Page 8 of Bride Games

8

Z ach showed up with a pizza an hour before bedtime. But Paige didn’t complain. She was more than happy to erase the memory of Marie Fallon. Both exhausted from traveling, they devoured the pizza and fell asleep cuddled on the couch with the television still on mute. The empty pizza carton was on the floor, likely knocked over during their playful late-night canoodling.

Bright sunshine through the living room window awakened Paige. Stretching, she stared at her rumpled clothes—from yesterday—and chuckled. She gave a snoring Zach a nudge. “Morning, sleepyhead. I can’t believe we slept on the couch.” Paige snuggled against Zach’s warm body. Litte did she know last year when she and Trent were engaged and when she was assigned to the dismal world of sports, that she would find out her fiancé was a cheating bastard and the sports gig was actually something she enjoyed and excelled at. When she thrust ATV 10 from the number two spot to the number one position, the premier market position made her exceedingly happy, especially since Trent still worked at the rival—now number two—station across town. Karma, baby.

“Someone looks incredibly happy.” Zach placed his arm across her waist and kissed her forehead. Grinning, he asked, “How much time do we have?”

“Not that much.” Paige kicked a navy throw off her feet. “Sorry, babe, but I need coffee like yesterday and have an early morning meeting with the boss.”

“I’m a patient guy.”

She stood. “That you are. It’s one of many things that I adore about you.”

“You adore me?”

“Maybe.” Paige reached for his toe. “Get up, lazy bones.”

He put a throw pillow over his face. “Only one of us has a morning meeting. Just leave me one cup of coffee, okay?”

“Alright, alright.” Paige headed toward the kitchen. After filling her cup to the brim, she stepped into the bedroom to choose a power outfit for the day. She scanned her closet and decided on a green blazer and ivory slacks. Pink and green floral heels pulled the outfit together. Satisfied, she drained her coffee and took a shower.

Paige drove to work humming. She enjoyed her job and took pride in working at ATV 10. She was excited about the upcoming football season. Smiling, she pushed a button for her favorite rock station and waved to an elderly neighbor who was walking his dog.

She arrived at the station ten minutes later and pulled into her familiar spot. Still wondering about the early morning meeting called by her boss, Paige glanced at her watch and realized she had time for another quick cup of coffee. Paige chatted with Stan the Man who hogged the coffee pot, as always. “Morning, Stan. Heard any more news about this year’s draft picks or changes in coaches?”

Stan took a second too long to answer. He swiveled toward Paige. “You tell me. You’re the sports star.”

Interesting. Paige took her time choosing which coffee mug to use. She eyed the station’s sports anchor, who up until this moment was on her side, or so she thought. Petty jealous, likely. Deciding to stay neutral, Paige added, “Just curious. I’ve heard some chatter about some star rookies, even a few straight out of high school, but I’m still confirming their background.” She gave Stan her brightest smile. “I’ll be sure to let you know the minute I hear anything. For now, I have a meeting with Mr. Hales. Toodles.”

Paige didn’t bother peering at Stan to gauge his reaction as she stepped down the hallway toward her boss’s office. She knocked on the half-opened door. “Morning, Mr. Hales.”

“Good morning, Paige.” Her boss gestured toward a chair across from his desk. “Have a seat.”

After idle chit chat, Paige’s heart hammered. “Everything okay, boss?”

“Sure, sure. I’m mulling over some things—some changes—but nothing to worry about.”

Paige gulped past a lump in her throat. I think I’ve dealt with enough change the past year. She cleared her throat. “What changes?”

Mr. Hales’ leather chair squeaked as he shifted position. “I’m still working everything out. But”—he steepled his fingers—“I’d like to see more community outreach for ATV 10. Find some exceptional human-interest stories to report on. You know, like you do in sports, except make it localized. As you well know, your sports stories went viral many times”—he cocked his head and grinned—"I want our local community relations stories to have the same exciting effect during the evening news. You’re the best one to pull it off since you’re a national TV star now.”

Relieved, Paige relaxed as his request sunk in. “Thanks. Hmm. This will be a fun challenge. I’ll do some checking. I assume you want current events, happenings downtown, new businesses, maybe a heartwarming story about a local shelter, right?”

“Sure, sure. Definitely those stories, but we’ve done that. Everyone covers those events. I want something new.” Mr. Hales held Paige’s stare. “Something different. And it should be an exclusive. Try to get the scoop, okay? An exclusive would be ideal for ratings.”

So, I need to cover a cool local story? Yeah, no problem. There must be a hundred of them on any given day. Paige crossed her legs. “I’ll put my feelers out and talk to some sources.” She paused. “Anything else?”

“That’s all for now.” Mr. Hales’ assistant buzzed his phone. “Make it a good one, Paige. Something exceptional. I want to hold our number one position, and I fear sports alone won’t achieve that.” He waved goodbye as he picked up the receiver.