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Why wasn’t anyone calling in?
Hayden’s blue eyes zeroed in on her. “The fine line between love and passion sounds like a hot topic for another day. Wouldn’t you agree, Violet?”
“I certainly do, Hayden.”
The board lit up.Thank you, Lord.
“WANT TO TELL ME what that was all about tonight?”
Hayden wished he had an answer. “I’m not sure, Chuck, but I take full responsibility for getting a little carried away with the soul mate discussion.”
“I was sitting right beside you,” Violet said quietly. “You weren’t alone.”
“Now you’re going to fight over whosefaultit was?” Crossing his arms on the desk, Chuck blew out a weary sigh. “I’m not sure you understand my meaning. Want to know my theory on why the boards weren’t lit up with calls for nearlythirty-five minutes? Our listeners were too enthralled with the nonstop banter between you two!
“That can be good because it means you’re keeping our audience engaged. On the other hand, I need you to keep in mind this isn’t a show about you.” He looked from one to the other of them. “This is a call-in radio show aimed at helping our listeners withtheirrelationship issues—not yours. You’d be wise to remember that.”
Chuck pushed back in his chair, scraping against the hardwood floor. He started to pace behind the desk. “You started off strong, but lately you’ve been at odds with each other. Like you’re….” His brow creased as he rubbed a hand over his chin covered with a five-o’clock shadow. “Goadingeach other is the best way I can explain it.”
He leaned his hands on the desk and faced them. “Let’s not forget our focus and KGOLD’s mission statement.” Ah, yes. The Golden Rule, based on Luke 6:31,Treat people the same way you want them to treat you.A poster proclaiming that very thing hung on the wall behind Chuck’s desk, a convenient focal point.
“I’m sorry. I hope you can forgive us.” Violet flattened her palms and smoothed them over her jeans-covered thighs.
“We’re trying to find our stride as a team by trying different approaches,” Hayden said.Nothing like talking off the top of your head.Nonetheless, it was the truth. “I have no doubt we’ll find what works soon enough. In the meantime, I’ll try my best not to goad you, Violet.” It’d be difficult, but he’d try. She was just so . . .goad-able.
“Same here. Charles, have you considered scheduling calls so there’s not as much lag time? In other words, less time for us to get into trouble.”
She’s right.They often found themselves sparring more between calls. During any given two-hour show, they were blessed to get thirty or forty calls. It wasn’t like callers were competing for a place in the queue.
“We tried it with Josie’s show, and it doesn’t work.” Chuck returned to his chair. “Number one, it detracts from the spontaneity. Callers freeze up knowing they’re going to be on the radio. Or there’s feedback when callers forget to turn down the volume on their radios. Others sound like they’re reading a script and come across as stiff or rehearsed.”
After a pep talk ofRah! Rah! We can do this!the boss dismissed them. Violet barely looked at him and mumbled a quick goodnight as she all but sprinted to her office.
HAYDEN HEADED INSIDE THE SMALL HOUSE he’d bought even before he’d moved to Goldenrod. He needed to ask Violet to add her special touch to the décor.
At the sound of the door, Haystack bounded toward him, smothering his face with kisses. “Hey, mutt.” He rubbed his hand over the pup’s head then walked into the kitchen to grab the leash. Hay followed, his tail wagging. “We both need a long walk, don’t we?” Hayden attached the leash, chuckling as the pup tugged him back to the door.”
As they headed outside, Hayden thought about Pastor Joe telling him once how he’d always be a work in progress. “If you ever think you’ve learned everything there is to learn, then it’s time to start over.”
“Hi, Hayden.”
He blew out a slow breath and turned. “Hey, Mrs. B. How are you tonight?”
She wore garden gloves and held trimmers in her hands. What on earth was she doing outside after dark? Trimming rosebushes in the encroaching fog?
“I’m doing well, thank you. Have you thought any more about my suggestion?”
“Yes, I have, but I must respectfully decline.” He tugged on the leash when Hay tried to pull him in the opposite direction. The dog was no dummy. “Heel.”
Hay trotted back and quietly sat down by his side.
“Good boy,” Hayden whispered.
“I see obedience school has been good for him,” his neighbor observed.
“Yep. The best thing ever. Thanks for letting him out when I can’t be home.”
“You’re welcome. Glad to be of service. As far as my matchmaking, I suppose you can’t blame a neighbor for trying,” she said. “I hope this means you’re dating someone.”
