Judge My Skills, Not Me

Chapter 13: *Cue Princess Diaries Transformation*

You're On Your Own, Kid by Taylor Swift & Evergreen by Omar Apollo 

"Thank you for coming in early this morning," Joseph said as Cristina walked into his office. Luis Enrique, his assistant coach Juan Carlos, and a woman in a suit sat in chairs opposite Cristina. "We have a lot to discuss." 

After the disaster of a post-game interview, Cristina went straight home and climbed into bed. Scott tried to get her to talk by walking into her room every ten minutes with a different speech about perseverance and other crap, but Cristina couldn't bring herself to care. After the harsh warning text from Jospeh, she felt like she was transported back in time to the insecure and weak 13-year-old girl she was. She just wanted to hide as if they could make the magazines from tomorrow disappear. Ben understood that she just needed time to process. He came to visit her once in the morning before she had to head to the Barcelona head offices and face her embarrassment alone. He came in with a tray of tea and a breakfast sandwich. Cristina started to thank him, but he interrupted. "It's okay to feel dejected, Miss. Diaz. It's about how you move forward that matters," he said and made his way toward the door. Before he could leave, Cristina stopped him and gave him a quick hug. 

"Let's get started then," Cristina said wanting to just get the meeting over with.

"Let's start with your behavior yesterday," Joseph said as he picked up a stack of newspapers off the floor. "'Barca Brat', ' Barcelona's Bombshell', 'Who's Really Running the Team?', 'Cristina's Way Or the Highway', 'Cristina Diaz Strikes Back'," with each headline, Joseph's tempered anger slowly showed more. "When I came to you about signing, I told you we wanted you to make headlines. This is not what I meant." Luis looked down at his hands and Cristina could feel his disappointment. 

"If I could just say-" Cristina tried to explain.

"No," Joseph said interuppting her. "I think I heard enough of what you have to say." Cristina was stunned at his complete dismissal of her.

"Cristina, we understand that the reporter was actively antagonizing you and challenged your ability," Luis tried to de-escalate the situation. 

"But, that does not give you the right to risk the image of this club and your superior's orders over a childish attempt to get under your skin," Joseph said firmly. 

"I had no intention of putting this club's image at risk," Cristina stood up from her seat. "I was just trying to defend myself from a reporter that clearly thought I was inferior to him just because I'm a woman." 

"We understand that, but-" Luis started. 

"Anything you say, breathe, or think in front of the press has the potential to have consequences that jeopardize this club and your teammates," Joseph finished. "We thought you knew the importance of monitoring your media presentation, but, clearly, you need a quick refresher." The woman in the suit stood up from her seat. "This is your new pr coordinator, Charlotte."

"Nice to meet you, Miss. Diaz," Charlotte said with no warmth in her tone. She was a 40-year-old woman with a sharp bob that reached her chin. Her features matched her aura, sharp and intimidating. 

"She will work with you personally to try and correct any inclinations you may have to interact with the press in a manner that is not good for the club's image," Joseph said sliding a folder on the desk. 

"You're assigning me a babysitter, you can't be serious," Cristina said unamused. 

"Well if you intend on acting like a child, we'll do what we can to fix those habits," Joseph glared. "In the contract, you signed with us, you agreed to any team aid to help benefit your future with the club."