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I’ll fuck him out of my system, and in no time at all, I’ll be saying, ‘Trent who?’
Chapter 7
Trent
New party.
Same old crowd.
At least the setting is a tad different tonight.
Usually, these events are done at some swanky downtown five-star hotel, but this one is taking place at the Museum of Science, which holds a spectacular view of the Charles River from its balcony. Tonight, the river appears vibrant and animated with color as the enchanting Boston city lights reflect off its surface, creating a mesmerizing glimmer.
“You look awfully cheery to be here tonight, Trent. I can’t remember the last time you attended one of these stuffy fundraisers out of your own volition, much less enjoyed being here,” Rex jokes as he slides to stand beside me, preferring to take in the serene scenery rather than pay any mind to the stylish crowd behind us.
“The pre-season starts next week. I won’t be able to attend these soirées all that often once it starts. Might as well show my face now so theimportant peopledon’t forget me later,” I explain sarcastically, turning around to lean against the rail on the balcony overlooking the river.
“Oh, I very much doubt anyone could forget you.” He chuckles in amusement, giving me a little nudge on the shoulder.
There’s no malice behind the joke, but with Rex, there hardly ever is.
Unlike me, he’s always been bubbly in nature. Always in a good mood.
Until he’s not.
Unlike most people in the crowd, Rex has a temper when things don’t go his way. I’ve seen the old man lose his shit plenty of times. I, however, have never been on the receiving end of his wrath, which is a point of pride for me. Though he and I may come from vastly different backgrounds and opposing generations, we found common ground and understand each other.
Both he and I had to fight for what we have today.
Rex was just another farmhand at his father’s ranch before deciding he wanted more in life. And I, well, I’ve got a reminder of Roxbury tattooed all over my body if I ever forget where my origins lie. Most people here inherited their good fortunes, while Rex and I had to fight tooth and nail to guarantee ours. That kind of bond over the years has strengthened our working relationship. Knowing that the person you are in business with has the same core values as you do goes a long way in this industry.
For example, if I didn’t have his complete faith in my abilities, I probably wouldn’t be here. Not every club owner is as patient with their general managers as Rex has been with me.
I made plenty of promises when I first got this job, and I have yet to deliver them to him.
But this year, it’s going to be different.
The Guardians have the best team in the league by far, with the most voracious players. My players are hungry for the title and the cup, and there is no doubt in my mind that this year, I’ll make good on all my promises to Rex.
This year, our team will come out on top.
And fuck everyone who tries to get in our way.
“What’s this fundraiser about, anyway? Dinosaurs?” I ask, tilting my chin over to the life-like depiction of the ancient creatures in the middle of the room.
“Nothing of the sort. It is for the sake of science, though. It’s to raise money for one of the many outreach projects Martha was fond of,” he explains wistfully with the mention of his late wife. “The woman had more pet projects like these than shoes in her closet. God bless her.”
I press my lips into a fine line because I never know what to say on these occasions. His wife passed away from cancer close to a year ago, but every time her name comes up in conversation, I can tell it’s still a sore spot for the old man.
“You’d be surprised to know this one is to build another youth center up at Roxbury. This one will be dedicated to kids interested in science,” he adds with a forlorn smile. “When I told her a few years back that’s where you came from and how you managed to make something of yourself, regardless of your upbringing, Martha insisted I help out more young boys, like yourself, to get out of the dire circumstances they found themselves in. The woman would rival Madre Teresa if she could. Thank God I have deep pockets to help her philanthropic goals, or she’d probably leave me for someone who had just so she could help those less fortunate.” He chuckles, though there is no mirth in it.
“Martha would have never left you, Rex. She was far too dutiful a wife.”
“No, son. It wasn’t duty that kept her tied to me. It was love,” he explains, a shadow of sadness dimming his eyes. “Maybe one day, when you fall in love with a good woman, you’ll understand what I’m talking about. I knew I didn’t deserve her, but I nurtured that love anyway because she was my everything. Still is. You’d be surprised at the lengths you will go to keep the love of your life happy. Even if she is no longer here to see you doing it.”
I nod in silence because what else could I possibly say to that? That I have no intention of ever falling in love, be it with a good woman or a bad one? That love sounds a bit too messy for my liking? Or that my life is stressful enough managing the Guardians, so why add a woman to the equation? That love would take my eyes off the ball, and I’ve worked too hard to get sidetracked now?
No.
