Piper walked down the large entry hallway that felt like entering the depths of hell to Piper.
A stale monochromatic design, more akin to Barbra Streisand’s signature style than a tech billionaire.
Bobby Womack’sIf You Think You’re Lonely Nowplayed softly through the room. Always Jayson’s choice, the music curated the way everything in his orbit was and he loved the classics.
Behind him, ice clicked against the crystal.
“You should come more often,” Jayson said.
“I have a season to win, Jayson.”
“Yes. That’s why you come when I ask, and not when you choose. I would eventually like you to live here full time.”
Piper rested his hands against the glass.“My team is in Los Angeles and I like it that way.”
“I know where your team is.”
“Quarterbacks don’t move that often and they will keep me as long as I keep helping them win.”
“Nothing moves,” Jayson said, “until it does. Given the right pressure.” Piper turned. Jayson was watching him, not the window. It was sometimes how the most direct conversations happened.
“You’re not asking me to move?”
“I rarely ask.”
Jayson lifted his glass. “Your career will be long if you continue as you’ve started. Successful. Those things compound.”
“Success depends on the team.”
“Success depends on leverage. You control variables. You train longer than anyone else. You protect your image. Those aren’t habits. They’re calculations.”
Piper turned back to the window.
“When you first called me after your injury,” Jayson continued, “you said you would do whatever it took to stay on the field.”
“I remember.”
“I appreciated that. Specialists most athletes never see. Facilities most players never train in. Selected personally.” He paused. “You worked for it. I’m not suggesting otherwise.”
“Then what are you suggesting?”
“Nothing complicated.”
Jayson set his glass down. “I enjoy reminding you how exceptional your position is. And how it came to be. I feel like you are ungrateful at times.”
Piper sat with that statement for a moment before saying something he would regret or get punished for.
“You’re saying I owe you.”
“I’m saying we have an arrangement.”
“We’ve had it for nine years.”
“Trust and loyalty,” Jayson said. He stepped closer.
“My parents signed as my managers,” Piper said. It came out more levelly than he felt it.
“They did.”
