Page 5 of Bride Games
5
Paige
S itting at her desk, Paige scrolled a list of rookies for several NFL teams. She grinned as she wondered which player would become the next Patrick Mahomes or the recently retired Tom Brady. Will any of these draft picks be the next GOAT? She knew there would be a few break-out stars in the league. There always were.
After nearly a year in this position, Paige was still pleasantly surprised by how much she liked her new assignment as a sideline sports reporter. She had expected to loathe her new job after being pulled from the nightly anchor desk. She hadn’t known a thing—absolutely nothing—about football but had astonished herself, as well as the fans and players, by embracing this new role and winging story after story. While on the road at games, Paige researched the terms and rules of the game as she focused on getting behind-the-scenes stories of athletes. Fans ate up her exclusives which had landed her station, ATV 10, in the number one position. Gobsmacked didn’t come close to covering her reaction when many of her stories went viral, trending number one on X, and carried by the big boys on ESPN.
Her boss, Mr. Hales, often told her the station’s ratings boost was all because of her. She knew it was but preferred being humble. Her colleague-turned boyfriend, on the down low, of course, traveled with her to games and assisted with research, videos, and reporting. When Zach was first brought on board, Paige considered him a threat, especially since he was a statistics guru and Paige knew less than zip about football.
My, how things have changed in my life, both personally and professionally. She shook her head to get thoughts of her former fiancé, Trent, out of her head. He tried to bring her down, cheated on her, and just happened to be an anchor at the rival station across town. She occasionally wondered if he was still with the woman he dated when they were engaged, but it wasn’t worth cluttering her brain to find out.
Paige heard footsteps and glanced up as the meteorologist passed her office. He waved, as did the morning anchor. She did miss being with the team on air daily, but it didn’t dilute her love for her new job. As she pulled up the newest version of the NFL football schedule, her phone rang. “Paige Daniels.”
Right on cue, Zach placed a cup of coffee near her door and waved. He started this thoughtful gesture when he came on board last year, and it was one of his most charming attributes. She mouthed thank you . He gave her a thumbs up and left.
“Hello, this is Paige Daniels. How may I help you?”
The caller’s voice sounded garbled, almost robotic, but for some reason she didn’t hang up. “You’re a fraud, Paige, and I’m going to make sure everyone knows it, down to your stupid viral videos. You’re a joke. You don’t belong in sports.”
Paige swallowed as the male caller—she thought it was a male—hung up. The voice was muffled as if he or she were talking through a sock. Breaking out in a sweat, she leaned back in her chair trying to gather what had just happened. Staring at her phone as if it were a viper, Paige’s heart hammered. What was that all about? Who the hell would do this?
She called Zach. “Will you come back to my office? Hurry!”
“Be right there.” When Zach arrived, he noticed the coffee cup still by the door and winked. “I think you’re getting forgetful in middle age.”
“I’m not middle-aged. Listen, Zach. I just got the creepiest call.”
Zach closed her office door and sat in a chair across from her desk. With a furrowed brow, he asked, “What did they say?”
After Paige relayed the message, Zach’s jaw clenched. “I don’t like this. Not one bit.”
“Neither do I.” Paige held her hands out. “I’m shaking.”
“It’s probably an overzealous fan, maybe a player who was upset you didn’t feature him, or it could be someone from a competing network who wants your job. It’s probably a stupid prank. Try not to overthink it.”
“Maybe. Probably.” She sighed. “I hope you’re right.” Taking a sip of the now-cold coffee, Paige said, “Thanks for always having my back.”
“I prefer rubbing your back, but you’re welcome.” Zach stood. “Bad timing. I’m really sorry to cut this short, but I have a meeting with Stan the Man. He loves talking stats with me. I think I’ll start calling him Statman.”
Paige managed a chuckle. “He’d love that moniker, I bet.”
With his hand on the doorknob, Zach eyed her. “Are you going to be okay? I can cancel if you need me.”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Probably a one-off. Want to go to dinner tonight? That’ll get my mind off this.”
“Sure, but where? We’re still being stealthy about our relationship, right?” Zach glanced at his watch. “Actually, I need to do laundry and pack before we leave to see the new rookies.” Wincing, he added, “I’m late for my meeting. Don’t worry about the jerk caller. It’s probably a random troll.”
“You’re right. I know you’re right. Tell Stan I said hi.” Paige did her best to block out the call and rechecked the time for their upcoming flight. I should do laundry and finish packing too. She answered a few emails and left for home.