“I’ll call the producers,” he said. “You just get that boyfriend of yours to come.”
Bliss smirked. I wish I could take that another way.
***
Drake was sitting in the EAP’s office when his phone rang. He grabbed it and glanced at the screen. Bliss.
“Sorry, I’ve got to take this.”
The gentleman nodded.
Drake strode to the waiting room before he answered. “Bliss? What’s up?”
“I—uh. I was wondering if you’re free… now.”
Drake glanced back at the inner office. He’d tried to convince the EAP he was not in need of an appointment and the chief had overreacted, but he wasn’t off the hook yet.
“I should be free in a few. Why?”
“The show’s producers really want you here when they interview me.”
“Me? Why?”
“Because it’s some kind of great angle for the TV show—me dating the firefighter who saved my life. They just love this human-interest shit.”
Drake chuckled. “So, what you’re saying is, I get fifteen minutes of fame and you have a better chance of winning the competition.”
“Exactly.”
Hmmm… that might be a great way to remind the chief that I’m doing my job and doing it well… not trying to kill myself and take as many guys with me as I can.
“Sure. I should be there in about an hour.”
“Thanks. I love you for that.”
“Only that?”
Bliss whispered, “I’d tell you all the other great stuff I love about you, but I’m not alone.”
Drake heard her mother’s voice. “I knew it! They’re in love.”
“Mom! Get off the damn phone.”
One hearty giggle later, Drake heard a click.
Bliss let out an audible sigh. “Jesus, Drake, I’m sorry about that. If you want to skip it, I’ll understand. I’m afraid she might try to measure you for a tux.”
He chuckled. “Let her. You never know… See you in an hour.”
Drake hung up and marched into the EAP’s office.
“I’m not suicidal. I don’t need to talk to anyone, and I’ve got a girlfriend who needs me at the moment. I’m out of here.”
***
Bliss hung up the phone with myriad emotions swirling through her. What should she do first? Give her mother hell for picking up the other phone and listening in? Chastise herself for letting it happen? Or contemplate what Drake meant when he said, “You never know…”?
Bliss chose to contemplate, and a tiny smile spread across her face as she did. If she were twelve, she’d be writing Mrs. Drake Cameron in a notebook. Fortunately she was an adult now and knew it was too soon. She simply gave herself a mental high five and opened her mind to the future possibility.
“I’m sorry I overheard your conversation, Bliss,” her mother said sheepishly as she entered the upstairs master bedroom.
“No you’re not.”
Her mom grinned. “You’re right. I’m not.” She strode over to her daughter and enveloped her in a warm hug. “I’m happy for you.”
If anyone would be happy for me, it’s my mother.
Bliss hugged her back. “Thanks, Mom, but please don’t get carried away.”
“I’d be offended by that, but you’re right. I’m afraid I’ve jumped the gun in the past, and maybe that’s what put you off marriage.”
Gee, ya think? “Mom, I know you just want me to be happy, but I’m afraid your enthusiasm could scare away any potential future I might have with a guy.”
“Not if it’s the right guy.” Her mother’s smile returned.
Bliss had to think about that. How easy would it have been for Drake to walk away when Zina started causing trouble? She didn’t think he was protecting her out of a sense of duty. Well, not only for that reason. He was a good man with an ethical code, and he wouldn’t say he loved her if he didn’t mean it.
Bliss was just about to forgive her mother for years of pushiness when Mrs. Russo said, “Now, aren’t you glad that old building burned down?”
What? Is she kidding? Oh, for the love of… “Sheesh. I wouldn’t go that far, Mom. A lot of people lost everything they owned. Myself included.”
Her mother looped an arm around Bliss’s waist. “Oh, but look what you gained.”
Bliss let out a long sigh. Her mom was her mom, and trying to change her would be an exercise in frustration.
***
The director, Bliss, and Malinda sat at the kitchen table, waiting for the host to show up. “So, tell us what Bliss was like as a child.”
Bliss cringed but knew Malinda Russo could talk about her children all afternoon. Hopefully, this dry run would help guide her mother so she’d know what to say before they filmed it. Of course, if the director thought something was particularly cute or funny, he might ask her to repeat it for the camera. Bliss crossed her fingers under the table.