MS. LAYLA TAYLOR?" She turned around at the woman's voice. A young woman hustled across the parking lot after her. Layla waited, shifting her bag with her take-out lunch to a more comfortable position, and took in the woman's appearance: short, auburn hair, a little on the heavyset side, smiling mouth too big for her round face. Layla didn't recognize her. "Hi." She stood before Layla, catching her breath before extending her hand. "I'm Krissy Morgan with The American Press." What did the Lake Charles newspaper want with her? "Yes?" "First off, congratulations on winning the CotY regional award. That's quite an accomplishment." Layla's smile widened automatically. "Thank you. I'm honored by the award." The exposure was already starting? Awesome. "And I understand this means you're up for a national CotY as well?" "Yes. The national winners will be announced at the NARI gala in the spring." "If you have a moment, I'd love to talk with you a bit.
