Page 38 of Bride Games

Finding it difficult to breathe, Paige blinked back the tears pricking her eyes. She held her chin high in an attempt to be her usual sassy, respected, hard-charging professional. “I know, Mr. Hales. It looks really ba?—”

Her boss held both his hands in the air. “I’m not finished.” His tone softened, “Listen, I know we owe our number one ratings spot to you. I have faith you’ll overcome this somehow, some way, but bottom line, I’ve got to pull you off the air for a few weeks, maybe months, maybe the entire football season. Sorry, Paige, but we’ve got to get ahead of the negative publicity. If you’re not on camera, maybe it’ll go by the wayside sooner.”

Paige sucked in her breath and simply replied, “No. I don’t agree with that approach. Let me fight back. Let me tell my story.”

“No can do. I’m the boss and I have a company to run. Employees to pay. Board members to answer to, and advertiserswho will not be happy about this at all. I’ve already fielded a dozen calls. If our advertisers pull the plug, that affects our bottom line, employee bonuses, the whole bit.” Frowning, he added, “I’ve also heard from some players and coaches. Some say they refuse to be interviewed by a rookie. A couple of avid NFL fans said you should be banned from covering the games, as did a crusty coach who needs to retire, but that’s between us.” Mr. Hales leaned back in his creaky leather recliner as he stared at Paige. The talent. Maybe the former talent.

Paige sat as still as a statue, hoping this was a nightmare. All she wanted was to cover a game with Zach. Be on the road right now, on the sideline interviewing the infamous, huge, talented players. She couldn’t speak, wondering where the hell her boss was going with his tirade.

Her boss continued, “I know this will sound harsh, but hear me out. This station is bigger than Paige Daniels. I know you’re a huge part of our success. We all owe you a debt of gratitude, but I can’t let the station slide into the abyss over this.” He shrugged. “Terrible metaphor, sinking ship and all, but I’m sure you get my gist.”

Paige found her voice, albeit tiny and shrill. “You don’t want me to cover any games? Be on camera at all?”

Mr. Hales nodded. “That’s right. For the time being. Zach can handle it.”

She sat up straighter. “Are you firing me?”

“No, Paige, I wouldn’t do that. You’ve been a stellar employee up to this point. You just need less air time until this blows over.” Mr. Hales smiled for the first time since their meeting began. “Actually, I have the perfect position for you. In fact, if this atrocious coverage has anything going for it, it’s that the timing is perfect.”

Paige’s eyebrows shot up. “What is it?”

“My wife and I are about to embark on our first cruise. A long cruise in the Mediterranean.” He eyed Paige. “I want you to fill in as station manager while I’m gone.”

Paige swallowed. “I’m not qualified for that.”

Mr. Hales shrugged. “According to the online chatter, you also weren’t qualified for sports. But you excelled.” He half laughed. “Well, until now.” He stood, indicating the meeting was over. “My assistant will be of great help to you. She’s typing up a priority list for you right now—accounting, legal, promotions, community relations, and overseeing human resources, that kind of thing. You’ll be fine, Paige. I have confidence in you.”

Paige wanted to vomit. Instead, she stood and shook her boss’s hand, plastering a fake smile on her face. She’d much prefer curling up in a ball or pounding her fists on the carpet and throwing a tantrum like a child. But that wasn’t her style, plus she needed a job and loved everyone at the station. She knew she had to wait until the stupid, hateful sports scandal blew over. “I’ll do my best, boss.” As she opened his office door, Paige turned back, still holding onto the doorknob to steady herself. “When do you leave for your cruise?”

“Tomorrow.” Mr. Hales grinned as he patted a pile of paperwork. “Oh! I almost forgot to tell you. I’ve hired new talent. Really excited about this. We got a good one. She’ll temporarily replace you as a sideline sports reporter until this chaos is tamped down.”

“She?” Paige swallowed past a lump in her throat.

“Marie Fallon. I’m sure you know her. She used to be with ESPN. This is a huge coup for our station.Huge.She’s incredible. Next to you, of course.”

As Paige attempted to control her anger—and breathing—she asked, “What about Zach?”

Mr. Hales walked toward the door, practically ushering her into the hallway. “Zach will travel with Marie, of course. Just likeyou did. I really have a lot to do before I leave for vacation. Good day, Paige.”

Oh, my God. I’m in hell.

36

In a daze after her upsetting meeting with Mr. Hales, Paige somehow stumbled back to her office without running into walls.He wants me to be the GM? The freaking general manager? I don’t know the first thing about administration. I hate paperwork. I hate being inside all day. And freaking Marie Fallon works here now? You’ve got to be kidding me.

She had barely sat down, lost in a hurtful haze, when a bleary-eyed Zach appeared at her office door holding two cups of coffee. He closed the door with his foot.

Paige eyed him. “Well, well. It’s the escape artist. How was the Hall of Fame event last night?”

He shrugged with one shoulder. “It was okay. The free booze was nice.”

“Anyone there I’d know?” Paige hated that she had to pry an answer out of Zach.Why can’t he just tell me? Emma would have given me the whole scoop by now.

“You aren’t going to like my answer.” Zach handed her a coffee. “I really wish you’d been there.”

“I wasn’t invited, remember?” Paige leaned back and studied her colleague-turned-undercover boyfriend. “Stop playing games, Zach. Who was there?”

“Marie Fallon.” Zach stared at Paige over his coffee cup.

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