Page 153 of Waiting Game

“I’m not arguing that, but I’ve already had my morals called into question by having Mega X as a damn sponsor, Hailey. Don’t you think we should cool it or, you know, you could vet the sponsors better?”

“That’s bullshit about the added ‘benefits’ to their shakes,” she dismisses, jumping into my car before I can tell her to get lost.

“Whatever, I had to face that in front of the press so…”

“I heard Gracie Bukowski handled that rather well.”

“She’s willing to get mauled to protect her players.”

“Unusual.”

“That’s Gracie. First female GM and all—she’s bound to do things differently.”

“I said unusual, not different. Don’t underestimate her. Tigers can turn on their own.”

The words, unfortunately, cut close to the bone.

But not for the reason she might imagine.

“Of course, you’re in the safe zone seeing as you were a Bukowski billet boy.”

I sneer at her. “Thank fuck for small mercies, eh?”

“Speaking of Canada?—”

“When were we speaking of Canada?”

“You said ‘eh.’”

“Sue me.”

“I will if you don’t live up to the promise of your contract. Why would I keep you as a client if you’re not willing to take on any sponsorships?”

“Is your commission suffering?” I mock.

“You’re my top player, Cole! I won’t let you waste the opportunities that are being thrown at you.”

“Then find brands that align with my ethos.”

“Since when do you have an ethos? What is it anyway? That purple and green are a great color combo?”

“They are.”

“Only if you’re color-blind or the original Joker.” She pinches the bridge of her nose. “Tell me what your ethos is/are and I can tailor the offers to your requirements.”

Ah, shit.

She called my bluff.

Mostly, I want to be left alone to play hockey and date/fuck Mia…

Still, Hailey’s looking at me expectantly so I mutter, “Something green.”

“Clothes?”

“No! Something that saves the earth.”

“You play a high fossil fuel-consuming sport and come from a family of ranchers—your carbon footprint is the size of the Amazon that you’re stomping on?—”

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