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FOUR
HORSE SHIT DECORATED IN BUTTERFLIES
LAYTON
“Layton, it’s George. Call me when you can. I have an offer you’ll want to hear about.”
I see my agent’s voicemail as it comes through transcribed in my notifications. When I get in the car, I dial him.
“Layton.”
“George. What’s up, man?”
George has been my agent since my senior year at Oklahoma when I knew I’d need representation. He was fresh in the business and hungry as fuck. I could’ve gone with a more established, big-name agency, but something about his work ethic and how hard he fought reminded me of, well, me. His attitude was similar to mine—work like hell, leave no stone unturned, take the savvy risks, and enjoy the spoils of war.
Our partnership has been critical in my short career. He’s one of the few people I can trust in this business.
“Excel wants you to be the face of their athletic wear brand.”
“Dive right in, why don’t you?”
“The money is good. The contract is fair. I mean, don’t murder anyone while you’re wearing their logo or anything.”
“The contract says that?”
“No, but it’s implied in their morality clause.”
“So no murder. What else?”
“Keep your squeaky clean, good ole Texas-boy reputation and your handsome city-boy looks, and it’s all good.”
This makes me laugh. “Is that a direct quote?”
“Yeah. And I threw up in my mouth repeating it.”
“Handsome city-boy looks—is that what did it for you? I mean, they’re not wrong.”
George makes a retching sound from the other end of the line.
“Come on, George. Say it again. You practiced it, right?”
“Shut up, fuck-face. My apologies. Shut up, Mr. Ranger.”
“What are the terms, that is, aside from no murder?”
“Three years, six mil a year. Seasonal ad campaigns. And you need to be seen wearing the product in public. Four million a year in bonuses if you’re wearing the clothes leaving post-season games and photographed in them.”
“So I’m wearing the clothes, then?”
“Fuck yeah. Get to the playoffs and wear that shit everywhere.”
“Sounds like a plan. Did you send it over to my attorney?”
“Doing it now.”
“Thanks, man.” I mean it. I appreciate everything George does for me. Navigating the business of football is way different than navigating the physical aspects.
“You’ve got it.”
