News Boy - Susan Hawke Page 0,12

had a lot to learn about Neil and his daily routine, but I felt better than prior to our conversation.

I glanced back, and my chest warmed at his flushed, happy face as he chattered away. And simple as that, I knew deep in my heart that I'd made the right choice choosing this job over my trip.

Chapter Four

Neil

I listened attentively, making the appropriate hmms and awws while Brittany told viewers about the accident which shut down Highway 99 for nearly five hours yesterday. Since there were no casualties aside from traffic disruption, I was safe to make a joke.

Brittany glanced away from the camera to include me in the conversation. "Can you imagine how awful the mess was, Neil? I bet it smelled mighty potent too, given how hot it gets up there around Bakersfield this time of year."

"I don't have to imagine it, Brittany. I saw the footage you played, but I think you're missing the bigger picture." I spoke soberly, then turned to the camera with a megawatt smile. "I'm sure the viewers at home can agree how sad it was for two trucks to collide, but spilling onions and tomatoes all over the highway didn't need to be a tragedy."

As if confused, Brittany frowned. "Neil, did you miss how expensive it was to have all those water trucks come in to spray the gunk off the asphalt?"

"Uh, yeah, part of the reason I called it tragic. Roll the footage again, Ernie. Solely the part where the smashed tomatoes and onions were covering the road." I waited for the clip, then intoned over it, "Look again, but this time picture salsa. The only thing missing were the jalapenos, and they could have shut the road down and had an old-fashioned street party. BYOC-style."

When the camera panned back to us, Brittany cocked her head to the side. "BYOC, Neil?"

I snickered and rubbed my hands together. "Yep. Bring Your Own Chips." While Brittany groaned and shook her head, I waved to the viewers. "And that's our show for today, folks. If you're craving chips and salsa now—you're welcome. See you tomorrow!"

The camera pulled away, but we didn't drop our smiles until the light went out, and we got Ernie's official release. He always mumbled under his breath and talked as if he were mid-sentence, probably because he'd been muttering to himself already. "…And we're out. Good show today, guys." Brittany and I waved absently at Ernie and headed to Tracy. Before we’d gone three steps, Brody was at my side.

When I ignored him, Brittany peered around me to wave hello. "Hey, Brody. I hope standing by during our entire newscast wasn’t too boring."

"Not at all, Brittany. You and Neil have a way of making the news more palatable." He didn't elaborate, and Brittany didn't get a chance to ask because we'd arrived at Tracy's station. And I certainly wasn't going to try to find out because I was irritated with Brody today.

He looked around the room, then walked back and stood barely outside the door, finally giving me a modicum of privacy. Sighing heavily, I closed my eyes and leaned back in my chair for Tracy to have her way with my face. "Ow!" My eyes popped open when something pinched my leg.

Smirking in satisfaction, Brittany rolled her eyes. "You deserve it. You are so rude to Brody! What's up with you?”

I huffed and started to lean back again, then shook my head and frowned at my so-called bestie. "I agreed to rules. But the man has gone too far."

Her eyes went wide. "Why? Is he mean? Did he give you a lot of them?"

I held my hand out and rocked it from side to side. "Not a lot, but he's really strict. I can’t open any windows because of the alarm system he says has to be on at all times. He won't let Gertie pick up my toys when she cleans anymore—I have to put them away when I'm done. But that isn’t the worst. Gertie told us she's pregnant, and instead of letting me hire someone else, he's making me change Lady K's litter box. Every single day! And get this! He gave me a bedtime."

Brittany giggle-snorted. "Nothing sounds mean, Neil. And I've been telling you for years how you need a regular bedtime. It explains why you haven't been as grumpy the past few days."

Probably. But there was no way I would admit it. I jerked my shoulder instead. "Whatever. All I know is after a