Page 43 of Walk Off

After lunch, he shot off a text to Zara asking to set up a meeting for new representation. She got back to him immediately and told him to come on over to the office. He wasn’t really dressed for a meeting, but he figured what the hell, and made his way there. The building was in downtown Valley Falls and was housed inside one of the larger buildings in the small city. He found the Sports World offices, and was directed to Zara’s office, where he found her behind her desk, with her feet up as she talked on the phone.

She waved him inside. “I told you no. That’s not what we're looking for. See what else you can do and get back to me.” She dropped her phone to her desk, removing her feet and placing them on the floor. “Kyle Dulanay, it’s nice to meet you in person.” She stood, holding her hand out for him to shake.

“I’ve heard nothing but good things about you and what you do for your clients.” He figured starting with praise was a good way to get on her good side.

She laughed, throwing her head back. “That may be true, but I also know most of my clients fear me a little. It’s part of my charm.” She indicated to the chair in front of her desk. “Take a seat.”

He did as she asked, getting comfortable in the chair. “Thanks again for meeting with me at the last minute.”

She walked around the desk, past him, and shut the door to her office. “I wasn’t about to turn down meeting you. I mean, I sort of figured we’d meet at some point in the next week or so, but if I’ve learned anything in my years as an agent, it’s when an opportunity presents itself, you take it.”

He sighed. “I know you are friends with Celia and I’m not here because of that.”

She gave him a do I look stupid face. “You don’t think I know that you and Barry aren’t really meshing? I know all and see all.” She tapped her temple. “So, I know you aren't only here because of Celia, but instead because Barry Cafferty does a lazy-ass job as an agent. Sometimes I wonder how he even keeps clients.” She frowned. “But, don’t lie to both of us and try and tell me that Celia isn’t at least part of the reason you came here now.”

Damn, the woman was good. “You’re right. I could have done this weeks or months ago, and should have, really. Barry is fine, but not really the type of guy I want handling my career anymore. I’m doing it now because of your connection to Celia, and because I sort of wanted to meet the legendary woman who conquers the world daily, and who just so happens to be the confidant of my daughter’s mother.”

Zara winked and mimed zipping her lips. “All my Celia secrets are just that, secrets. They aren’t mine to tell, and if you are the guy she seems to think you are, you would never ask me to break her confidence.”

He wasn't sure whether to be scared or impressed. “I like you, Zara, and I’m really glad Celia has you in her corner.” That was the truth and he could say it with confidence.

“I might just like you too. Let’s talk about why you want to leave Barry.”

“It’s pretty much like you said, although until you said it, I never really understood just how little he did for me. I like to keep a low profile and I’m starting to think that Barry took that to mean no sponsorships. That’s not really the case. I wouldn’t mind bringing in more money, especially now that I have a family to care for. I’d just like to make sure they’re the right fit.”

“Don’t you mean a daughter to care for?”

“That’s what I said.” He frowned.

“No,” she angled her head, “you said family. Family indicates more than one person.”

Shit, had he? He didn't even know he’d done it. “Slip of the tongue.”

Zara’s head stayed angled as she examined him. There were several beats of silence before she said, “I’m not so sure it was. You don’t strike me as the sort of guy who says something he doesn’t mean.”

Well, what the hell was he supposed to say to that? “I’m not really sure what you’re looking for from me here.” He held out his hands, hoping to come across as confused.

“The truth would be a start, especially if I’m going to be your agent.”

“Are you going to be my agent? Noah Ashe said you turned him down because you were too busy.”

He saw her cringe, even though she tried to hide it. “Noah Ashe isn’t worth my time which is why I didn’t take him as a client. You, well, I think you might just be.”

He held her gaze across the desk. She was good, that was for damn sure, but she was right, if he was going to have her as his agent, he needed to be honest. “I don’t just want to take care of Jasmine. I want to take care of them both.” He didn’t say Celia’s name, he didn’t need to. She knew who he was talking about.

“Do you care what she wants?”

“You know as well as I do how complicated this situation is. I’m just starting to get my footing but yes, I care what she wants. I just need to figure out what I want first.”

“And you think that’s Celia and Jasmine as your family?”

“They're my family no matter what happens with Celia and me. If she ends up hating me and wanting nothing to do with me, I will still provide for both her and Jasmine.” That’s what you did when you loved someone.

He didn’t know if he still loved her, but he’d loved her once, and those feelings had never really gone away. It was time to find out if what they had all those years ago could be turned into something that would last a lifetime.

“I gotta tell you, I can see why she fell for you. You have all the right words, and what’s more, is they come across as sincere. It also doesn’t hurt that you’re easy on the eyes.”

He wasn't sure what to say to that so he sat quietly.

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