Before I know it, I’m sitting with a bunch of people in suits and looking over paperwork.
I do my best to smile and act excited because I don’t want these people to think I’m ungrateful or something. I am happy, I just…
Don’t do that. Don’t pretend to be happy, Alex.Mack’s words settle in my brain.
I look over the contract for the fifth time. It’s not the greatest deal in the world—I’m only going to be making about forty-five grand to start, which isn’t much in thegrand scheme of things. Austen’s going to be making at least ninety just attaching files for dad at the firm.
But this isn’t about the money. It’s never been about the money, it’s about the opportunity.
The chance to prove that I’m good atsomething.The chance to live out my dream of being a professional athlete.
Well, semi-professional, technically.
It’s about proving to myself that I can do this. That I’m not the failure everyone thinks I am.
I push Mack’s words away as I stare at the space awaiting my final signature. I look up at the room full of people. I don’t know anyone, not really. I realize that as I sit here in this room in some random town in fucking Pennsylvania, that I am surrounded by people, but I feel strangely alone.
I’m sure that’s the nerves. It’s normal to be nervous over something like this.
My gaze finds Vance’s in the corner. Captains don’t typically sit in on contract signings, but these people must think pretty highly of him to let him stay.
Which means he must have some pretty good standing, and he’s a man I need to impress.
He stands there, hands behind his back, staring back at me with a challenging look. It reminds me of someone else.
He nods the slightest, as if he’s giving me permission to do the very thing I came here to do.
It’s strange, but the sight settles something in me.
I don’t know the guy yet, but he is my captain. I’m sure I’ll get to know him well enough over time, right?
I hold my breath as I sign my name, and when they take the papers from me, shaking my hand, only then do I breathe.
When the conference room clears out, Vance and I are the only two people left.
“Welcome to the team, Alex.” He holds his hand out. I take it and shake it firmly. He pulls me in for a tight hug that feels harsher than it should.
“They put you up here?” he asks, sliding his hands into his pockets.
“Yeah. I’m on the fifth floor,” I say quietly. I haven’t felt much like myself today, despite everything that’s happened. Maybe I’m still waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“You got any plans tonight? To celebrate?” Vance asks.
“I could have plans,” I say with a shrug.
Vance grins. “Good answer.”
“I just, uh… need to make a call first,” I say.
“Fine. I’ll be in the car.” He takes two steps before turning to face me, his dark grey eyes sending a shiver down my spine. “And, Brewer?”“Yeah, Cap?”
“I don’t fucking wait for anyone, so hurry your ass up.”
Something about the way he says the words are harsh, bitter. Commanding. I blink, looking back and forth before finding my voice.
“‘Kay. I’ll be right there.”
My fingers hover over Mack’s number. It’s well after nine. He should be awake and available, right?
