Felix opened his mouth, but his father’s voice emerged. “Someone who’s a hard ass and can get the job done. Who will work twenty-four seven to get my boy in front of the best sponsors and top team orgs.”
Interesting that the sponsors were mentioned first. “Is that what you’re looking for?”
Felix looked thoughtful, as if no one had bothered to ask him before. “I’d like that, of course. But having someone in my corner is important, too.”
Leon scoffed. “Kids these days, right? Always looking for therapy in every adult they come across.”
I smiled at Felix. “That’s what a good agent does. Looks out for all your interests, financial and otherwise. I see you’ve already had representation.”
“Yeah, but my dad didn’t like any of them.”
“Them” being the five agents he’d cycled through since the age of fifteen, though technically they were “family advisors” because kids that young weren’t allowed to sign officially with an agent. But the NCAA rules had changed and, at eighteen, Felix was looking to get serious about his career.
Shay had stood and was reading my framed diploma on the wall. “Michigan girl.”
“That’s right. Went through the hockey program there.”
“The women’s one.”
Well, yes, Leon. The women don’t play in the men’s leagues yet.
“I’ve no doubt you’re aware of my background and my career.”
“Good for a girl,” Shay observed.
Felix flushed, embarrassed at his father’s rudeness. Here was the tricky thing about signing players to my stable—I wasn’t just taking on a kid, I was taking on his baggage, and that usually meant stage moms and dickhead dads. Typically, I didn’t mind that as long as the player worked hard and was open to my advice. But when he came with an extra like Leon Shay, I had to decide if it was worth the hassle.
I went through my spiel, outlining the services we offered, dropping a few names to indicate that I had a great roster of clients already and that I was getting them nice sponsorships. Thank God for Hatch’s deal with Passepartout.
“And your dad mentioned that he was looking for twenty-four seven coverage—well, that’s something I can offer. I’m available whenever you need me, even if it’s just to talk. And if, for some reason, I’m not, I have a team of people on hand who can be at your disposal.”
“Any men on this team?” Shay blurted out.
“I don’t have any male agents on my staff yet, but that might change. Right now, we’re a smaller agency, which gives us more flexibility to be there for our clients.”
“So if you’re not around because of, your time of the month or whatever, then you’re relying on other women to back you up?”
“Jesus, Dad,” Felix muttered, then mouthed “sorry” at me.
I wanted Felix, but not this badly. “Why did you take this meeting, Shay?”
He looked at me sharply, evidently surprised at my tone.
“Wanted to see what you’re made of. If you’re Bond’s sister-in-law or your old man’s daughter. I lost money with him, y’know. A few of the Rebels players did, back in the day.”
The ghost of Jonah Yates was never far away.
“Yet, you’re not even holding a grudge. Here you are because you want the best for your boy.”
“Too right I do.”
“So you think you can be a misogynistic, insult-comic asshole without the jokes, see if I’m desperate enough to take it because I’d love to have your son as a client. Well, news flash. I would not be working for you. I’d be working for Felix, so if that’s a problem or if you think I’m going to be your punch bag, then I am not the agent for your son.”
Shay sniffed. “I expected you’d be tough. Mouthy, too.”
Felix looked stricken—in a good way. I might have made a fan. “Dad, Lauren had an amazing career. She won everything.”
I winked at Felix. “I appreciate that. Always good to know who you might be working with. Now, did you have any questions for me?”
