“But you had no help at all in the past few weeks… in fact, I understand there was a major complication that hindered your progress.”
Bliss took a deep breath. Here it comes. “Yes. One night I was sound asleep in my apartment when the fire alarm went off.”
The host let out a little gasp and looked properly shocked. “The fire alarm?”
As if she doesn’t know this story backward and forward by now. “Yes,” Bliss continued. “The building was on fire and I had to get out. My computer melted in the fire, so I had to buy a new one and recreate all my designs.”
“My goodness!” Judith exclaimed. “How frightening.”
At that moment the doorbell rang. Malinda jumped up. “Oh, let me get that. It’s probably Drake. Bliss, stay right where you are.” Dodging cords and lighting, Mrs. Russo rushed to the front door.
“Cut,” the director yelled. “Mrs. Russo. Wait until the cameras are ready before you open the door.”
She jammed her hands on her hips. “I will not make our guest stand on the stoop and wait while you rearrange your precious cameras.”
If only Bliss could reach across the room and squeeze her mother’s hand—or her throat.
Malinda threw open the door and exclaimed, “Drake! I’m so glad you could make it.”
Fortunately or not, the cameraman managed to get the shot.
“Hello, Mrs. Russo. Nice to see you again.”
She grabbed his hand. “Come in. I can’t wait to introduce you to everyone.”
Not realizing what chaos he was walking into, Drake seemed relaxed and let Mrs. Russo pull him across the room.
“Sit right here next to Bliss.”
“Oh, I don’t want to be on camera. I’ll just wait until you’re all finished.”
The host jumped up and said, “Please. It will help Bliss tremendously if we tell the whole story.” She winked. “And I hear you’re a big part of that story.”
It’ll help the show tremendously. They couldn’t care less if it helps me or not.
Drake smiled at Bliss. “Okay, then. If it’ll help Bliss, I’ll do my best.” He settled in next to her and took her hand. Malinda perched on the arm of the sofa next to Drake. She patted his shoulder and said, “This is the fireman who saved our daughter’s life.” She sniffed and dabbed at fake tears. “When I think about what could have happened…”
“Hold that thought,” the director interjected. He checked to see that the cameras were ready and said, “Roll ’em.”
Judith jumped up, strode over to Drake, and shook his hand. “We have a real, live hero in our midst! It’s an honor to meet you, sir. Bliss, do you want to tell us who this special guy is?”
“Sure. This is my boyfriend, Drake. He’s the firefighter who saved my life.”
“Really? How incredible! Did you know each other before the fire?”
“No. We met in the middle of the smoke. I couldn’t see to find my way out, so he picked me up and carried me to safety.”
The host slapped a hand over her heart. “How romantic.”
Bliss couldn’t imagine the embarrassment Drake must be feeling, but to his credit he didn’t blush. She hoped no one commented on his strange red and yellow streaks, but just in case, she shot her brothers a pointed glare.
Instead her father piped up and said, “You’ve got some punk rock hairdo there, son.”
“Romeo! Don’t be rude. This is the man who saved Blissy’s life!”
Oh, shit. I forgot Dad didn’t see him when he came to help me move… and Mom used my nickname. Bliss pinched the bridge of her nose.
Drake just laughed. “It’s weird, I know.”
Mr. Russo humphed but thankfully let it drop.
The hostess returned to her seat and begged Drake to tell his side of the story.
“You don’t have to do that.” Bliss implored him with her eyes. She hoped he wouldn’t tell them about going in after her computer and getting suspended for it.
“It was just another job,” he said, and shrugged. Then he looked directly into Bliss’s eyes. “Until I met this beautiful lady.”
“Awww… Tell us about that,” Judith urged.
“Oh, don’t make him go through it all again,” Bliss said.
The director yelled, “Cut.”
Judith’s eyes narrowed. “Why not? Do you have something to hide?”
“Of course not! I just don’t want Drake to feel like he’s being cross-examined.”
“It’s okay, Bliss. I mean, there’s not much to tell. It was a typical job.” He winked at her and she breathed a sigh. He seemed to know she didn’t want him to tell the world what an idiot she had been over her stupid computer—especially when it was too late to save it.