Page 64 of Just Another Silly Love Song

Ben shook his head. “As much as I think that you are a true delight, Joyce, why don’t we just end the call on a positive note by saying goodbye and skipping the silly love song?”

I sat up, alert now. “What’s wrong, Mr. Tough Stuff? Can’t handle the heat?”

“Of course, he can handle the heat,” Grandma Joyce said. “If he can handle you, he can handle anything. Isn’t that right?”

Ben hesitated. “Sure. Bring it on.”

“Great! I want you to play ‘Love the One You’re With’ by Stephen Stills and I dedicate it to the two of you.”

“No way, Grandma. Not going to happen.”

Ben smirked. “What’s wrong? Can’t handle the heat?”

Grandma Joyce laughed. “You tell her!”

I crossed my arms. “I’m not playing that song.”

“Fine. I will then. Thanks for calling, Joyce. I hope to meet you in person and give you a big hug.”

I couldn’t believe this was happening.

Ben said goodbye to Grandma Joyce and played the song. He cranked up the volume in the studio and sang along.

I slipped off my headphones and yelled above the music. “I thought you said you didn’t like silly love songs.”

Ben pointed to the speakers. “This song is not silly. It’s a classic. Play more songs like this one and I will be a happy man.”

I shook my head. “Dream on.”

The truth was that I loved the song. What was bugging me was that my grandma called into the show and tried to get involved in my love life. I didn’t need her help. And what made matters worse was when she dedicated that song to me and Ben and said we should be together.

I held in a smile as Ben sang along and pretended to play the guitar.

He had a cocky look on his face, because he knew I was watching him.

Ben continued to sing, and I couldn’t hold it in any longer.

I started laughing and shook my head at him. “You look ridiculous.”

He reached out and turned down the volume. “What?”

“I said you look ridiculous.”

Ridiculously cute.

He nodded. “I don’t have a problem with that.”

Ben slipped his headphones back on as the song ended and turned on the microphone. “Welcome back to Dr. Tough Love. Lori Martin is with me, and I must say, I really enjoyed talking with your grandma. That gal is so full of life.”

I nodded. “She’s full of something. Shall we take another call? I need to completely forget about what happened the last five minutes.”

Ben laughed. “Of course.”

Grandma Joyce with her attempt at matchmaking, along with her absurd dedication, really got to me for some reason. It was time to get back to business and help our listeners with their relationship problems.

“Let’s go to Karen in Encinitas, you’re on the air with Dr. Tough Love and Lori.”

“Hi, Dr. Tough Love. Hi, Lori. Love the show!”