Dandelions on the Road Page 5

  Mike stopped short of the lighted area. “You’ll go out with Brian. He’ll set things up for you and then you can have your say and start handing out the dandelions whenever you’re ready. Keep in mind, they don’t stay yellow for long.”

  Eva caught his drift. Make it fast. Brian approached from the interview area and held his elbow out to her. She threaded her arm through his and gripped his jacket.

  “Nervous?” he asked.

  “A little,” she admitted. “I know I have to get used to this, but it’s hard turning people away. They all deserve to be here just as much as I do.”

  “That’s not true.” Brian stopped and turned toward her. “You deserve nothing but the best and there’s only one person who’s right for you.”

  Eva smiled. He was right. She knew the bachelors she was letting go weren’t for her so it shouldn’t be hard to admit that to them. She’d be quick and decisive, like ripping off a Band-aid.

  Brian led her to the set and stopped next to the pedestal of dandelions. One already started to wilt.

  “Good evening, gentlemen,” Brian began. “I trust you’ve enjoyed yourselves this evening. It is now time for the dandelion ceremony. Our bachelorette has ten dandelions to hand out. If she calls your name, please approach. She will offer you a dandelion. If you wish to continue the process and get to know Eva better, please accept. Those of you who do not receive a dandelion will not continue on the show.” Brian turned to Eva and said in a serious tone, “Eva, when you’re ready.”

  Eva slid her arm from his elbow and folded her hands in front of her. She studied the floor and then made eye contact with each man.

  “I want to thank each and every one of you for being here tonight and giving up your time to meet me. It is an honor to be in the presence of such great men. That being said, I can only choose one person in the end and this is all part of finding that right man. I think nothing but the best of those being eliminated tonight. I simply don’t believe they are the one for me.”

  Eva picked up a dandelion. It bent over and lay on her hand. Whose idea was it to use dandelions, anyway? She smiled, her friend Renee’s, of course.

  “Cane.” She called the first name and waited as Cane swerved through the shoulders around him. When he stood before her, she continued. “Cane, will you accept this dandelion?”

  “I’d love nothing more.” Cane took the dandelion. He squinted at its wilted form, smiled at her and returned to his place.

  Eva took a deep breath and picked up another weed. “Owen.”

  There was no missing Owen in the crowd. He was the tallest and he made Eva look even tinier than she was, but he had an eloquent way of speaking and she was interested in learning more about his music career. “Owen, will you accept this dandelion?”

  “I will.”

  Eva gave dandelions to Carlos, Adam, Harris, Pete and Kurt, all of whom accepted graciously. She had two more weeds to hand out. She eyed the remaining four men.

  “Trent.”

  Trent’s quiet steps reminded her of his soft-spoken voice. He was a shy one and she wanted to break through the barrier with him and see what was under his quiet demeanor. Just because he wasn’t entirely comfortable with the situation didn’t mean he wasn’t worth knowing.

  “Trent, will you accept this dandelion?”

  Trent nodded and gave Eva a small smile.

  Brian appeared at Eva’s shoulder. “Eva, gentlemen, this is the last dandelion this evening.”

  Eva wanted to cross her fingers behind her back and ask Brian to take her away. She didn’t want to hurt anyone. At the same time, there was one man left who she really wanted to get to know. She picked up the dandelion. It was a sad little weed, but it was all she had to give.

  “Mitch.”

  “Yee haw!” Mitch sidestepped around Carlos and line danced his way to the pedestal.

  The group laughed. “Mitch, will you accept this dandelion?”

  “Will I ever! Yahoo!” Mitch grabbed the weed, planted a brief kiss on Eva’s cheek and clicked his heels in the air.

  Reassurance washed over Eva. The two men she eliminated never would have reacted that way. She’d done the right thing.

  Brian reappeared. “Aiden, Levi, I’m sorry. You will not continue with the show. Please say your goodbyes and exit the studio.”

  Levi turned to the men closest to him and launched into a story. Aiden brushed past those around him and headed straight for Eva. Eva took a step closer to Brian.

  “Your loss, sweetheart,” Aiden muttered as he passed by her.

  Eva turned and watched him fade into the darkness.

  “That was rude,” Brian whispered, “and totally untrue.”

  Eva exhaled. She liked having Brian by her side. She knew saying goodbye to Aiden was the right thing to do, but Brian’s reassurance made it even easier.

  It looked like Levi was finally wrapping up his story. Eva took a few steps toward him as he neared.

  “I’m sorry, Levi,” she said. “I wish I could keep you all.”

  “No worries, I understand. There’s only one man for you and so on and so forth. I’m just not him. It’s a shame, really it is, but I understand. There’s someone out there for me...”

  Brian jumped in when Levi took a breath. “Thanks for your time, Levi.” He escorted the man from the set.

  That was smooth. Eva surveyed the remaining men. Ten wonderful people she would get to date. Was one of them her future? Time would tell.

  Brian brushed against her shoulder as he returned. “This season on Accept this Dandelion, we will travel more.” He announced. “Our first round of dates will take place at Mahoney State Park in Ashland. Bachelors, welcome to the show.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  EVA ARRIVED AT the studio by 9 a.m. as requested. She offered to drive herself to Mahoney State Park since it was only forty-five minutes from the city, but Mike insisted she ride with the staff and crew. Since the park was close, everyone would travel down and back in one day. It would cut back on hotel expenses.

  The first show taping went well. Eva met extraordinary men and a few unique contenders, all of whom interested her. She also had a good thing going with Brian. He would be an asset as her protector and sidekick as the show progressed.

  Eva was calmer about the first round of dates than she had been about the initial meeting. She wore jeans and a nice blouse with hiking boots. Mahoney State Park had a lot of opportunities to be one with nature. The day would consist of two group dates, each including five men. The first group would go hiking on the trails around the park. The second date would feature the other five men and would revolve around a picnic. Eva enjoyed dressing up and looking nice, but she wanted the men to see her in her element as well. Nature and animals were right up her alley.

  When Eva ran into Mike, he explained a few details. “It is our intention to allow you to pick one or two men to ride in the vehicle with you every time we change locations. It’ll give you more time to get to know them and give us more footage to utilize. Today, however, since we’re going down and back in one day, we don't have the room. We had to stuff every vehicle with equipment to get everything in that we’ll need. We have things better organized for the other locations. But this time, I hope you don’t mind riding with Brian in the station vehicle. The back is completely packed with equipment so there’s really no room for anyone else. It might be good for the two of you to chat anyway. The better he knows you, the more he can bring out in the interviews.”

  Eva nodded along as Mike spoke and examined his clipboard for information. “I don’t mind at all, that’ll be great.” She spied Brian across the studio. He made notes in a binder and stuck a pencil behind his ear. Eva studied his profile after Mike walked away. The dimple in his cheek never went away, even when he wore a serious expression. She examined the cargo jeans that hung from his waist. She’d never seen him in anything but a suit and brightly, colored necktie. His blue polo shirt was bound to bring out his azure eyes.
His hair was still nicely combed, but it looked softer, like the wind might tousle it if given the chance.

  Eva blushed when Brian looked up and waved. He crossed his fingers in the air and she smiled.

  Brian jogged over. “I hear you’re hitching a ride with me today.”

  “Do you mind?”

  “Of course not. I consider myself your wingman. Whatever you need, I’m there.”

  “I’ve never had a wingman before.” Eva stroked her chin.

  “Have you ever dated ten men in one day?”

  Eva laughed. “Excellent point.”

  Brian extended his hand toward the exit. “Shall we?”

  Eva followed his lead.

  “Looks like a nice day to be outside.” Brian tossed the comment over his shoulder.

  “Perfect,” Eva replied.

  “I have to admit, it’s nice to be out of the studio at a normal hour and not in the pitch dark before daybreak.”

  “You get up early,” Eva agreed.

  “Very. And once I’m done with work, I often take a nap. My body doesn’t allow me to do anything else.”

  “So coming in at nine was late for you?”

  “To me, it feels like three in the afternoon.”

  Eva understood morning hours because of the media stops she often made, but she didn’t do it daily. It had to take a toll.

  “What will they do without you on the news?”

  “The weekend anchor is filling in. I’ve done it enough for him, it was only fair.”

  “No, I mean the city.” Eva stepped through the studio’s back door as Brian held it open.

  Brian laughed. “I’m sure everyone will get by.”

  “People will be relieved to have you back.” Eva smoothed her hair back into its ponytail as the breeze caught some strands. “You don’t realize how important you are.”

  Brian frowned and unlocked the KETO van with the remote key fob in his hand. Eva stepped up and slid into the van as he held the door open for her. He closed it behind her and she sighed. Chivalry wasn’t dead after all.

  Brian climbed into the driver’s seat. “If I’m so important, why am I doing the driving? Shouldn’t I have a car and driver of my own?”

  Eva chuckled. “Good point.”

  Brian started the vehicle. As they pulled out of the parking lot, Eva glanced at him. He looked completely different outside the studio in the daylight…and in jeans. He was relaxed and casual, but still devastatingly handsome. That dimple just wouldn’t go away.

  WHEN MIKE INFORMED Brian that Eva would ride with him to and from the park, Brian’s throat closed. He understood the rationale behind the two of them spending time together. It would be good for the show if he knew her better. At the same time, he didn’t know what he was going to say or do for nearly an hour. At least he would have the road to concentrate on. He wouldn’t have to look directly at her.

  As Brian drove the KETO van onto the interstate, he sensed her beside him. She was a good three feet away, but her presence was distinct and unforgettable.

  Brian took a deep breath to calm his anxiety. He had the rest of the show to get over how nervous she made him. For the immediate future, he would do his best to ignore it. Or at least keep it under control.

  He turned on the radio and tapped his thumbs against the steering wheel. This was his chance to get to know her better…for the good of the show, of course.

  “I know how the media circuit part of your job works,” Brian began, “but I’d love to hear more about the other things you do. Do you have any pets of your own?”

  “Believe it or not, I don’t. Trust me, if it was up to me, I’d take home just about every animal that comes through the front door.”

  “You’d be the crazy cat lady.”

  “The what?”

  “You know, the lady everyone knows who has way too many cats.”

  “Oh I wouldn’t stop with just cats. I’d have dogs too and any other furry critter I could fit into a corner.”

  Brian laughed. “So why don’t you have any?”

  “I don’t have any permanent animals, but my home is a designated foster home. When the shelter gets too full, I bring home as many animals as I can until we find homes for them or room opens up at the shelter.”

  “Wow, that’s really neat.”

  “I guess I don’t feel like it would be fair to a permanent pet to constantly put it through the revolving door of cats and dogs I bring in and out. And this way, instead of choosing just one or two, I get to experience them all.”

  “I think what you do is really incredible.” Brian glanced over as the sun caught a glint of bronze in Eva’s dark hair.

  “Thanks. It’s a dream job for me. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’m grateful to Accept this Dandelion for helping me get where I am at FFRL.”

  There were so many things Brian wanted to know about her. He wasn’t sure where to go next with his questions.

  “What about you?” Eva asked.

  “Me?”

  “Yeah, do you have any pets?”

  Brian didn't expect to talk about himself. He intended to pepper her with questions, but they could get back to her after he answered her inquiry. “I have a cat.”

  “Just one?”

  “Yes, but she’s very special.”

  “Aren’t they all?” Eva replied. “What’s special about this one?”

  “Well, she’s sort of a family heirloom.”

  “What?”

  Brian laughed. That sounded odd. “She’s been passed down many times. She used to be my grandmother’s cat but after grandma moved into a care facility that doesn’t take animals, my parents took her in. Then they retired and started traveling more and didn’t feel like it was fair to her.”

  “So you took her?”

  “No, my brother did, actually, but he quickly figured out an old cat wasn’t as much fun as he hoped. And that’s how I ended up with her.”

  “What’s her name?”

  Brian smiled. “Flash.”

  “Is there a story to that?”

  Brian shrugged. “I like to think she used to be fast.”

  “How old is she?”

  “Seventeen, going on eighteen. No one knows her exact birthday. She’s a mixed breed of some kind. Oh, and did I mention she only has three legs and one eye? And her nose runs constantly.”

  Eva sucked in a breath. “She sounds very special.”

  “One of a kind. Honestly, I took her to relieve my brother of the burden. I wasn’t sure I’d like sharing my place with an animal, especially a three-legged, half blind, old cat. But it’s kind of nice having someone waiting when I get home and she gives the best hugs.” Brian panicked as his last comment hung in the air. Now who was the crazy cat lady?

  “She’s probably part deaf too, but she always knows when I get home. Or maybe she just sleeps by the door and waits for it to hit her when I come in.”

  Eva giggled.

  “Either way, she’s always right there when I arrive. And of course the first thing I do is pick her up. And believe it or not, she wraps her little paws around my neck and holds on, it’s like the best part of her day…other than breakfast.”

  Eva made a small noise and Brian tore his eyes from the road and glanced over at her.

  “That’s really sweet, Brian.”

  “Maybe someday, after Flash is gone, I’ll want to look into the foster care program.”

  “Oh wow, that would be wonderful. I’m sure you would get approved right away.”

  “I think I’d really miss having a pet at home, but I don’t know if I’d want to get another one of my own. At least not right away.”

  “There aren’t any other cats out there like Flash, from what I hear.”

  Brian smiled. “No, most certainly not.”

  “I’d like to meet her someday.”

  Brian paused and envisioned opening the door to his home and bumping it gently against Flash. He would pick the cat up, as always,
and then pass her over to Eva. Flash would sniff her once, maybe twice, and then wrap her paws around Eva’s neck, accepting her into their home.

  He nodded his head. “That would be nice.”

  CHAPTER NINE

  EVA WAS SURPRISED when Brian pulled the van into the state park. The forty-five minute drive had flown by. After hearing about Flash, Eva saw a whole new side to Brian. He was no longer a stuffy newscaster, but a jeans-wearing, cat-loving man. One she could see herself befriending.

  Eva had plenty of questions in mind in case things got awkward during the drive, but there had never been silence. With their shared love of animals, they threw humorous stories back and forth about pets they’d loved over the years. Brian had plenty of anecdotes about Flash and Eva knew enough animals to entertain a captive audience for days.

  She was excited about the rest of the day, but she wouldn’t have minded if they’d had to drive farther to their destination.

  Brian navigated the curvy roads and pulled into the lodge parking lot. Eva glanced out the window as two other station vehicles pulled in beside them. Half the men were in one van and the other half would arrive later. Eva didn’t know who would be on which date.

  Mike hopped out of the van closest to them and Eva rolled her window down. “There’s a trailhead to the left of the lodge. The crew is gathering some handheld cameras to capture the hike. You two get situated by the trail and we’ll send the guys over shortly.”

  “Sounds good.” Eva turned to Brian as she rolled her window up. “Here goes nothing.”

  “Don’t forget the sign.”

  Eva crossed her fingers and held them up in front of her face. “Got it.” She grinned and held his eyes. They were always bright blue, but they sparkled even more in the sunlight.

  Brian jumped out of the car and raced around to Eva’s side. She had her hand on the handle and started to open the door when Brian yanked it wide from the other side.

  “You don’t have to do that.” Eva stepped down from the van.

  “I want to.”

  Eva reached out and touched his elbow. “It’s the little things we gals remember most.” She drew her hand away. The feel of the muscles on his arm beneath her fingers gave her goose bumps. Or perhaps it was the warm sun hitting her back.