The Slot: A Rochester Riot Sports Romance Read Free Page A

five. Put on your game face, girlfriend.”
    The tech counted down, then pointed silently at Michelle.
    “Michelle Batiste here, with a special guest from right here in Rochester, the Director of Communications and Community Relations for the Rochester Riot, Eloise Robertson. Eloise, thanks for being with us today.”
    “My pleasure, Michelle.”
    “Eloise, now that the dust from the trade deadline has settled, everyone in Rochester is excited to hear about our new star center, the Beantown Bard, Cole Fiorino. What can you tell us?”
    The Beantown Bard? Who the hell called themselves something so utterly ridiculous? Eloise smiled broadly at Michelle, never wavering or cracking under the shock, keeping her composure despite not having even met the man, and certainly never heard him called the Beantown Bard . Her assistant would pay for the oversight. Big.
    “Yes, the team is undoubtedly looking forward to an explosive top line with the addition of Fiorino,” she answered. “The negotiations with the Bruins were tough, but I know our General Manager, Lou Spieker, made one hell of a deal.”
    “I should say so,” Michelle agreed. “Rookie of the Year and nearly ninety points a season. That’s almost unheard of in the NHL. Every team in the league was interested in him. Did Spieker give away the farm to get him?”
    “Maybe not the farm, but quite a few horses,” Eloise laughed. “And a chicken or two. But they were already missing their heads.”
    Michelle gave a good-natured chuckle. “I’m sure the team’s new Owner and COO Sheehan Murphy must be pleased. I understand there are plans for some additions to the arena. What will that bring to the city?”
    Eloise’s smile faltered a tiny bit, thinking about the scene she’d witnessed on her way to the station, but had prepared a pat answer well in advance.
    “As you know, Michelle, Rochester is a vibrant and diverse community. Not to mention a die-hard hockey town. Murphy’s Finest will add its own unique color to the already rich tapestry of the arena district and will further enhance the fan experience. I for one, am really excited to see it once it’s completed. Sheehan Murphy knows his whiskey. And hockey fans have been known to imbibe a time or two.”
    Michelle nodded. “Indeed. That knowledge must extend to hockey operations as well. Owners typically fulfill a governor position, providing oversight to the overall business development of a franchise. Isn’t it a bit unconventional that Mr. Murphy has also assumed the Chief Operating Officer role with the team? How do you feel that will affect the Riot’s playoff hopes? Too many cooks in the kitchen?”
    Eloise blinked and held her media face firm. Batiste certainly lived up to her reputation of asking pointed, philosophical questions. But she still liked and respected the journalist as she would any straight shooter.
    While Eloise didn’t shy away from debate, she certainly couldn’t air her personal opinions on-air while representing the team. Murphy’s insistence in taking on hockey operations hadn’t met with universal approval but had been part of the ownership deal. As usual, money always won.
    “Mr. Murphy is confident he will provide not only the guidance needed from the governor’s chair but sage direction in on-ice matters. We feel we have the best of both worlds.”
    Pure. Media. Bullshit.
    “Thank you, Eloise. We’ll look forward to the Riot’s playoff run, the grand opening, and to seeing Fiorino in action.”
    “Thank you, Michelle.”
    “And we’re out,” the tech called.
    Eloise let out a long breath. Media appearances were second nature to her, but Michelle’s questions had set her on edge. The months ahead for the Riot would prove ground-testing, to say the least. Which meant she had to bring her A game. A lot of long days and nights lay ahead. Good thing she had zero personal life to speak of at the moment.
    After making a follow-up lunch date with Michelle, Eloise