Page 13 of Faded Colors

“I’ve thought about that,” I say. “And I’m prepared for it. I’ll deal with it, as long as you’re okay with it.”

My mother looks at Carmen and Patricia, then back at me. “We’ll have to discuss it with the board, make sure everyone is on the same page. But if it’s what you want, then we’ll make it work.”

I let out a breath. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” she says. “We still have a lot of work to do.”

“Actually,” I say, “there’s more.”

“More than you being pregnant?” Carmen asks.

“Telling you about the pregnancy was the easy part. Now, I want to get to the circumstances leading to it. I don’t want to waste this opportunity, so before the signing, I want to put all my cards on the table. Full disclosure from day one. I want it all documented between the four of us.”

“Documented. Good.” Patricia says. “That’s how you survive what’s coming.”

I dive into the story about Declan’s affairs and potential future scandals. I tell them about Father’s deal with Jared and the consortium we tried to get to push out Apex. I tell them about the drive I copied in my father’s study in November, and the affidavit he signed so Declan couldn’t use it against me, and the email I sent Esme Ryan the night I filed for divorce.

I tell them about a hotel bar in March. I tell them everything, from start to finish. Everything except a hallway under the west stands.

It’s a long story, but I don’t leave out any other details. I want them to know what they’re getting into, what they’re up against.

When I’m done, the room is silent.

“Well,” Carmen finally says. “You don’t do anything by halves.”

“I’m not ashamed of it. I did what I had to do to protect myself and my family. And I’d do it again.”

“I spent most of last November trying to find the name on those east stand invoices,” Patricia says. “You could’ve saved me a very long lunch.”

“Sorry,” I say. “I’m just… done. Done with the lies, the secrets. I want to start fresh, with honesty and integrity.”

“Good,” my mother says. “This club needs someone who’s not afraid to stand up for what’s right, no matter the cost.”

“Thank you. I hope I can live up to your expectations.”

“You will,” she says. “I know you will.”

“There’s a favor I want to ask you,” I say, looking at the faces around the table. “Can you keep the pregnancy a secret until Raul and I are ready to share it?”

“Of course,” my mother assures me as Carmen and Patricia nod.

We spend the next hour discussing the details of my role and my responsibilities. It’s a lot to take in, but I’m excited. I can already see the possibilities.

Finally, we wrap up the meeting, standing up and shaking hands.

“Welcome to the team,” my mother says, pulling me into a hug. “I’m proud of you, Lyss.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I say, hugging her back. “I won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t.” She releases me.

We say goodbye to Carmen and Patricia, then make our way out of the building. It feels like a new beginning.

“I can’t believe I’m working for you again,” I say as we walk to our cars.

“Working with me,” my mother corrects. “You’re going to be great, I just know it.”

“Thanks,” I say. “For everything. For the job, for the support.”