My stomach flips. “It did?”
“In a very positive way.” Jennifer leans forward. “They're incredibly impressed with your work, Avery. The transformation you've achieved with Liam is exactly what they hoped for when they hired you.”
Relief floods through me so intensely I feel lightheaded. “Thank you. That means a lot.”
“Which is why they'd like to offer you a permanent position. Not a contract renewal. A full-time role as the Renegades' PR Crisis Expert.”
I blink. “Permanent?”
“Permanent. Full benefits, salary increase, the works.” She slides a folder across the desk. “The details are all in here, but I wanted to tell you in person. You've earned this, Avery.”
I open the folder with shaking hands, scanning the offer letter. The salary is significantly more than my contract rate. The benefits package is comprehensive.
“This is incredible,” I breathe. “Thank you, Jennifer.”
“Thank the board. And yourself. You did the work.” She pauses. “There's one more thing. Once your current assignment with Liam concludes after the Finals, we'd like to rotate you through the roster.
“Work with different players who need image rehabilitation or reputation management. Think of it as being the team's go-to person for player development from a PR perspective.”
My mind races. Working with multiple players means more variety, more challenges, and more opportunities to prove myself.
It also means less exclusive focus on Liam.
Which should be fine and exactly what we need. “That sounds perfect. I'd love that.”
“Excellent.” Jennifer stands, extending her hand. “Welcome to the permanent team, Avery. I'm glad to have you.”
I shake her hand, still processing. It’s everything I've worked for. I float back to my office in a daze, closing the door behind me and leaning against it.
Then I grab my phone.
Me: I GOT IT
Liam: Got what?
Me: A permanent position. The board approved it. I'm officially part of the team now.
Liam: FUCK YES! I'm so proud of you.
Then another message:Does this mean you're stuck with me forever?
Me: Looks like it. Think you can handle that?
Liam: I can handle anything if it means keeping you.
My heart squeezes.
Liam: We should celebrate. Dinner tonight.
Me: Your place? I can pick up takeout on the way.
Liam: No. I want to take you out. A real restaurant. Somewhere nice.
I stare at the message, my pulse quickening. We don’t do public.
Liam: It's time, Avery. Time to show the world who's made me change. Who I've changed for.
My breath catches in my throat.
