Dandelions on the Road Read Free Page B

it. She smiled as she remembered the look on Brian’s face when Roscoe laid a big wet one on him. He took it in stride like a consummate professional. He could probably continue to smile for the cameras if a tornado ripped through the studio wall.
    Eva wondered what he was like outside the newsroom. Did he look as good in a t-shirt and jeans as he did in a suit and tie? She frowned as she pulled up to her last stop. Why was she trying to picture Brian in different clothing? And why could she still feel the heat of his arm against her shoulder?
    “Come on, boy.” Eva parked the vehicle in the first open slot she saw and wrestled Roscoe out the back. He wasn’t tired from their morning appearances, but exhaustion settled into Eva. Hopefully an interview with Chuck and Renee on the KGBR morning show would perk her up.
    Eva sneaked in the back door, punching in the code to unlock the studio. The morning rush was starting, but it was too early for much of the staff to be on hand. She heard the broadcast through the speakers in the hallway.
    “100.4 KGBR…Chuck and Renee in the morning.” Chuck’s voice sounded in a clear, crisp tone.
    “Good morning, Omaha. We have a nice day ahead of us today, with rain in the forecast this weekend. That means time to get out the slicker. Right, Chuck?” Renee laughed.
    “You’re never going to let me forget that, are you?”
    “No way, no how. Show up at a remote broadcast in a rain slicker when it’s sunny and 80 degrees and you deserve it.”
    “It was just one time!”
    “That’s all it takes.”
    Eva patted Roscoe’s neck, which hovered near her waist. Chuck and Renee were constantly ribbing each other which was why the listening audience loved them so much. They made a good team and Eva was happy for Renee. She had the job of her dreams, and a wonderful fiancé too.
    Eva approached the studio window and waved hello. She listened as Chuck and Renee reviewed the local traffic report and mentioned her upcoming interview. When they started the next song, Renee burst from the studio.
    “Tell me you have news.”
    “I have news.” Eva replied.
    “And? What is it?” Renee glanced down at Roscoe. “Hi there, little man.”
    “It’s me.” Eva couldn’t keep the information from Renee any longer. They’d been playing phone tag for days.
    “Really?” Renee squealed.
    “They won’t announce it until next week, but I’m the Bachelorette. I still can’t believe it.”
    Renee ran her finger across her lips. “No one will hear it from me. I’m so excited for you, Eva. Can you imagine having a dozen gorgeous men competing for your affections? You’re so lucky.”
    Eva toyed with Roscoe’s leash. “I only want one. You’re the lucky one, Renee.”
    A flash of guilt passed over Renee’s face. “I didn’t mean it that way,” Eva countered. She was thrilled for Renee and Ben. It was true; they had competed for the same man. Once, Eva genuinely thought she and Ben could be happy together. But Ben’s connection with Renee was obvious and instantaneous; they made each other happy. There was no way she could fault either of them for the way things worked out. “I mean I only want one man, not twelve. I want what you and Ben have.”
    Renee sighed in relief. “Whew. Here I thought I might have to take you on again. And believe me, I don’t think I would win twice.”
    Eva winked at her friend. She was too kind.
    “We need to get together for some girl talk…and soon. It’s been way too long. I have lots of advice and wisdom for you. You know, how to dance when you think you’ve seen a mouse, the best possible moment to push a potential suitor into a pool, things like that.”
    Eva giggled and gripped Renee’s elbow. Renee was famous for the antics she pulled on the first season of the show. It was her claim to fame and it won her the man of her dreams and the coveted radio job. Eva’s approach would be different, but she hoped the result was similar, without all