“Are you around this week? I’d like to discuss next season with you.”
I know what that means. I’m not sure whether to be happy or sad about it. “I’m not, actually. I took an impromptu trip to India to marry my new husband.”
There’s a moment’s pause before Tanner says, “Congratulations. I feel like a lot has happened since last we spoke.”
Yeah, I got my head out of my ass. I look at Arush. He’s sitting with his friends as they laugh about something. He must feel me looking at him because his eyes meet mine and his smile changes to something that’s only for me.
“Yes,” I agree. “I’m sorry. I admit to being a little obtuse and then needed to act quickly to fix something I unintentionally messed up. We’ll be home next month. Can the meeting wait, or should we talk over the phone?”
“I’m happy that you were able to fix what was broken,” Tanner says, and I choose to believe he’s genuine. I don’t actually know him well. I haven’t made it a point to befriend my agent, as some do. “I look forward to meeting him when you return.”
“Absolutely.”
“If you’re not busy right now, we can talk for a minute.”
“Now is fine,” I assure him.
“I’m sure you’re not going to be entirely surprised by my next words, but you’ve been traded to Florida. And I must tell you, Julian, you made quite the impression last season. This contract isverynice. Florida has a lot of confidence in you. They’re offering three-point-one million annually and a no-trade clause for two years.”
“Wow. I’m not sure how to live with a no-trade. Staying in one place for two entire years! What must that feel like?”
Tanner laughs. “Indeed. I’m going to email this contract to you. Look it over. Have your lawyer look it over. I’ve flagged a couple of things that I want you to look at especially and talk to your lawyer about. They don’t necessarily make me uncomfortable, but they had me pausing.”
This is the reason I know I made the right decision to move to Pride Sports. I feel like my agent is on my team. I’m not just a paycheck. I’m not an opportunity for them to exploit. I’m not a minority that ticks off a box for their DEI agenda. I’m a person and they have my best interest in mind first and foremost.
Though I’m truly unsurprised by the trade, the news that I’m going to Florida makes me nervous. It’s a dangerous place for Black people. It’s one of the places in the south where we’re still living in the nineteen-forties and fifties when our lives have less value than that of white men. Even our young children aren’t offered the same justice.
“Thank you. I’ll take a look in the morning.”
“Ah. I apologize for calling so late.”
“No worries. I hadn’t told anyone I was here yet.”
“Very well. Get in touch with any questions or concerns. And congratulations. Please give your new husband my best.”
I smile. “Thanks, Tanner. Talk soon.”
I end the call and pull up my email to take a look at the contract. It’s a pain in the ass reading them on a phone, so I only skim a few sections before forwarding it on to my contracts lawyer with a quick note.
“Everything okay?” Arush asks.
I look up to find him approaching. I offer him my hand, and he places his in mine so I can pull him to me. His mouth lands on mine and for a minute, I ignore that we’re not alone in the room while I enjoy the taste of his mouth.
“I have some shocking news,” I tell him. “We’re moving to Florida.”
I meant it teasingly, but Arush is surprised.
“I was traded to the Florida Manatees,” I say with a grin.
He relaxes. “Oh. That’s good news?”
“Well, because they were so impressed with my performance last season, I received a very nice raise and a two-year no trade, which means we’re in Florida for at least two years. I think that’s pretty good. On the downside, we’re leaving our home in Chicago.”
Arush clearly doesn’t like that idea. His shoulders sag. But his disappointment clears up, and he cups my face in his hands. “I’m happy for you. That’s a big deal. I’m so proud of you, Julian.”
I rest my forehead against his. “Thank you. You know what I’m most excited about?”
“Not having to move again in a year?” he guesses.
