Page 67 of The Tryout

FINN

We end up deciding to wait until after the conversation with Ethan’s agent to send the letter, knowing that he may have more specific advice for how to handle the situation. Still, we end up talking with Avery’s Pops – Tony, I’m supposed to call him – for almost an hour.

At first, it’s all work stuff – my contract terms, what I’m hoping for in a new contract, any interactions with the front office that we might want to take into account. But toward the end, it’s more social. Just as we’re about to sign off, he asks one final question.

“What are you boys up to for Thanksgiving?”

I hardly realized the holiday was coming up soon, time has moved so quickly this season. And while a lot of guys on the team plan months ahead to make the holidays work out, I’ve never really had anyone else to schedule. No family, no friends. A holiday is just another off day, as far as I’m concerned.

I look blankly at Avery, hoping he’ll come up with something better than When is Thanksgiving again?

“It’s just another weekend for us – home games Friday and Saturday. I think we have a full day off on Wednesday and just a morning skate on Thursday, though.”

Clearly, he has at least been thinking about this.

“Well, since you’re both there, how would you feel about a visit? Dad and I could fly in Monday or Tuesday, maybe stay through the weekend to see your games?”

Avery’s eyes go wide.

“Hold on, Pops.”

With that, he mutes the sound and turns off the video, much to my surprise.

“Avery! You can’t just…mute the guy doing hundreds of dollars of legal work for me!”

“He’s my dad. I absolutely can. And you can say no to this idea.”

I chew at my bottom lip. Part of me wants to, but part of me…part of me wants to understand a little more about what makes Avery tick.

“Will they want to stay here?”

Avery looks at me like I have three heads.

“On an air mattress? Or the couch? No, absolutely not.”

I refrain from pointing out that our couch is both larger and more comfortable than every bed I had up to the age of eighteen. Taking a deep breath, I turn to the computer screen, and quickly figure out how to get Tony back on the screen.

“Sorry about your son’s manners. We’d love to have you.”

His smile almost makes it worth it.

That afternoon, Ethan’s agent FaceTimes Avery right at four. Opening the call on his laptop, he gestures at me to sit down and moves the screen to frame my face, his own off to the side.

“Hello! You must be Finn Murphy?”

The man on the screen is well-dressed, in a button-up and tie that are just colorful enough to be striking. His hair is graying at the temples, and I’d put him somewhere in his mid-50’s, though he wears it well. I’m glad Avery convinced me to put on a nice sweater - his nice sweater.

“Um, yes sir. Thank you for taking my call. Or, um, calling me.”

Great, now I sound like an idiot.

“Of course. Now, Tremblay gave me a little overview, but I’d like to hear from you what the situation is and what you’re hoping to get out of this conversation.”

I look at Avery, begging him with my eyes to jump in. I know that whatever comes out of my mouth will just confuse the situation further.

“Is there someone else there with you? If you’re comfortable, they’re welcome to join in.”

I grab at the chance, thinking of all the times Avery’s asked to do me a favor. Buddy, here’s your chance.