“Bye.”
I hung up and nearly threw my phone. I’d managed to play it cool, but this was an amazing opportunity! Bryce has a decent client list and owns his own agency with over fifty athletes. If I pulled this off, I would be set.
No more part-time stints or one-month contracts. I might even be able to get a bigger apartment. One with an actual room for my office. One in a slightly better part of town.
I eyed the stack of envelopes on my desk.
Student loans. I was drowning in them. Taking a client with Bryce could get me out of the hold.
I could be a dedicated personal assistant. Manage everything. My degree in accounting might actually come in handy. I’d wanted to break into this world, so I could be the man behind the curtain for some of my generations greatest. Rub elbows with my heroes.
One phone call and I was a gigantic step closer.
I knew those endless events and galas would pay off eventually! I stood up and did a mini victory dance before getting back to work. I really did have other clients I needed to focus on. A full-time assistant position was more than a nine to five job. I’d be on call at all times. Sure, there would be down time where I could work on other things, but I needed to see how much I could handle.
Realistically, though. I’d drop some of my part-time work before turning down Bryce.
I went through my calendar and emails. Things have been pretty light lately. One contract would end next week, so I’d have even more time. So, only three clients would be left. I managed social media for one of them, managed a calendar for another, and the last one had me run weekly errands. That was the only one that could get tricky, but I would manage. If I had to pass it off to another PA, I would.
I could do this.
After sending out an email to my social media client about his upcoming posts for the week, I called Bryce back. I didn’t want to come across as overeager or that I was too available. I was in demand. I had things I needed to move around. He couldn’t just call me and expect me to drop everything.
I laughed to myself while I waited for him to pick up. I could tell myself those things until I finally believed them, but I would give up everything to work with Bryce.
“Bryce Parker.”
“Hi Bryce, it’s Colby. I was able to move things around, so I’m available.”
“That’s what I like to hear. I’ll send you the contract and NDA now.”
We hung up after I gave him my email address and I stared at my screen, refreshing my inbox until it came through. We didn’t discuss money. I had a feeling Bryce assumed if you were talking to him you knew he was worth the big bucks.
Finally, a new message alert popped up and I clicked on it while holding my breath.
I read his short message and opened the attachment.
I scanned the page until I saw it. This was for three months? Three months of work and I would make more than I’ve made in the past two years…combined.
This had to be a mistake.
But it wasn’t. This was life in the real world of professional sports.
I could do this. I could do anything for seventy thousand dollars.
I read through the rest of the terms and shrieked. If I made it through the next three months and got a positive review from the client, Bryce would send me more referrals. I’d be able to build my own clientele list. I could build a business of people working with me.
This could be life changing.
I signed the contract and other paperwork and had it sent back within ten minutes. A minute later I got a response with my new client’s name, address, and his bank. There would be a credit card waiting for me within the hour.
That was important because my first task would be finding him an apartment. He couldn’t live in a hotel for very long. I double checked that everything I needed to get done today was finished and made sure I didn’t have any new emails before grabbing my purse and heading out.
I headed to the bank first. Everything I needed to do would require money and having access to my client’s card was perfect. I wasn’t sure how they could get me a card so quickly, but I knew better than to question Bryce. I’m sure the bank was used to requests like this from him.
All I had to do was show my ID to the teller and she handed me a thick, metal card. I didn’t want to know what the limit was. Not yet. I wanted to play pretend for a little bit, but on my way out a banker called my name.
I turned to the tall, middle aged man and smiled. “Yes?”
“I’m Jon. Mr. Parker called and asked me to give you a brief run through of Mr. Malkin’s accounts. We’ll add you as a signer as well.”
I nodded and took a seat across from him. Bryce worked fast. I was added to a few of my other client’s accounts, but this was by far the fastest it’s happened.
“Mr. Malkin has a checking, savings, and investments account. We will be managing the investments.”
I nodded but would want to look at that later. I may not have met Mr. Malkin yet, but he was my client and I wanted to make sure he was in the best position possible. Hockey players were high risk and I wanted him to be set in case any accidents arose.
“His signing bonus was deposited this morning. Mr. Parker had us put it into his savings with the plan to put down money for a rental. Mr. Malkin knows how much he was paid, but we don’t want him spending too much of it.”
I nodded. I was glad they all seemed to have his best interest in mind. I didn’t want him to be one of those tragic stories of someone who had it all and lost it.
“He will also have monthly deposits made by the team, but Mr. Parker recommended that at least half of that be split for savings and investments.”
He slid a paper across the table to me with Mr. Malkin’s monthly salary.
Holy smokes.
Most of my other clients were in this range, but they were older. More established. This guy was a kid.
“Thank you, Jon. I’ll keep that in mind as I get him set up.”
I signed a few papers to have me added to the accounts. Mr. Malkin’s signature was already on them. How? Did he sign them electronically? There was no way he beat me here.
“If you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call.”
I took the card he offered me and left. Once I was in my car, I let the reality of my situation wash over me. This was a bigger deal than I could have expected. I was in charge of so much. So much responsibility. And trust. How did Mr. Malkin feel about a complete stranger managing things for him? Picking out his apartment? Getting him a car?
Would he want to have a say?
Some people wouldn’t care. They’d just be grateful things were being taken care of. Others would want to be a part of the decision-making process.
There was only one way to find out. I needed to meet this mystery person.
I sent him a text introducing myself and asked him to let me know when we could meet. In the meantime, I sent out an email to a few of my contacts about available apartments. He didn't need anything super fancy, but being close to the arena would be important.
My phone started ringing and Noah Malkin’s name filled the screen.
“Hello, Mr. Malkin.” I hoped I sounded professional and confident, but I was nervous. This was the first time I’d gotten a job without meeting the client. What if he didn’t like me?
Why wouldn’t he? I would do a great job, be available as he needed and otherwise stay out of the way.
“Just call me Noah.” His laugh made him sound young, but his voice was smooth and deep.
“Right, Noah. I’m just leaving the bank and Bryce told me an apartment was your first priority. I was just wondering if you would like to meet and go over your preferences or if you would like to come with me.”
There was noise in the background. Lots of voices. “I'm actually pretty busy right now. Could you find a few options and I’ll see them tonight?”
“Sure, did you have any specific things you’d like?”
“Maybe a second bedroom in case someone comes to visit.”
I waited, surely that couldn’t be it.
“Anything else?”
“Not really. Nothing too girly would be nice.”
Huh. This was either going to be super easy, or he’d see the options and suddenly have way more opinions.
“Sounds good, Noah. I’ll have a few options for you to see after dinner.”
“Thanks, I should be done by seven.”
“Perfect, bye.”
I hung up and blew out a breath. That had gone better than I expected. I really hoped he was as low-key as he sounded.
My phone buzzed with a new email. An apartment building with an opening. I checked the address and it was just down the street from the arena. Perfect. I needed to get there and check it out before it disappeared. The housing market was crazy, and most units were gone within the same day.
Chapter Three
Noah
Colby texted me an address and asked me to meet her there after I was done with dinner with the team. They took me to a pizza place and a few of their wives and girlfriends showed up. It was crazy to hang out with them. Like I was their equal. I guess maybe I was, but it still didn't seem real.
I put the address into my phone and got to the apartment building about ten minutes later. It was close to the arena and had a park across the street. It seemed nice, but I didn’t want to get too excited. It looked expensive.
“Good evening.” The doorman greeted me and pulled the door open for me.
“Hello.”
I walked past him and into the modern black and white lobby. I expected a check-in desk and restaurant, like a hotel, but there was a small sitting area in front of several elevator doors.
A woman walked up toward me. She looked about my age, wearing a cream coat over jeans and boots. Her honey brown hair was long, almost to her waist. When Bryce had told me my new assistant’s name was Colby, I thought she was a he. When I’d talked to her on the phone I’d figured it out, but seeing her was definitely a shock. I hadn’t expected her to be so… hot.
“Hi, I’m Colby Wells.” She extended her hand and I made a conscious attempt to not stare.
“Hi, I’m Noah.”
Her smile lit up her face. She was the kind of person who smiled with her whole body. Her shoulders relaxed, and her face softened. I’d been worried she was going to be the serious type with her leather briefcase and fancy clothes, but when she smiled she opened up.
“Great, I have the key if you want to go see the unit.”
I nodded and followed dumbly behind.
Once we were in the elevator she pushed the number six button. “I’ve seen three units today. We can see the others after this if you’d like.”
“Okay.” I sounded lame, but I didn't know what else to say. I’d lived with guys from the team in Boise and before that I was in sponsors’ homes while I was playing in the major juniors. This was my first place.
“This is a two bedroom, two and a half bath unit. Both bedrooms are suites with their own bathrooms, as it’s nice to have a separate one for guests.”
“Oh yeah. That is nice.” As if I’ll ever have guests over. Hopefully, I’ll make some friends, but that wasn’t a guarantee.
The elevator door opened, and she led me down the hall. She unlocked the door and stepped in. The lights were already on, revealing a large living room and kitchen. There wasn’t a dining room, but I doubted I’d need one. I looked around at the furniture. I sat on the sofa and nodded. Not too bad.
“Is it furnished?” Having to go shopping for a couch and tables and beds sounded terrible.
“Yes, this one is. Everything you see is included.”
Sweet. I looked out the window at the view. I could actually see the arena from here. That was pretty awesome.
She showed me around the kitchen and bedrooms, which were larger than I expected. Both had king beds and fancy bathrooms with waterfall showers.
I looked around for a bit while she waited in the living room. It had everything I wanted. A doorman was a nice plus too. Mom would like that. She worried about me living in a city, despite the fact I was six-foot three and over two hundred pounds. I wasn’t exactly an easy target.
I went back to the living room where Colby was on her phone. “It’s perfect.”
She dropped the phone in her bag and smiled at me. “I’m glad you like it.”
“Tell me about the other options. Are they the same size?”
“One is a two-bedroom, two bath about five minutes away.” She pointed in a direction away from the arena. “The other one is a really cool loft option. It’s closer to the school though.”
“Are they furnished?”
“Not the loft.”
Cross that one off the list. “How about pricing?”
“This one and the other two bedroom are the same, but the other unit doesn’t have a pool or doorman.”
“Then I’ll take this.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “Are you sure? You don’t want to see the other units?”
I shook my head. “No reason to waste either of our time. This is clearly the best option.”
“That’s what I thought, too.” She smiled like she was hiding something.
“Good.”
“So, I put down the deposit and signed the paperwork.”
She did? “How?”
She shrugged. “I weighed the options and I knew this was the best for you. Bryce already has me on your accounts, so I put the money down and he signed the contract.”
Huh. So, this was what it was like to have ‘people’. It felt weird that I hadn’t signed the contract myself, but Bryce knew what he was doing better than me. His and Colby’s jobs were to make my life easier. They were there to focus on things like this, so I could focus on performing.
“Thanks, Colby.”
She smiled and walked to the front door. When she opened it all of my bags were sitting there, waiting. She had this whole thing planned?
“How did you get those?”
“I went to your hotel and packed everything for you.”
I didn't know if I should feel violated or relieved. “You’re good.”
“Thanks.” She pulled my bags into the living room and shut the door. “Welcome home, Noah.”
I looked around and realized it felt right. “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
She nodded and pulled out a tablet from her bag. “So, the biggest thing is out of the way. What else do you need or want done?”
I sat on the couch and she sat across from me. “I don’t have any food here.”
She nodded. “I sent you an email with a list. You just need to go through and check the things you like. I assume you have preferences with your protein and supplements so let me know what brands you like, and I’ll be sure to get those as well.”
I looked at my phone and noticed the email notification. “Wow. Thanks.”
She grinned and waited.
Oh. Right. “I know I have a car and all, but it’s the same one I bought for myself when I was sixteen.”
“I figured that would be something you’d be interested in. I’ve created a monthly budget taking into consideration your salary, rent, basic expenses, and savings. You can afford a car payment of five hundred dollars.”
Whoa. I haven’t had a car payment…ever. I’d seen the commercials with how much cars lease for and with a budget like that I could pick nearly whatever I wanted. Well, nothing crazy.
“Do you have a preference of a car, truck, or SUV?”
Did I? I hadn’t thought about it. I’d driven my old, beat up sedan without ever thinking about something else. I couldn’t ever afford it.
“An SUV would be nice.” It would probably be easier to get in and out of.
“Great. I’ll take a look around, but don’t worry I won’t buy anything this time.” She winked, and I could feel my cheeks burning.
“After this, I trust you to
buy a car.”
She grinned and began typing again. “What else?”
I had no idea. Bryce and the coaches were convinced I needed a personal assistant, but I didn't know what to have her do. “What do you normally do?”
“I can manage your social media accounts. Set up a maid or chef if you’d like. Manage your calendar and sync it to your phone. Respond to your fan mail.”
“I don’t get fan mail.”
She looked up and smiled. “Oh, you will.”
I wasn’t sure about that, but she seemed sure. “I don’t think I’ll need a maid or a chef, but the other things sound good.”
“Okay.” She began typing again. “The team handles your travel for games, but if you need any help planning trips let me know.”
“Thanks, Colby.”
This was a lot to take in but having her here, getting used to her, helped. It was nice knowing I wasn’t here alone. She might not necessarily be my friend, yet, but I had someone I could call, someone to talk to.
“That’s what I’m here for.” I returned her smile, but it was a jab to my stomach. She was here because she worked for me, not because she wanted to. Well, maybe she wanted to be here, but it was because she was getting paid. It had nothing to do with me. How lame was I that I cared that she liked me?
“I think that’s it, unless you need me to do anything now? Do you want me to run to the store and get some basics for you?”
It was nearly nine. I hated sending her out, but it would be nice to have some things for the morning.
“Actually, would you mind showing me where the store is?”
“Not at all, let’s go.”
I hadn’t meant that she come with me, but I was selfish. If she was willing, I wanted her to.
I was a grown man, but I was intimidated by doing the simplest things. I’d lived a weirdly sheltered life. People around me had always taken care of things, so all I had to do was play hockey.
My roommates were better about errands, and I’d given them money for groceries, so I could use whatever was in the kitchen. I was on my own now. Well, with Colby. It was like adulthood with training wheels.
She led me down to a parking garage that I’d missed earlier. That made this place just that much better. No scraping off snow in the mornings.
Line Change: Utah Fury Hockey Book Three Page 2
