Chapter 27

Kelly turned to shut the door before they sat down on the couch arms still linked. Both men were standing in front of the desk on opposite ends while MJ sat reclined in Sasha's usual chair behind them. Payson didn't look surprised to see her agent in the room so obviously her blonde friend had more insight into this situation.

Had her heart not begun racing in anticipation of whatever seismic level bomb was about to be dropped, she imagined she would be more amused by the shared history of the group in the office. She did briefly wonder how uncomfortable her coaches were feeling. As the woman who had come between them a decade ago literally sat in between them now. She shuddered to think how uncomfortable Payson must be but the other girls face remained stoic.

Her attention shifted from her internal musings as Marty started to speak. "As I stated earlier, but I'll repeat it for those of us who may or may not have been to busy saving wildlife to be here on time." He gave her a pointed look that indicated they would be having a serious conversation later and she was gratful that he didn't want to hash it out in front of the other people in the room especially MJ.

"One freakin' time," Kelly muttered.

He carried on, "Sasha and I, along with the NGO have been working with MJ's PR firm to truly harness the brand that is American Gymnastics. We've spent the past few months since returning from Greece reviewing a lot of the old and outdated policies and procedures that are in place.

Times are changing. The way this sport is presented to the public as well as how it is consumed by them has altered on a fundamental level. Four years ago you would have been hard pressed to find five random people on the street who could name five gymnasts off the top of their head in a non- Olympic year. The elite world has always been insular and sadly the average career only lasts a quadrennium; two if you're lucky.

Every four years the NGO trots a new crop girls onto the Olympic stage all talented and all with the same dream. The chosen few will get their fifteen minutes of fame and then the Olympic cycle is over and people forget. In order to even have a chance to make it big, you had to win that All-Around gold medal, and you had to do it while smiling. Then maybe, just maybe, you'd get to be on the Wheaties box. You'd do the post Olympic talk show tour maybe you'd get two or three major sponsorships and in so doing you'd be giving up your NCAA eligibility and any chance of a scholarship.

Then before you know it the ride is over and someone is kicking you off for the next Payson Keeler or the next Kelly Parker. All three of us standing in front of you have lived through that cycle and let me tell you it wasn't easy nor was it fun."

He paused briefly looking both girls in the eye, making sure he had their undivided attention for the next part. "As it stands that doesn't have to be the case this time. You ladies have changed the tenor of the sport. From make up lines to becoming the face of a luxury brand, people know your names for your athletic prowess as well as your individual endeavors. To have this much buzz in a non Olympic year is unprecedented and requires a different approach."

"That's where I come in," MJ stood and handed them two of the eight binders that were on the desk. "The NGO has decided we've moved beyond the realm of sizzle pieces and homemade documentaries. You ladies need a comprehensive media strategy and the two of you along with Emily Kmetko and Andrea Conway will be the face of a new American Gymnastics Federation branding campaign."

M.J.'s eye sparkled as she was now in her element, "Each of you has a compelling story in her own right. Kelly you were already an established entity in the sport as well as the media, but when you landed an Amanar on one foot in front of the entire world and then took second place in Greece coming back and winning gold on that same event..." She shook her head incredulously, "Well you cemented your legendary status," She paused looking thoughtful for a moment, "We will however need to discuss the pros and cons of the Austin Tucker angle as I wasn't aware of that until a few moments ago. It's not an emergent issue but we will want to make sure we have a strategem in place as your boy has a bit of a reputation."

Marty cleared his throat harshly at that statement and Kelly rolled her eyes heavenward but she didn't have to respond as MJ had already moved on to the next part of her agenda.

"Payson you're this generations Comeback Kid!" Her voice softened, "You had one of the worst situations an athlete can experience befall you on the national stage causing the world to stop and take notice. Because they did, they became invested in your return, your story, they became invested in you. You are the stunning yet talented All American girl who'd persevered through tragedy and wouldn't accept no for an answer. So when you showed up and petitioned onto the team and then you went to Worlds. It would have been enough for most just to see you perform but then you had the sheer audacity to actually win and repeat in Greece." She shook her head while smiling.

"That is the stuff that movies are made out of, that's the stuff that legends are made out of. As Marty said, prior to you girls bursting on the scene, gymnasts only had the Olympic stage to prove themselves marketable. You girls, as well as some of your teammates have completely thrown the NGO into a tailspin by shining the biggest spotlight on the sport that it has seen in a long time. That is why the time is now for us to begin building that brand with the two of you as the centerpieces. It's why we need to get a handle on how the media is spinning the truth and reframe the narrative. The NGO is 100% behind you and we want to tell your story." She faced the brunette first, "The story of you, Kelly Parker, a tale of tenacity and triumph;" She held Kelly's gaze a heartbeat longer than necessary, before turning to Payson, "And you Payson Keeler, the power of perseverance in the pursuit of perfection." Her blonde friend's cheeks colored slightly but a small smile graced her lips as she looked down. Kelly had to admit the woman had a way with words she found herself buying into the agents charismatic and polished presentation.

"I feel in the interest of full disclosure I need to say that you ladies have become very big business. This is only the first of many meetings we will need to have as London draws closer. We will have to be very strategic about how we market you from here on out. Your coaches and I want you all to be able to make the most of this opportunity, securing your future, whilst protecting you from the many unforeseen pitfalls along the way." Yes, Kelly decided. M.J. Martin was damn good at her job.

There was a lull as both M.J. and Marty looked expectantly at Sasha. He cocked an eyebrow in their direction before rolling his eyes, of course they would leave this part to him. He took a deep breath and his eyes fell to Payson. She was his peace. He wasn't political like Marty and he didn't spout sonnets like M.J. so after weighing the words in his mind he decided to go with the approach he knew best, "Therefore you will not be going to the American Cup-"

"WHAT?!" The two voices sputtered loudly in unison.

Kelly recovered faster, "I'm sorry but how does you guys are big business allow us to promote you to new heights translate into you will not be going to the American Cup? We've been busting our asses for the next selection camp!"

He refrained from replying right away, trying to recall the time when they thought it would be easy convincing these women of his idea. He looked over his shoulder to Marty who was supposed to be there to help him sell this idea. The useless twit put his hands in his pockets and met his gaze expectantly before inclining his head in Kelly's direction. She was ranting in his general direction while Payson narrowed her eyes and placed her hand under her chin.

He was taking a steadying breath, when the brunette gymnast spoke again, quieter this time. "Was my mother right? Why wouldn't you want me at the American Cup? Are you holding me back? Do you want to see me fail?"

"That's not what this is about at all." He moved from behind the desk and walked around to stand in front of the duo. They needed to understand the entirety of the situation in order to get on board. "My colleagues," He ground out the word, not pleased but also not surprised that they were leaving the hard part to him. He started again, "My, colleagues have presented you with the positives of this situation but have either of you seen the other side of the press coverage regarding yourselves since Worlds?"

He handed Payson a magazine opened to the center. On the left page was a widely circulated picture of Kelly after she'd fallen on her first vault at Worlds. She was sitting alone next to the vaulting podium scowling in a bid to fight back her tears. On the opposite page was a picture of Payson celebrating while hugging Marty.

'Struggling in the Shadow of the Golden Girl?: Watch out Payson! How far will Parker go to regain the Throne...'

He handed Kelly another magazine featuring a picture of the duo standing in the middle of the floor laughing while the rest of the team stood off to the side watching them. 'Mean Girls of Gymnastics: Is it Team USA or a Team of 2...'

It was silent as the girls skimmed their respective articles.

"Those two articles are just the tip pf the iceberg. I reached out to some of my contacts and apparently the two of you are all the "gymternet" can talk about, and right now half of it is just as divisive and inflammatory as these articles." Sasha informed them.

Kelly shrugged. "That's normal it's what they do to sell stuff right? Sensationalism. I've been the bitch of Team USA since we were on the Junior National Team," Reaching out she took the magazine that Payson was holding and shoved them both back at Sasha. The blonde girl actually appeared to be affected by the words. "Yet here I am, and honestly all press is good press right?" She affected her practiced air of nonchalance.

"Those pictures aren't even from the same competition." Payson declared referencing what she had just read. "It's a complete lie."

MJ was back in her wheelhouse, "That's because they haven't settled on how to frame the narrative yet, but Sasha is right. We have to get a grasp on the negativity circulating because it is not favorable to either of you. The last thing we want is the public asking if you are entitled mean girls who think you're better than your teammates or bitter rivals trying to knock each other off? I'm here to make sure that neither of those things happens. The press is excited, it knows there is a story here and we are going to give them one, the version, that we want to tell them, while remaining true to the values and standards of the N.G.O. and cultivating your individual brands of course."

Sasha focused on both the young women standing in front of him in equal measure, neither knew what it felt like to have that national spotlight shine on you in a negative fashion. "To your point Kelly, yes amongst the girls you were known for your, less than friendly attitude, but to the world you were the sweet, beautiful, hard working world champion with Olympic aspirations. Your mother cultivated a pristine public image for you."

Kelly mulled over his words; he wasn't wrong.

Marty's voice snapped her out of her musings, "Keep in mind the image the N.G.O. strives for is pretty girls in pretty boxes. Is it right? No. Outdated? Yes. However it's the reality of the sport you've chosen. Don't forget the judges who render your scores also read these same articles, and elite gymnastics is a small community. It might not even be on on purpose but public perception could very much affect your scoring. Judges and the NGO will want to avoid the appearance of bias. They want to keep the sport pure."

"Not to mention endorsements." Marty gave Kelly a knowing look. "Payson, I know you are new to the professional scene but keeping your image untarnished is a huge part of maintaining sponsorships."

"I still don't see what this has to do with us competing at the American Cup. If anything the more we compete the more chances we have to 'cultivate a brand.'" Payson said using exaggerated air quotes.

Sasha was glad for the push to get them back on track for original purpose of this meeting. "Two paths lie ahead for both of you each leading to the same goal, London 2012." He paused there wanting to make sure that they both understood that his investment in their ultimate goal had not changed. "We want you both to have adequate exposure and opportunities for personal victories." The competitor in him hadn't been 100% behind this portion of the 'marketing strategy' but the coach in him understood the logic. He watched keenly to see if they were following, so far so good. "Whilst I might feel your choice to become professional athletes should not affect your training on any level. I also recognize, and I need you both to as well, that we have an obligation to take care of and protect the longevity of those careers."

Marty took over, "It's 2011 and we are one year out from the Olympics. Right now those four year fans are starting to pay attention to what's going on in our part of the world. So we have decided to help build you golden resumes." Marty smiled pleased with his pun.

MJ stood up to close, "We want you both to dominate the circuit this year and next only at different events. Each of you has held the title of All-Around World Champion imagine the anticipation of seeing that head to head battle in July at Nationals and again in October, if you haven't competed against each other at any other meets. No matter which of you comes out on top you will both win because everyone will be ready for London 2012 when you will battle it out again on the biggest stage of them all, the Olympics. This alternate meet approach will get, and keep, the right people talking, from now until London, but not about if Payson can beat Kelly or whether you and your teammates get along, no. We want people and the media to wonder what team in the world has enough talent to beat a Team USA that has Kelly Parker and Payson Keeler, together, both formidable stand alone champions in their own right, unbeatable together."

He watched as both girls let his words sink in he looked to Marty to gauge how the other man thought they took it.

They were looking at each other now as if having some sort of silent debate before turning back to face their coaches.

Kelly started "What about the NGO, I highly doubt Ellen Beals or even Mark McGowan for that matter is on board for any plan that revolves around only two athletes."

Payson continued, "And what about the rest of the national team are they supposed to just sit back and allow us to 'dominate the circuit-'"

"No allowances needed we were going to beat them anyway," Kelly muttered.

Payson directed her concern to Marty, "Plus wont that cut our potential number of competitions by a lot and how will we control the selection process. I know you're the head coach but you still answer to the NGO."

Kelly twirled her finger in the air, "Also, how will this avoid the appearance of favoritism? I mean yes we are the favorites, but isn't it a bit early to just announce it to the other girls."

"And on that same note-" Payson started.

Sasha felt it was time to cut in before they started to spiral.

"No one is talking about rigging competitions or tossing others to the side. I will be having a talk very similar to this one with every member of the National Team today. Everyone's path is different and now, one year out, is the time to start truly embracing it. I believe in every single one of the girls I train if I didn't they wouldn't be here. I also believe that when any of the twelve of you are at your best each one of you has it within her to be the one standing on top of the podium." He could feel some the tension in the room begin to abate." I appreciate your concerns about your teammates, and while I said I want to see you both dominate the circuit, you are right the young ladies in that gymnasium are the ones planning to stop you. It's a lot easier to find motivation when you're the one giving chase."

"We aren't offering you guaranteed wins by any stretch of the imagination. The field from other countries as well as our own will remain as deep as it has always been, it will be up to you and you alone to maximize the opportunity you are being given."

The two gymnasts looked at each other again and then Payson looked at Sasha, "We trust you." He let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding. He truly believed this was the way for them to find the most success.

Kelly's voice didn't sound nearly as trusting and almost bored, "So since we aren't going to the American Cup are we excused from practice, brands don't build themselves."

Marty met her bored tone with a mocking one of his own. "Had you not cut Sasha off, you would have realized he was addressing only Payson. However you, Kelly, baring a complete disaster at the selection camp practice next week, are one of the two athletes I have pre-selected to compete at the American Cup."

Kelly felt the lightness in her chest return and she couldn't stop the smile that crept onto her face. She had wanted to believe that Sasha and Marty were looking out for her but the fact that they had intertwined her path with that of a fellow gymnast (even if it was Payson, actually, especially since it as Payson) had her a bit on edge. She chanced a sidelong glance at her friend. Payson was trying to hide her disappointment behind a smile but she noticed the sag in her shoulders. Neither of them had ever been to an American Cup and they had been looking forward to doing it, together.

Sasha came to stand in front of Payson and he placed his hand under her chin, "I'm glad you trust me because if you didn't our trip to Jeslo in a couple of weeks would be a touch uncomfortable."

The City of Jeslo Trophy. Her head fell back and she let out a short laugh sagging against him as he reached out to hug her. Kelly and Marty looked to M.J. who was typing away on her phone, to busy to take note of the interplay between the two blondes.

"Way to bury the lead Belov." Payson murmured into his chest before turning her head to let it rest there.

Kelly gave her friend a pointed look and she took a step back from the taller blonde who kept his arm around her as he spoke. "The decision wasn't arbitrary. Kelly, you deserve a chance to remind the World of who you are outside of a team environment, and Payson you are an experienced team captain. We will need your talent and leadership as we showcase the new seniors and age eligible juniors at Jeslo. I have no doubt that you will be instrumental in helping them get acclimated to international competition."

Kelly noted that the praise about her leadership seemed to erase any lingering disappointment her blonde friend had regarding the American Cup selection.

Marty took her arm and pulled her a bit away from Sasha and Payson who didn't notice as they had started to head out of the office while discussing showcasing her new eponymous beam dismount in a competition setting.

He crossed his arms, "What are your plans for this afternoon?"

Kelly paused trying to figure out his angle and if this was a round-a-bout way to bring up Austin. "I'm pretty sure this a trick question."

"Kelly!" M.J. came to stand next to them, "I hope this one hasn't cocked up my offer."

"You know him well I see."

She smiled at Kelly. "Indeed. I was hoping that you and I could have dinner."

Marty cleared his throat drawing M.J's attention. "You mean you, Kels, and myself. There is no way I'm going to let one of my impressionable young athletes go to dinner with a hot-shot sports agent without having an advocate there. We should actually probably meet early to discuss terms before you make an offer to her."

M.J. arched one perfectly groomed eyebrow. "Oh really," she turned her attention to Kelly. "I'm sorry. I was under the impression that you were a legal adult who could make her own decisions."

Kelly bit back a smirk at Marty's affronted expression. She was touched he was trying to protect her but M.J. was right, she was an adult. "Yes I am."

"Were you not previously managed by Sheila Baboyan?"

"Yes I was."

"Did you not successfully extract yourself from that relationship?"

"Yes I did."

"Did you do so while Mr. Walsh, your self appointed advocate, who claims to be looking out for your interests, was your coach?"

"Yes I did." Kelly tried to keep a straight face

"And would you say that relationship with your former manager was a bit more...personal than ours?"

Marty scoffed but Kelly held MJ's gaze. "Yes it was."

"Having been a professional athlete for over half your life, do you feel confident in your ability to advocate for yourself?"

"I do now."

"Ok ok, no one is saying she is not capable. She is one of the most capable women I know." Kelly allowed herself a small smile at that comment as Marty carried on, "What I'm saying is, this was all rather sudden. You should probably take time to do a bit of research so you can put together the best possible plan for my gymnast."

MJ's eyes had never left Kelly's. The woman had an intensity about her that rubbed Kelly exactly the right way. "Since you started your career in 1999 you have garnered sponsorships from over 47 different brands totaling $1.3 million dollars. This includes your most lucrative; a one time collaboration with a smaller national make-up chain. Predicated upon that collaboration they had their best year to date. Those products alone that you helped to design and promote added around $52 million dollars to their bottom line last year. Yet you were paid upfront, a mere $25,000. Now if you're at all concerned with whether or not I have your best interests at heart I can guarantee you that going forward you could command a $100,000 signing fee just for putting your name on the bottle. On top of that and deal I might negotiate for you would come with built in riders for residual compensation on all future ventures. A 5% payout of the net sales each year on all collaborations which garner total sales over 30 million during that fiscal year.

If we could take those analytics and apply them to the original deal what was a one time pay day of $25,000 turns into 2.7 million dollars. You can double the net worth it took you a decade to build in one deal."

"Don't forget to tell her about your 10% fee so it's what...A quarter of a million dollar payday for you as well. Marty added smugly.

"She charges 15% which is 5% less than the industry standard."

M.J.'s smile widened as she turned for the first time to focus her attention on Marty. "Yes, Coach Walsh my fee is 15%, which is 5% below the industry standard because I deal with unrelated minors. So it would be a $405,000 payday for me to be exact. Leaving Kelly with $2,295,000 before Uncle Sam takes his 40% due to those insane taxation regulations you all fought for so heartily by throwing perfectly good tea in a river in Boston because you wanted them so badly. After all is said and done Ms. Parker will be $1,377,000 dollars richer. Check the math if want but I'm sure you may remember numbers are one of my many many talents."

Kelly watched the silent interplay between them as her respect for M.J's business prowess grew even more. The latter finally tore her eyes away from Marty to focus fully on Kelly. "This may have been sudden but I would never approach you unless I was fully aware of everything regarding your situation. I'm offering you a chance to reclaim what was stolen from you in one go with an extra 77,000 to sweeten the pot."

Kelly put aside her admiration and crossed her arms. Sheila may not have given her much but she did teach her to never accept a first offer on the first pitch even if it's everything that you want; especially if it's everything you want. There is always room for negotiation. "Was that your entire dinner pitch?"

Marty snorted and M.J smirked approvingly, "Darling, that's not even the best part."

Her eyes held Kelly's but her words were clearly meant for Marty. "Suffice it to say I think she can look after herself."

Kelly inclined her head in agreement.

The older lady returned the gesture before stepping closer to Marty and lowered her voice, "Excellent effort Walsh. However if you want to have dinner with me you're going to have to man up and ask me; not play tag along at a prospective client meeting." Kelly gave a low whistle at her coach's expense as the lithe agent strutted out of the office.

Marty stood in place half smirking at the empty office door like an idiot and Kelly couldn't hold back her laughter. "Really Coach I had no idea why you were single but after seeing that... Now I have a much better idea."

Her mirth seemed to bring him back to the present moment and he placed his hand on her shoulder guiding them out of the office. "I'm so happy to hear you have a better idea. I also have so many ideas about people namely you and relationships that violate guidelines and tardiness and consequences."

The upbeat tenor of his voice became even more exaggerated as they proceeded down the stairs. "Oh yes I too have ideas; about endless laps and sprints. Oh and another idea about rope climbs and leg lifts. And here's an idea, since we both seem to be having wild and crazy epiphanies this morning. Today could be the day you try to break the world record for number of press handstands done on beam or floor or maybe both!"

Kelly was not amused. "It would be a shame if you broke me before dinner with your ex not ex tonight."

"You're tough you'll live." As they reached the bottom of the stairs Marty removed his hand from her shoulder and pointed towards the floor. "Now that I think about it I have no idea what the day holds but I do know, that for you, it starts with laps." He blew the whistle and she felt her body kick into gear. She mentally shot him the bird in 6 different languages as she heard him call behind her, "After all you're one of the most capable women I know."