Just Another Silly Love Song - Rich Amooi Page 0,84

thoughts or at least make me feel a little better about them.

Grandma Joyce looked up from her plate. “Whoa, slow down there. You’re eating like the world is about to end.”

“It already has.”

She smiled. “Not even close.”

I sniffled and forked some pancake and held it up. “Well, this makes me feel a little bit better. Thanks.”

She smiled. “Anytime, dear. You know that.”

Fortunately for me, my grandma showed me mercy and had the radio on her kitchen counter tuned to an adult contemporary music station instead of her usual choice, the Dr. Tough Love Show. It would have been too painful for me.

I had to be patient and understand it would take some time to transition back to the way things were before Ben had entered my life, but the heaviness in my chest was unbearable at times. My thoughts weren’t helping.

I had easily moved on from the breakup with Zachary, because deep down I had always known he wasn’t the right man for me.

Ben, on the other hand, was different. He would be more difficult to get over.

There were so many things about the man that I loved: His sense of humor. His compassion. His smarts. His touch.

Especially his touch.

My thoughts traveled to our ballroom dancing class and the way he had held me, the way he looked at me, and the kiss we shared in that video that went viral.

Of course, that reminded me of how he had been counting the kisses we had shared.

It was so darn cute.

Nine.

Too bad there wouldn’t be a tenth.

Grandma Joyce pointed her fork at me. “You’re thinking again. That’s not healthy for you at this point in time.”

I forced a smile. “I’m trying my best, but it’s not easy.”

She nodded. “It’s a fresh wound. Give it some time.” She pointed to the radio on the counter. “I love this song.”

She was talking about “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers.

And just like that, my thoughts took over again, taking me back to Ben’s living room when I pulled that Righteous Brothers album off his shelf.

I could picture how sexy Ben looked on the love seat with Bob Barker on his lap.

The lyrics of the song mentioned hungering for a person’s touch.

I hungered for Ben’s touch.

How could a man capture my heart and soul so quickly?

It was like someone had flicked a switch.

Get your mind off him. You have to move on.

The song wasn’t helping at all.

I gestured to the radio. “Can you change the station?”

“Of course.”

Grandma Joyce stood and walked to the kitchen, reaching for the radio. “Let’s see what we can find for my granddaughter.” She glanced at the clock on the wall.

“Yes, he’s still on the radio, so please avoid Dr. Tough Stuff.”

Grandma Joyce pressed one of the preset stations on the radio. “I know what I’m doing.”

I gasped, my hand flying to my chest when I heard his voice.

“Welcome back to Dr. Tough Love, I’m here for you, whatever your woes may be.”

“Change the station!” I didn’t mean to yell but hearing Ben’s voice would make it worse.

“It seems to be stuck.” Grandma Joyce jabbed at one of the buttons. “Maybe this is destiny.”

I placed my hands on my hips. “This isn’t funny.”

Grandma Joyce nodded. “I never said it was.”

“Today I’m the one with woes, my friends,” Ben continued. “I’m going to be honest with you, my heart is broken into a thousand pieces. The woman you all know as my cohost, Lori Martin, the woman I love, has quit. She won’t be working with me any longer. I’m devastated, to say the least.”

I blinked. “Did Ben blame me for not working with him? Wait, did he also just say he loved me?”

A fluttery feeling hit my belly and tingles traveled right up my spine. I felt hope, maybe just a little, but it was better than nothing.

Grandma Joyce nodded. “Yes, he said he loved you, but we already knew that.”

We did? Why was I always the last one to know?

Grandma Joyce put her finger to her lips. “Now, be quiet because I don’t want to miss this.”

“I love so many things about Lori,” Ben continued. “The way she analyzes my words, her flirty nature, her magnificent smile, the way she cares so much about her listeners. And especially how she doesn’t take any crap from me. She’s the most amazing woman I’ve ever met.”

My eyes filled and overflowed.

I could no longer see the room clearly.

“That man right there is a keeper!” Grandma Joyce snapped off a piece of bacon and