His face flared bright red and his eyes narrowed. “And you’re so sweet and innocent in all of this, right? The image consultant who is supposed to make him look like a choirboy? Like you’re not lying to the public.”
She shrugged. “I’m doing my best to ensure he keeps his nose clean. Jason has done his part. Then vultures like you try to set him up in a compromising situation to sell papers. How is that ethical?”
“Lady, it’s the way things are.” He clenched his jaw and glared at her.
“Really? Why does it have to be that way?”
“It just is.”
“Well, let’s change it, shall we? I delete the picture of you and that woman, and you start being more fair.” Now she was in her comfort zone, wheeling and dealing with reporters. These guys were so much easier than the journalists on the political beat. Those guys would have bluffed a lot more, kept her dangling longer.
“He refuses to talk. We have to come up with stuff to fill our columns.”
She leaned across the table. “What if I give you access to him? An exclusive?”
“No one wants an exclusive with a has-been.” Stan scoffed and jerked his head. “Let’s get out of here.”
Stacia refused to budge. “Do you believe he’s a has-been? I don’t think so. And when he nails it this season, and everyone wants a piece of him, you’ll have your exclusive.”
“What if he sucks the rest of the season? He’s worthless to me.”
“Do you really think he’ll suck? I didn’t think so.” She sat back and watched the expressions flash across his face, anger, consideration, finally resignation. Gotcha. “Here’s the deal. I get rid of the pictures, you get your exclusive, and you stop fanning the flames against him.”
“It’s blackmail.”
“Whatever works.” She finally allowed the smile to show, satisfied she’d made her point. She loved the rush from this part of the game. She felt powerful and invincible all at the same time.
He gave her a nasty look. “You’re a piece of work. How can I trust you?”
“Just my word.”
“Are you sleeping with him?”
“That’s none of your business, but no, I am not sleeping with him.” It wasn’t really a lie as she wasn’t sleeping with him now. It was just a matter of time and she knew that. So she crossed her fingers in a childish gesture under the table.
The reporter was experienced enough to be suspicious but cagey enough to want the exclusive. “How do I know he’ll cooperate?”
“That’s my job. I’ll handle it. We have a deal?” She held out her hand and they shook. “Pleasure doing business with you.” She slid out of the booth and walked over to the bar. “You’re giving Stan exclusive rights to your season. Be sure, if you don’t want to talk to any reporters, you still talk to him.”
He stared at her. “Have you lost your mind? He’s been the biggest asshole riding my tail.”
She grabbed her purse and slung it over her shoulder. “He’s on our side now. You’re welcome. See you upstairs, baby.” She smacked a stunned Jason on the lips, waved to the reporters and she sauntered out of the bar.