15. Connor
CONNOR
When Milo and I meet in his office early Monday, I give the broad strokes of my conversation with Eden.
Milo cuts to the chase. “This is ideal timing. We can create the relationship now, and once the college season is done in a few months, she’ll have several NWSL teams after her, and maybe international opportunities.
Not to mention endorsements. Her NIL deals are as good as a college soccer player gets. ”
“Yes, she’s amazing. What should I—”
“You set up the meeting, and I’ll take care of the rest when we sit down with her. If she decides to sign with us, I’ll be the lead, but we can use it as an opportunity for you to learn more.”
I wish I didn’t need that, but to give Eden the help she needs, it’ll be best that Milo’s her point person.
Three days later, the meeting is on. Only as I arrive at Hot Beans, a coffee shop Eden suggested, a text comes through.
MILO: Running a couple of minutes late, but close.
Not complaining, because it gives me a chance to see Eden alone first.
CONNOR: No worries.
I head into Hot Beans and spot her at a corner table. She’s got her nose buried in a textbook and doesn’t see me yet.
After closing the distance, I gently rub her shoulder from behind so I don’t startle her.
Her head whips around at the contact. A split second later, her face breaks out into a grin.
“Hi!” She stands and opens her arms to give me a hug. I immediately return it.
She’s warm and so soft. She tucks her cute ponytail against me as her cheek rests against my chest. The sweet floral scent I detected during our Pisano’s hug wafts up again.
I wish we could stay like this.
Instead, the door chimes, and I remember Milo could be coming through it any second, so I slowly break away.
“It’s really good to see you. Again.”
She takes her seat as I grab the one on her right. “It’s only been six days. That’s a record.”
I chuckle. “So it is. I’m glad we could make this come together so quickly. Let’s reschedule our date too, though.”
Oh shit, guess I just laid my cards on the table with the “date” word. But she nods, smiling, clearly agreeing. Perfect. I’m not interested in any games anyway.
I look down at her textbook, still open. “What’s that for?”
“Art History. We have a mandatory cultural studies requirement, and it’s the elective I chose.”
What a coincidence… “You know I minored in Art History?”
“What, really?”
“Yeah, I mean it wasn’t practical enough to be my major, but I find it fascinating.”
“It is. Unfortunately, I don’t expect to have any original thoughts on the topic.”
“I’m sure you’ll have plenty.”
“Nah. It’s okay, though. I want to make sure I get an A, but otherwise I’ll enjoy the class for what it is.”
“Have you gone to any of the museums—”
Suddenly, I feel a presence behind us, and I turn to find Milo standing there, watching us.
Once we make eye contact, he raises his hand slightly. “Sorry for hovering. I didn’t want to interrupt, and you both looked lost in conversation.”
Oh shit, was he here long enough to see the hug? The one where she had her whole face resting against my chest?
“It’s fine,” Eden says, formality slipping into her voice. “Nice to see you again, Milo.”
He takes a third seat at the table, in the corner facing the door. “Thank you for making the time. Go ahead and continue your conversation. Were you talking about the emails Eden forwarded to us as background?”
Eden and I connect our eyes briefly before I shake my head. “No. It was about school stuff.”
He nods before focusing his attention on her. “Well, I went through everything, as did Connor.”
“Thank you.”
He continues. “How are you feeling about the year, in big-picture terms? You’re navigating through a lot of decisions and several moving parts.”
“It’s a bit intense, yes,” she says, with a polite laugh. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“I bet, a competitive superstar like you.” She grins at that. “What are your goals?”
She answers him in soccer terms—winning the college championship, turning pro and continuing to make her mark on the national team—and then talks a little about her academic aims, skipping over the medical school dynamics I notice.
He cocks his head. “I’m not hearing anything about income goals. Financially, is there anything that comes to mind?”
“Not really. I’m lucky, I guess, with my parents. But I don’t want to be dumb about money either.”
“Absolutely. That’s where we come in, to make sure you don’t miss out on any opportunity to grow your finances.”
He goes on to ask her more about her current NIL deals and what industries she’d like to explore for future endorsements. I let him control the conversation as they go back and forth.
I don’t love feeling useless—to him or her. Milo wants me to watch and learn, but it feels weird to offer nothing to the conversation now that he’s here.
Make it up to her once you’re one-on-one. Though I want to keep that time not about business.
As that topic dies off, he pivots, explaining more about what “we”—i.e., he—does for clients, while Eden wears a neutral expression.
She might be masking boredom? Or maybe she’s trying to play it cool?
I get my answer when her eyes flit to mine, and I think I see a plea for rescue from his yapping.
Luckily, he seems to be close to the end of this speech. “If you want to talk more, or need help, reach out to either one of us.”
That prompts her to look at me directly again. “Connor could be my manager, yes? Or part of the team, anyway?” There’s a new spark in her eye.
I don’t want to be her manager. Milo’s better suited at this point. But I say the right thing with Milo sitting there.
“If that’s what you want, I’ll take really good care of you.”
Well, that sounded loaded with innuendo.
“I bet you will.” She shakes her head, a hint of amusement on her face, before glancing at Milo again. “I appreciate all the information. I’ll give it some thought.”
“Sounds great. We’re ready when you are.”
She stands up, putting her book in her bag. “And Connor? You’ll write me about…that other thing?”
Our rescheduled date.
“Definitely.”
“I’m going to head back to my dorm. Thank you both again.” With a little wave, she leaves.
Milo looks at me after she’s through the shop door. “That went well. But…”
“It was helpful to watch, thank you,” I interject.
“Did I detect something between you? Is there something more going on? That was…some hug when I walked in.”
Shit, he did see us. I weigh what to say. I don’t want to tell Milo my personal business—my secrets are my own. I opt for a version of the truth that’s based on right this second.
“No, there’s nothing going on.” As soon as the words are out of my mouth, they feel wrong. “We’re just friends.”
“Good, because we have a non-fraternization policy with clients. You wouldn’t be able to date her if she comes on board, even casually.”
Fuck. FUCK. Really?
“Eden Larsson would be a flagship client that would launch your career. She seems to want to work with you, if anyone. Don’t screw it up.”
Damn it. What am I supposed to do now?
Seems I’ve already screwed everything up.