I should be so lucky.
After a quick look at the screen shows my father's face, I pick up. The only thing worse than taking this call will be what happens if Idon'ttake this call.
“Good afternoon, sir.”
“Ethan, good, glad I was able to reach you!”
Well, at least he's in a good mood. If I play my hand right, this could be a short call.
“Yes, sir. Day off today.”
I'm sure he knows this already, has planned this phone call at a time where I'll have no good reasonnotto pick up.
“Oh good, glad I caught you at a good moment. Look, there's a deal I'm hoping to do for you – a few photo shoots, maybe a podcast or two. Would be great if I could impress these guys while you're in town.”
Looking at the fridge, I realize what I've overlooked – there, just a few days from now, is our away game in New York.Shit.
“Yes, sir. Would you like me to get you some club seats for the game?”
“That would be perfect. And you'll be able to take us out afterward? Maybe to the Brandy Library? I don't want to get you in any trouble with your coach, but a little face time with these guys would go a long way.”
The desire to heave a deep sigh is almost insurmountable. I take a deep breath instead.
“I can probably make that work. Our rookies this year are pretty tame, so I don't need to do too much babysitting. I'll let Coach know.”
Maybe I can talk Ramsey into calling me back to the hotel early for an “emergency”.
“Tame?! That's not exactly the word I'd use. I still can't believe they draftedCarter.”
From his tone, I can tell he'd like to use a different word.
“Oh hey, looks like Kovalenko is calling me. We're getting the boys together tonight to celebrate the win against Carolina.”
“Good, good. You boys are having a good season. Just trim a little fat off that roster and you could really make a push for the playoffs.”
Oh for fuck's sake. I have a feeling he and I would disagree about where the “fat” on the roster lies.
“So, uh, four tickets?”
“Why don't you make it five?”
“Sure. Five tickets at will call for you.”
Can't fucking wait.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
JAMIE
After sleepingin the morning after the Carolina game, my phone starts blowing up with text messages around lunch.
Sutter 12:32 PM
yo we celebrating tonight or what?
Mac 12:36 PM
after that OT? fuck yes
