38. Mia
Mia
A year later
“Okay, Foster, I’m going to need you to stay with your Aunt Cals and Stella while Mommy and Daddy talk to all these reporters.” I hand my sweet girl over to Callie, then Jensen’s sister, Stella, takes over to fluff my hair.
“Has it dawned on you yet that you’re about to go interview as the first female owner to win the World Series?” Stella claps her hands as she looks at me. “I want to be you when I grow up.”
I snort a laugh. I love having Stella on my team so much. When the new year started, it was pretty clear that I was going to need more help for me juggle all of my roles. Jensen threw her sister’s name in the ring very quickly for the team’s publicist.
“Well, the team won the title, really.”
Stella’s face blanches. “Yeah, but you’ve turned the Blues into the most valuable team in the league, so credit where credit is due.”
“I know, that’s why I mentioned you in the Forbes article, too.”
“And it’s framed in my home.”
I shake my head with a laugh. Adam definitely had it framed for ours, too.
“You ready, honey?”
Speaking of. His hand moves to my lower back, and I turn with a bright smile. “Let’s do it.”
We head to the stage and take our seats. Olsson sits to my right and Adam, Will, Dex, Beck, and Tripp line my left… So, I have team favorites, sue me.
“Welcome, everyone. I know you have questions and we have answers.”
Countless hands go up, but I always call on a female reporter to start us off.
“Lillian Presley with the Boston Times. For the prior two seasons there were clear improvements as a whole, but this season has sent the Blues into the stratosphere. What has been a key factor in making this season so impactful?”
“I believe all of us have some takes on this, so I’ll keep it brief.
To pinpoint one element of this franchise would be nearly impossible.
From the staff who put their heart and soul into the Blues, the dedication of the players, and the foundation Olsson has crafted.
All of them came together perfectly this season. ”
Olsson clears his throat. “To piggyback off that, I have to agree. There’s a lot that Mia has done for the Blues and it’s been a great fit.
I feel that part’s obvious, but you know the roster this season was really something special.
My players have been through a lot on and off the field, but every day they show up ready to go and happy to be able to play the great game. ”
Adam’s hand lands on my thigh under the table and squeezes. This really has been a phenomenal year. Foster just turned one, and in two weeks Adam and I will be having our dream wedding, then off on a honeymoon.
We take a few questions, and they keep the focus on the players.
For a while I was the main focus of these interviews.
It really bothered Adam, but I never minded.
Yeah, some people in this room probably still don’t think I deserve to be here, but after several stupid, misogynistic questions that were met with well-thought plans, executed data, and competence… they got less and less each time.
I glance at Stella, and she taps her watch one time.
“We have time for one more question.” But the moment I get the words out, Foster has decided that’s not the case.
“Mama! Dada!” she yells.
Light laughter courses through the room, and while I try to push through and point to one last person, Adam stands.
“Sorry, I’m definitely not strong enough and need to hold my daughter. I’ll be right back.”
Dex leans up to his mic. “Hold on, now I need my three.”
“Apologies, if we could hold one second.” I wave a hand, and Miles runs up from the back and jumps in between Tripp and Beck. Lucie passes off Thea to Dex, but Will jumps in, stealing Lucas.
Adam joins us back on the small stage with Foster and places a small kiss on my head before leaning back up to the mic.
“We’re ready now.”