The empty practice field reassured me that I would have less of a chance to end up with an impromptu meeting with our newest signed player. Breathing a sigh of relief, I waved to the receptionists near the entrance and made my way to my office within the area of stadium operations. Bestowing the title of vice president on me was another step in preparing me for what will happen when Dad was gone.
That’s not a subject I lingered on. My father was sixty-five on his last birthday. While the future of my personal life was unsure, professionally, Dad would bearound to teach me, Grant, and Lip what the next generation needed to know.
“Good morning, Vee,” Jen, my assistant, said as I entered the business offices. “Do you need anything before the morning meeting?”
“Good morning.” I smiled at her bourbon barrel earrings. “Those are cute.”
“I bought them in the gift shop before the game yesterday.”
I nodded. “I think I’m good. I’m going to check my emails to be sure my ticket information is correct. Then I’ll be on my way.”
Not long after I sat down at my desk, there was a knock on the door. Dad peeked his head inside. “Oh good. You’re here.”
“Dad, come on in.” I looked at my watch. I was later than normal, but not late. “Our meeting isn’t until ten?”
My father took his position as CEO and president seriously, but at the same time, he didn’t believe in stuffiness. He wanted a casual environment of teamwork. His button-down shirt, blue jeans, and leather loafers fit that image. Despite his age, Dad was a handsome man with thick salt-and-pepper hair, a fit body, and vibrant green eyes that matched my own. “I wanted to talk to you alone before the executive meeting.”
The two cups of coffee I’d already consumed percolated in my stomach. “Okay.” I stood, smoothed my tan skirt, and motioned to the comfortable seating area near floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out over the outside practice field. “Do you want to sit?”
Dad nodded. Once we were both seated, he asked, “Is there something you want to tell me about Griffin Graham?”
Pressing my lips together, I considered my answer. Despite the ache in my chest, I shook my head. “I can’t think of anything.”
The fissures at the side of Dad’s eyes deepened. “Grant mentioned that the two of you have a history.”
Another shake of my head as I exhaled and offered a bare-bones answer. “I knew Fin at the University of Kentucky. We went out a few times. He was offered a deal to transfer to Tennessee. The Vols at that time were an NCAA top-ten team. It was a better university to showcase his talents. Fin took the offer, and that was it.”
Dad nodded. “Tennessee helped make Graham a second-round draft pick. Atlanta drafted him.”
“I didn’t follow his career.” That wasn’t completely accurate. I followed him through Tennessee, Atlanta, and on to Tampa Bay. After that, even though I told myself I didn’t care, I still followed his stats.
“Royce wants him even more than he did before.After yesterday, he wants to renegotiate Graham’s contract.”
“Renegotiate? How?”
Dad leaned back and lifted his ankle to his knee. “Fin’s agent agreed to the original one-year contract. After yesterday, Graham put himself on the radar of other teams. It wouldn’t be that big of a loss to him if he chose to let one of those teams buy out his contract with us. Royce thinks we need to offer more.”
I nodded, despite my inner turmoil at the prospect of Fin being part of the Coopers into the future. “This is why I’m not involved with football operations. Royce is good at finding talent.”
“We’ve talked about it before. You need to spend more time in football operations. Let Grant show you how that side of the franchise works.”
“Grant?”
“Vee, one day you’ll be in my position. The Coopers is a business. That’s the way every decision must be approached. Ask yourself, what’s best for this season? And then ask, what’s best for the future of the team? If those answers contradict each other, then it’s time to find new answers.”
“Do you think Mr. Graham is good for the season or for the future of the Coopers?”
Dad exhaled, his nostrils flaring. “Season. As you said yesterday, his age is a factor.”
“Then I don’t understand why we would renegotiatehis contract. Does Royce think Fin has three years in him?” When Dad didn’t answer, I leaned forward. “Grandpa also said the Coopers was about people. I crunch numbers. Sometimes what’s best for the numbers isn’t best for our people.”
Dad’s smile grew. “This afternoon, Royce and I are meeting with Fin and his agent. I’d like you to come with us to that meeting. I’ve also invited Grant.”
It wasn’t as if I would turn down my father’s invitation. However, I wished he would have left the part about Grant out of it. “Grant.” My lips pressed together.
“You two will be working together in the future. Grant is essential in communication; he also has a good mind for the football side of the business. Vee, you’re more like your grandfather. You have the heart of the Coopers as your main concern.” He smiled. “Rachel is like you, too.” He took a deep breath and lowered his ankle. “She confided in me yesterday that she’s ready to retire after this season. Darin wants another year or two, but that timeline would mean that we’ll need you, Grant, and Lip moving up sooner than previously discussed. Will your increased responsibilities be a problem?”
“No.”
