Page 84 of Bound By Lust

You represent not just your talent, but the discipline behind it. Highlight the team, but you also want to honor your work. You’re here because you earned it. Do you understand?” She looks up at me with warm, calculating eyes as if trying to discern if I’ll fold under pressure.Ain’t shit folding me but my man. Everything else is cake.

“Understood,” I nod.

“Good. Now I put together a list of things that might help you when they’re rapid firing questions your way,” she informs me as she hands me a sheet of paper and I stare at it, impressed

Jessica Hurts Media Blitz Strategy

· I didn’t come to prove myself. I came to perform. The proof is already on the field.

·I’m not the exception. I’m the evolution.

· It’s not about being the only girl on the field. It’s about being the one no one can ignore.

· Let them talk. I’ll just keep showing up and making noise where it counts absorbing every word.

· Remember: every question is a chance to redirect. Don’t answer what they ask—answer what you want them to hear.”

·Speak in headlines. One-liners. Be quotable. Be clear.”

· Never apologize for being confident. Own the space like it’s already yours.

She walks me through a few questions. Her tone is flawless, like she’s trained senators, CEOs, and maybe a few presidents in secret. She is a real girl boss that in this short amount of time I have grown to respect.

As I get up to go, she stops me, lowers her clipboard, and looks me dead in the eyes.

“Off the record,” she speak, though her voice is quieter now.

“Yeah?”

“Don’t let them bully you!” She raises a brow and gives me a pointed look. “You’re a Black woman in football, Jess. That’s not a small thing. I know this isn’t fair of me to say and I know this is unprofessional, but I have to say it.

There are going to be little girls out there, littleBlackgirls, watching this interview just to see someone who looks like them in that seat. You don’t just represent the team today. You representpossibility. So, while you’re showing up for yourself, don’t forget you’re showing up for them too.”

I swallow hard, throat tightening. She touches my arm gently, and her voice softens again, but the words hit like a Kamehameha.

“And Jess… again, you’veearnedthis. Own the room. You’re not just one of the players anymore.” She smirks, squeezing my arm. “You are the headline.”

Something locks into place inside me. Not fear, not pressure…itspurpose.I nod, breathing steady now.

“Thank you. I needed that.” I shake my hands and crack my neck.

“I know you did. Now let’s go change your life.”

The room is packed like a mother fucker… they’re watching me like starved dogs, waiting for me to fuck up,but I don’t...

There are cameras everywhere, and microphones hanging from every fucking angle, but I don’t flinch. I just do what I’m meant to do…shine.

Amara was right. The woman deserves a raise. They asked me about everything, from the ongoing season to my team and how I fit in it as a woman, even my goals.

I’ve answered like a pro, using some of Amara’s answer when I couldn’t think of a better response, but I made sure to answer as openly and honestly as I could.I was born for this! They can’t faze me.

“Last question?” The time facilitator calls out and a man in a tailored blazer, barely hiding his smirk, holds up his hand.

“Yes?”

“Jessica, you’ve faced a lot of noise this week,rumors, and backlash, drawing attention on your personal life. What do you have to say about that? And how do you stay focused through it all?”

My heart stops beating like it’s been ripped out of me. Of all times for that shit to happen, it had to bethisweek! What about all the time I spent being chaste and good? What about all the time I skipped parties and hanging out with friends to just sit at home to keep a good image?!What about that shit, huh?!

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