The Dating Proposal(13)
My gut churns as I recall the turbulence. “Subtle things. In meetings she’d shoot down all my ideas. On the set, she’d say I was doing everything wrong. She’d claim I missed her emails about how we were doing this or that segment. She’d change up the questions from viewers without telling me. Her mission was to make life as unpleasant as possible, and it worked. I was miserable while she was working on my show, and I don’t think I did my best work then, truth be told.”
“Was there anything you could do about it?”
I shake my head. “Maybe, but I didn’t, which wasn’t the best idea in retrospect. There are a lot of people working on the show—writers, other producers, stagehands—who depend on it. But I was so hamstrung and unsure of what to do. I didn’t want to rock the boat and cause more problems. I didn’t want to misstep and hurt her career.”
“Seems like she was trying to hurt yours,” she says softly.
I nod, sighing, since that’s precisely what nearly happened. “One time we were taking live questions from viewers, and her job was to screen them. She let a guy on who asked, ‘Can you give me your best tip for scoring with a girl at work?’”
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.