I felt a jolt of tranquility in my body, a sensation that was telling me everything was going to be just fine.
I swallowed hard and stood. “I need to go.”
“Of course you do,” Grandma Joyce said. “I’m actually surprised you’re still here.”
I hugged my grandma, grabbed my purse, and flew out the door.
I tried my best to drive the speed limit to the radio station. It would only take me about ten minutes to get there if I didn’t encounter any traffic.
Speak of the devil . . .
The traffic slowed, and then came to a screeching halt.
I banged on the steering wheel. “No! Not now!” I took the next exit, deciding the take the city streets before I had an ulcer or passed out from the stress.
From inside my car I called the radio station and tapped the speakerphone.
“Thanks for calling the Dr. Tough Love show. I’m the producer, Jim. What’s your question for Dr. Tough Love?”
“Hi, Jim. It’s Lori.”
“Lori! Ben is dying over here. Please put him out of his misery.”
“That’s why I’m calling. Can you put me on the air as his next caller?”
“Of course!”
“Good. Give me a fake name. I don’t want him to know it’s me. Whitney from La Jolla will work. Oh, and tell him I’m calling about an issue with a coworker.”
“You got it. Stand by.”
Jim stuck me on hold as I drove down Highway 52, waiting for Ben to put me on the air.
My heart was banging in my chest, aching to talk to him.
Dying to tell him the three most important words in the English language.
I love you.
Hopefully, I wouldn’t have to wait too long.
Pick up, pick up.
Finally it happened, six long minutes later.
“Whitney from La Jolla, you’re on the air with Dr. Tough Love.”
“Hi, Dr. Tough Stuff. How are you this morning?”
Silence.
“Hello?” I said. “Dead air is not good for the radio business. You should know that better than anyone.”
Ben hesitated. “I’m so glad you called.”
“I’m so glad you answered. I have this office romance going on, but there’s a serious problem with the guy and I was hoping you could help me.”
“I’ll do my best,” Ben said. “What’s the issue? Does he take your breath away with his alluring charm?”
