Chapter 15 #3
“No, Sloane. I didn’t. Your take on the shifter aspect was fresh, the perspective what everyone needed. Not what I asked for, but it all worked out in the end.”
I was still skeptical.
“The article was written to provide his point of view, fair and equal representation, which I would think this media company would want.”
“I do. And you drive me crazy, Sloane. Don’t you realize that? You make me say and do things that should never occur.”
“At least we agree on something. What we shared should never have occurred.” If he wanted a glare standoff, I would win.
Matt bristled. Once again, I’d hurt his feelings, although not for any personal reasons.
This was all about his bank accounts. “Well, you’ll forgive me if I don’t look at what we shared the same way.
You were and are the reason I’m in this business.
The love of sharing the world through truth and integrity. ”
He really did want me to vomit all over his nice new suit.
“What is the issue other than that you didn’t appreciate my tone with the article?” I almost spit out what I knew. This was crazy.
“While I’ve come to understand how enamored you are with these… wolves, you said it yourself that providing fair and equal representation is what should happen. I’m actually agreeing with you. However, selling your point of view had been… difficult.”
Wait. Did that mean he’d gone to bat for me with the great executive team?
“What are you getting at?”
He grinned. “You’re a very stubborn woman, Sloane.
For God’s sake, I’m not suggesting you forgo your beliefs or the very integrity I was talking about.
I’m telling you that you’ve been asked to sit down with the gentlemen from Sports Today while you’re in Portland.
The executives are thrilled. Do you have any understanding what this could mean for you? ”
Sports Today was the number one rated, beloved program in the sports entertainment world.
What Jesse Jacobs and Kyle Bradshaw had done in taking a podcast and turning it into a multimillion-dollar empire in four years was nothing short of amazing.
They were now televised on every major news broadcast, their ability to lure in sports celebrities because of their straightforward, honest way of discussing sports and the lives of players.
“Why?” I asked because they had one ding against them I would never be able to forgive. They were also highly chauvinistic. In my mind, they were pigs.
Oink. Oink.
“What do you mean why? Does it matter? You have a spot, a shot at making the networks. Who knows. Maybe you could have your own show after this. Although…”
“Although what?” I folded my arms, cocking one hip because with Matt, there was always an ulterior motive.
“If you do well, word on the street is that you’ll be asked to step in for Wally Jacobs.”
Wally was the third broadcaster who’d been added. He was a bit of a hellion, which had been the only reason I’d bothered tuning in every so often.
“What happened to Wally?”
“Evidently, he got himself into a political mess. And in truth, he was the hockey aficionado.”
At least that was the truth coming from Matt’s mouth.
Ding. Ding. If I wasn’t careful, I’d have an entire wall full of kewpie dolls.
“Why do I have the feeling our parent company is considering making a purchase? So I’ve got two carrots dangled in front of me.
Running a branch not doing well and being a permanent member of Sports Today. If all goes well.”
“I knew nothing would fool you. They are great opportunities. Your salary will be in the high six figures. With the right contract, you can jockey for stock incentives as well. Imagine what your life could look like this time next year.”
“In exchange for what, selling my soul regarding shifters?”
“Hell, no. You’re going to Portland, my dear.
Why do you think? The only reason the Hellions were in the playoffs in the first place is because of the Kendrick brothers.
Everyone acknowledges that. We have two exciting sets of brothers who are shifters.
Four teams vying for the Stanley Cup. Do you know how many wagers are on the Kendricks to take the win?
This is huge and we’re on the cutting edge of being a part of something amazing.
Whether the Hellions or the Wild Dogs win, that will make three years of a team with shifters on the roster. That is amazing.”
He was so excited I wasn’t certain he wasn’t about to jump out of his skin.
“And all I need to do is to fill in for Wally while he’s going through his mental breakdown?”
“Well, and convince Beck to join. That’s it.” I knew that grin. It was the one that was certain he’d found the right button to push. “I didn’t think you’d mind spending some mandated time with him.”
I glanced out the window, my stomach churning. “Are you certain this is on the up and up?”
“Absolutely. You’ve seen their show. You know how they handle themselves. You’ll fit in just fine. Go for it. What do you have to lose?”
That was the question and in truth, one I didn’t necessarily like.
Let’s just say I had difficulty trusting people.