Page 91 of The Game
“No, it wouldn’t. And you would be working, making content for our profiles. You just get to fuck the host at the end of the night,” I say, giving her a playful smile as she shakes her head at me.
I have to make my own arguments, and I want her by my side.
Besides, this was her idea, and I’m sure it will be better if she’s there.
She thinks over my suggestion, probably contemplating all the reasons why she should decline.
“I’ll need Samantha there as well. Way too much testosterone in one room, I need at least one other woman there.” I smile at her, happy to have her by my side.
“It’s a deal.”
~
I’ve just finished my shower after practice when my phone rings, an incoming call from my dad, probably with my mom close by.
They are a package deal, those two, still madly in love after 35 years of marriage.
“Hey, Dad,” I greet him, putting my phone against my cheek and shoulder as I drag a pair of pants up my legs.
“Hey, dear,” comes my mom first, confirming that this is one of their joint calls.
“How is everything in Chicago?”
I catch them up on all things hockey as I get dressed and pack up my bag.
As parents, they’ve always been the kind who support me and tell me that they’re proud of me no matter what.
When I made it into the NHL, they were seated in the stands for every game.
As my brothers live in New York and Florida, they’ve decided to stay on Long Island, meaning they see Braden the most.
They make the trip out to Chicago several times a year, but it’s been some time since I last saw them.
“I’d love for you to visit soon. I could book everything, just let me know when it’s a good time,” I tell them.
“Oh, that would be lovely, dear.”
They tell me about their latest project: building a cabin in the Adirondack Mountains.
They’ve helped both my brothers and me in our respective careers, so we decided to give them the possibility to retire early if they wanted to.
It’s been good to give back to them, as they’ve dedicated their life to making our dreams come true.
“I’ll try to make the trip to the cabin whenever I play in New York next,” I tell them, imagining Sarah by my side as we drive up the mountain roads.
I’m tempted to tell them about her. I know my mom will be delighted if I tell her I got myself a girlfriend.
They beat me to it, my mom asking if there’s anyone special in my life.
She has her usual playful tone, probably not expecting a yes, as she’s always gotten a no in the past.
She’s in for a treat.
“I’ve met someone very special. Her name is Sarah, and I’d love for you to meet her when you visit.”
My mom squeals through the phone, and my dad chuckles.
I’m making my way through the hallways of the arena, over to the PR department.
