want to really mull it over, you know?”
“I can get you twenty-four, but they’re going to want an answer. The owner broke a very expensive crystal vase when he found out you couldn’t pitch any longer. They were in a meeting about you that lasted well beyond what it should have. They want you.”
I knew it should feel good, but it didn’t feel that way. It felt uncomfortable. “If it’s, no?”
“Then I need to know what the fuck you want. You want out of the contract?” His sigh told me how bad it would be for me. “If you break it, they don’t have to pay you – you understand that, right?”
“I know.” I slumped against the Drive-In’s wall. Fuck.
“I’ll fight like hell for you, kiddo. You know that. But this is a great opportunity.”
“I’m tired, Dan. I’m not sure that I… I’ll call you back tomorrow, and we can settle this.”
“You’re gonna make my Christmas a bitch, aren’t you?” I could hear the tension.
“Hey! I’m your favorite client.” I tried to lighten things up. But I knew how heavy it really was.
“You make me the most money, kiddo – that’s for sure. But if you say no…”
Ok, that sounded ominous. “What? You’ll drop me? What about all the endorsements you said I’d still have?”
“You’d have them – for a bit. But I know you, Jax. For you to keep those endorsements up, you’d have to pivot and embrace your celebrity. You’d have to do reality shows and play the celeb game that you’ve never had any interest in.”
“I’d go on The Amazing Race if I could find the right teammate.” I glanced over my shoulder at the handsome man waiting for me. It looked like the waitress had delivered our burgers, and my mouth watered at the thought.
“That’s… I’m sure that would be fun – but it’s not the kind of show I’m talking about, kiddo, and you know it.”
“What you’re telling me, Dan is that if I say no and don’t want to become a money-hungry, fame-whore, it’s really over.”
“Chances are. You, ok?” I knew he actually did care about me. I might pretend that he was only in it for the money, but he was always on my side.
“I don’t know.”
“You have a lot to think about. Call me tomorrow, or I’ll have the CIA track your ass down.”
“Got it. Thanks, Dan. I appreciate all you’re doing.”
