Page 7 of Cold Feet
"Hockey's not forever, Lana. You know that better than most." He tapped his knee meaningfully – a reminder of his own surgery a few years ago that had nearly ended his career. "One bad hit, one torn ACL, and it's over. A deal like this? It's insurance. It's what comes after."
He had a point. Hockey players had short career spans at best. My brother Drake's playing career had ended after just three years. Like my Dad, he'd made the move to coaching. A major marketing deal like this could cushion Cam financially for decades.
"There's still Zayne to consider," I said, grasping at my last excuse. "You know how protective he is."
Logan actually smiled at that. "Yeah, your brother's…intense. But he's also one of the most loyal guys I know. When he understands what's at stake for his teammate, his best friend, he'll come around."
"You clearly don't know Zayne as well as you think," I muttered. My brother once broke a guy's nose at a team function for asking for my number. His protectiveness bordered on prehistoric.
"Maybe not. But I do know Cam." Logan rose to his feet. "And I know this matters to him. A lot."
"The deal, you mean."
Logan paused at the door, his expression softening. "Sure, the deal. But also... just think about it, okay? You're the only one he's ever actuallycared about."
By five o'clock, I'd written and rewritten what I was now mentally calling "The Contract of Mutual Professional Destruction" at least fifteen times. The legal pad beside my laptop was filled with crossed-out clauses, revised terms, and doodled hockey sticks.
The final version stared back at me from my screen:
CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT AND TERMS
The undersigned parties, Cameron Murphy and Lana Decker, along with St. Petersburg Slashers management representatives, agree to the following terms regarding the temporary public relationship between Mr. Murphy and Ms. Decker:
1. Duration: This arrangement will begin immediately upon signing and continue until 30 days following the execution of the Redline endorsement contract, the conclusion of the NHL Awards ceremony, or by mutual agreement, whichever comes last.
2. Public Conduct: Murphy and Decker agree to present themselves as a committed couple in public settings, including but not limited to team functions, social media, and the NHL Awards.
3. Physical Boundaries: Physical contact will be limited to appropriate public displays of affection (hand-holding, brief kisses, etc.). No overnight stays are expected or required.
4. Media Strategy: Neither party will explicitly state they are "engaged" to any media outlet. If directly questioned, responses will be limited to "We're very happy together" and "We prefer to keep the details private."
5. Social Media: Any relationship-related posts must be approved by both parties before publishing. A minimum of two joint appearances on social media per week is required to establish credibility.
6. Ring: A ring will be procured for Ms. Decker to wear at public appearances. The ring remains the property of Mr. Murphy after the conclusion of this agreement.
7. Confidentiality: All details of this arrangement will remain strictly confidential. All parties acknowledge this agreement constitutes a binding NDA.
8. Termination: Following the completion of this agreement, a mutual, amicable, no-fault "breakup" will be announced through approved, mutually agreed upon media channels.
9. Zayne Decker: Mr. Murphy accepts full responsibility for any negative reaction from Zayne Decker should he discover this arrangement.
The last clause gave me pause, but I knew it was necessary. Zayne would never understand – and more importantly, he'd never approve. Better to ask forgiveness than permission in this case.
I printed copies for everyone, my hands surprisingly steady considering I was about to formalize the most professionally questionable decision of my career.
My phone lit up with a text from a number I saw exactly twice a year – Christmas and my birthday.
CAM: Update?
I stared at the message, thumb hovering over the keyboard. The smart move would be scheduling a proper meeting in my office tomorrow. The safe move would be texting back a simple yes or no.
Instead, my traitorous fingers typed:
ME: Breakaway Bar, 30 minutes. Come alone.
CAM: Are you having me kidnapped?
ME: Only one way to find out.
