Page 48 of Bride Games
48
T he second they placed their bags inside their much-too-small room, Paige reached for the remote. She checked the guide for the Vikings versus Cowboys game and turned the television up to concert level.
Frowning, Trent said, “What are you doing? I thought we could talk and have another drink?” Trent waved the half bottle of wine they hadn’t drank. Somehow, he had smuggled it inside his navy sport jacket.
“I’m watching the rest of this game, Trent. Do whatever you want. This game is my sole purpose for being”—she waved her arms—“here.” Paige didn’t want anything sexy going on in the room and knew football would deter Trent faster than a boiling hive of bees.
Rolling his eyes, Trent said, “You know I hate football. Let’s at least watch a movie. You love rom-coms. That would be a lot more entertaining.”
“Nope.” Paige shook her head. “This is for work.”
Trent’s almost caring demeanor cracked. “Studying up, are you? I saw you trending on X a few times and not in a good way. Not like the time you were co-reporting with Zach-y boy.”
“Shut up, Trent. This is why we didn’t work out. You’re a mean-spirited egomaniac.”
“I thought it was because I dated Naomi a few times.”
“Is that her name? Hard to tell. I guess that name goes well with boobs and crotch.” Paige immediately knew she had slipped up.
“What are you talking about?” Trent let it go for once as he reached for Paige. “Speaking of boobs and crotch, how about if we get comfortable while we watch this-this”—he motioned toward the TV—“tiresome game. In fact, I’m getting a little horny thinking about watching Zach while I’m in bed with you. I bet he wouldn’t like that one bit.”
“Give it up, Trent. It’s over between us.”
Folding his arms, he asked, “You and Zach broke up?”
Sighing, she said, “Are you addled? It’s over between you and me. How many times do I have to say that?” She rummaged through her bag wondering what Zach was doing. Happy she had packed comfy, non-sexy pajamas at the last minute, she brushed her teeth, and peeked around the corner. Good. He left the game on and it’s a commercial break. Paige counted the number of towels in the bathroom trying to figure out how to roll them up to make a barrier in the middle of the bed. I can’t believe I’m in the same hotel room with Trent. Zach would not be happy about this. I’m not happy about this. But…I still wonder what goes on between Zach and Marie when they’re traveling. He says nothing, and I have to trust him, although after having a cheating fiancé, trust doesn’t come easily.
When Paige returned from the bathroom, the TV was turned low. She glared at Trent and turned the television up so loud the entire floor could probably hear it. She didn’t want Trent to think anything sexy was going to happen. She was watching the game—the entire game. And then sleeping. That’s it.
Trent fluffed two pillows behind him, yawned dramatically, and stared at his phone. “I still can’t believe you enjoy stupid football. You were never into sports, Paige. It’s just weird.”
She sat on the edge of the bed, remote in hand, as if it were her salvation. Paige turned toward Trent. “If you’ll remember, my boss assigned me to sports last year. I didn’t have any choice, but I grew to love it.”
“You should have fought harder. You were the talent.” Trent huffed as the commercial ended.
Jaw set, Paige said, “I’m still the talent”—or was, Paige thought, until the anonymous football critics seemingly crawled out of every state to criticize her. Jutting out her chin, Paige added, “I made ATV 10 number one. Several of my sports videos went viral and trended on X. I’d say that takes talent.”
Trent muttered, “But clearly not knowledge.”
Bristling, Paige paused the game and faced him. “What did you just say?”
“Nothing.” Trent glanced at the game in disgust. “When will it be over? I’m getting sleepy.”
“Probably another hour to go.” Paige brightened and pointed, “There’s Zach on the sidelines.”
At the mention of Zach, Trent became interested. A slow smile spread across his face. “And there’s Marie. Aren’t they cute? They look pretty chummy if you ask me, Paige. Look at them. They’re laughing and playful with each other.” Trent sat up with a newfound interest in football. He stared at the screen, totally transfixed. “You’d better watch out, Paige. Marie looks at Zach the way you used to look at me.”
Beyond miserable at seeing the two of them, Paige had already noticed their easy friendliness. She felt her eyes redden and didn’t dare look at Trent. He didn’t need to see how much she cared for Zach. They couldn’t officially date now due to her new stupid managerial position, but still. She cared about him. A lot.
During the last quarter, silence befell the room, save for the cheering sports fans and endless comments by the sports commentators. Paige realized she wasn’t even watching the game. She was only watching Zach’s every move. And Marie’s. She felt a knot form in her stomach. They definitely have chemistry. Maybe he likes her. Shit.
Trent patted the bed. “Seen enough, Paige?”
Her mind skittered from Trent’s cheating to seeing Zach and Marie’s easy camaraderie. All of a sudden, she didn’t know what she thought—or felt. A lump formed in her throat. Paige quietly turned the television off, retreated to the bathroom, and leaned against the locked door. What am I doing? Why do I get myself in these predicaments? She reached for a tissue, dabbed her eyes, and blew her nose. Paige wished she had brought her phone in with her, thinking maybe she could call an Uber driver and leave before she or Trent did anything stupid. She knew she had had too much to drink and didn’t trust herself, especially after seeing Zach and Marie looking like a damn couple—on television, no less.
A knock on the door made her jump. “Are you okay in there? Come out, Paige. Let’s talk.”