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But this is typical for my father. Not only is he already looking ahead toward next year, he’s looking past the player every agency wants to sign. He always has a master plan that means playing the long game.
“Donovan thinks he’s entitled to play,” my father says, rubbing some dirt off his mallet. “Cassidywantsto play.”
“All the best players are confident.”
“So are all the best sport agents,” he replies. “Which is why I’d like for you to come with me tomorrow night. And why I think you should get licensed…and sign him.”
My grip tightens around the wooden handle of the mallet.
This is a topic that comes up every once in a while. I started at Garner Sports Agency as a glorified assistant. Worked my way up to more substantive tasks than filing and scheduling travel. But I’ve never gotten licensed as an agent, meaning I’d be able to represent athletes. It’s felt like a permanent step in a way accepting a job there didn’t.
“This guy is the real deal, Hannah. If you sign him as your first client, you’re setting yourself up for one hell of a career.”
Rachel approaches, her blue mallet swung over one shoulder like a polo player. “I thought you guys were over herecelebrating. You’re talking aboutwork?”
“Not anymore,” my father replies, patting me on the back and starting toward the patio. “Let’s head inside and see if your mother will accept any help.”
Rachel hooks her elbow through mine as we walk across the lawn. “You okay, Han?”
“I just kicked all your asses at croquet. I’mamazing.”
“You just seem… I don’t know. Distracted, I guess.”
I force a smile. Part of me wants to blurt outI applied to architecture school. And then married a billionaire in Vegas!
Just to have this weight off my chest. This crushing uncertainty of handling problems alone.
I squeeze Rachel’s forearm. “I’m fine. Thanks for checking. Just tired. I didn’t sleep well last night. Everything is fine.”
Rachel nods, believing me.
And I hope I didn’t just lie to my sister.
CHAPTEREIGHT
OLIVER
Pierre, my doorman, nods as I walk past him. “Good morning, Mr. Kensington. Have a wonderful day.”
“Thanks, Pierre.” I inject some warmth into my tone, knowing my voice will come out flat otherwise. The glass front of my building’s lobby reveals a gray morning. The flinty sky matches my mood.
I landed back in New York late yesterday afternoon. The rest of my trip to Vegas was far less eventful than the first night.
I mostly gambled, wishing I could throw an unwanted marriage into the pot. Annoyingly, I won almost every game, so none of the guys understood why I was scowling.
And I spent last night perusing law firm websites and reading blogs about how to obtain a quick divorce.
I know plenty of lawyers. Kensington Consolidated has a veritable army of them. Half my college classmates continued on to law school.
The problem is, I have no idea who to trust. People will care I’m married, even—especially—that it’s a short-lived one. And realistically, not only do I need to proceed carefully, I also need to go on the offensive.
I looked the Garners up last night, too. Hannah’s family is wealthy. Her father represents some of the biggest names in sports, and he even held shares in a professional team at one point. She probably has a trust fund and isn’t desperate for money.
But her personal wealth can’t come close to representing a fraction of my net worth. In addition to my trust fund and sizable salary, the stock I own in Kensington Consolidated is worth a hundred million, easily.
I hate negotiating from an inferior position. And that’s exactly where I am with Hannah. Based on my basic research last night, she has a legal claim to half of my financial assets. In addition to that, her involvement with Crew obviously didn’t end well. I’ve just handed her a golden opportunity for revenge.
I hate thinking that way. I like Hannah. Under very different circumstances, I could see myself dating her. I saw her reaction to the license, and it was legitimate distress. But my cynicism has gotten me as far in the business world as my last name has. I would be a fool to bank on her expecting nothing when she has the opportunity to become a billionaire because I signed above her signature.
