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His jaw pulses, and I sink back into the couch. “What I’m trying to get at is that the future is unpredictable. You were the number one pick. I’m sure you’ve heard the rumours about the toxic locker room energy in Florida. Not to mention the coach is a blubbering idiot.”
Everyone has heard about the team energy in Florida. Dad has already had this talk with me to help prepare me for what I could be walking into, but at the end of the day, I would only be there for three years until my entry contract is up.
“It wouldn’t be forever,” I say, holding firm.
He exhales slowly, like he’s trying to keep his calm. “Florida doesn’t need you, Maddox. They have two solid top lines, and you’ll be lucky to see more than five minutes of ice time a game as the team stands right now. I don’t say this to take a crap on you here, but you’ll be forgotten if you sign with Florida. By the time your entry-level contract is up, you’ll be lucky to get traded to a top team. That means a much lower offer on your next contract.”
I swallow, my unease growing and growing and growing. This isn’t going at all how I thought it would today. Dad would lose his shit if he knew what was happening.
“Roy, if we’re serious about this, I need my dad here. What you’re talking about doing is something my old man has instilled in me never to do. I can’t just agree on the spot.”
He scowls so deep he looks downright pissed off. “Look, kid. I have Florida’s contract on my desk right now. If you want to sign it, we will right now. But I’m telling you as both your agent and your best friend’s father that you will regret it,” he says, voice firm, almost angry.
I look at Braxton beside me, quickly taking in her tight posture and the way she’s watching me with guarded blue eyes. My worry is instant.
Flicking my eyes back to her dad, I ask, “So, what exactly are you suggesting I do? Turn down Florida and take my chances at getting picked up by another team before the season starts, or re-enter the draft next year?”
Neither of those options is ideal. Not in the slightest. In reality, they can be career killers.
“I think we can find you a much better team before the season starts. Vancouver is an option. Their interest is blaring. It has been since you were fifteen. I think if given the right chance, they’ll jump at you.”
A small spark of hope grows inside of me. “And if they don’t? Then I have to go through this entire process again? What if I end up right back in this situation? The risk is too much.”
“I think it would be worth it,” he states confidently.
Overwhelmed, I focus on Braxton again. The girl I love is right here beside me, and this is going to be her future just as much as it will be mine. Her opinion means everything to me.
“What do you think about this? Is this the right move, Curly? Because you know I can’t do the wrong thing here,” I mutter softly, reaching for the hand she has on her thigh, taking it in mine.
Her lips part slowly, and her answer surprises me enough I have to do a double take.
“I think my dad is right. Florida isn’t for you.”
“Yo—you’re sure?” I stutter. Fucking stutter.
She nods. “You deserve better. You deserve the best.”
“I could have the best later on. I don’t need it right away.”
“But if you could have it, why wouldn’t you just take the chance?” she whispers.
My chest is tight. The room feels suffocating despite the large size of it. My gut tells me to call my dad to get his perspective. He would know what to do better than anyone, but at the same time, this is my career. My future. It should be up to me and the girl I hope is there for all of it.
“You’re sure?” I ask her.
Her eyes fall to our hands, and she mutters a shaky “Yes.”
I squeeze her fingers and meet Roy’s stare.
“Okay. Get it done.”
23
MADDOX
PRESENT
She’s giving me an out.An easy one at that.
