Brody’s brows pulled together. “Weird how? Something physical?”
And I could see his fear that my head was bothering me. “No. Not at all.” Only to Brody would I voice this. “I feel like they’re testing the waters of the team without me.”
“No way. You’re our leader.”
“Well, then someone is staging acoup. Brody, I’m telling you, the Kings are gearing up to trade me.”
Nothing in Brody’s face indicated that he wasn’t telling me the truth. Of course I didn’t think he’d lie to me, but I also knew he’d hate to hurt me if there were rumors. “No fucking way. You’re young and in your prime. Best in the league. A Hall of Famer.”
Hearing Brody’s outrage on my behalf, I put my arm around him. “I can’t imagine they’re really gonna trade me, but it’s upsetting that they’re finding it so easy to toss me aside week after week.”
“They aren’t,” Brody insisted. “I refuse to believe it.”
**
Two days later, Ezra called. “Dev? We need to talk.”
Instantly, I went on alert. Brody and I had come home from practice and were in the living room of my place, studying tapes for the upcoming game on Sunday.
“What is it?” Sensing the tension in my voice, Brody swung his legs over the side of the couch and sat up.
“I’d rather talk in person.”
“Ezra. Just tell me. I can already guess, but I need to hear it.”
“The Kings have received some offers for you. Draft picks, players…pretty good ones obviously. You’re worth a hell of a lot.”
I ignored the ego stroke. “Not enough to keep me, though, despite so many playoff and Super Bowl appearances and wins. Four championships in ten years isn’t a goddamn joke.” Even though I’d hate to be away from Brody, it could be doable if the team was close. We could deal with it for four years or so. “Okay. Where to? East Coast, right?” Brody rubbed his nape, sadness emanating from his eyes. I held out my hand, and he took it.
“Not exactly. The Oklahoma Bisons and the Utah Peaks.”
Panic rising in my chest, I shook my head. “Oh, no. No, no, no. No fucking way. I can’t live away from Brody for that many years. I won’t.”
It wasn’t easy for Ezra either. “Dev…I’m trying to do what’s best for you, but you don’t have a no-trade clause in your contract. I’m afraid the head injury last year has made you vulnerable in a way you’ve never been.”
Exactly as I feared. “And there’s no such thing as loyalty. I know, I know. It’s a business, and it’s all about the money.”
“Yes. All I can do is get you the best deal possible.”
“Thanks, Ezra. I know it’s not your fault. Talk to you soon.”
I ended the call without waiting to hear what he had to say and stared off into space. Brody remained quiet. Waiting.
“It’s across the country,” I stated, sick to my stomach.
“How far?”
“Utah or Oklahoma. I’d rather retire. That I can do, at least.”
“But you shouldn’t have to. It’s not fair. Dammit, you’re young. You’ve got years left to play.” I’d never seen Brody so angry.
“I know.” Frowning and frustrated, I ran my hands through my hair. “Be honest with me. Do you think I’ve fallen off my game? Have I been screwing up?” I knew no matter how much he loved me, Brody would tell me the truth.
“No. I haven’t noticed anything different in your play. Don’t let that interception freak you out. It’s not the only one you’ve ever thrown; you’re just hypersensitive to every move.”
“Maybe, but I think I have a right to be, especially now when I see they’re ready to trade me.” I had a wild idea, but I needed Brody’s consent. “I want to ask you something. Are you willing to let me try something that would require us coming out, but it would definitely still remain a secret?”
“That doesn’t make any sense. How can we come out if it’s still a secret?”
