Power Plays & Straight A's - Eden Finley Page 0,78
an agent in the crowd? It’s not the first time I’ve been approached, and I try not to think about which firm the agent might represent. I’m not trying to be selfish when I say I want a big name, someone known in the industry. Someone with direct connections to the NHL who could sell me as the next big star.
The ones in the past have promised the AHL, and hey, if that’s all I can get for now, I’ll take it. But I want someone who believes in my talent and will fight to get me on an NHL team next year.
The pressure of doing well does its job in giving me a second wind, but Vermont comes out refreshed as fucking daisies.
What’s in their Gatorade?
I try to block everything out and do what I do best.
There’s no Morris.
No Zach.
No agent.
It’s me, my skates, the smell of the ice and sweaty hockey pads, my stick, and a puck.
That’s it.
Vermont scores.
Motherfucker.
We can’t let them tie up the game.
This is what athletes thrive on. The thrill of the chase. The taste of the win.
Vermont gets desperate and sloppy. One of their defensemen checks me after I’ve passed the puck, giving us a power play.
Two-minute penalty.
Now’s my chance.
I use every second to my advantage, scoring another goal and setting up a perfect play for Jacobs to send the puck sailing past the goalie for the second time in one hundred twenty seconds.
The easy thing to do now would be to run down the clock, but as much as I try to block out an agent being in the crowd, I can’t do it.
So I don’t get complacent. I continue to fight.
And while I don’t score again before the clock winds down, I feel accomplished and proud of my game. And the win.
“Fuck the curse!” Jacobs yells as we enter the locker room victorious, making us all laugh.
“There is no curse,” I say.
Coach claps his hands, getting everyone’s attention. “That’s how the first game against them should’ve gone. We’re proud of you boys. Now go shower, and Grant? Come see me in my office when you’re done.”
A few confused glances are thrown my way because after that game, I can’t be in trouble.
But like every other hockey player in this room, I’m superstitious as fuck, and I’m not going to jinx myself by mentioning the agent.
It takes a million years to shower and change. My fingers tremble as I fasten my belt and button up my shirt.
“Coming to McIntyre’s?” Jacobs asks beside me.
“Honestly? I half feel like I’m dying right now.” My muscles always have that achy feeling after a game or practice, but tonight they’re struggling for oxygen and just want to sleep. “But maybe Zach and I will come for a drink.”
“Good luck in there.” He nods toward Coach’s office.
“Thanks, man.”
I’m almost the last one to leave the locker room because my potential future is behind Coach’s door.
With a deep breath, I knock and let myself in.
I’m met by a grinning coach and a guy in his thirties who stands as soon as I enter.
Dark hair, bright eyes, an athletic physique.
He sends me a warm smile and holds out his hand. “Damon King.”
My hand stalls in his. “D-Damon King?” I squeak. Shit, I sound like Zach.
He chuckles. “Great game tonight.”
“T-thank you.”
This guy is not only with a big firm with lots of connections, he represents queer athletes. Big names. NHL, NFL, MLB … And he’s interested in … me?
“I’m not going to drag this out. I want to sign you.”
“Yes,” I blurt.
He laughs. “Well, that was easy.”
“You’re not the first agent to approach me, but on my wish list of potential agents, you were at the top. Because you’re you. And you represent LGBTQ players. I just didn’t think … like, I’m out, but I’m not exactly out, out, you know? I didn’t think you’d even know about me.”
His smile widens. “Interesting. Honestly, I had no idea you were queer. I’m here because of your skills, but rest assured I have extensive experience with out and proud players.”
“I know. And … umm … this is kinda surreal. Holy shit.”
Coach frowns. “Grant.”
“Sorry.”
Damon King waves me off. “I’ve heard worse.” He pulls out his card. “I want to set up a proper meeting. We’ll fly you out to New York over Christmas break and get some things signed away.”