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“They weren’t ready for us. There was no practice. No kits. No boots. The pitch was being worked on. Did you expect me to sit on my arse the entire time?”
He groaned. “I don’t know what I expect anymore. I’ve already had calls from Dorsey, Aid-Thirst, and Skillz. While you’ve been shagging every girl in Brazil I’ve been trying to put your business back together.”
“What did they want?” I asked. Those were my biggest endorsement deals.
“They’re threatening to drop you. Revolution has flown someone out there to have a meeting.”
“Why in the hell would they do that?”
“You have a video game with them that is supposed to launch in two months. Have you forgotten? You’re a loose cannon, Lach. You’re a liability for any of these companies now. Don’t you see that?”
I shook my head, feeling the tension seize around my shoulders.
“No, I play football. There’s no other keeper out there like me. We have contracts. They can’t touch me.”
“Contracts that can be broken if you violate the morality clauses,” he reminded me. “Revolution is the biggest electronic company in the world. If you don’t take the meeting with them seriously everyone will cut you.”
“I’m no different than I’ve always been. If they don’t like it, they can—”
“Do you even hear yourself? I can’t do this anymore, Lach. I’ve tried. Really I think I’ve given you every chance, but I can’t represent someone who doesn’t give a damn about his brand. You are a one-man wrecking ball.”
“What are you saying?” I could feel the sweat rolling down my neck.
There was silence on the other end of the call. I heard sirens in the distance. Rio was a noisy city.
“I’m saying that I have to end this relationship with you. I can’t be your agent any longer. I’m tired of the outraged phone calls. I’m tired of being threatened. I’m tired of being asked to babysit you. It’s bullshit. You’re a damn talented footballer. But I’ve had enough with your personal life. It’s too much stress. There’s not enough money anymore to make it worth it.”
I had an instinct to fight for my cause. To ask him to stick it out with me, but it evaporated as the anger took over.
“Fine. We’re done.” I gnashed my teeth. Years of loyalty meant nothing to him. I wasn’t about to beg.
“That’s it? You don’t have anything else to say? No apology? Nothing?” he asked, raising his voice more than one octave.
“I’ve got nothing for you. Good luck finding another star, because I’m moving on.” The words felt bitter on my tongue, but as soon as I said them, I couldn’t reel them back in.
“I’ll send you the paperwork.” His voice was clipped. “Goodbye, Lachlan.”
I didn’t bother with a goodbye. I hung up and shoved the phone in my back pocket.
I realized things had gone from bad to worse. But I didn’t need Rick. I could handle my own press. I could handle the sponsors, the teams, the Olympics.
I didn’t need him. I didn’t need anyone.
6
Aspen
Armed with suitcases filled with designer clothes, I waved down a cab outside of baggage claim. I didn’t have time to go to the hotel. I needed to find Lachlan Kenzie. I instructed the cab driver to take me straight to the Olympic village. I read the UK teams moved into the village today.
Revolution’s sponsorship came with privileges. I had a pass that would get me in the village. I should be able to find Lachlan. So far, he hadn’t answered any of my calls and neither did his agent. I wasn’t stupid. I knew I wasn’t the only executive after Lachlan. He had endorsement deals with numerous companies. If they had all flown here I was going to have to fight for time with him.
I star
ed at the high rises towering in front of me. How was I going to find him in there? The village was its own city. I knew there were over ten thousand athletes here. If I had to search every building and every floor I would.
I handed the driver a wad of cash and pulled my luggage from the backseat. He sped off toward the airport to make another run. He had been more talkative than the customs agent.
There was a line half a block long at the security checkpoint. I retrieved my ID badge from my purse and roped it around my neck.
