Chapter Three Los Angeles to Atherton
The private jet smelled like a new car, which was Piper’s favorite smell.
The jet hummed lightly as it flew to thirty thousand feet. No expense was spared for the design and every detail was perfect. This was all a given since Jayson was the purchaser, a micromanaging billionaire tech Karen.
Piper still hated flying after years of constant flights around the world. He valued getting from point A to point B, but did not appreciate the lack of control as he flew through the sky in a designer metal tube.
Across from him, Jayson Days held a crystal glass of scotch. Piper knew it was something expensive but he was tired of Jayson telling him things were expensive so he didn’t bother asking any longer.
“Nice job tonight, pretty tight score, but I knew you would pull through,” Jayson said.
“Thanks,” Piper replied, a little shocked he was getting a compliment. Usually Jayson would lay on the critiques after games even if he won.
“The final drive was particularly impressive,” Jayson continued as he stared deeply into Piper’s eyes.
“You trusted the coverage read and most quarterbacks these days panic at that moment. Nicely done, try to keep it up.”
“Well that’s my job.”
“Well keep winning, you know I do not like to be disappointed,” Jayson said as he drank his scotch.
To Piper it felt like ownership inside praise. He had learned to hear the difference, had spent years learning it without finding anything useful to do with the knowledge. He looked out the window. The Pacific stretched below them.
“You’ve become exactly what I expected,” Jayson said.
“What did you expect?”
“The best.”
Delivered without arrogance, just certainty.
Jayson leaned back, glass resting loosely in his hand. “The league is going to go hard on promoting the rivalry. You and Reyes will likely be a focal point of the season.”
“The media does this every year. It’s part of the machine. As long as they keep paying me, I will keep playing regardless of what media mess they get me into.”
“You know each other well?”
The question landed with a piercing stare. Piper remained composed and kept his expression neutral. “Not really. We never played together since he was in another conference than me. I mean he is a talented dude, but careless.”
“Talent is rarely the entire story.”
“He improvises and that’s his thing.”
Jayson smiled faintly. “You disapprove of his style?”
“It’s careless and it’s just not my thing.”
“Does the rivalry bother you?”
“No, we have played one game and let’s not forget I won.”
Then there was silence which was a favorite of Jayson’s. Silence gave him more power over the conversation or whatever deal was in front of him.
Jayson nodded, apparently satisfied. “Public narratives are useful. They give people something to watch. You need to make the fans happy.”
“Okay,” Piper replied.
The jet began to descend as Jayson stood and adjusted his jacket. Even in the narrow aisle he moved with quiet authority like every moment was a negotiation.
“You will come to the house next month.”
“Of course.”
“There will be people I want you to meet.”
“Investors?” Piper asked.
“Something like that.” He paused near the front of the cabin. “You understand, Piper, that success requires careful relationships. I have spent many years building those relationships.”
His gaze settled. “And many years building you.”
Jayson lifted his glass when he sat back down.
“To the future. By the way, how is the Lalique doing?”
Piper raised his glass, “Hanging.” He sipped, the scotch burned.
He followed Jayson off the plane.
He knew what was next, and dreaded it.