His head was a mess. If he carried on playing it would get worse. To anybody else it would be a no-brainer – pardon the pun. But for him, it was turning his back on the only life he knew.
But what choice did he have?
He took a deep breath, his gaze meeting Marty’s. “I guess I won’t be playing again.” Damn if that didn’t hurt. “I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to get here.”
“It took you a while.” Marty gave him a short smile. “But yeah, you’re making the right decision. Your health has to come first.”
“We need to talk about managing his exit,” Derek said, turning to look at Marty. “It’s in all of our interests to make it as smooth as possible. Cam’s been a player for the Bobcats for the past decade, we want him to go out on a high.”
“We want the same.” Marty nodded. “But we also have a team to run. We need to rebuild the defensive line without him. And stop the speculation. It’s been running rampant.”
“Cam’s interested in coaching,” Derek said. “He’s been working with his local high school team. The Bobcats feel like the right place for him to start this new career.”
Marty shot a glance at Coach Mayberry, who gave a slight shake of his head.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he told Cam brusquely. “Not yet. If we rebuild the team, we need to do it fresh. If you’re around, you’re gonna intimidate your replacement, as well as any new players we bring in. Maybe even make them do things exactly the way you did. Neither coach or I think that’s a good thing.”
“Now hang on,” Derek said, his face reddening as he leaned forward. “Cam’s given everything for this team. He’s taken you to two superbowls, for chrissakes. Now you’re gonna throw him aside and forget about him? No, I won’t let that happen.”
Marty held up his hand. Cam looked from the older man, to his agent, then over to Coach Mayberry who was leaning back in his chair, observing. He hated these meetings. Anything to do with the player’s career or salary – they were all things Coach didn’t want to be involved in.
He just wanted to play.
Or coach.
Marty held up his hand. “Hey,” he said, shooting Derek a dark look. “I didn’t say I was abandoning him. I just want him to get some experience in with another team first. When he’s ready, there’ll always be a place for him here at Freedom Field.”
Cam felt his muscles relax.
“I guess we need to talk,” Derek said to Cam in a low voice.
“Before you do, let me tell you one more thing. There’s talk of creating an expansion team in L.A. More than talk, if I’m being honest. Money is being raised, stadiums are being appraised, and the team is starting to recruit staff.” Marty shrugged. “I’m an investor and I know for a fact they haven’t recruited a defensive coach yet. If I put your name forward, the job is practically yours.”
“In L.A.?” Derek said. “I’d heard rumblings.”
“There are more than rumblings. It’s happening. They’re hoping to be ready for next season.” Marty looked straight at Cam. “It’s a huge opportunity for somebody starting out their coaching career. The last time the league had an expansion team was in 2002. You won’t get a chance like this again.”
“An expansion team, though.” Derek shook his head. “No chance of winning anything. Do you know the salary?” Derek asked.
Marty shook his head. “Nope. But they’ll talk to you about it in time. Just say the word and I’ll put you forward.” He winked at Cam. “Use it as a chance to hone your skills. Learn to manage players from the sideline. Experience the difference between a rookie and an experienced player from the other side. Do that for three years, and I’ll give you a job here.” His smile was soft. “We really want you to come home, son.”
“Can I think about it?” Sure, L.A. sounded amazing. But this whole offer was completely out of the blue. He’d be much further away from his family, his friends, his team.
And a whole world away from Mia Devlin.
He wanted to laugh at himself. She’d be fine without him. All his teasing about her rehab was just that. What they had was nothing more than some fun. If he left, she’d be fine. Probably date somebody else.
That thought felt like a punch to his stomach.
“You can do better than think. I want you to fly out there in a couple of weeks. Meet the new owners, the head coach, get a feel for the place. They’re building something good, I know you’d fit in there.” Marty fixed his eyes on Cam. “It’s time to move forward, son.”
It was. But Cam had a feeling they weren’t talking about the same thing.
Chapter Twenty-One
Mia rapped her knuckles on the oversized oak front door, and glanced back at the boys. Josh could barely contain his excitement. He was doing the same kind of dance he used to do when he was little and potty training, except she knew he didn’t need to use the bathroom because she’d made him go before they left.
Michael was leaning on the wooden railing that circled the house, a bored expression on his face.