“And the Enforcers have played a big part in that,” Antonio continued. “The team is beloved throughout the city. Even people who prefer football or basketball have come to love the Enforcers. And it happened because of us, the Cardini family. But notjustus. You played a huge part in that too, and for that we will never, ever forget you, Tane.”
At this point, Tane wasn’t sure where Antonio was going with this.
The reason Tane had requested the meeting was that he was going to ask Antonio whether he could play on for one more season. This was going to be Tane’s request having dealt withthe Cardini men in the launderette and looked after Jacob in the process.
But the way Antonio was talking, it sounded like Tane was being delivered a farewell speech…
“Antonio, I need to ask you something,” Tane said, deciding that it was best to rip the plaster off and find out whether he could play for another year or not.
However, as Tane knew all too well, when it came to the Cardini family it was rare for anything to play out simply. And it proved to be the case here too…
“Stop,” Antonio said, raising his hand. “I know already. You want to continue playing. I could see it in your eyes when you got back onto the ice after your injury earlier in the season. And I could see it in your eyes at the launderette too. I know you well, Tane Rivers.”
“You do,” Tane replied. “And I know you too, Antonio. So no bullshit, just tell me. Do I have another year or not?”
Tane could feel his heart thumping in his chest.
Tane had been in some of the highest pressure, winner takes all games in the history of hockey – but nothing compared to how he felt right at this moment.
Tane’s future in hockey felt like it was hanging by a thread, and it would all come down to whether Antonio granted him a fresh contract.
“The answer,” Antonio said, leaning forward and fixing his dark stare on Tane. “Is maybe.”
“Maybe?” Tane replied, not sure what to make of Antonio’s response. “Maybe?”
“If it was just my decision, of course I would say yes,” Antonio said, his voice genuine and almost,nearly, friendly. “But you must remember that I answer to the senior men in the family. And they say that you can play for another year, but only if you prove your fitness in the playoffs. The Enforcers won’t ever keep a player on for charity or nostalgia. And I know that you wouldn’t want that either. So… fight for the team in the playoffs and you will have atwo seasonextension. But if you cannot, then we will shake hands and accept that the journey is over.”
Tane could see that Antonio wasn’t bluffing.
The offer of an extra two seasons sounded incredible, but Tane knew that unless he got himself ready to go for the playoffs then the offer would be off the table for good.
Tane knew that there was no room for discussion – that wasn’t how the Cardinis worked and Tane accepted that.
I have to back myself to succeed.
It’s how I’ve always done things.
I’m going to show these mob sonsofbitches just how valuable I still am.
“It’s a deal,” Tane said, offering his hand to shake with Antonio. “You can expect to see me not only playing in the playoffs but lifting the cup after the final game too.”
“Now that is the Tane Rivers I’ve grown to know and love,” Antonio said, a smile of pure delight on his face. “Agreed. We have a deal.”
The two men shook hands and Tane felt his brain shift up a gear.
The motivation to prove his fitness ahead of the playoff run was already there, but with the carrot of a new two season extension on the table the stakes had been raised several levels higher.
Tane was determined to win his fitness battle for himself, and for Jacob too.
Speaking of Jacob, it seemed like Antonio was keen to discuss the boy…
“In case you were unsure, I want you to know that you have my blessing,” Antonio said, leaning back in his chair and sipping on a glass of vintage red wine. “You and Jacob make a good couple. The senior family members do not need to know any details, but I have assured them that you are a good influence on the boy, and he is good for you too.”
“Thank you, I appreciate that,” Tane replied, a surge of relief coming over him. “But… how did you know?”
“You know me, Tane,” Antonio grinned. “I have little eyes and ears everywhere…”
With that, the two men laughed, and Tane was glad to see that his protein-rich plant based feast was on its way to the table along with Antonio’s steak.
