Reese Ryan - Playing With Temptation

Nate was growing more agitated by the minute. He folded his arms. “If I’m apologizing to each of them individually, what’s the purpose of a public apology?”

“You said your tight end was more concerned with his individual stats than winning a championship. That your quarterback, and long-time friend, has been dialing it in all year. You slammed your defensive players for skating on their natural talents and having poor work ethics. And you claimed your running back is three years past his expiration date. All of that is public. So your apology needs to be, too.”

“It’s not like I didn’t call myself out for my mistakes, too. Funny how they didn’t include that part.”

“I get it. That makes me believe that this Stephanie Weiss who broke the story is out to get you. This was calculated. Vindictive.”

Nate bristled at the mention of Stephanie’s name. “If they were going to leak the video, I just wish they’d shown everything.”

“Fortunately, someone leaked the full video. Probably the person who actually recorded it. At the press conference, we’ll play the missing part where you skewer your own mistakes, too. Then you’ll make a statement. We’ll go from the emotional angle of the disappointment you were feeling—with yourself and the rest of the team. Any sports fan can sympathize with that. Explain that while the critique was your honest assessment of what led to the loss, you regret the harsh words you used to express it.”

Nate’s lips puckered like he was sucking on a lemon. He nearly drained his coffee mug. “Fine. Anything else?”

“Be honest. Tell them your team is your family, and like most family disputes, this one will be resolved behind closed doors, not in the public arena.”

“Won’t they want to ask questions?”

“Doesn’t mean you have to answer them.” She shrugged. “We’ll establish from the outset that you won’t be entertaining questions.”

“That’s an idea I can get behind,” he mumbled. “What’s the second strategy?”

“We have to change the narrative out there about you on our terms. We’ll cherry-pick media outlets that are trustworthy, but we’ll lay the ground rules about which topics are off-limits.”

“If I’m not talking about the tape—which is what they’re all going to want to talk about—what am I there to discuss?”

“At this time of year, there are a million opportunities to discuss the play-off games—on radio, television, newspapers and blogs. You can offer your razor-sharp game analysis there. Plus, you’ll set yourself up for a career as an analyst once you retire.”

Nate shrugged. “I could do that, I guess.”

“And you’ll be phenomenal at it.” Kendra smiled, encouraged that Nate had taken well to at least part of the plan. “You’ll also need to talk about your philanthropy.”

He frowned, his eyebrows forming angry slashes over his dark eyes. “The Johnston Family Foundation isn’t some cheap publicity stunt. I’m not looking to blow my own horn.”

“I know, which makes the work you do all the more admirable.” She held up a hand, holding off the next wave of protest. “But just think how much more good you could do if you publicized the work you’re doing with wounded veterans and high-risk children from low-income families.”

Nate stood and paced the floor. “Our clients have been through enough. They need someone to give them a hand, not someone else who only sees them as a means to their own end. No.” He shook his head. “I won’t do it.”

Kendra inhaled deeply, then took a different approach. One Nate might better understand.

“You don’t want to take advantage of your clients. I admire that. But if we can’t repair your reputation, you won’t be in a position to help them as much as you’d like.”

He didn’t respond, but stopped pacing and rested his chin on his closed fist.

“Besides, if more companies—including your current sponsors—were aware of the programs your foundation offers and the difference you’re making in people’s lives, they’d want to contribute. That means you’ll be able to help even more people. Isn’t that what you want?”

“You know I do, but I won’t betray their trust.”

“I’d never ask you to do that.” Kendra softened her voice. “All I’m asking is that you give them the opportunity to help themselves and others. I’m sure a lot of the families your foundation has helped would be eager to participate in a goodwill campaign to spread the word and increase funding.”

Nate dropped into his seat, as if he were exhausted from a fight. “Fine. I’ll agree to some media coverage for the foundation programs, but I need final approval on anything we put out there.”

“Absolutely.” She hoped he didn’t see how relieved she was. “Any other concerns?”

“Yeah. What if the interviewers aren’t willing to stick to the script?”

She nodded solemnly. “Always a possibility. One we’ll make sure you’re prepared to handle in a way that won’t aggravate the situation.”

“You make it sound so easy.”

“It will be.” She smiled, hoping to reassure him.

“And the third strategy? Do I even want to know what it is?”

He knew her well enough to know she’d saved the option he’d like least for last.

“It’s time for you to come out of the Stone Age and start using social media.”

“C’mon, Kendra. I’ve got a crisis on my hands. You said so yourself. I don’t have time to mess around on social media.”

“The public is only seeing you through the filter of the news media and talking heads out there. Social media puts you in control of your own message, in real time. Your fans—and potential sponsors—will get a better sense of who you are.”

He shook his head slowly, thoughtfully. A marked improvement over the adamant refusal issued moments earlier. “The last thing I want is more people in my business.”

“I understand your reluctance. Especially in light of what’s happened. The reality is, they’re already in your business. This way you become the gatekeeper. You let them in, but in a way you completely control.”

Nate grunted. “Don’t really have a choice, do I?”

Kendra tried to hold back her grin. “Not really, but I promise to make it as painless as possible. I’ll actually be running the accounts for you, so it won’t be as much work as you’re imagining. Promise.”

He nodded reluctantly. “If you really think this is the only way we win, okay. I’ll do it. Anything else we need to discuss?” His posture was tense. As if he couldn’t wait to get her out of his house.

She tried to pretend it didn’t hurt that he wanted her as far away from him as possible. “Actually, there is something else we need to discuss. What’s the story on Stephanie Weiss?”

Nate frowned. “Marcus didn’t tell you?”

“He thought it would be better if you explained.” She shifted in her chair. “I gather you two were together at some point, or Marcus wouldn’t have been so cryptic about your connection.”

“Not one of my best decisions.” He tapped a finger on the countertop, staring beyond her. “Stephanie dragged me into the middle of a scandal back then that nearly ruined my relationship with my teammates. Now she’s done it again.”

“Exactly what happened with her?” She sighed when he narrowed his gaze at her. “If I’m going to help you, I need to understand what’s going on, and not just what I’ve read on the internet. I need the complete picture. We can’t afford to get blindsided again.”

An uncomfortable silence settled over them as he stared out the window onto the backyard. He didn’t want to talk to one ex about another.

She got that. She’d probably feel the same. Still, she needed to know more about this Stephanie Weiss. Beyond what she learned from watching her reports online and reading her bio. And if she was being honest, it wasn’t just her professional curiosity that needed to be satisfied. “Did you love her?”