Page 4 of Just Another Silly Love Song

“Jake, listen to me . . . She wants to be appreciated and loved and know that you really put some thought into the gift. A gift that truly says I love you. A vacuum cleaner saysclean the house.”

Jake sighed. “Crap. I never thought about it that way. No wonder she won’t talk to me. But why didn’t she just tell me what I did was wrong?”

“Because she thinks you should be smart enough to figure it out on your own.”

“What can I do to make this right?” Desperation oozed from his voice.

“This is going to cost you, you know?”

“I’m okay with that.”

I nodded, appreciating his attitude to do the right thing. “Good. First—return the vacuum and get your money back but do it when she’s not around. She can get another one in a few months, but let her buy it, even if it’s with your money or gift card. Apologize to your wife, tell her you weren’t thinking with the bright side of your brain, and then pamper the hell out of her. Give her a spa day or wine tasting with her best friend. Pay for both of them. Does she like flowers?”

“Yes, daisies.”

“Get her the biggest bunch of daisies you’ve ever seen. Then, I want you to vacuum the house for the next six months with your old vacuum cleaner.”

“Wow—this seems like a lot.”

“Ha! It’s a small price to pay, in my humble opinion. You got off easy with the silent treatment. I’m surprised they didn’t find your dead body floating in the river. Let me know how it goes.”

“Thanks. I will.”

I disconnected the call. “You’ve been listening to Dr. Tough Love, and it looks like our time is up for today. Stay tuned for Susan Teegers coming up next with the best investment advice on the planet. Be good and be well, San Diego.”

I turned off the microphone, removed my headphones, unplugged them, and then stood to leave the studio to go see Kyle.

The studio door swung open.

It was Susan, the host for the next show.

“Self-castration kit?” Susan shook her head and laughed. “On behalf of all women, I thank you.”

I chuckled and grabbed my coffee mug. “Maybe you can give me a stock tip to show your appreciation.”

She smirked. “Invest in self-castration kits. Judging by the men who call your show, it sounds like there’s a serious need for them.”

I winked at her. “Thanks for nothing.”

“You’re welcome.” She added a salute as she passed by me

I left the studio and walked through the newsroom toward Kyle’s office, stopping at my cubicle to stick my headphones in my desk drawer.

Kyle was on the phone when I entered. He gestured for me to sit down in one of the two executive swivel chairs across from him. He nodded as he spoke on the phone, but his eyes were on me. “Will do. Thanks, Steve.” He hung up and blew out a breath.

I stared at the phone. “Steve from corporate?”

He nodded. “The one and only.”

Steve worked out of the main office in Dallas. The only time he got involved at the local level was when there was a problem. Judging by Kyle’s need to chat with me, it would appear thatIwas the problem.

Not good.

Kyle bit his lower lip, like he was trying to figure out how to tell me something. “I know this is not what you want to hear, but we’re going to have to make some changes.”

My heart rate picked up speed. “Are you firing me?”

Kyle shook his head. “No. I want to try to salvage the show. Honestly, it’s a good show.”