Page 21 of Bride Games

21

Paige

T hrilled she had found a beautiful bridesmaid dress—albeit orange—which surprisingly didn’t look hideous after all, Paige drove to the station. Her happy thoughts unfortunately turned to Zach and Marie Fallon’s stupid party. I wonder why I haven’t heard from him?

Once she arrived at ATV 10, Paige settled behind her desk and busied herself by reviewing which players’ contracts had been renewed and which players were now free agents. Never in a million years did she think football would get her mind off her personal life. As she scrolled through the team rosters, Paige noted some were a happy surprise and other favorite players made her gut clench, especially when their agents got involved, delayed the process, and demanded millions on behalf of their clients. Paige knew it was part of the process but she liked a cohesive team, much like a unified television station. Paige read several of her favorite social media posts and barely noticed a knock on her door. When she felt someone’s presence, she jerked up, and stared at a dozen roses hiding the delivery person’s face.

“Someone really likes you.” The delivery guy put the bouquet on the edge of her desk. “Have a nice day.”

Paige gawked at the pink roses, dreading opening the card. She turned back to her computer but it was no use. Maybe they’re from Zach. Maybe he feel’s bad about going to Marie’s big splashy party without me. Stalling, she drummed her fingers on the desk, pushed back, and opted to go down the hall for more coffee. She knew she was avoiding the inevitable, and when she returned to her office, Paige immediately plucked out the envelope and read the card.

Didn’t like the white roses? I miss you. Let’s talk. Trent

Disappointed the flowers weren’t from Zach, Paige took the vase and bouquet to the reception area. Instead of chatting, she plunked them on the counter near the receptionist whose mouth flew open before she said, “Again? Someone really likes you. Don’t you want them, Paige?”

Shaking her head, Paige said, “Enjoy.” She turned on her heel and practically stomped back to her office. Forget it, Trent. I don’t date, let alone marry, cheaters.

After she sat down hard in her office chair, her thoughts swirled. Why isn’t Zach calling me? And what the hell is happening at that party?

She took a sip of her now-cold coffee, and as if on cue, her cellphone rang. Paige could see Zach’s name on her screen but decided to answer in her professional voice. “Paige Daniels.”

She heard him mumble, “Shit,” after Zach dropped his cell. The clatter of the phone on the floor nearly broke her ear drum. Paige heard music blaring, multiple rowdy voices, followed by dammit . She strained to differentiate the background noise and prickled when she heard Marie Fallon, the ESPN bigwig, say, “Zachy, come here. I’m lonely. Let’s dance again.”

Paige’s voice rose. “Oh, my God. What’s going on…Zachy? What is this? A two-day party? What the hell.” Paige felt her jaw clench. I definitely should have gone. Bristling, Paige used her formal television voice to say, “Zach, clear your head and get to another room—somewhere quiet. I need to talk to you right away.”

She heard a rustling sound followed by more giggles, loud music, and his slurred response. “Yeah, P-Paige. This is…a…really…fun par-ty. You should have…joined us.”

Us? Paige hung up. The last thing she wanted to hear was a drunken Zach having fun with what’s-her-name from ESPN. This was definitely the cherry on top of an already miserable day—or week. She tossed her phone on her desk and paced inside her office, closing the door so coworkers wouldn’t overhear if he called back. Within seconds, Paige reached for her phone and texted him.

Zach, you sound really drunk. You need to Uber home. I’ll help you get your car tomorrow—or Marie can. Whatever. Just be safe. Dammit.

None of the usual x’s and o’s or hearts made it into her text. She waited all of two seconds before adding a postscript.

P.S. Please don’t call or come by my house.

Paige knew her last sentence was childish but couldn’t resist. She was beyond miserable and found it hard to believe her sweet boyfriend, nonetheless undercover beau—who wasn’t quite her beau—but still. How could he be partying with the competition? Maybe he wants a job at ESPN. Maybe he truly likes Marie.

Unable to concentrate on work, Paige changed her voicemail saying she’d be out of the office for the rest of the day. She gathered her purse and keys and considered driving straight to a bar but she didn’t want to go alone. The second rose delivery crossed her mind. Maybe I should give Trent another chance. Maybe he has changed. Doubtful.

Instead, she drove to her favorite coffee shop and wore her biggest, darkest, most oversized sunglasses. The last thing Paige wanted was to make idle chitchat with strangers or fans. She was in a mood.

Scrolling social media mindlessly while sipping hot coffee, she couldn’t stop herself from reading through Marie Fallon’s easy, flirty interviews with football players, which further angered her but she couldn’t stop. She was obsessed with knowing more about the woman who was not only in competition with her professionally but now also openly flirting with her boyfriend. Of course, Marie didn’t know Zach was her boyfriend because they kept it secret but that wasn’t the point. Paige half smiled as she wondered if Zach accidentally told Marie about their relationship while in a drunken stupor.

Paige took a big gulp of unusually strong java and nearly dripped some down her suit as she read an obscure gossip rag about none other than the dreaded Marie Fallon. Word on the street was she’s job hunting but hadn’t yet told ESPN.

Great. That’s just great. Maybe she’ll join our rival station. She could picture Trent and Marie working side by side at the anchor desk and laughed out loud. Several customers turned in her direction but she busied herself with her phone. I’m not sure Trent could handle her. He just might meet his match. The thought brightened her mood—slightly. To get her mind off Zach and Trent, Paige texted Emma and mentioned she was glad they went to Bride & Joy and found her dress.

Emma texted back:

Thank you for going. You look fabulous in orange, girlfriend!

Paige nearly spewed her coffee. At least her best friend always made her laugh. She thanked Emma for turning her crappy day around and finished her coffee, calmer than she was when she left the office. Now, she was downright worried about Zach and wanted to make sure he arrived home safely.

Leaving the coffee shop, Paige drove home and changed into jogging shorts. I need to clear my head, or at least distract myself from Marie Fallon and her stupid party. With each pounding step, she was more annoyed by Trent sending her roses out of the blue and was also not exactly pleased Zach went to the party. What’s your deal, Trent? Just leave me alone.

Paige stopped as a mom with a double stroller walked toward her on the sidewalk. Peeking inside, she saw one pink baby blanket and one blue. “Twins?” Paige asked stupidly. She decided to answer her own question. “I’m sure they are. Enjoy your walk.” She rushed past before the woman recognized her and badgered her with questions about television life or sports. She wasn’t in the mood.

As she rounded a corner, her thoughts turned to Zach. Why would he go to Marie’s party? They just met. Yeah, sure, she apparently has a big house, pool, a live band, and NFL players attended. Big whoop. Okay, I’m a tiny bit jealous. Maybe a lot jealous. Paige rolled her eyes, even though no one could see her. I probably should have gone, but I’ve got to trust Zach. All men aren’t like Trent. She reached down to retie her tennis shoe. Are they?