“Both.”
Nate sighs, his voice calmer. “Cohen, listen. You need a reset. Something to take away that irresponsible player aura. The show is perfect. There's also a major sponsor interested in investing. It could save all of us.”
Ah, there it is. It wasn't just about that, obviously. “Sponsor, PR, charity… but no one asks if Iwantto do it?”
The coach tilts his head, glacial. “You want your career to continue.”
I stand up, pushing the chair back. “I don’t believe this. They want me to play the part of the man in love to clean up the club’s image? I’m not the type.”
Heart adjusts his jacket, calm as if he’s already won.
“That’s precisely the problem.”
I turn to Nate, looking for a shred of solidarity.
Nate shrugs, almost apologetic.
“Are you serious?” I say. “I even have to find a woman?”
Julian Heart leans on the desk. “Yes. Real, if possible. And reliable. Someone who makes you look less… Cohen Becker.”
“And where exactly am I supposed to find her? Tinder?”
He smiles slightly, but it’s a smile that promises nothing good.
“Don’t worry,” he says, “I can help you with that.”
I freeze.
“I didn’t sign up for this.”
Nate stares at me. “Dude… I know it doesn’t seem like it, but we’re trying to help you.”
Yeah, great friend and a shit manager.
Then, Heart brings everything back to the unfriendly zone. “Actually, youdidsign up for this.”
He points to the line in my contract that says:commits to the well-being of the team blah blah blah.
Then ten lines down:commits not to refuse any major sponsor.
Fantastic.
Hell, apparently, is sugar-coated pink and disguised as a charity.
Group:LAKEWOOD LOCKER ROOM ???? (Minus One)(The "Minus One" is me, so funny).
Turbo (Tayler):So? Are you alive or should we start dividing up your locker stuff? I call dibs on the new shin guards.
Blaze (Liam):I heard the Coach’s screaming from the parking lot. My car windows were shaking.
Me:You guys are vultures.
Doc (Harrison):Jokes aside. Sentence?
Me:"Leave." Indefinite. Or until I stop being a "walking image liability."
The Wall (Derek):Fuck. So you’re out?
