Page 17 of Boards & Betrayal

"Thomas Morgan," she began as soon as we were in place, her voice carrying the professional enthusiasm of someone used to handling public figures. "How does it feel to receive such an esteemed award?"

I shifted uncomfortably, but tried to maintain my composure. "What the fuck do you think, Paige?" I said, keeping my answers short and to the point. "It's a fucking honor and all that shit. The team worked hard all season; this is for them."

Kara nodded, clearly fishing for something more personal. "Your coaching style is known for being particularly intense. How do you keep your players motivated?"

I glanced briefly at Ally before looking back at Kara. "It’s about setting high expectations and believing in their potential," I replied carefully. "They rise to the occasion because they know what’s at stake. I'm also not afraid to hold them accountable and be a hardass, unlike the majority of parents nowadays."

"Any plans for next season?" she asked.

I hesitated, feeling the weight of unsaid words pressing down on me. "We’ll keep pushing forward," I finally said.

Kara seemed satisfied with that answer and turned toward Ally. "All right, let’s get some photos," she said cheerfully.

Ally stepped forward hesitantly, her camera ready, but her expression guarded. Our eyes met again briefly before she raised her camera and began snapping shots.

The flashes of light felt like they were capturing more than just an image—they were freezing moments of tension and unresolved feelings in time.

Kara's enthusiasm grated on me as she directed me toward the backdrop, her smile unwavering. I tried to keep myfrustration in check, but the whole situation felt like a circus. I forced a smile, but it probably looked more like a grimace.

"All right, Morgan," Kara said, positioning me with a gentle push on my shoulder. "Let's start with you standing straight, arms crossed. Show us that commanding presence."

"Fuck, Darling —"

"Come on," she insisted. "The quicker it's done, the quicker we can all go home."

I scowled, but crossed my arms over my chest, my muscles tensing under the fabric of my suit. I stared directly at the camera, trying to project authority. Ally's camera clicked rapidly, each flash feeling like an intrusion.

"Perfect," Kara chirped. "Now, let’s get one of you with your hands on your hips, looking off to the side—like you’re contemplating the next big win."

"Fucking stupid…"

I shifted my stance, placing my hands on my hips and looking away from the camera. The pose felt unnatural, forced. My jaw tightened as Ally continued snapping photos.

"Great! Now, how about a more relaxed pose? One hand in your pocket, the other resting by your side."

I complied, slipping one hand into my pocket and letting the other hang loosely. My patience was wearing thin. The clicking of Ally's camera was incessant.

Kara clapped her hands together. "Awesome! Now let’s get one last shot of you smiling—really smiling this time."

A genuine smile was the last thing I felt like giving. I tried to force one anyway, but it probably came off as a grimace. Kara's eyes sparkled with determination as she noticed my reluctance.

"C'mon, Morgan," she urged. "Think of something that makes you happy."

Happy? That was a tall order at this moment. I thought of the team’s last victory, of the adrenaline rush and the sense of accomplishment. My lips twitched into a semblance of a smile.

"Much better," Kara said approvingly. "That’s what we needed!"

I clenched my jaw again as she signaled to Ally to take the final shots. The ordeal felt endless.

"All done," Kara finally announced with a satisfied nod. "Thank you so much for your time, Coach."

I exhaled sharply, relieved that it was over.

"Wait," she said, pausing. Kara's heels clicked as she hurried away. "We need one with your trophy. I'll grab it. Be right back."

"Kara," Ally said tightly, her eyes tracking her friend as she left.

But Kara disappeared around the corner, leaving us alone.

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