Page 14 of The Dating Proposal
McKenna’s expression goes ashen. “Oh no, she didn’t.”
“She did, and I was so taken aback by it, I kind of bungled it. I asked her why she let that guy on, thinking maybe the viewer changed up the question. But she said she thought it was a timely topic, given all the various dating and girl questions that viewers send in.”
“Do you answer them?”
I shrug. “Every so often. Bruce—the head of programming—thinks they’re a hoot, so he’s been angling for me to do more. But I’m not interested in any of the best tip for scoring with a girl at work variety.”
“Gee, I can’t imagine why you’d dislike that one.”
Already I’m digging her sense of humor. “Anyway, the whole experience was an eye-opener. I decided that it’s best not to get involved with someone you work with. I’ve worked too hard to risk it, and there are too many other people who rely on the show. I need to bring my best for every single episode, and if getting involved with someone I work with might cause trouble, it’s best not to go there.”
She nods several times. “Definitely. I do a lot of my work solo, but I have contractors for tons of stuff. Never get involved with someone you rely on to run the ship.”
I hold up my mug, and we clink again in solidarity.
She takes a drink then asks, “Where is she now?”
I set down my mug and raise my arms towards the sky. “Hallelujah. She got another job.”
“The universe was looking out for you.”
“Maybe it was.”
“And what about the questions from viewers? Do they still send in the stuff about dates and women?”
“They do. It’s weird, since the show has nothing to do with that. But a ton of my viewers keep writing in, asking me for dating advice.”
She quirks up her lips. “It’s because you’re personable and smart and good-looking. They want you to share all that wisdom so they can follow in your footsteps.”
I arch a brow, latching on to one awesome adjective. “You think I’m good-looking?”
She laughs and scans the coffee shop, affecting a female newscaster voice. “Bob, did you know ten out of ten patrons at the SassyAss coffee shop think Chris McCormick is good-looking?” She drops down to a male voice. “Well, Susan, I’m not surprised. All the ladies have been checking him out.”
A smile sneaks across my face. “Thank you. You’re quite entertaining.”
“Tell me stuff.” She leans in eagerly. “What do they ask you?”
“How do I ask out this woman or that woman? What do I say in this situation? What would I do if this or that happened? How do I know if this girl really likes me?”
She’s Susan again. “As I always say, Bob, you can tell if a girl likes you if she invites you home. If she touches your arm. If she laughs extra hard at your jokes, especially if you’re not funny at all. But if she does none of that, don’t assume she isn’t into you. Try, I don’t know, being direct and asking her. Women like that, and there’s no reason for you to have to wonder.”
She says it like she’s delivering advice to a guy.
On TV.
On my show.
And that’s when it hits me.
I’ve found my gold, and I wasn’t even panning for it. All I have to do is convince Bruce.
7
McKenna
He takes off, and I stay behind at the shop to answer work emails on my phone. When I finally pack up, I spot one of the tiny screwdrivers on the floor.
Like when a lady leaves a glove.
Don’t be silly.
A screwdriver is just a screwdriver.
I pick it up, tuck it safely in my purse, and smile like a fool because I have a reason to text him.
McKenna: Missing a screwdriver? I’ll hold it hostage for you. For a king’s ransom, this tiny tool can be all yours again.
He replies as I’m walking home.
Chris: You drive a hard bargain. But I’ll liquidate all my assets to get it back. I always want to be prepared to repair hard drives.
As I fashion a comeback, he sends a second note.
Chris: I’m at the studio. I’ll text you later, and we’ll devise a drop-off plan. Some dark, undisclosed location. I assume you want a leather bag full of unmarked bills.
McKenna: It’s like you know me so well already.
I’m in bed, reading an article on business-growth strategies when Hayden texts me.
Hayden: I’d knock on the wall, but figured this could work.
McKenna: Indeed it does. What’s up?
Hayden: I have your next date for you, thanks to my daughter.
McKenna: Are you kidding me?
Hayden: Dead serious. When the FedEx guy dropped off some documents at the office earlier, I arranged a date for you, per Lena’s advice. Is that cool?
McKenna: Sure! I suppose I was expecting an attorney, but a delivery guy will work.
