Hip Check (New York Blades) Read Online Free PDF Page A

Russell Hedges had set his sights on Esa, and Esa was glad that he did. Eventually, Hedges got Esa a three-year contract from the Blades for a total of $9.6 million. But it ran out at the end of this season.
    “What can I do for you?” Russell asked after they’d made small talk for a few minutes. Esa always had a hard time believing Russell hadn’t once been a jock himself: the guy was stone solid, with biceps that bulged beneath his custom-made shirts. He carried himself like an athlete, too, with a confident swagger.
    “Help me not to lose my mind,” Esa replied grimly.
    “Talk to me.”
    “I had a little chat with Michael Dante today after practice. He told me I really have to kick it up a notch this season. I got the sense he was hinting that management don’t feel they’re getting what they paid for.”
    Russell nodded. “And your contract runs out at the end of the season, and they’ve made no effort yet to re-sign you.”
    “That’s the problem, in a nutshell.”
    Russell offered Esa a glass of water, which he turned down. “You know how this goes, Esa,” he said, pouring a glass for himself. “Sometimes teams want to make players sweat. They think the pressure of playing for a contract could, consciously or subconsciously, lead to better performance. And God knows they don’t like to open their coffers before they absolutely have to.”
    “I don’t have time to sweat,” Esa lobbed back. “I have a lot of stuff on my plate right now, and the less stress I have in my life, the better.”
    Russell peered at him worriedly. “What kind of stuff?”
    “Personal stuff. Remember I told you my sister died last year?” Russell nodded. “Well, my eight-year-old niece just came to live with me. For good. Don’t even ask who’s been taking care of her the past year. It’s too complicated.”
    Russell took a sip of water. “How about this: I reach out to Blades management and try to nudge them on the contract issue. I’ll make it clear that we’d like this done sooner rather than later so it’s not hanging over your head all season.”
    “That’s exactly what I want. Tell them the better I’m able to concentrate, the greater the return on their ‘investment.’”
    “I’ll contact them first thing Monday. Doesn’t mean they’ll get back to me right away.”
    Esa eyed him warily. “Yeah, I know the game.”
    “How’s it going otherwise?”
    It took Esa a split second to realize he meant Nell. “Okay. As well as can be expected, I guess.”
    “Have you got a nanny?”
    “Starts Monday.”
She doesn’t know it yet, though.
    “
That’s got to be a relief.”
    “It is.”
    “I guess this means a big lifestyle change for you in a lot of ways,” Russell continued casually.
    “Let me guess: I’ll turn into more of a homebody, which will be a big boon PR wise.”
    Russell shrugged. “Couldn’t hurt. You know Kidco likes to portray itself as a family-friendly business. They might love the image of the party boy turning into a dedicated uncle.”
    “Amazing,” Esa marveled. “You guys are all alike. I got the same thing from Capesi.” He really didn’t want to go down this road, so he headed toward the door. “I should run.”
    “Anything else you want to talk about before you go?”
    “Nope. Thanks, Russ. Keep me posted.”
    “That goes without saying. Enjoy your evening, Esa.”
    “You, too, Russ.”
    Esa checked his watch. He’d been gone less than an hour. He had no doubt he’d get home and Nell would still be in her room, or maybe watching TV. He had no idea what to do with her tonight. Or what to do about dinner. Pizza, maybe.
    There, that was one thing settled. Next he had to call Kendra Meadows and cancel their date for tonight. He’d shift it to tomorrow. By then, everything would be in place with Michelle Beck. He’d make sure of that.

5

    The next morning
Esa struggled with impatience, trying to keep busy until ten a.m. rolled around. He made oatmeal for Nell