25. Chapter 22
Sloan
Iknow convincing Tanner to let me do another show with Jax is going to be impossible given the fit I threw about the puff piece, but I decided to try anyway.
The walk to his office is grueling. I’ve only been here a handful of times since we split up.
Talking to him on the phone is much easier, but this is a conversation we need to have in person.
When I get to the office, I’m surprised to see the receptionist’s desk empty. I look around, the entire office is empty. There are several offices in a circle around the desk that sits in the middle of the space, and all of them appear dark.
His hands are in her hair. She’s pinned against his desk by his body, and they’re deep in a kiss.
The planner that I am, decides this is definitely footage that will come in handy for me later, so I hit record on my phone.
Not wanting to witness the exchange more than I have to, I look away and record roughly 30 seconds on my phone before sliding it back into my purse.
The bitch that I am, decides I better break this up before he has the chance to leave here satisfied.
“Ahem,” I clear my throat loudly.
Nelly slides out from behind him faster than I’ve ever seen someone move, buttoning her blouse and then scurrying out of the office, her cheeks burning a bright red, eyes on the ground.
Tanner, buttons his slacks, readjusts, and turns towards me with one pissed off look on his face.
He never did like when he didn’t get to finish.
“What are you doing here?” he asks, as if nothing happened.
Because I also learned from my daddy that you should never show your cards, I play along. He’d try and gaslight me into believing my eyes were playing tricks on me anyways.
“I wanted to talk to you about interviewing Jax.”
“No.” His response is quick and sharp, and he rolls his tongue over his teeth like he holds all the power.
“I thought a lot about what you said, and I thought it might be good to run a story on him and Anderson. Build up the anticipation fans are feeling with him joining the team… a passing of the torch if you will.”
This makes him stand taller, lean in with curiosity, and listen.
After a few seconds he asks the question I see all over his face, “Is Anderson replacing him next season?”
“Only time will tell, but let’s be real.
The writing is on the wall. Anderson has similar talents off the field, pitches, is already a fan favorite, and has great appeal.
With the draft, anything could happen.” The words feel sour as they leave my mouth.
I hate using Jax’s insecurities right now, but I have to get Tanner to agree to this somehow.
“What are your talking points?” he asks, sitting in his chair and opening his notebook.
“I want to start by reviewing the draft rules. Then I’ll ask Jax to walk me through the strengths Anderson brings to the team.
That’s when I’ll bring Anderson out to join us.
We will talk about the dynamics of having two star pitchers on the team, and have Jax give him some advice.
Words of wisdom he wants to instill on him as the hot new pitcher. ”
He hates the idea of Jax and I, but this story could have the same impact on Jax’s career as the puff piece. He knows that, but I pretend I don’t see the same thing.
“I think fans would love to see Jax take on this mentor role. It will be good for the fans to see Anderson as an equal to Jax so that when he moves on, retires, you know… they feel like they’re in good hands.”
“Do you think Jax will agree to do an interview that could give fans the impression he’s on his way out?” he questions it as a tactic to test me. His words are sincere, but his eyes are not.
My eyes widen in shock. “Shit, that’s not what I— Do you think that’s what will happen?” I wave my hands in the air gesturing to forget what I said. “Never mind. I’ll— Let me think about it for a few days. This might not be the right direction.”
I stand and rush toward the door.
“No. Now that I think about it, you have a way of making him feel comfortable. I think you’re right. Send me over all the questions, and I’ll get Ali on it. She can coordinate it with Horner.”
I smile, glad he can’t see my face, since I’m still facing the door.
“Sounds good,” I say looking back over my shoulder. “If you’re sure it will be a good idea. I—” I laugh in amusement. “I’m surprised you actually think I have a good idea. I was bracing for a fight.”
“Yeah, don’t get ahead of yourself. We’ll see what questions you come up with.”
Fucking dick.
As soon as I get back to my car, I call Jax. He picks up on the first ring.
“What did he say?” His voice is urgent as it blares through my car speakers.
“I could see the wheels turning. He knows an interview like this will create a puncture in your career. It won’t be as damning as a puff piece, but it will still accomplish what he wants.
” I sigh, “I know this was your idea but it feels gross. Now I have to come up with questions that will make the fans question you and fall in love with Anderson.”
“This is going to work. I promise. You just have to get him to snap.”
“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you the best part. I snagged a little video of him in his office with the receptionist. They were just rounding first base when I got there, and I decided the footage might come in handy for me when this is all over.”
“Hey, babe?” He laughs.
“Yeah?”
“Remind me later, never to fuck with you.”