Page 191 of Red Zone
So here I am, standing outside Megan’s office again, clutching my planner to my chest, trying to calm my racing heart.
I knock once before she calls me in.
She glances up as I step inside, her brow already lifting.
“Lyla,” she says, closing her laptop. “What can I do for you?”
I clear my throat, forcing myself to stand a little straighter.
“I wanted to talk to you about Carter’s campaign,” I say, my voice quiet but firm.
Megan leans back in her chair, crossing her arms. “Go on.”
I grip the edge of my planner tighter, trying to steady my hands.
“I know I’m not his intern anymore,” I begin. “But I spent months building that foster care initiative for him. Because it matters. It’s authentic to who he is, because it gives back to something that makes him who he is today.”
Megan doesn’t say anything, just watches me evenly, so I keep going.
“I know it’s not flashy. I know it doesn’t scream ‘star athlete’ the way energy drinks and sneaker deals do. But it’s real. Andit could actually change lives—not just his, but the kids who’d benefit from it.”
I finally meet her gaze.
“And it’s not about me. It’s about doing right by him. He deserves that.”
For a moment, Megan just studies me in silence.
Then she exhales through her nose, tapping her fingers against the desk.
“You really believe in this, don’t you?” she asks finally.
I nod, my chest tightening.
“Yes,” I say simply. “I do.”
Megan regards me for a long, quiet moment with her fingers steepled under her chin.
Then she sits forward, resting her elbows on her desk.
“You’ve grown a lot this year, Lyla,” she says evenly.
The words catch me off guard.
She gives a faint, wry smile at my expression, but her eyes stay sharp, focused on mine.
“When you started, you were good. But green. Afraid to speak up. Afraid to push back. Now? You’re sitting in here telling me what you think is best for one of our biggest athletes—because you believe it’s the right thing for him. And that matters.”
I swallow hard, my fingers tightening slightly more on my planner.
Megan leans back, folding her arms, and lets out a quiet breath.
“Here’s the thing,” she says. “I can’t hold your hand on this. If you think this is the right direction for him, you’re going to have to fight for it. Convince me. Convince the team. Convince him.”
I blink, startled. “So…you’re saying…”
“I’m saying I believe in you,” Megan interrupts gently. “And I believe in what you’ve built here. But whether it actually happens? That’s on you. Show me you’re as good as you think you can be. Show me you’re worth betting on.”
Her words settle in my chest like a weight and a spark all at once.
