Dandelions on the Road

by Brooke Williams

  Eva jerked her view to the left. “What do you mean?”

  Brian paled. “Oh, I…I just mean that I have a tendency to mess up around girls. You know, say the wrong things. Clam up completely or trip over my own feet, that sort of thing.”

  Eva rested her head against the seat again, but didn't take her eyes from the side of Brian’s face. “You’re single, right?”

  Brian nodded.

  “I figured from the talk I heard around the studio.”

  “There’s talk in the studio?”

  Eva chuckled. “Nothing bad, just one of the sales ladies wondering if you were ever going to ask her out.”

  “Huh.” Brian glanced at Eva. “I didn’t.”

  “Why not?”

  “When it comes to relationships, let’s just say things always turn out like my car.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I put everything into it. And then somehow, I find myself on the other side of the door looking in. Everything I need is inside, but I can’t get in, you know?”

  Eva wasn’t sure she understood, but it sounded like Brian had major hurt in his past. She went with his analogy. “Does that mean you’ve given up looking for the key?”

  “The key?”

  “Yeah, when you locked yourself out of your car, you had to search for the key. You knew it was there, you just didn’t know where. But eventually, you found it. Maybe, when it comes to relationships, the key is the right person. You might not know where to look or when you’ll find her, but she’s there somewhere.”

  Eva saw Brian’s throat constrict as he swallowed. “You’re very wise.”

  Eva shrugged. “It’s the only reason I haven’t stopped searching myself. The hope that the one is out there somewhere. The idea that love can happen for me, makes it worth the risk.”

  “Love is definitely out there for you, Eva.” Brian’s soft voice sent a shiver up her spine. “It may even be closer than you think.”

  Eva looked out her window and smiled. She was the bachelorette on Accept this Dandelion. Brian was right, love may be at the tips of her fingers. She needed to continue with the show’s process and grab love when she recognized it. After the dates that afternoon, Eva was certain she could find a wonderful man. The hard part would be choosing just one at the end.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  BRIAN SMOOTHED HIS tie under his jacket and fastened the first button. He was back in his newsworthy attire and he felt comfortable. Sometimes, he wondered if he hid behind his profession. Everyone had expectations of him and he excelled. Dressing as a newsman carried an air of respect. Brian was the type of man who hardly said no to anyone. He helped friends in need at the drop of a hat, yet no one knew what a hypocrite he was. He would do anything for anyone, but when it came down to it, he wouldn’t do the same for himself.

  What Eva said in the van got to him because she was right. Love was worth the risk. And yet he’d been hiding behind his newsman persona and shying away from relatioships for years. Kate, his last girlfriend, really put things into perspective for him. They were good friends before she realized her feelings for him. Brian almost got married on a whim to an old high school girlfriend who showed up out of the blue and when that fell apart, he recognized Kate was who he wanted.

  The two dated for a while and Brian thought everything was perfect, but then Kate dropped the bomb…she didn’t love him after all. Her heart belonged elsewhere and Brian was left outside of the car with no keys. Nothing he did could change Kate’s mind. He wasn’t the one for her.

  He was happy for Kate. She moved on to a life filled with love and success. She lived in Texas with her husband, Chad. They were still friends and chatted on occasion. He had been nothing but gracious about the breakup, but that didn’t stop him from feeling love wasn't in the cards. If Kate, a woman who knew him like a best friend, wasn’t right for him, who was?

  Brian ran his hand over his hair. Every strand was in place. He gave himself one last inspection in the mirror before leaving the green room and heading to the studio floor. The evening newscast would air later so the elimination ceremony had to be done now.

  “Ready?” Mike caught Brian’s elbow on the way by.

  “I am if Eva is.”

  “She’s nervous, but I think she knows what she wants. She looked excited when she arrived. I think she’s got a crush on someone.”

  “Oh, really?” Brian’s blood pressure rose a notch. He’d seen her with the bachelors, which one affected her? Carlos? Or maybe Cane?

  “We have the men lined up on set. I’d like you to grab Eva and walk out together. You can do your spiel and then let her have the floor.”

  Brian nodded. He was ready. He glanced down the hall. Eva would come from the office area. They had her waiting in an empty conference room.

  A door down the hall opened and Brian heard shoes clack against the concrete floor. He squinted until Eva came into view. His drew in a breath, but was unable to let it back out. Her hair was free from its ponytail and softly framed her face. She wore just enough makeup for the cameras to pick up a few hints, but nothing overwhelming. She was utterly beautiful. Her long, narrow face widened into a smile as she caught his eye.

  “Ready?” she asked.

  Brian laughed. “I think I’ll do just fine. What about you?” He noted she wasn’t wearing a fancy ball gown like many of the women last season. Her outfit was more of a business suit, though it was well tailored to hug her every curve.

  Eva sighed. “I don’t think I’ll ever look forward to these ceremonies, but I signed up for it, so let’s get it over with.”

  Brian let the silence settle between them. He stole extra seconds of her time as he nodded and looked into her deep brown eyes. When he could no longer justify stalling, he stuck his elbow out. “Shall we?”

  Eva laced her arm through his. “We shall.”

  Brian led her to the set where the ten remaining men waited. The men stood taller and stopped shifting and joking around when they came into view.

  “Good evening, gentlemen,” Brian greeted. “I hope you have enjoyed your experience on the show thus far. I have heard from our bachelorette that the process is moving in a positive direction.” Eva squeezed his arm. “Tonight, Eva has six dandelions to hand out. Cane and Harris already have dandelions so they are safe. That means two of you will not continue on the show. Eva?”

  Brian took a slight step back, but Eva didn’t release his arm. “I am the luckiest girl in this city,” she said. “I can’t believe that even one of you is here, much less all ten. Like I said on the first night, I have yet to find anything wrong with any of you. It would be much easier if I could. So please, don’t take it as an insult if you don’t receive a dandelion tonight. I have formed connections with many of you and those who don’t move on with the show, I simply feel like you aren’t the right fit for me.”

  Brian shifted. He needed to fade into the background and let her have the spotlight, but she gripped his arm and he’d stay by her side as long as she wanted him there.

  “I’m excited about what the future will bring for those who remain.”

  Eva finally pulled her arm from Brian’s elbow and he tossed his hand toward the pedestal that held the dandelions. “When you’re ready.” Brian backed off the set and into the darkness on the other side of the cameras.

  He listened with interest as she called Kurt over.

  “Kurt, I appreciated the humility you showed today at the picnic. Will you accept this dandelion?”

  “Of course he will.” Brian muttered as Kurt accepted the weed.

  Eva called Carlos next and Brian rolled his eyes.

  “Carlos, I enjoy every moment I spend with you. Will you accept this dandelion?”

  “I’d love to.” Carlos replied.

  “I bet you would,” Brian whispered.

  Eva went on to call Owen, Mitch, and Steve. Steve did a cartwheel on his way to Eva and the entire group laughed.

  One dandelion rem
ained and Brian stepped back onto the set. “Eva, gentleman, there is only one more dandelion tonight.” Brian stepped back into the darkness and examined the remaining men. Adam was too pretty for his own good. Trent awaited his fate quietly and Pete looked ready to spew excuses if he fell short.

  Eva picked up the last dandelion and held it in front of her. “Pete,” she said.

  “Oh, thank heavens.” Pete gripped his chest and approached Eva.

  “I couldn’t very well let you leave after you nearly died on our picnic. Pete, will you accept this dandelion?”

  “I’d be happy to.” Pete’s shoulders shook. Was he laughing? No. Brian was fairly certain he burped.

  Brian re-entered the scene. “Congratulations to those of you who received a dandelion from Eva. Trent, Adam, please take a moment to say goodbye.”

  Brian watched the men slap each other on the back. Trent gave Eva a brief hug and left without speaking. Adam whispered into her ear. Brian couldn’t hear what he said, but he imagined it was something along the lines of, “I’m too pretty for you anyway.”

  The show was a wrap for the evening. The remaining men and Eva mingled while Brian pulled his microphone from his shirt. Good riddance Adam and Trent. She was down to eight men now. Seven to go until she narrowed it down to one. Who would it be? Brian wasn’t sure he wanted to know.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  EVA DIDN’T HAVE details about the upcoming show tapings, but she knew the next stop was Des Moines, Iowa. Mike promised space in the vehicle this time so she could enjoy more time with the contenders, not that she minded riding with Brian. He was a genuine man with a good heart and he kept her laughing when she needed a light moment.

  When Eva arrived at the studio, she wasn’t sure who to pick for the drive to Des Moines, which was two hours away. Whichever man she chose would get a great deal more time and she wanted to make the most of the drive and invite someone she was serious about.

  Mike met her in the long hallway near the sales offices. “Here she is.”

  “Hi, Mike.”

  “Are you ready for another adventure?”

  Eva smiled and nodded. Mike had dark shadows under his eyes. The stress of the extra work must be keeping him from a good night’s sleep. Last time he taped Accept this Dandelion, the show aired the week after each episode taped. This time, they were filming it all and airing it after editing. Eva imagined he had a lot of organizational work during the taping process.

  “Okay, so like I said before our last trip, we have a lot to take with us, but we’re staying overnight this time and I’ve already sent a crew ahead to set up. All we have left are the men, you, Brian and me. I’ll drive one van with seven of the guys. Brian can drive the other vehicle and take you and whomever you choose to ride along. You can take one or more, as long as there’s room for a camera or two to record the conversations.”

  Eva pursed her lips. She could see advantages in taking more than one guy in her vehicle. At the same time, it would be harder to get to know two or more at once. She swiveled her eyes back and forth as if she could pick an answer out of the sky. She decided one man was the way to go.

  “Is there any way we can stop halfway?”

  “Sure, there are plenty of rest stops on I-80.”

  “Okay, then. I’d like to take one person now and switch halfway there.”

  “That’ll work. The men are gathering in the parking lot. I’ll find Brian and meet you out there to get organized.”

  Eva stepped back into the sunlight and searched the lot. The vans sat to her left and most of the men were already there. She was going to have to make a choice on the spot…in front of them, but she better get used to it.

  “How are you doing?” A firm hand squeezed her shoulder.

  Eva smiled at the sound of Brian’s voice. “Good. I hear you’re my chauffeur again today.”

  “So I’m told.” The dimple in Brian’s cheek deepened with his grin. “This time we won’t be alone…unless that’s what you choose.”

  Eva lifted her eyebrows. What was he suggesting?

  “You know, to be fair and all.” Brian rushed on. “You don’t want to give any of the men an unfair advantage.”

  Eva ran her hand through her hair. “Good point.”

  “I just don’t want anyone getting jealous. You know how petty men can be, especially when it comes to women.”

  Eva chuckled. “What about you?”

  “Me? I’m not the jealous type.” Brian shuffled his feet and refused to meet her eyes.

  “No, I mean what if the men are jealous of all the time I’m spending alone with you.”

  “That’s their problem now isn’t it?” Brian met her gaze with a winning smile.

  “Ready?” Mike asked over their shoulders.

  Eva nodded without breaking eye contact with Brian. He was joking around, of course, but part of her felt sparks between them.

  The three of them joined the bachelors and Eva greeted them individually with a hug and a smile. Then, Brian stepped into his role as host as two hand held camera operators filmed nearby.

  “Today we’ll be traveling to Des Moines, Iowa. There, Eva will have three dates available and she will choose who goes on which date. There will be two group dates and one two-on-one date. Three of you will go on each group date. There will be dandelions on each date and Eva can hand those out or wait until the elimination ceremony. As for the two-on-one, this date can be a good or a bad thing. Two men will go on the date, but only one will continue on the show. So spend your time with Eva wisely throughout the trip.”

  Brian paused as the men absorbed the information. They glanced around, sizing each other up. Eva didn’t know who she would choose for which date yet, but she could tell they were already guessing.

  “Since our filming process is short and Eva genuinely wants to find a man she can picture her future with, she wants to take advantage of every moment possible. Today, as we drive to Des Moines, she’d like to invite some of you to join her. There will be cameras present, so treat it as you would any show taping. Eva, who would you like to ride with you today?”

  Eva took a deep breath. No more stalling. “Mike assured me we could stop half way to Des Moines so I’ll be spending time with more than one of you today. But I would really like it if you would join me first, Steve.”

  Steve’s eyes widened as the grin on his face burst through. “It would be my honor.” He placed one arm behind him and rolled a hand in front of his face as he bowed.

  The group laughed as Steve stepped to Eva’s side.

  “I’ll see the rest of you in an hour or so.” Eva turned to the vehicle and Brian opened the door for her. She hopped in and Steve followed. Brian closed the door soundly, rushed to the driver’s side, and climbed in.

  BRIAN LOVED STEVE, that was all there was to it. If the show could center on a bromance, he’d pick Steve hands down. The guy was hilarious. His stories and antics kept Eva laughing the entire hour. Though Brian wasn’t directly involved with most of the conversation, he appreciated the guy’s personality. He was high entertainment. Eva had to keep him…for Brian’s sake.

  Brian shook his head as he followed the other station van into a rest area in Walnut, Iowa. They were halfway to Des Moines and Steve’s time was up. Eva had to exchange him for someone else in the group…at her request. Brian half hoped she’d keep Steve. He was a hoot.

  As Brian pulled up next to the station van, Steve hung his head out the window and hollered. “I’m in love, folks. No one can touch me now!”

  Eva giggled as she pushed the side door open, swinging it out with Steve still hanging from the window. “You’re something else.”

  “That’s right and don’t you forget it.”

  “Don’t worry, I won’t!”

  Steve strutted to the other vehicle. He made a lasting impression. Brian wasn’t sure it was a romantic, sentimental one, but Eva would remember him.

  Mike shouted for the rest of the men to exit the v
an and line up beside it. “Anyone need a break?” he asked.

  “I do.” Eva indicated with raised hand.

  “Gather back here in five.”

  Eva headed for the restroom and a few minutes later, the group gathered beside the van.

  Brian stepped out of the driver’s seat and joined the group. “Thank you, Steve, for entertaining us on the first leg of our journey.”

  Steve saluted Brian.

  “Now our bachelorette would like to choose another man to accompany her on the second half of the drive. Eva?”

  “I promised myself I’d think about who I would choose during the first drive, but there was a lot going on.”

  Brian smiled. Steve kept things hopping, that was for sure. Whenever he left the show, Brian would have to get his contact information. He’d be the life of any party Brian ever threw.

  “Harris, would you like to ride with me the rest of the way to Des Moines?”

  “You better believe it.” Harris stepped forward with gusto.

  “You missed the rest of the hiking date and I wanted to to make up for lost time.”

  Harris beamed and scratched his neck. The poison ivy patches were receding, but his skin was still discolored in a few places. “As long as there aren’t any snakes.”

  “There weren’t any on the last date,” Eva reminded him.

  The group laughed and Mike directed everyone back to their vehicles. They had a schedule to keep.

  Harris and Eva settled into the back of the vehicle and Brian adjusted the mirror. He needed to be able to see out the back window, but he wanted to be able to view the back seat too.

  “I know you direct plays at the theater in Bellevue, but what does that entail?” Eva asked.

  Brian eavesdropped and tried to judge how the conversation went. Eva seemed interested in what Harris said and she even allowed him to drape his arm over the back of the seat and around her shoulders, but Harris wasn’t nearly as entertaining as Steve and Brian didn’t think they had the right chemistry. By the time the group arrived in Des Moines, he was almost certain Harris would get the boot eventually.