Just Another Silly Love Song - Rich Amooi Page 0,55
So this has to end. Got it?”
Ben and I both nodded together. “Got it.”
“And did you find the photographer yet for the promo shots?”
“Not yet,” Ben said.
“Well, don’t forget. Maybe you should do it now.”
Ben followed me out the door, and up the stairs back to the poop deck.
When Kyle disappeared, Ben turned to me, chuckling. “That was all your fault.”
I pointed to myself. “My fault? You’re the one who told me to follow you down to the dungeon just so you could get your hands on me.”
“Ha! Who kissed who?”
“It doesn’t matter. It’s like Kyle said, this can’t happen.” I looked away and shrugged. “We got it out of our system, and now we can return to our regularly scheduled program. We’ll be friends. Nothing more. Nothing less. I can’t afford to be fired again.”
“Friends,” Ben mumbled, shaking his head like it was the worst word in the dictionary.
“Yeah, we can do this.” I held out my hand. “To friendship.”
He glanced down at my hand.
“Ben.” I pushed my hand in his direction again. “Friends. You and me. Are you in or not?”
He glanced at my hand again and finally grabbed it and shook. “Fine. Friends.”
Honestly, I had no idea how we were going to pull this off. It was obvious we had feelings for each other, and of course there was that very strong attraction.
Ben had basically been the only thing on my mind recently. I wanted to get to know him even more and was looking forward to more of those out-of-this-world kisses. I guess I had no choice. I had to just focus on work and soon the feelings would just disappear. Easy as pie.
“Ben . . .”
“Yeah?”
I held up our intertwined fingers. “I’d like my hand back, if you don’t mind.”
He let go of my hand. “Oh. Right.”
Maybe this was going to be harder than I thought.
Chapter Sixteen
BEN
The next day, I ran a few errands after the morning show and then picked up Grandpa Wayne to head to Westfield UTC for our surprise lunch with Lori and Grandma Joyce.
Lori and I discussed the plan one more time after we got off the air and we were both certain that neither of them would suspect that we were trying to set them up. I was looking forward to the fun, and besides, I’d been wanting my grandpa to meet someone for a while.
We found a parking spot near the entrance and walked by the outdoor shops toward the food court. Once inside, I glanced around for Lori, since I had no idea what Grandma Joyce looked like. It looked like they hadn’t arrived yet. The best thing to do would be to stall and take a look at the many places to eat inside until they showed up.
“Okay,” I said, glancing around. “Take your pick, Grandpa. You’ve got Charley’s Philly Steaks over there, Corner Bakery Cafe over there . . .” I turned and looked around a little more. “Craft Pizza, Kebab Grill, Noodles and Company, Royal India, and Ruby Thai.” I pointed down toward the end of the food court. “And a whole slew of other choices over there. What are you in the mood for?”
Grandpa Wayne looked around. “They all sound good.”
“I know, but you have to pick one. It’s not a buffet.”
“That’s why I love cruises. You can eat until you pass out.”
“Well, this will be the next best thing. Pick one place to eat, and then you can take a nap later.”
“I love my naps.”
I grinned. “So do I.”
“Ben!” Lori yelled from across the way, waving.
I turned and gestured to her. “Oh, wow. It’s Lori. You know, my new cohost?”
Grandpa Wayne nodded. “Forget about her. Who’s the looker who’s with her?”
I smiled, thinking our plan was going to work like a charm.
We’re off to a good start.
“That’s her grandma, I think, although I’m not positive because I’ve never met her.”
I knew it was her but I needed to play it off, of course.
“What a surprise seeing you here.” Lori’s acting skills weren’t bad at all. “Are you following me?”
I chuckled. “I left the radio station before you this morning, remember?”
“Okay, you’re off the hook then. This time.”
Grandpa Wayne cleared his throat.
“Oh.” I slapped my forehead, wondering if I was overacting. “Where are my manners? Grandpa Wayne, this is Lori Martin from the morning show.”
“A pleasure to meet you.” He held out his hand.
Lori skipped the hand and went directly for a hug, wrapping her arms around my grandpa. “It’s such a pleasure to