Page 39 of Bride Games

Bristling, Paige’s voice rose. “Was she at ATV 10’s table? In what should have been my seat?”

Zach hesitated before saying, “I really wish you’d been there. The event was fun, but Marie is way over the top.”

Paige held a finger in the air while she took a quick call, told the caller she was in a meeting, and turned on her voice mail so she wouldn’t have further interruptions. “What happened? Or do I want to know?”

Zach waved his hand dismissively. “Marie lorded over everyone. Acted like she ran the place. Like she was the big star of the night.” He shook his head. “She’s going to be a handful.”

Paige pounded her first on the desk so hard she nearly sloshed coffee over the side. “Dammit. I can’t believe all that has happened in my life, and so fast. What a trajectory.” She fought back tears as she put her head in her hands. “I’m so miserable, Zach.”

“Why? Over Marie? She doesn’t have anything on you, babe.” He acted as innocent as a ten-year-old altar boy.

“Not Marie, although, I’m extremely unhappy Mr. Hales hired her. I’m talking about the stupid, horrific comments about me on social media. Will you sit down, Zach? You’re making me nervous.”

“Sorry. Sure. Thought this was just a quick coffee drop.” Zach grimaced as he sat across from Paige’s desk. “You mentioned the social media posts but not in detail since I had to rush to the sports thing. Damn, Paige. I never dreamed it would be more than a few posts. Are the nasty comments still coming?”

“Oh, my God. Yes! It’s nonstop. I’ve gone viral in the worst way possible.” Eyes widening, Paige asked, “Haven’t you checked social media?”

Shaking his head, Zach said, “Not since last night. I drank too much and slept like a bear during hibernation.” He rubbedhis temples. “I woke up with a massive headache, took a couple of Tylenol, downed some Alka Seltzer©, showered, and drove straight here. What are they saying today?”

“That must have been some party.” Paige burst out laughing. “Oh, nothing much. Everyone is saying I don’t know shit about sports. She pointed toward the aqua roses. Guess who those are from?”

“Based on the color and since you got some last year, my guess is Tyreek Hill.” Zach wrinkled his nose. “I’m guessing these weren’t congratulatory.”

Rolling her eyes, Paige said, “The card read ‘Wtf.’ Nice, huh?”

“Yikes. And the other bouquet?”

“It doesn’t matter right now. I’m trending in a very bad way. Spiraling, actually.” She paused. “And if that’s not enough, Mr. Hales just pulled me off the air.”

“Holy shit. I’m sorry.” Zach rubbed his forehead again. “Did he fire you?”

“No, thank God.”

“What will you do?” Zach took a big gulp of coffee as he studied her every move.

Paige leaned back in her chair and locked eyes with Zach as she waited for her words to sink in. “Keep up with me here. You will go on the road with the one and only sports darling Marie. Meanwhile, you’re looking at the new, hopefully temporary, general manager of ATV 10.”

Zach nearly spewed what was left of his coffee. “No freaking way, Paige. I have to go on the road with Marie—andyou’llbe my boss now?”

“Correct, unfortunately.” Paige crossed her arms. “I feel like I’m in one of those novels that’s a dream sequence. I wish I’d wake up from this nightmare.”

“Me too.” Zach was silent for too long. “I can’t be dating the boss. We can’t risk our careers, Paige. We both need our jobs. Iknow we’ve been careful but I don’t think we should date right now, do you?”

“I hadn’t even thought about that angle. You’re right. It’s too risky. I want my old job back—with you covering sports. If I can figure out a way to win back fans and players, I—we—can’t screw up our careers with our relationship right now.” She groaned. “God, this day just keeps on giving.”

Paige glanced up when she heard a light tap on her door. “Come in.”

Mr. Hales’ assistant stepped inside. “Miss Daniels, I have your meetings schedule for tomorrow. Call me if you have any questions. There’s one with accounting and one with legal.”

Paige glanced at the sheet. The first meeting was at 8 o’clock. “First off, call me Paige like you always have, and secondly, let’s schedule my first meetings at nine rather than eight, okay? I prefer to work into the evening.”

“Yes, ma’am.” The assistant gave Zach a sideways glance and left.

“You sounded so efficient.” Zach clapped a hand over his mouth. “Accounting and legal?” He scrunched his nose. “That sounds like torture, but you’ll be great,Miss Daniels.” He winked as Paige threw the paper at him, saying, “Shut up.”

37

Paige & Emma

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