“What kind of contracts does he do?” I ask.
“Oh, you know, partnerships, S-corps, divorces. That kind of thing.”
“So, family law? Small business? That’s a broad array of specialties.”
“He’s pretty much the only lawyer in town.”
“I see. He has to be a jack of all trades.”
“Something like that. He doesn’t think I need an agent, and I see his point. I could save a lot of money without one. Which could mean a lot of money if I go top five.”
“That’s true. What would your uncle charge you?”
“Just his normal fee for a contract review. I think it’s around two fifty an hour.”
I could choke. This kid has no idea what he’s getting into. “What’s your dad say? What about your coach?”
“My parents are super supportive. They made me what I am. But I think part of them wishes I could settle down here and start a family. They’re behind me though, just like always. I chose to go to a school close by, so they could afford to come to my games, and they never missed one. But that will change when I turn pro.”
“Consider yourself lucky. Many draftees are, at this very moment, surrounded by family and friends who only want a slice of the draft pie.”
“I know.” He scrubs a hand through his hair with a dazed grin. “It’s like I dreamed of this. But I don’t think anyone else other than Lakelyn thought I would actually do it.”
“Even though your parents are supportive?”
He lifts a shoulder. “My parents wanted me to excel academically. Not through sports. Dad played high school football and had a scholarship to play at Arkansas. Then, he broke his leg in a car accident. The offer was rescinded, and he couldn’t afford to go.
“So, my parents preached the importance of a good education. I had to keep my grades up if I wanted to stay in sports. Study, good grades, no girls. No partying.”
“And did that work?”
“Hell no.” We both laugh. “Nah, my freshman year was a blur of girls, working out, and hangovers. But when I got a C in a class, that was my wakeup call. Since then, it’s been straight As, and no crazy partying.”
“It sounds like you’ve got a good head on your shoulders.”
“I’ve got good people in my corner. Like Lakelyn. She’s a finance major.”
“And how does she feel about your career?”
“She’s fully supportive. Of course she worries I could get hurt, but she says that’s why we both got our degrees. She wants to work wherever we go and plans on investing pretty much everything I earn since we don’t know how long of a career I will have.”
“She sounds like a keeper.”
“Thus why you’re here.”
“It is your wedding after all.” I grin.
He doesn’t grin with me. “I think maybe there’s another reason you’re here though.”
“There is. I’m incredibly in love with Vale.” The words flow so easily out of my mouth, and they shock me, but fortunately, AJ doesn’t seem to notice.
“Lakelyn suggested I call you to seek representation months ago. Now, she thinks you being here is the universe’s way of saying that I should sign with you.”
“Did she research agents?”
AJ laughs. “Not exactly. She maybe sorta has a crush on Danny Diamond and has followed his career. She read you two are close. That you are even his son’s godfather.”
“That is an honor, for sure. His son, Damon, is already one hell of a ballplayer. And Danny is a good father. A good man. And that combination makes it easy for me to get him lucrative endorsement deals.”
AJ’s eyes light up. “That’s what I want. Endorsement deals. That’s what my uncle can’t do for me. Listen, I know I’m a decent-looking guy. I’m soon-to-be married. I even took some acting classes when I was a kid, and I was a natural in front of the camera.”
He’s a smart kid. He knows what brands look for and knows he fits the bill. He deserves better than some jack-of-all-trades relative handling negotiations that could affect his entire life.
“That’s the part of the process I don’t understand,” he continues. “Do they come to me? Can I do it myself? Or do they go to guys with agents?”
“Agents facilitate things like that along the line. We constantly work with vendors to find the right fit, and I often pitch deals to them on behalf of my clients.” Then, because I’m trying to be fair, I say, “It’s something you could do yourself. Contact them.”
“But I really won’t have time, will I? I’ll be training and focused.”
“That’s how most of my clients view it all. Yes.”
He looks me up and down. “I’ve heard you do more for your clients. You take care of them. That it’s not just about the money with you. Like with Danny. Your friendship speaks volumes.”
“Here’s the deal, AJ. It is about the money because we all have to make a living. But for me, it’s more than that. I develop close, personal relationships with my clients. It’s just how I’m wired. And I’ve been successful enough that I’m able to choose who I want to work with.”
“I heard a rumor you turned down repping a Heisman winner because of his partying a few years ago. And that guy went first in the draft.”
I nod. “And how did that turn out?”
“He crashed and burned, lost his contract. Needs rehab.”
“I want to work with athletes who are serious about their careers because they get a lot of personal attention. For example, my clients work with my team of financial advisors and accountants. I don’t make money off any of that, but it’s important for me to know my players are in good hands. We help set up transitions for new draft picks and trades. Help them get settled into their new town, find them a home, the best schools when it comes time for stuff like that.”
His eyes are almost perfectly round. “Wow.”
“It’s what I do.” I shrug. “And there are other things to negotiate. The contract is pretty much what it is. But we can negotiate how long it’s for and how much is guaranteed income. We can talk to teams in advance and get them pumped up about you too. It looks like the first five picks this year will be Jacksonville, New York, Miami, Atlanta, and Cincinnati. Do you have a preference?”
“Really, we think we’d be happy anywhere, but I’m not a fan of cold weather. It would be fun to live somewhere warmer.” He blows out a long breath through pursed lips. “You’ve given me a lot to think about.”
“It’s a big decision.”
“I have a question for you. Would you even consider taking me on as a client? I mean, we’ll be family. Would that complicate things?”
I love that he says we’ll be family. That’s how I want my clients to feel, but then I realize he’s talking about me marrying Vale. He thinks we’ll be family for real.
I clear my throat. “I believe we could keep it professional.”
He nods. “My dad wouldn’t be happy.”
“Here’s the thing, AJ, and this is important. You’re not some kid anymore. You’re an adult. A college graduate. You’re about to be married. It’s great to get advice from people you respect, like your dad and your bride, but ultimately, you—and only you—are responsible for your decisions. Your actions. You’re focused on trying to decide who to please—your dad or your bride. This is your life. You should take into consideration what you want.”