The dots on the phone indicate that he is typing back, then he stops, then types again.
I am actually. Maybe even partly excited for what’s next. Sure as hell not in the state that I was in when you last saw me. Although I guess I’m always a little demanding in certain ways…
The corner of my mouth hitches at his attempt to lighten the conversation. I’m also happy that he seems to be in a different mood. For a second, I think about breaking the news. But then I remind myself that text isn’t the way for me, but I could ask that we speak. Maybe a video call is better than nothing.
I’m happy to hear. You mentioned what’s up next, so what is that?
Maybe I’m testing the water.
Yeah, general management for a team, and I already have a few teams interested. It’s a hell of a lot more demanding schedule, but I’m at a stage in my life where I can devote my time and go all in.
My stomach sinks again, as any light that I thought might help me unlock my secret just vanished. The idea to ask that we talk is a sentiment that I now ignore. Yet again, Vaughn has no clue that he planted more doubt in my head. All indications are that our baby news is the last thing he would ever want to hear right now. And in a selfish move, I need to focus on this pregnancy and being healthy both physically and mentally. It’s easier if I just leave this be.
Which is why I simply write back and brush past his innuendo.
I need to get back to a project. Take care, Vaughn.
It’s what is best right now.
9
VAUGHN
JUNE
Staring up from the paper lying on the conference table, I watch the three men before me in their suits.
One is a lawyer, the other my own, and they both sit mute in their years of experience. They only interrupt when legal clarity is needed. Then there is Declan Dash, my friend’s uncle and the owner of the Spinners who has been quietly pushing his case for the past year. He wears a subtle wry grin with triumph as he says all the right things.
My eyes dart down to the contract that I’ve already read over with my lawyer during the past few days, then back up to Declan who is patiently waiting.
He picks up a pen and wiggles it between his fingers. “What do you say? Is the offer appealing?”
I lean back in my chair, surprised that he made the effort to fly down to Florida to speak to me. Since my last season ended, I’ve received offers for various roles. Yet here I am with the only one that caught my interest. The wheels have been in motion since last month, but now we need to cement it all down in ink if I choose.
“Should I be thanking the GM you just fired?” I joke to lighten the mood.
Declan wobbles his head slightly. “Well, probably. I mean, I’ve been wanting to shake up the team for a while now. Just so happens he made that easier when the Spinners were out mid-playoffs because of a bad trade this year, so we chose not to renew his contract. And after next season, the head coach has got to go, as I don’t like his methods to train the team. You made it clear that you are not eyeing any coaching position. I heard the rumors, I know Phoenix asked.”
“You’re right. I want a bit more of a mix, working with the scouts and coaches, getting a chance to add a little of the business side into things.”
Declan splays his hands out. “And me.” I chuckle softly. “You and I will have daily contact. You’ll be up in my box at every game and talk to the press. I believe you are exactly who we need to shake things up. I want a man who knows hockey from the other side, and I've seen other teams hire young fresh blood, often with no hockey knowledge, and it's a success. We will need to throw you in the deep end to talk with our scouts about draft picks, and you’ll play a key role in forming our new team strategy. It will take more than one season to completely reshape things, which is why a four-year contract is on the table, with every intention to extend.”
A deep inhale hits me. This would be a great move. And working with Declan would be a good match. He is the type of owner who wants to be involved, as he himself used to play, and I’m the guy who wants to be the spider in the web to see through all lenses of the sport.
It’s a no-brainer.
“Any way you could add Florida weather to the agreement?” My mouth tilts up, and my joke earns a chuckle from the gentlemen in the room.
“No, but you would be heading to Lake Spark during the off-season, so the next few months will feel like you never left a tropical paradise,” Declan counters.
I huff a laugh. “Don’t fill me up with lies. We all know summer in Illinois is not exactly predictable. Besides, the off-season is arguably just as busy for a GM, as a draft is fast approaching. Not to mention that players are at development camps. I’ll need to hit the ground running.”
“I can’t deny that, but lucky for you, we’ll get moving fast and have you in Lake Spark within two weeks. Besides, we have a great realtor that works with the team, I’m sure they can find you a not-so-humble abode that will be ideal for winter and summer.”
I pause for a second as the paper is taunting me.
Lake Spark.
