Page 61 of Bride Games
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A fter her first good night’s sleep in weeks, Paige made coffee early. “Want bacon and eggs?” Zach held up his mug. “Nah. I’m not hungry. I think I’ll go for a run later. I’ll eat afterward. Coffee tastes great. Thanks.”
Paige drank her coffee while she paced between the kitchen and living room.
“Coffee would be more enjoyable if you’d sit down.” Zach patted a chair.
“Sorry, I’ve been a nervous wreck over my career, you, and Marie.” Paige brightened. “But I do have the coolest exclusive story ever, thanks to my best friend.”
“Emma?”
“Yeah, Emma and Eli are getting married. He was her daughter’s kindergarten teacher last year.” Zach got up to refill his coffee. “Want any more?” When Paige shook her head, he filled up his mug and leaned against the counter. “Great that they’re getting married, but that’s hardly a scoop. I mean, you must have a unique angle.”
“Oh, I do. This is hush-hush. I haven’t told anyone except the bridal store owner, Nigel.”
Making a zipper motion with his mouth, Zach sat back down. “I’m all ears.”
“It’s all so great. The elementary school where Emma and Eli met has agreed to host the wedding.”
“That is cool. Unusual venue.” He studied Paige. “Is there more?”
“Much more. All of the students and teachers are handling the decorations and food. The classes are working together. Younger students are creating simpler things, of course, while the older students are building stuff, handling hosting, and hospitality duties. I interviewed the principal and teachers recently and heard several heartwarming details about their wedding projects. Some of them had me in tears.”
“Now, that’s going to be an amazing scoop. What a learning experience for those kids.” Zach’s eyes widened. “But…Emma and Eli are just letting them have a go of it? Letting the kids make whatever they want?”
“Yep, in their wedding colors, of course.” Paige beamed. “I think that’s the beauty of it. Their vision will be innocent and childlike.” She touched her chest. “It makes my heart swell to think of these kids creating a memorable day for a beautiful couple. Eli still teaches there and Lucy, Emma’s daughter, is in first grade at Appledale, so it’s full circle.”
Leaning back in his chair, Zach sniffed. “I’m not going to cry but that might be the most touching community relations story any station has ever done. That’ll get your good name back, Paige.”
“In our community but not in sports, unfortunately. But thanks. This is a one-off story. Granted, a very big one that has to be flawless. Well, not flawless if little kids are involved because any flubs will make it endearing.” Paige drummed her fingers on the table. “Hopefully, this exclusive will get me back on the air at least. I need help getting my sports career back on track. I’m at a loss. Any ideas?”
“I think better when I’m jogging. Maybe I will take some bacon and eggs. I’ll help you cook or clean up when I get back.” Zach drained his coffee and stretched.
“You’re going to run in jeans?”
“Yep. Your career’s important. There’s no time to waste. Be back soon.”
Paige was alternating between frying bacon and whisking eggs when Zach came bursting through the front door ten minutes later. She turned when she heard his footsteps. “That was fast.”
Sweat ran down his face. “I’ve got it. You need a podcast.”
Knowing he was trying to help, Paige refrained from rolling her eyes. “A podcast? Aren’t there a zillion podcasts?”
“Not like this one.” Zach rubbed his belly. “That bacon smells amazing. I told you I’d help.”
“Okay, pour some orange juice and grab some plates and silverware. The eggs will be done in a minute. Hold that thought.” They both wolfed down their food as Paige added more pepper to her eggs. She turned to Zach. “Why do you think a podcast would help?”
“You can promote it on X and other social media. Maybe air it on YouTube. Interview players or just talk about how much you enjoy the game.”
With her fork poised in mid-air, Paige said, “And let them berate me even more? It’s bad enough reading it but you know they’ll comment in real time or call in and trash me if I go live.”
“Maybe, maybe not.” Zach shoved a second piece of bacon in his mouth. “This is cooked perfectly.”
Paige’s mind raced. She hadn’t really watched that many podcasts. Of course, she had seen the New Heights podcast by Jason and Travis Kelce, a few female empowerment podcasts, and a political podcast that went off the rails. She wasn’t sure if she could handle more criticism.
Zach seemed to read her mind. “Think about it. Think of a catchy name and—and—just be honest with listeners. Tell them you didn’t know anything about sports when you began, learned on the job, and ended up loving it. Be humble.”
Paige repeated his key words. “Honest. Humble.”
Zach snapped his fingers. “Yes. Everyone respects people who admit when they’re wrong or who say they’re still learning?—”
Paige wiped her mouth with a napkin. Eyes wide, she said, “I’ve got it. I’ll call it Humble Pie with Paige. Maybe you’re onto something, Zach. Maybe I simply need to admit that I didn’t know what I was doing but I truly learned to love sports. Is that what you’re thinking?”
Leaning over to kiss her with egg on his chin, Zach said, “See, you’ve already got the perfect name and concept. You don’t need my help.” He nodded. “Cool name, by the way. You’ll need a big logo or sign as a backdrop if you want to share it on social media.”
“Good idea. Maybe Emma can come up with something. She helps authors design marketing material. I mean, she’s only getting married soon.” Paige drained her coffee cup. “I’m really excited about this idea, Zach. It just might help me get my good name back.”
Zach rubbed his hands together. “Since that dilemma’s decided”—Zach started singing the eighties song—“‘Should I stay or should I go’?” by the Clash.
Paige giggled. “You’re a nut but you’re my nut.” Reaching for his hand, she asked, “What do you think?”