Page 48 of The Bad Boy's Homecoming
“So what do you think?”
“Well you’re still in your prime, but most teams already have their roster planned and likely don’t have millions of dollars left in the budget to afford you.If they can scrounge up the money, they’ll likely want to take advantage of your existing persona as the Bad Boy of Baseball to enhance ticket sales.”
“But?”Levi said.
“But like Declan said, I can be very persuasive.No BS, Mr.Hart, I’ve never handled a player as successful as you, which is exactly why I think you need me.You make me a list of every team you would consider working for, and I’ll start pressing them for offers.We’ll go in aggressive, give them all a time limit for best and final offers.If I find one you like, you hire me as your agent for the duration of that contract and promise to tell your friendsHal’s your man.”
Levi grinned.“I can live with all those terms, Hal.How soon would you expect to get some offers?”
“Spring training is in its second week, teams are formulating lineups and will want to feel ready for the season openers.I think by the end of the week we should know what we’ve got.”
Levi sighed.He’d hoped for more time.
“You’re a seasoned MVP.A few weeks off from spring training isn’t going to mess up your game.But you need to be in the batting cages, running—you gotta keep up your training.”
Levi nodded.He knew Hal was right and it was clear the man knew baseball.
“You won’t have any trouble getting in touch with the team’s management?”
Hal stood with a big grin.“As soon as I say I’m representing Levi Hart, the managers will welcome a chat with me.I did a little studying last night on a few teams that I know are looking for new shortstops, and just the type of headliner to take their teams to the series.The question is who can afford you and who are you willing to play for?”
“I’ll send you a list of my preferred teams, mostly along the East Coast.”
“Perfect, I operate out of Savannah, but I’ll be in town today in case you have any more questions or want to chat in person about my strategy.”
“As long as you get me out of that persona clause I’m not too worried about how you do it.I will require Declan to review any contracts.”
“Smart man, your agent is your dealer, but I always recommend my clients have an accountant, and a lawyer.You want everyone looking over everyone else’s shoulders, so no one has all the power of the purse.”
Levi stood and shook Hal’s hand.“Thank you for coming out to see me, Hal.”
“This business is personal, and I wanted to make sure you weren’t as bad as they say.”
“Would you have still agreed to represent me?”
“Probably, but it’s best to know what I’m working with.”
Levi laughed.“Fair enough.”
“Last question, Mr.Hart,” Hal said when they stopped at the front door.“Are there any skeletons I should know about?Because even if a team can’t use your persona, it doesn’t mean the media will stop.”
“No, I’ve left all the drama in Atlanta.”
Hal nodded.“Alright send me that list and I’ll get to work.”
“I’ll have it for you within the hour,” Levi said.The men shook on it and Levi showed him out the front door.
When he returned to the kitchen, it was empty but he could see Missy in her studio standing in front of a blank canvas, with several paints opened.Gran must have helped her out.
He made a plate of food then made sure everything was put away before he pulled out his phone and drafted an email to Hal.He listed a dozen teams he’d be willing to play for, and as much as it pained him to leave Atlanta, he wasn’t ready to leave baseball.Then he fired off the email and poured a fresh cup of coffee.He stood in the hall where he could watch Missy paint but not disturb her.When she finally stepped back to study her work his heart nearly stopped.
There was a woman’s torso painted in a golden tan and then a man’s strong hand reaching to hold the woman’s waist just above her hip.There were no faces, but the bold strokes depicted a passion between the two.And it reminded him of them the night before, in the bathroom, kissing and touching each other.Missy lifted the canvas to set it aside and began to start another one.She was in her zone of genius, and he couldn’t look away.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Missy
Sparks Fly
