Page 110 of If We Meet Again

“Who’s your inspiration? Do you model your game after anyone inparticular?”

“A lot of my influence has come from my dad over the years, but in terms of the type of player I want to be, it has to be Steph Curry.”

“Solid choice, arguably the best 3-point shooter to ever play the game. Is that what you aspire to be in the women’s game?”

Megan considered her response carefully, she could tell him what he expected to hear, the quick version, but the champions t-shirt she currently wore gave her a newfoundconfidence.

“I aspire to be a great teammate and a champion. Personal accolades are great, but that’s not what drives me. I want to be a part of a team that wants to win, a team that will stick together and dig deep when it really matters. I will put my body on the line every single night to be the best I can be and I would expect the same from my teammates. I hold very high standards for myself, so I will always aim to be better than I was the day before. I believe in my game and my work ethic and what that amounts to on the court will reflect that.”

Steve’s veneers glistened, showing the ultimate Hollywood smile. “Speaking like a true champion and a leader.”

“Thank you.”

“I won’t keep you much longer. It’s been great to chat with you. Once I get back to Phoenix, I will be in touch.”

Cheryl arranged an exchange with each of the remaining two scouts. One flew in from Chicago and the other from New York, the home of the New York Liberty and the place she longed to be again. The roster at Liberty already had two stand-out shooting guards. Being a fan of the game in general, she watched as many of the WNBA games as she could, often comparing herself, analysing what each player brought to the game and how she could better improve it or make herself more desirable. They did lack in the point guard position though.Could she switch roles?The ability was there. She believed in her facilitating game. Her dribbling and offence intelligence was top-notch, but she hadn’t played that position sincehigh school.

“Cheryl, how do you think it went?”

“Really great. Theyloved you.”

“Chicago didn’t love me.” Megan rolled her eyes.

“She’s always like that, believe me. I have dealt with her before so don’t take it personally. She likes to play her cards close toher chest.”

“Okay, what about Liberty?”

“I think she was impressed. Liberty won’t be easy, probably the most difficult of the three, but you held your own well. Your game speaks for itself, Megan. I will be expecting three offers on my desk Monday morning.”

Megan grinned. “You think that’s possible?”

“I know it’s possible. Just leaveit with me.”

“Oh, one more thing. Can you tell Liberty that I’d be willing to switch roles?”

“What do you mean?”

“I know their roster and I know they don’t need another shooting guard.”

“Unless one of them leaves,” Cherylpointed out.

“This is true, but if they don’t, I’d be willing to playthe point.”

“Okay, I’ll make sure I tell them that. So, you’re set on NewYork, huh?”

“It’s my home. I miss it. If I could go anywhere, it would be there.”

“Then I will focus all my energy on getting you there. You’ve done the hard part, now let me get you the deal you deserve.”

“Thank you, Cheryl, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You’d succeed anyway, it’s in your nature. Now, go enjoy your night.” She nodded toward the centre of the arena where the trophy now took pride of place.

Megan ran towards her parents and embraced them both once again. “Thank you forbeing here.”

“Do you think we’d ever miss this?” Michael said. “What didCheryl say?”

“It’s looking good. All three scouts are looking likely to come back with a deal next week,” Megan beamed.