“Because I’m gay? I’m not so sure that’s the reason. More than likely, it’s because I’m not a sports fanatic, and I was never involved much with the team.”
“I see. But you dofeeldifferent?”
“I think people aren’t sure how to treat me. But it hasn’t been all negative. My organization doesn’t discriminate in who we hire—that would make me pretty damn hypocritical, don’t you think?”
“Well, people do things without realizing the consequences.”
“My team—my inner circle—has been nothing but supportive. Yes, there’s been a learning curve, but that’s only natural. I have excellent support.”
“From whom?” Daniels’s eyes were on his tablet as he took notes.
“Russell Anders, Jacob Whitmore, Troy Geiger, and of course Coach Jackson and his staff. We’ve all been working well together.”
“And no one’s had any problems with your sexuality? No jokes or comments?”
“I think you’re hoping that something nefarious is going on, but I can assure you it isn’t. Are people homophobic? Of course. But the point I’m making is that here in the Kings organization, I haven’t come across that problem.”
Daniels finished typing and met his eyes. “Not even because of your assistant?”
His heart swooped and fell. Had someone seen them together at dinner? Or maybe kissing in front of Hayden’s apartment building? Heart thumping, Armi gathered his wits.
“Hayden’s been a valuable member of my team and nothing but helpful to me. Anyone’s sexuality is none of my concern.”
Shane Daniels regarded him thoughtfully, and then an enigmatic smile tipped up the corner of his mouth. “I agree. Do you think you’ll be staying with the team long-term?”
“Yes. I will.”
“It’s been rumored that you and your father had a contentious relationship and he never planned to make you the team owner. Did he accept you? Or were you at odds because you’re gay? What’s true?”
One-two punch.
“I’m not sure what that has to do with me leading the team into the future.” His gaze was steady. “I’m not interested in dwelling on the past. Nothing good can come from that.”
“But has it put you in a bad place with the other members of the organization who may have had different ideas as to how to run the team?”
Three weeks ago, Armi might’ve stumbled his way through and given Daniels enough ammunition to make him look the fool. Not today.
“We’re all dedicated to making the team the best it can be. Our scouts are all over the country, looking for superior talent, our coaches are the best in the game and future Hall of Famers, and we’re hungry for another Super Bowl for our fans. We have the best quarterback in Devlin Summers. The quickest tight end in Brody Martin. Now we’ve added Milo Masterson to our roster.New Yorkers expect us to be number one, to be winners, and we plan to give it to them.”
“Now for the personal side of the interview. Are you married, single, or dating anyone?”
“I’m single, and I’m not seeing anyone.”
“Do you want a relationship, and how do you think this new position might affect that?”
“I’m not averse to meeting someone, but they’d have to understand that this job is pretty all-encompassing. It doesn’t go away at six p.m.”
“Are you afraid someone might want to date you only because of who you are?”
Armi shrugged. “I suppose so, but I’ll never know if I don’t take a chance.”
“Could you ever see yourself dating a Kings player?”
“That would be a conflict of interest for me. You’d have to ask a player if they’d ever want to date an owner.”
“Thanks, Armand. This has been a very enlightening interview.”
“I’ll walk you out.” Armi opened the door, noticing Hayden wasn’t at his desk. He ushered Daniels to the elevator. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Daniels.”
