Eventually, the phone stopped dancing and she returned to scanning articles and emails. When the phone went off again, she almost ignored it, assuming it was her boss, but a flash of pink caught her attention.Sophie.
That call she’d take.
“Where have you been? I’ve been trying to call you all week,” Sophie demanded before Stacia could answer, in full vintage pissed-off mode. “Never mind. Are you really dating Jason Friar? He’s yourclient. What are you thinking?” Her voice rose at the end of the question, echoing in the small office.
“Okay, I’m not.” Stacia swiveled the chair around to face the wall, fully aware of the ambiguity in the statement.
“Bullshit. You’re sleeping with your client?” Sophie’s voice was a full octave higher, piercing Stacia’s eardrums. “After being accused of doing the same thing with Glazier? Stacia, not a good idea.”
“I know, I know. But I had no idea that night.” When did her social life, or even work life, become Sophie’s concern? Stacia bit back the question, taking several deep calming breaths.
Sophie snorted. “Only your luck. I mean, he’s hot and everything, but a client. Stacia, not a good idea.”
“Actually, the team is my client, not Jason.
“Semantics and you know it.” Sophie’s voice was lowering in disapproval. “Just be careful, okay? I know how you are.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Stacia spoke more sharply than intended, but her irritation at being second-guessed by everyone was really pissing her off.
“Friar is a serious player, dating every supermodel and actress he could find. Despite the papers and the advantage you give him in the ratings, he’s not going to be there for the long haul. He’s not for you.”
“I know, Sophie. I’m not getting involved. It’s just an act, for the ratings.” She crossed her fingers at the blatant lie. She was already in deep, almost over her head. She had to pull herself out before admitting it to anyone.
“Right. Well, take care.” Doubt clouded her friend’s tone, but she finally moved on. “And just so you know? Glazier decided to do an independent bid, arrogant asshole. Donna is sucking at it. Nothing is going right for him right now. He’s missing you, even if he won’t admit it.”
A dart of satisfaction zipped through her and she laughed. A cough in the doorway had her whipping around to see Cole Hammonds standing in the doorway. She gestured him in. “Sophie? I have to run. I’ll call you later.”
“I want details!” Sophie called through the phone before Stacia could disconnect.
Cole arched an eyebrow but said nothing. He sat in one of the chairs facing her desk and crossed one leg over the other, barely creasing his charcoal suit slacks. “I’ll admit, I was initially concerned about your plan but the headlines show a better reaction than I could have expected. This way you also have an excuse to stay close to him and keep coaching him. Your boss isn’t as confident in this approach.”
His sideways glance confirmed her worst fears. Her boss had gone around her and was undermining her. Damn it. One mistake and no one trusted her. How could Michael do that to her and still tell her she was his best. She just wanted to lay her head down on the desk and rest. But, as they say, no rest for the wicked. And she had been very, very bad.
Cole stood. “I’m sold. Go forward with it, but please keep me in the loop, okay? The interview is set up down the hall in the media room. Walk with me?”
Stacia scrambled to her feet, smoothing her skirt to hide the slight tremor in her hands, hoping the uncertainty wouldn’t show in her face. They walked out of the room and down the short hallway toward the media room.
“I was concerned when I saw this interview on your schedule. Is he ready?” Cole’s voice was skeptical.
“Jason has been giving interviews since he was in high school. He’ll handle it.” He’d better handle it or she’d kill him, especially after their come-to-Jesus moment.
“I understand that, but there’s bound to be a lot of questions about his personal life, especially with the news of a girlfriend. Is he prepped for that?”
“Of course.” Stacia crossed her fingers beneath her folio. Shit. Those questions hadn’t been on her prep list, not that they’d had a chance to go through the list, not with Jason’s surly attitude that morning.
They stepped into the room. The setup was almost complete.
Cole leaned to Stacia and murmured, “I still don’t know how you did it. Hank Ryan is one of the top reporters in sports, working for an international sports network. I can’t believe you convinced him to come here and interview Jason Friar.”
She smiled, pleased at the acknowledgement of her success. It almost took away the sting of everyone else questioning her. “That’s why you pay me the big bucks.” She only hoped Jason appreciated the effort. Using her family name and the carrot that was her father and his war on steroids was a highly risky move and could backfire, especially considering how her father felt about Jason, or any baseball player really. But if they pulled it off, it would be worth the risk.
A commotion from the other side of the room turned her attention from Cole. Jason emerged from the locker room, definitely not wearing the outfit she had picked out for him. The khakis and sports jacket was casual, maybe too much for the interview. Damn it. She had an image for him and clothes sent a certain message.
Before she could walk across the room, Hank turned and greeted Jason. The two men shook hands and shared a laugh about something Stacia couldn’t catch. She joined them, greeting Hank and Jason. Hank stepped aside at a comment from his cameraman and Stacia turned her back, facing Jason.
“Can I speak with you?”
“No time, darling. Got an interview to finish.” He brushed past her and sat in the chair, allowing makeup and crew to wire him up and get him ready.