Page 55 of Forever Offsides

That throws me for a beat, and Asher must read that.

“They told me he doesn’t gel with their current QB and that they don’t love his off-field shit.”

“They’re not wrong,” I admit, taking a sip of my coffee. “I don’t love his off-field shit either as both a coach and a dad.”

“I told his agent he has a one-year deal with an option for two more at our discretion. But it’s a play to get paid, and his off-field stuff stops.”

I lean back in my office chair and toss a hand behind my head. “I don’t work the deals, Asher. I run the players. I don’t care how they sign, just that they show up ready to work.”

He grins. “That’s why I hired you. You’re no bullshit, and I like that.”

“Russel assured me last night that he was looking to put in the work, be a team player, and clean up his act. Let’s hope all of those things happen. If they do, I believe he could be a great addition to our roster. But what about Crew and Mason?” I ask, sipping my coffee while I stare at my large monitor and Asher’s face on it.

“They’ll get on board as long as he stays away from Quinn. That’s my preference as well. I don’t want him near my daughter.”

I release a breath. I don’t either.

“I’m good with that.”

I’m such an asshole.

“I can’t enforce that or even put it in a contract. Quinn’s an adult. Ultimately, it’s her call if he tries anything. The father in me doesn’t like it, but the GM thinks this could be a good deal and a successful thing for our team. That’s the only reason I did it.”

“I get it,” I tell him as I sit up and set my mug down on my desk. “Believe me, no one wants him to be more focused on the game than me.”

Asher nods at that, seemingly mollified. Not that I have any control over what Russel does off the field.

“Taylor is going to Minnesota, and Dallas is getting a second-round draft pick and one of Minnesota’s players.” Taylor is our other tight end but he hasn’t been producing much over the last two years so the fact that he’s all we’re giving up tells me just how badly Dallas wanted to get rid of Russel. This trade will ultimately make the team stronger.

But it still feels as though Dallas knows something we don’t, and that’s why they’re so agreeable.

We iron out the details and end the call. The moment I’m off the phone with Asher, I call Russel.

“Hey,” he answers, and I can hear a lot of noise behind him.

“Welcome to the team,” I say.

“Thanks. I’m excited for it.”

I sip my coffee. “You flying home today?”

“Yeah, my flight leaves at one, and I’ll be back Sunday night.”

“Let me know if I can do anything to help.”

“I think I’ve got it covered but thank you.”

“Do you need a place to stay? You’re always welcome with me.”

He chuckles lightly. “I’m a little old to move in with my dad. I’ll stay at the hotel until I get a place. Shouldn’t take too long to happen.”

I try not to allow any disappointment to seep in, and clearly I was being ridiculous, but I liked the idea of him doing just that. I never had him live under my roof for more than weekends or occasional weeknights.

Background noise crackles louder into the phone. “Where are you? What is that?”

“I’m at the hospital.”

That pulls me up short. “What? Why are you there?”