3. Jax #2
I pick up my silverware and cut into my chicken souvlaki.
“Why are we even discussing this now? My focus needs to be on the present with Chicago, not about where I’m going to be in two years.
Nobody may even want me in two years.” I’ll be thirty-four when my contract is over, and that’s senior citizen age in hockey.
This sport is grueling on the body, which is why I invest a lot of money in taking care of myself.
I try to eat well, work out and train all year round and limit my alcohol intake.
Recovery and sleep are also a very important part of my routine.
He smirks and picks up his fork. “I see what you’re doing, Jax. You’re deflecting, and normally, I wouldn’t let you, but this time, food wins because I’m hungry.”
I give him a shit-eating grin before stuffing a piece of chicken in my mouth. “Thank you.”
He shakes his head and starts cutting into his lamb.
“You know this isn’t a dead topic because we haven’t even discussed what happens if Chicago wants to re-sign you—” I give him a warning look to not even go there.
“—but to your point, we don’t have to continue discussing it today.
” He sticks a piece of lamb in his mouth and closes his eyes, savoring the bite.
“Fuck, that’s good. Anyway, what are your goals for yourself this year? ”
I give him a funny look because that’s a weird question to me. “The same as they are every year—to win the Cup.”
He rolls his eyes. “No shit, Captain Obvious. I mean, beyond hockey.”
I pick up a Kalamata olive and toss it at him. “Well you didn’t specify, jerkoff.” I chuckle. “Outside of hockey, I would like to invest in more real estate in the States. Maybe buy another property here in Chicago.”
He nods. “You’ve been building a pretty nice portfolio with your properties in Kelowna and Vancouver, so it makes sense to get another property here. Do you think it will be in the same building you’re currently living in?”
I shake my head. “No, somewhere different. I don’t want to be in the same building as my renters.”
“Makes sense. Lots of real estate available, so you’ll have options. What about more sponsorship deals?”
“I’m always open to more sponsorship deals as long as they don't require me posing without any clothes on.” I see some of these guys posing half naked on billboards, and I know my daughter would be completely mortified if I were one of them.
“What a party pooper you are,” Creed jokes. “You know I can get big money for those abs.”
I chuckle. “Chloe would kill me. Get me big money with keeping my clothes on please.”
“Noted.” He laughs before turning serious again. “Your sponsors for your equipment have renewed their contracts, so you’re all set there, but are there any specific brands you use outside of hockey that I can reach out to for an endorsement? Supplements, clothes, etc.”
I think about it for a moment. “Yeah, let me go through my condo and I will send over a list.”
“Okay, great. What about a podcast?”
“Sure, I’ll go on some podcasts.” I love listening to podcasts and would be more than willing to talk on some as well.
“What about hosting a podcast?”
I frown. “Hosting? That seems like it would be a lot of work.”
“Nah, all you need to do is pick out a buddy who will do it with you, and you guys talk hockey. Interview some other famous hockey players, talk about your games and a production company will take care of the rest.”
It sounds like a great idea… and a big-time commitment. “I need to think about it. My first priority has got to be hockey.”
“Absolutely it does.” He looks down at his phone vibrating and frowns. “I need to take this. Excuse me for one second, please.” He gets up from the table and answers his phone while he walks outside.
I take this opportunity to look at my own phone and see I have some missed texts from Bianca.
Jax: Hey beautiful. I am back in town. Want to have some fun tonight?
Bianca: Hola, papi chulo. I always want to have fun with you, but these days it’s only with mi amor.
She includes a photo of her kissing another woman.
Bianca: I would offer for you to join us, but my bebé gets jealous. Chao papi, good luck this season.
I don’t even bother responding to her and decide to just delete her phone number.
I don’t like having too many regular sexual partners at the same time, so with both Bianca and Emmalee in relationships, I need some fresh ladies.
I ponder looking up some of my old flings, but a better idea forms instead.
I hit up Harrington Whylde, one of my teammates and best friend.
Jax: What’s up, Harry? You back in town yet?
Harry: Just arrived. You?
Jax: I’m here and ready to mingle. Where are we going tonight? I need to recruit more “options” .
Harry: I’m game. Want to meet up for dinner and drinks?
Jax: You know it. See you at seven.
Harry:
Creed returns to the table and sits down. “Sorry about that.” He takes a sip of water before cutting into his food. “I want you to think seriously about the podcast. It doesn’t need to start right away, but preferably during the season.”
“I just worry that it will be another distraction, and I can’t afford any more of those.”
“I get it, Jax, but we’re thinking about your future. You’re in a good place right now, but we do need to figure out what is going to take you to the next level.”
I put my silverware down, finished with my meal and this subject of conversation. “My focus needs to be on hockey and making sure I have a killer season. That’s what I’m zoning in on.”
He chuckles and picks up his water. “Spoken like a true warrior.” He salutes me with his glass, and I nod.
I refuse to have a repeat season like I did when things were unraveling with Jenna. The only things worth my time and attention will be Chloe and hockey.
Long-term commitments like women and podcasts are completely out of the question.