Page 65 of Rounding Third

“Me too.”

When we pull away from each other, we each swipe at our faces. We won't acknowledge we’re crying, but we both know it’s happening.

“But if you ever call her a whore again…” I stick a finger in his face.

“You can kill me. Hell, I’ll even help you. Lils is the furthest thing in the world from a whore. I was trying to get under your skin and piss you off. I was trying to hurt her. You both seemedso chill and I was losing it.” He shakes his head, knowing he screwed up.

We both take a seat on the couch and are quiet for a few minutes.

“What now?” I glance at him as Lils hands us each a beer from the package Wheeler sent.

“Got any good meats to smoke or grill?” He smirks.

Chapter 32

Liliana

I take a hesitant step inside the locker room. Last time I did this my world came crashing down around me. That was almost a month ago and I’ve kept my distance from the clubhouse. I have enough to handle since I'm still trying to find a new job.

Macy somehow got several large news networks to pick up the story about Bill and how he published an article I didn’t write. She got my real article printed and the word spread. From what I know, Bill is no longer employed and he isn't happy about it, but that’s not my issue. He’s the one who lied and tried to drag multiple people’s names through the mud.

“They’re at practice, Lils. Get your ass in my office,” Owen chuckles and shakes his head. “Personally, I think you should’ve punched Wheeler yourself. It would’ve hurt his pride a little more if he had gotten his black eye from a girl.”

“I'm not sure I can hit hard enough for that.” I smile as I take the seat across the desk from Owen.

“Then Smithy needs to work with you.” He clicks something on his computer before turning his attention to me.

“You said you wanted to discuss something with me?”

“Yes. Smithy said you’re still looking for a job and I have a proposition for you.” He folds his hands on the desk like the businessman he is and watches me carefully.

“I'm listening.” I sit forward in my chair, more than interested in what he has to say.

“I want you to be the Pit Bulls’ reporter, but I want you to also run a podcast that won't be attached to the Pit Bulls.”

“What do you mean? What would I talk about?”

“I want you to discuss sports and everything that goes with it. But more than anything, I want this podcast to be a platform where you can let the athletes give their sides of the story. We both know how many lies are covered in the news, I want you to discover what really happened. Let the athletes have a voice that isn't altered to fit someone else’s narrative.”

“What if the news reports the truth? I don’t want someone like Stubbs trying to sway people when he was in the wrong.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.” He smirks as he turns his computer screen towards me. “I made up a simple form players, coaches, managers, owners, or PR teams can fill out. You can then research what happened before you agree to have them on the podcast. I won't get involved in any of it. Who gets on the show is up to you, though I hope any players on this team would be considered first, if needed, when you’re working on the next podcast.”

“Of course, but I'm not letting someone who’s in the wrong on it.”

“I don’t want you to. If another Stubbs somehow gets on my team, you can do a podcast on how terrible they were. I don’t care.”

“And what do I make from this?” I arch a brow. This is my dream job and I’d love to help other athletes who have lies spread about them, especially after what happened to me.

“This will be your starting salary. I have a feeling other teams will want to sponsor the podcast too and I’ll allow it. Whatever sponsorships you get are yours. I want this to be your podcast. I won't own it. Technically your salary will only be for your reporting at Pit Bulls games.”

“Owen…” I stare down at the number in front of me, more than shocked.

“The team will also be sponsoring your podcast. I already spoke to Smithy about this too.”

“You did? Why?”

“So, I can build you a studio in the back of the property. It’s an office and workspace for you, but then there’s a soundproof room so you can have local athletes come there to record in person,” Smithy says from behind me.

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