Page 60 of Rust
“Maybe she got it from you,” I teased. “I didn’t realize you wanted her to be a sports agent.”
“Yeah? So? What about it?”
I shrugged. “Nothing. I just didn’t know.”
“Wait, was she complaining about it to you or something?” He didn’t wait for me to answer. “Rust, c’mon, you know how much those guys make. Three percent of every ticket. All you need is a couple big clients and you’re set for life. And hey, it’s not like Izzy would have to start at the bottom.”
I nodded. “Hey, it makes sense. I’m not saying it’s a bad idea.”
“Then what are you saying?” he asked, eyes narrowing.
I chose my words carefully. “Well, you know, you have to get in at the right firm. Which means you have to know the right people.”
He looked at me and laughed, confused. “I know some people. And hey, I knowyou,don’t I? With yourconnections—”
“Myconnections?”
He chuckled. “C’mon, Rust. Of course I know other hockey people. But you’re the guy who made the show. Obviously, you’ll have better connections than me.”
“So now you’re dragging me into this?”
“Dragging?” He chuffed. “Good lord, big fella. All I’m asking is, when the time comes a few years down the road, you’ll pick up the phone and introduce Izzy to the right people.”
“Yeah, but—” I paused, unsure if I really wanted to open this can of worms, but before I could stop myself it came out of my mouth anyway. “—but is that really what she wants?”
“Ahh, okay.” Johnny bobbed his head and let out a cynical laugh. “So shehasbeen complaining to you.”
Fuck,if only he knew the whole story.
I sighed. “Look. Nevermind. It’s not my place.”
“Yeah, you got that right,” he said. “You don’t know how hard it is being a father. I’m trying to do the best I can for my daughter to set her up for success and not have to struggle like I did.”
I held up my hands in surrender. “You’re right. I don’t know what it’s like. Look, when the time comes, I’ll be happy to help you and Izzy in whatever way I can, alright?”
“Thanks, big fella. That’s all I wanted to hear,” he said, though he sounded a little agitated. “So what’s the story with this nineteen year old girl you’re seeing?”
I sighed. “There’s no story. You know how the boys are. Everyone loves to dig for any info that could be used for ball busting.”
“Yeah, and by trying to hide everything, you have a habit of making everybodymoreinterested in what you’re doing.” He gave me a smile, but it quickly started to fade. “Listen, Rust. I know this is gonna sound lame.” He drew a deep breath. “But please, big fella, don’t mess with this young girl’s heart.”
“Huh?” I stammered.
Wait. Does he know?
“I know we were all joking about it a little while ago. But I’m telling you, it hits differently when you’re a father. I hear nineteen and all I can think of is my baby girl.”
Gulp.
“Yeah, I hear you,” I said.
“They’re still so young at that age, Rust. Theylookall grown up, but the truth is, they don’t have any real world experience. They’re just children. If you’re serious about her? Well, that’d be one thing—but let’s be real, youcan’tbe serious about a girl that much younger than you. You’re just at different stages of life.”
“Yeah. True.” I bobbed my head, agreeing, or pretending to agree, I wasn’t sure which.
“So the longer you fool around with this girl, I’m telling you, the worse it’s going to be later down the road. You’re going to break her heart if you’re not careful.” He shook his head. “If some older fuck broke my little Izzy’s heart?” He ground his fist into the other palm, a seething anger boiling just beneath the surface. “Wouldn’t be pretty for him.”
“I can’t blame you,” I said, a knot in my throat.