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My mother smiles. “Patricia came with a good amount of investors too.”

“My only condition was to renovate the conference room first,” Patricia chuckles. “If we are to throw money at the club, we need to do it from a place that doesn’t look like it’s haunted.”

“I’m glad you’re here,” I say, meaning it. “It’s nice to see someone from the old board.”

“We’re all on the same team now,” my mother says. “We want what’s best for Dawnbreak. And for the league as a whole.”

We sit down, the mood serious. This is what I came here for, after all.

“So, you’ve made a decision?” my mother asks.

I nod. “I have. I want to accept your offer. I want to work for Dawnbreak.”

Her face lights up. “That’s wonderful news. I’m so happy to hear that.”

“Are you sure?” Carmen asks. “It’s not going to be easy. We’re nothing like the Tide.”

“I know,” I say. “But I’m not looking for easy. I’m looking for meaningful. I spent years protecting a club that never protected anyone back. I’d like to build one that does.”

“That’s exactly what we need,” Patricia says. “Someone with your experience, your drive.”

“We can’t pay you as much as you’re used to,” my mother warns.

“I don’t care about the money,” I tell her. “I have enough savings to last me a while. Besides, money isn’t everything.”

She smiles. “No, it’s not. But I’m glad you see that.”

“There’s something I need to tell you first,” I say. “Something personal.”

My mother nods. “Okay. I’m listening.”

“I’m pregnant.”

The room goes silent. Carmen and Patricia exchange a look, but my mother just stares at me, her expression neutral.

“Congratulations,” she finally says. “How far along are you?”

“Eighteen weeks, due in December.”

“Wow,” Carmen says. “That’s… unexpected.”

“A little bit. But I’m ready for it. I want this baby, more than anything.”

“As you should,” my mother says. “It’s a blessing. But are you sure you want to take on this job now? It’s going to be demanding, especially with a newborn.”

“I can handle it,” I tell them. “I’ve been working my whole life. I know how to balance things. And I want to set an example for my child, to show them that you can have it all. A career, a family, a life.”

“I admire that,” Patricia says. “You’re a strong woman, Alycia. I have no doubt you’ll be a great mother and a great asset to this team.”

“Thank you. But I should probably warn you. The father is Raul Reyes.”

This time, the silence is even heavier. They know Raul is the head coach of the team, the brother of my sister’s girlfriend. It’s a messy situation.

Carmen is the first to speak. “Well, that complicates things.”

“Does it?” I ask. “I mean, we’re both professionals. We can keep our personal and professional lives separate.”

“Of course,” my mother says. “But there might be some… concerns. From the league, from the media.”