Chapter 56

KNOX

“You know,you’re lucky Cooper is casual about stuff like this,” Coach Damon says.

“Lucky,” I say. “He’s lucky to talk to me.”

“Okay, Knox, I respect the confidence…”

“Just make the introduction and let me talk,” I snap.

“Hey. I’m still your goddamn coach.”

I stop walking and look at Coach Damon.

My jaw tightens.

He grabs my shoulders. “Listen, Knox. You’ve got a lot on your plate. I’m not going to pep talk about that. You know what’s going on here. But I’m still your goddamn coach. Cooper is a good guy. He’ll steer you in the right direction. At the end of the day though, Cooper wants to get paid. You think I’m going to drop you off and leave you to an agent? Alone? Not a chance in hell, Knox. I would have preferred you tell me what’s on your mind first. Instead of calling me like you did and demanding this meeting. I’m not stupid though. Something happened. Some sense of reality smacked you in the face and has you spooked. Whatever it is, I’m in your corner.”

“Which is why I’m talking to Cooper,” I say. “You’re in my corner, Coach Damon. I know that.”

Coach Damon tightens his lips and points to the luxury steak house restaurant.

Someday soon I’ll be able to afford the entire restaurant.

Right now? I can’t even afford the lemon that comes with the free glass of water.

That’s all about to change.

I’m too dressed down for a place like this.

Or so I think…

We walk into the steak house and everyone is mostly dressed down.

There’s actually nobody in a suit.

Closest thing to it is a guy in jeans with a suit jacket, holding a bottle of beer.

Eyes glued to some sports show.

Coach Damon points. “That’s Cooper.”

I instantly feel… a connection.

Cooper turns his head and looks right at me.

I don’t know, it’s hard to explain.

I suddenly see myself twenty years from now, winding down after a hall of fame worthy hockey career and Cooper shaking my hand, telling me it’s more than time to retire.

Coach Damon shakes Cooper’s hand first. He whispers something to him.

Cooper laughs.

“Knox,” Cooper says. “You know, I hate introductions. Especially in my job. I know everything about you. You don’t know a damn thing about me.”

“I just want you to make me a ton of money,” I say. “How’s that for getting right to the point?”

“Don’t you want to know anything about me?”

“If Coach Damon says you’re the man to talk to, what more do I need? I trust that guy with my life. Hope I can do the same with you, Cooper. I’m in an interesting position right now. I’m going to be a father.”

Cooper nods. “So I’ve heard. Congrats on that. Must be an exciting time.”

“Exciting. Yes. But it’s a very serious time too, Cooper. Are you half as good as Coach Damon says?”

Cooper seems a little taken back. “Wow. This guy is for real. I haven’t even offered him a drink. Haven’t even bought him a meal.”

“I’m not here for free stuff,” I say. “I’m here for answers. For plans. Look, Cooper, I’m not like anyone else you’ve dealt with. I’ve got a family to take care of. That’s my priority.”

Cooper takes it all in.

I’m cool and stern on the outside.

Inside, I’m a mess.

I can’t stop thinking about that apartment. And Willow.

The look on her face too…

I had to leave. Not for a bad reason.

Willow wants that apartment. She wants to fill it with us. Our life. She wants it to be the place where she goes into labor, then we rush around and go to the hospital and then come home with a baby. She wants it to be the place where years from now we drive by just to look at it and remember where it all started for us.

As for reality… right now…?

I’m the best college goalie in the country.

I’m destined for the pros.

And guess what?

It’s time for me to cash in.