“Doesn’t that include you?” I asked slowly.
“Hey… You know it doesn’t. I’ve been with you from the beginning, kiddo, and the ride wasn’t as long as you deserved. But I want – it’s my job to do whatever it is you want. When the chips are on the table, I’m always going to be on your side. You’re young and deserve to be happier than any other client I have.”
“I know, Dan. I… uh… I appreciate it. You’ve always had my best interest at heart. I know that.”
“So, what is it you want? Do you want them to make decisions for your future without you even having a say? They’re gonna do it, and because of the contract you have – they can. You belong to them, but if they hear it from you… Maybe you can have it your way instead of theirs. Whatever that is. You ever gonna tell me what it is?”
“I don’t know. But I think I made a decision about what it is I don’t want, Dan.” I hadn’t really known until right now as the words tumbled from my mouth. That scared me even more. But I didn’t want to be at the beck and call of someone else. I was done with that.
“I understand.”
“Can I count on you to get on that plane?” He begged.
“Looks like I don’t have a choice, do I? As always, I belong to the team. But if he thinks this is a good way to get me to fall in line with his wishes – I can tell you this, Dan, he made the wrong choice.”
I wrote a quick note to my mom, telling her what was happening and that I’d be back in a couple days. The owner sent his private plane to pick me up, but after what I had to say, I doubt he’d let me bring it back – and I was coming back. I wasn’t going to miss spending the holidays with Mom in Hardin. This felt more like home than Los Angeles ever did, and that had to mean something.
It did.
Kenny was here, and I wouldn’t let him slip away ever again.
He was going to be pissed, though.
Fuck.
Coach Criss – I really wished I could be here for him tomorrow evening when his retirement became official. I couldn’t wait to see his face when he discovered the stadium was being named for him. I knew how much it would mean to him.
I glanced at my watch. Two hours until I had to be on the plane. Paducah was forty-five minutes away, which gave me a little time.
I grabbed my keys and drove to the school. I should tell Kenny what was happening, but there was someone else I needed to talk to first.
The owner, Franklin, had lit a fire underneath me. I now understood what and where I wanted my future to be.
I made it to the back of the school, where I always parked by the gym, and quickly walked to Coach’s office. At this time of day, this was where he usually was. I had to let him down. But I knew he would understand. I just hope Kenny did, too.
I ran through the gym and down the hallway where the coaches’ offices were. I scooted to a stop in front of his open door. Sure enough, there he was, all reared back on his chair with open boxes sitting all over the floor.
“Coach!” I exclaimed way too loudly, and he grinned from behind his desk.
“Jax, son. To what do I owe the pleasure? Didn’t think I’d see you today.”
“Yeah… I needed to come to talk to you for a second. I’ve… My plans have had to change, Coach. The owner of the franchise is demanding my presence and sending his private jet to get me to LA this afternoon. I’m not sure that… Well, you know. I’ll get right back on a plane, Coach, but I think there’s a possibility that I won’t make it back on time. I’ll get on the first flight I can.”
“This is about your future with the team?” He leaned forward, which meant he was getting serious. He cared so much for me, and maybe -just maybe he could help.
“Yes, sir.”
“Well, I wish you could be here, Jax. But I completely understand. You have to settle this. It’s your life and much more important than shaking my hand. I think I’ll be seeing a lot more of you from now on, am I correct?”
“Yes, sir. I expect you’ll start to get tired of me if I have my way.”
“Kenny told me about the job offer. Did you make a decision?”
“Well, Coach, that’s what I’d like to talk to you about. I thought I’d… Can you talk for a second?” I smiled, and he nodded.
“Son, I have all the time in the world – and always for you.”
“I’d like to run an idea by you. Tell me what you think. It’s time that I start taking my life into my own hands, and this is what my heart tells me I want. And if you don’t mind, please don’t tell Kenny. I want to surprise him myself. So, here’s what I was thinking…”
