“You could say that.”
“Professional disagreements can be challenging when personal feelings are involved.”
Personal feelings. There’s that phrase again, loaded with implications I’m not ready to unpack.
“What are you suggesting?” I try to keep my voice neutral but his knowing look tells me not to bother. He already knows. Fuck my life.
“Just that the relationship between coach and player requires trust, communication, and honesty. When one or more of those elements are missing... ” Petrov shrugs. “Performance suffers.”
He’s not wrong. Zane and I used to communicate and trust each other. Now I can’t get him to return a fucking phone call, and he’s having secret meetings with management, literally under my nose.
“The question is whether you’re willing to explore alternatives,” Petrov continues, placing his fork on his plate. “Support systems that don’t involve navigating complex personal dynamics or wondering whether the people supposed to help you are actually working in your best interests.”
“What kind of alternatives?”
“Performance consulting that addresses the full spectrum of challenges you’re facing. Financial incentives that provide security regardless of your current team situation. Opportunities to demonstrate your abilities in environments where politics and personal complications don’t factor into the evaluation.”
“That sounds too good to be true.” My eyes drift back to Zane’s table. His back is stiff, head unmoving.
“You’re an elite athlete, Tate. Your skills are valuable, regardless of what’s happening with your current organization. The question is whether you’re interested in exploring ways to maximize that value and get the outcomes you deserve.”
I glance back at Zane’s table. He’s trying to focus on his conversation, but I can see the tension in his shoulders, the way he keeps glancing in my direction when he thinks I’m not looking.
“If I was to say yes, what would this consulting involve?”
“An assessment of your current situation and the factors contributing to your struggles. Development of strategies to address external pressures. And yes, financial compensation for your participation in performance evaluation scenarios.”
“Performance evaluation scenarios?”
“Think of it as... independent contracting. Opportunities to show what you can do when external factors aren’t working against you.”
Independent contracting. It sounds legitimate, professional. A way to prove my worth.
“How much financial compensation are we talking about?”
“Depends on the scope of your participation. Initial consulting fees typically range from ten to twenty thousand per engagement. More comprehensive arrangements can be significantly more lucrative.”
Ten to twenty thousand. Per engagement. That’s more than I make in a month on my current contract.
“What would I have to do for that kind of money?”
“Demonstrate your abilities in specific game situations. Show that you can perform under pressure when external distractions are minimized.” Petrov finishes his wine. “Nothing you’re not already doing, simply in a different context, without the pressure of your current management breathing down your neck.”
A different context. That could mean anything, but right now, with Zane ignoring me and management having secret dinners about my future, different sounds pretty fucking good.
“I’d need to know more specifics.”
“Of course. I wouldn’t expect you to make any commitments without understanding exactly what we’re proposing.” Petrov signals for the check. “Why don’t you take some time to consider what we’ve discussed? If you’re interested in learning more,we can arrange a more detailed conversation. We can prepare documentation for you to review.”
“When?”
“Soon. Within the next few days.” He pulls out his phone, scrolls through what looks like a calendar. “I’ll have my assistant contact you with some date and time options.”
The server brings the check, and Petrov hands over an American Express black card without looking at the total. The kind of casual wealth that suggests money isn’t a concern, which makes his offer feel more legitimate.
“One more thing, Tate.” Petrov’s voice drops as we stand up to leave. “I’d recommend keeping our conversations confidential for now. In my experience, people who have investments in maintaining the status quo don’t always appreciate when athletes explore other options.”
People like Zane, who’s supposed to be helping me but seems more interested in having dinner with management than returning my calls.
