Page 176 of The Maxwell Brothers
"The board and I discussed this, and we've also consulted with your physical therapist. He said you still need a couple of weeks to get back in shape. The shoulder’s good, but your skating needs some practice to get back your reflexes, though that shouldn’t be a problem. After that, we'll put you back on theice. Obviously, Jett is still going to be the main goalie until we’re sure you’re in top shape."
Holy shit, is he serious?
I rose to my feet. My heart slammed against my rib cage, and adrenaline pulsed through my veins. Although I was disappointed that I wasn’t the main goalie, it was fair to Jett since he already had a few games behind him, and he was in better shape than I was. But it was a start. I used to be the best goalie in the league before all this, but I’d have to earn that title back.
"Tyler, it's imperative that you keep pleasing the sponsors, the press. Everyone needs to see your commitment to the team."
"I never gave anyone any reason to doubt that."
He sighed. "We've been through this before. As a public person, everything you do is being watched, scrutinized, judged.”
"Let's not go through this again," I said, my voice hard.
"We're not. I was just reminding you."
"Is this a probationary thing?" I questioned, wanting him to put all the cards on the table. The man was so reserved. It pissed me off. He always minced his words, and then when you least expected it, he'd pull the rug from under you. It was his team, obviously, so he could do whatever he wanted. But to him, this was a business; to me, it was about the game.
"No it’s not. I want 100 percent from you. But if things escalate again outside of the ice rink, anything is possible, even a trade."
I blinked, narrowing my eyes, "I'm your best goalie. Why would you let me go?"
"I just explained that to you."
Fuck him, I didn't want to be traded. The Chicago Blades had been my team for eight years. My family was here in Chicago. Iwasn't going to go anywhere. I only had two more years on the ice max, and I planned to spend them withmyteam.
"Thanks for the warning," I said. The ball was in my court to make this happen. If I fucked up it was on me.
“And I trust you heeded my advice about Miss Kendra?”
“No. And that’s 100 percent my business. If you’re gonna warn me?—”
“That was just advice, not a warning. Mixing business and pleasure is never a good idea.”
“I’ve given the Blades everything I’ve got for eight years. My personal life ismy own.” As was every other players’—but he didn’t get intotheirshit.
“Fair enough. I trust you know what you’re doing. Just make sure your head is in the game, Maxwell.”
“I will.”
Even though I was pissed off at Daniels, I was in a good mood when I came out of the club. I felt on top of the world. I was going to get back on the ice faster than I'd expected. My shoulder was still giving me a few aches and pains, but I knew I'd bring it just where I needed it to be in a few weeks, and then the game was on.
I called my brother Travis right away. I wanted to celebrate with my family, and I knew he had the most time right now.
"Hey, man, what's up?" he said.
"They're putting me back on the ice."
"What? That's fantastic news.”
“I want to take everyone out for drinks tomorrow."
“Tomorrow? Why not tonight?” Travis asked. Like I said, the man was bored.
“I’ve got plans already.”
“So cancel them, and let’s hit the town.”
“I’ve got plans with Kendra.”
