Page 137 of Careless Tucker

I want that for him, I realize.

No matter how much I also wish we could realistically win the Cup next season too, I know we’re not there yet—probably the season after, though.

I appreciate that Bobby doesn’t push, doesn’t demand the specifics of the contracts—he knows even better than me everything Reed’s been through, everything his brothers have been through.

“Sean needs me more than Dale,” Reed says finally, still speaking softly, plainly.

Sarah shakes her head.

“But if you don’t want to leave, then we won’t trade you.”

Reed nods, still mulling it over, and I do what I do—just go with my gut.

“Can I talk to you?” I hope the privately is implicit.

“Yeah.” He pushes off the armrests of the chair and follows me out to the hallway, down two doors and into the conference room.

“Let me lay it out for you. I met you when you were just barely less of a kid than me, and even my fifteen-year-old dumb ass knew you were the definition of a stand-up guy. If you go, I’ll be there for Dale. I know he’s not exactly in my back yard, but he’s close enough. You give him my number and I swear I’ll be there for him.

“Now, if you stay, we can talk Lex into giving me Coach Wayne’s number and you can talk to her about helping Sean out. From what I know about her, she’s probably already going to do it, but we’ll give her a call and make sure. Your brothers are going to be taken care of no matter what you decide. What I care about is what you want.

“Now. I’m going to leave you here so you can sit in silence and think about it, really think about it. Sarah’s gonna give Bobby all the details, and we’ll wait until you’re ready, okay?”

He nods, offers me his hand.

“You’re a good man, Tuck.”

I snort and shake my head.

“I’m average at best.”

That gets me a smile as I shake his hand and pull him in for a half hug.

Sarah and Bobby step out of my office an hour later to go review the trade contract and wait for the commissioner’s office to approve it.

“Charlotte Wayne’s gonna be my coach,” Reed whispers, awe all over him.

“Dude, you’ve been playing with Lex for half a year,” I point out. He’s like Charlotte’s little brother and the son of a player with a resumé as impressive as Charlotte’s and her dad’s.