“Yeah. I did it to stay with Brody. I didn’t want to be separated from the person I love more than anything.”
“That’s really beautiful. And thank you for sharing your story with us, but I’m still not sure how it relates.”
I had to make my point before something pulled him away and the moment was lost. “I’m asking for that kind of grace from the Kings as an organization. I came to you because I figured as a gay man in a relationship, you would have a better understanding of my feelings. I love the Kings—you’re the only team I’ve ever wanted to play for, and which I’d hoped to retire from. But I love Brody more. Please don’t trade me. I know you’re listening to the coaches and their fears that I’m not the quarterback I once was, and for you, as the owner, it’s only about business and the bottom line. Maybe it’s true, but I’ve given you everything I have my whole career, and I hope I have your respect so you’ll listen to me. It’s not business to us. It’s our lives.”
Armand seemed uncomfortable. “I usually don’t get involved in the trade negotiations. I trust my coaches to steer the team in the right direction.”
“I’m coming to you—and coming out to you—because I thought you’d understand more than anyone how difficult it’s been to live in this world that wouldn’t accept Brody and myself as partners. I’ve lived my entire career under a shadow of fear that I’d be outed and have to give up what I love doing. Because you know for sure, if I came out, I’d never be able to play.”
Armand sighed. “I hate having to agree with you, but you’re right. I remember when Keller Williams came out, and he’s a high school football coach now—not even active. The press hounded him and his partner.”
That had been a shock to me as well, but obviously, I shouldn’t have been surprised. “Exactly. Even though it shouldn’t, the focus becomes the player’s sexuality, not the game.”
“Okay, Dev.” Armand hitched his chair closer. “So what is it you want me to do?”
“I’m asking you to reconsider this trade and let me stay for five more years. Be the franchise quarterback, as you’ve called me, and let me bring home more Super Bowls.”
“And Luke Fontaine?” Armand posed the obvious question. “What about him? He wants to play and has proved he can. He’s going to be a free agent, and we’ll lose him.”
“Maybe so, but I’m the proven entity. I’ve been the one to get the wins and lead the team. I’m the one who’s brought you all the championships. Trade him for great draft picks if you can. If not, then he stays my backup, and I don’t mind if he plays some, but not because you feel I’m washed up. Look. I still keep my eye on the college scene, and there are a few kids coming up in the ranks with incredible potential. Remember, we also need young, fast running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends. It’s a circle of life—eventually everyone on the team will turn over. But I’m only thirty-one, and that’s not so old for a quarterback.”
“What’s to say we won’t be having this conversation again in five years?”
A fair question, and at least he hadn’t dismissed me outright. “I’m giving you my word. By that time, I’ll have had enough. Brody and I want to be able to enjoy our lives. Hopefully we’ll have more Super Bowls to add to our collection, and I’d do everything possible to make that happen.”
The phone rang, and Hayden jumped to answer it. “I’ll tell him,” he stated and hung up. “Armi, your meeting is ready.”
Thankful I’d been able to get this much time to plead my case, I stood. “I appreciate you seeing me and listening to my story.”
We walked out together. Armand shook my hand. “Thank you for sharing your personal life with me. You’re a great player, Devlin, and whether you stay with us or finish your career elsewhere, you’re a role model and someone I’m proud to know.”
“Thank you.”
Of course I nodded and said the right words, but as I took a car to the field for practice, I had no idea where I stood. I met with the offensive coaches, and both Luke and I went through game planning and preparation. I didn’t get any vibes from them whether I was staying or going. There were no messages or emails from Ezra or anyone.
Four days passed, and my nerves were on edge, but I’d about given up hope. We broke practice around dinnertime, and in the car home, I checked my messages, Brody’s first.
Be over after I shower and change. I’ll bring dinner.
Warmth rushed through me. No matter what happened, I’d never be alone as long as I had him.
Fallon had sent me a bunch of texts.
US Sports Network, NFL This Week, and Football Daily all want to know if the trade rumors are true. What’s going on? What’re they talking about?
I responded with two words:Nothing. Yet.
What do I tell them? They’re not the only ones. Local TV stations are asking too.
The fact that I hadn’t heard a peep from the Kings or Armand wasn’t a good sign. But I’d always been lucky with the Hail Mary pass, and this one was the biggest of my career.
Just say I don’t comment on rumors.
I lay on the couch, waiting for Brody to arrive, when I got a call.
“Ezra? What’s up?”
“Turn onSports News Network. What did you do?”
