Page 72 of Bride Games

“Didn’t you watch? Zachy was fabulous. He and I ran up and down the sideline and nearly got hit, but we got some great photos. Mr. Hales will love the coverage.”

Paige turned her steely glare away from Marie, eyes landing on Zach. “Is that right, Zachy? That’s fabulous.”

Zach looked like a sibling who got caught reading his sister’s diary. “Same old, same old. Remember when Chris Jones plowed into me last year, Paige?”

Grinning, she said, “I do. I nursed you back to health.”

Marie stood. “Are we finished?”

“We are not. Sit back down, Marie. I’m not finished with my coffee.” Paige took tiny sips as Marie glared at her. “Do you like working at ATV 10, Marie?”

“Sure. It’s not as high pressure as ESPN. And I love working with Zachy.”

Paige tossed her coffee in the trash. “Follow me to your office, Marie. I mean, your tiny cubicle. You, too, Zach.” Paige had already made copies of the documents she had discovered on Marie’s desk. She wasn’t about to lose that incriminatingevidence in case Marie snuck in earlier and realized she had almost left it in plain sight.

As they walked through the station, Paige, feeling lighter than she had in months, smiled, and waved to colleagues. Meanwhile, Zach appeared dumbfounded, and Marie seemed pissed.Good.Paige hated keeping Zach in the dark but wanted to see his reaction firsthand.

Once they entered her cubicle, Marie said, “What are you doing? I have work to do. You’re infringing on my privacy.” When Paige was silent, Marie crossed her arms, adding, “This feels like harassment.”

Paige laughed long and hard until she nearly cried. Pointing to the file covering the list of hashtags, she instructed Marie to lift up the folder. “Your paycheck is underneath that stack. I put it there myself.” Marie did as she was told, clearly saw the list, and slammed the folder back down. She reached for her office phone. “I need to make a call.”

Paige put her finger on the hang-up button. “Not so fast. I want you to show Zach what’s under that file folder.”

Marie’s eyes widened. “My information is none of your business. I’m calling Mr. Hales.”

“Good luck with that. He’s on a cruise with no internet this week. I’m the boss, Marie.Yourboss. I’m instructing you to show Zach what’s underneath that file. Should I call HR first? I’m happy to do that. In fact, I already gave the director a heads up that we need to meet.” Paige reached for Marie’s office phone.

Marie’s face was redder than a Chief’s jersey. “There’s no need for Human Resources.” A sullen Marie plopped in her chair while Zach appeared more perplexed than ever. Chin in the air, Paige said, “Show Zach your list. Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about.”

Marie eased the file folder to the side, exhaled loudly, and with her long, spiky nails, pushed the hashtag list toward Zach.His forehead crinkled when he saw the nasty hashtags. Turning toward Paige, he said, “Yes, these are awful, but I already know all of this, Paige. We’ve discussed it several times. What are you getting at?”

Stony faced, Paige said, “Now, show Zach the other list, Marie. The one in your handwriting.”

Marie avoided Paige’s gaze. “Is that really necessary?”

“Fine, if you’re chicken, I’ll tell him. Zach, Marie has been paying social media influencers to post this appalling stuff about me.” Paige’s voice rose. “Marieis the reason I got pulled off the field. Marie is the reason for-for everything.”

“Oh, my God.” Zach’s eyes widened. “Why would you do that, Marie?”

“Come on, Zach. She wanted me destroyed. Wanted me off the field. Wanted my career. Wanted to work withyou.” Paige dusted her hands with satisfaction. “Do I have that about right, Marie?”

When Marie didn’t answer, Paige said, “I have something I want you to do. Come to my officenow. I’d like you to join us, Zach. I started a podcast recently, Marie, and you’re going live with me. You’re going to telleveryonewhat you did. How you fabricated this smear campaign. Got it?”

Marie glowered at Paige. “Do I have a choice?”

“No. Follow me.”

Once inside Paige’s cozy office decorated with notable sports memorabilia, she pulled out theHumble Pie with Paige Danielslogo and placed it prominently behind her desk. “Take a seat, Marie. I’ll walk you through this.”

After Paige got set up, she introduced herself. “Hello, everyone. Welcome back toHumble Pie with Paige Daniels. I’m going to break some major news today. First, I have a very special guest with me today—the one and only Marie Fallon.” Paige glanced at Marie whose pallor was the color of paste. Continuing, she added, “Marie has a major announcement, right?” Paige didn’t wait for an answer as she pushed the microphone and camera toward Marie. “You’re on, Marie. This is live. Tell everyone. Tell them everything.”

Marie spluttered and stalled but eventually admitted live that she had paid social media influencers as a prank at first, but after the trend against Paige took hold, she saw how much power it gave her. She quickly landed Paige’s job and loved it. Marie sobbed the last sentence. “I couldn’t stop. I loved the thrill I got from disparaging the woman I grew to envy. I’m sorry to the fans, players, coaches, and most of all to Paige Daniels. She’s not the person I made her out to be.”

Paige’s jaw clenched while she listened. She almost decided to give Marie another chance after she apologized. Almost. But she had done too much damage to her career and personal life. She addressed the viewers. “I told you I had breaking news today. I’ll let Marie’s admission and apology sink in. Trust me, I know this is a lot to comprehend. To every fan, player, coach, and everyone in the sports world, this is”—Paige’s voice wobbled—“a lot. I’m still wrapping my head around this alarming, made-up smear campaign.” She broke into a wide smile. “But I’m coming back, baby!” After Paige signed off with her signature, “Have a slice of humble pie on me,” she glared at Marie.

“You’re fired. Clean out your desk.”

Marie’s face clouded as she narrowed her eyes. “You can’t fire me.”

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