Accept This Dandelion

by Brooke Williams

  * * *

  The next morning Renee rose earlier than usual to make it to work for the morning show. She was scheduled as a special co-host the day after each Accept this Dandelion aired for the duration of the taping. She would update the city on the behind the scenes portions of the broadcast. Renee was nervous. She played off her appearance on the show well in front of her co-workers, but she wasn’t sure how the public would react. She was about to find out.

  Chuck was live on the air when Renee arrived. He gave her a little wave, and she sat down and made herself comfortable. Renee felt odd being on the other side of the studio behind a microphone atop a smooth counter. She was used to the buttons and faders that usually sat before her during her midday shift. If she happened to win the morning show job, she hoped she and Chuck could alternate duties. She didn’t want to lose her abilities at the board. Sitting by and just chiming in on occasion wouldn’t be enough for her.

  “And next, we have KGBR’s very own Renee Lockhart, star of the local TV program Accept this Dandelion, in with us to talk about her experience on the show.” Chuck started a commercial block, turned his microphone off, and pulled his headphones from his ears. “Good morning.” His smile drove his cheeks up higher than Renee had ever see them go. “You’re going to be a hit today. I’ve already taken several calls.”

  Renee forced a small smile. She hoped Chuck wasn’t just being kind. She didn’t know what would be worse…callers who wanted to ridicule her, or no callers at all. As the commercials wrapped up, Renee realized she couldn’t retreat now. She had to be a guest on the radio program…it was part of heightening her public profile to hopefully get the job in the time slot.

  “100.4 KGBR with Chuck and Claudia in the morning…as you already know, Claudia is no longer with us, but we hope to soon find her replacement.” Chuck paused and started the dramatic music from Accept this Dandelion behind his voice. “With us today is the one and only Renee Lockhart, one of twelve women vying for the heart of the city’s bachelor, Ben McConnell. We’ll be taking your calls all morning long. Think about what questions or comments you might have for Renee, but first, I get a shot at her.” Chuck threw his head back and laid out one of his signature laughs. Renee often overheard listeners comment on Chuck’s laugh. She had to admit it was contagious and made her smile no matter how bad her day began. It would make working with him fun, as opposed to her solo gig in the afternoon.

  “So, Renee…I have plenty of questions, but what I want to talk about more than anything is how in the world did you set yourself on fire? Talk about a bad first date, huh?”

  Renee stared at Chuck. She figured those questions would come from the audience, but she never expected Chuck to lob a hardball in her direction. With a swallow, she opened her mouth to answer. They were live, after all, so she couldn’t pause more than a second or two or the dead air would reign and kill her rising chances at a job in the top on-air slot. “Well, Chuck.” Renee pushed her embarrassment down and summoned up all of her self-deprecation. “When you really want to get a man’s attention…” She laughed. “I’ve heard a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but I finally proved the theory wrong, didn’t I? No, it’s better to allow the man to be your hero instead. Let him save you. Make him believe you’d simply die if he weren’t around. Then, you’ll know whether or not he likes you. If he isn’t into you, he’ll just let you go up in flames.”

  Renee paused and allowed Chuck to throw his head back once more. His laughter quickly caught in the pit of her own stomach, and she laughed at herself along with him.

  Chuck wiped his eyes with one finger. “You are too much, Renee,” he said. “We have so many calls coming in the board is completely lit up. I’d love to hog you all morning, but I think we have to take a call before this phone sets itself on fire. Good morning, KGBR,” Chuck said as he punched a button on the board. Taking live calls was risky and not the norm. A lot of times, they would record their conversations and play them back later. But Chuck could pull the best things out of listeners live, and the station manager let him get away with real time calls. Chuck was also quick with the board buttons. If a caller got out of hand, Chuck could mute the call with a flash of his finger and move on so those listening hardly even noticed anything happening.

  “Hey, Chuck,” a feisty female voice rang over the line. Her voice sounded like it came from a tunnel. She must be driving. “I wanted to call and tell Renee how awesome she did. I mean, all of the other girls were the same. Renee put some spice into it and really stood out. I think if Ben knows what’s best for him, he’ll choose you next week and leave the rest behind.”

  Renee’s eyebrows rose. “Thank you.” She was surprised. Renee expected everyone to mock her, and she was glad the first response was positive.

  “Thanks for calling.” Chuck quickly changed callers. “KGBR, you’re on with Chuck and Renee.”

  “Morning, Chuck. Hey there, Renee.” A deep male voice rang through the headsets in the studio. Chuck tilted his head as the man continued. “I want to tell the woman who just called she’s all wrong.” Renee took a deep breath. Here it came. “Renee, you don’t belong with Ben…you should be with me.”

  Renee opened her mouth in surprise and let out a nervous laugh as Chuck threw his head back. “Leave your number at our front office,” Chuck said. “We’ll keep a running list, and Renee can have her own dating show if things don’t work out with Ben.”

  “Oh, no. No.” Renee threw her hands in the air. “Chuck, you don’t understand. I don’t need a whole list. I just need one.” Renee giggled and tried to put on a flirtatious air. “Sir, what did you say your name was?”

  Chuck laughed again as he disconnected the call. “Not so fast there, little lady. You have a show to do. First you let Ben McConnell dump you. Then you can troll for men.”

  “And what makes you think Mr. McConnell is going to ditch me?” Renee’s confidence grew. She was starting to enjoy herself. She would be good at the morning show gig.

  “Ah, good point.” Chuck started the next song behind their voices. “Very good point. We’ll have more with Renee Lockhart about her experiences on Accept This Dandelion, but first another song to get your morning rolling.” Chuck slid the microphone faders down and turned them off as he yanked his headphones from his ears and placed them around his neck. Renee took hers off and laid them on the counter in front of her.

  “You’re really good at this,” Chuck said. “A natural.”

  Renee smiled. “I’ve been in radio for several years now,” she said sarcastically. Chuck was the type of person who appreciated someone who didn’t take any flak from people, both on and off the air. The two of them would fit as a team because she knew how to give and take.

  “Indeed.” He shuffled some papers around. “You keep this up, I might put in a word for you with the higher powers.” Chuck winked.

  Renee shifted in her seat. The comment excited her. Having Chuck’s support for the open morning position would be huge. With a heightened public profile from the TV slot and Chuck on her side, she almost couldn’t lose. The job would be hers for the taking.

  When Renee left the studio two hours later, she walked on clouds. The rest of the morning went better than the beginning. She had dozens of supporters and only one crank call marriage proposal. That one sounded like a teenage boy who probably had too much time on his hands. The rest of the callers were genuine and enjoyed her on TV. They supported her efforts to find love. They laughed along with her, but no one teased her, and Renee’s appearance on TV had already made her public image soar. She endeared herself to the listeners instead of drawing ridicule as she’d feared.

  Now Renee had to get through the day and return to the TV studio to continue her journey with Ben and the rest of the ladies. After the first taping, she dreaded going back and making a fool of herself again. But now she realized her TV character was bringing positive feedback. She could go on.

  It didn’t matter what happened
with Ben. He probably didn’t care about any of the women beyond their appearances and long legs. She needed to continue to show her personality so the city could see who she was. And with any luck, viewers would fall for her and demand that she become the next co-host on the KGBR’s morning show.

  CHAPTER TEN

  After listening to the radio interview, Ben suspected Renee could become the real star of the show. Listeners called in one after another, praising her for her mouse dance, the way she wiped her makeup off to display her true face, and even how she managed to light herself on fire.

  That was what the TV audience wanted? They wouldn’t want anything to do with him then. Ben wanted to change his public image, but he was perfectly happy turning the spotlight on Renee and letting her bask in its heat for a while. He already lived under a microscope. It was her turn. She would learn soon enough how hard it was to have people watch your every step.

  Ben didn’t wish anything ill to befall Renee. In fact, he enjoyed her as much as the radio listeners seemed to. But he knew sudden fame could take a toll and people might turn on her at any point. Just look at how news media portrayed him…playboy bachelor…a lady pleaser…and so on. Ben’s image was far larger than it should be. In some ways, what they said was true. But there was more to him than the media let people believe. His goal was to show a little bit of depth through the show. If he fell in love at the same time, he would have it all.

  Ben hoped the first round of group dates would shed light on the women. He was a harsh judge, and he dismissed the first two women during the initial eliminations without hesitation. What really held his curiosity was the current running between him and Renee. Was it her clumsy endearment? Did she need to be saved, bringing out his knight in shining armor side? She had alluded to as much on the radio. Or could it be something more? No way to be sure…but he intended to find out.

  * * *

  Renee dressed with reckless abandon as she prepared for the next taping session. Her instructions read “come as you are,” and she planned to do just that. Apparently, the wardrobe would be provided this time. She was curious to find out what they would do and what they would wear. All Renee knew about the next taping was that Ben had dates planned for them. They split the women into two groups of five, and Ben invited Renee’s group out the first night. The second group would have a chance the following evening. All of the contestants had instructions to meet at the studio on the third night for eliminations.

  Since Renee figured they’d change before their date so she wore her cut-off shorts and a ratty old t-shirt she used for cleaning and errands. She wanted to be relaxed in case they insisted on doing her hair and makeup again before she had to change into whatever glittery cocktail dress they had waiting. Renee liked to be comfortable above all else, and she wanted to remain that way as long as possible.

  Renee was finally excited about the show. The public loved her, and she had stayed true to her personality. If she could stay on track, she would accomplish her goals, and the morning show job might be in reach. Renee had a spring in her step as she entered the TV studio. The first taping was nerve wracking since she didn’t know what to expect. Now that she had written off falling in love, she could kick back and enjoy it. The dates would likely be fun, and she could have a good time and let the chips fall where they may.

  When Renee arrived at the studio, the hair and makeup people asked if she wanted any help instead of insisting. The date was going to be casual so Renee opted to do her own preparations.

  Since the date was labeled casual, she pulled her hair back into a ponytail and freed a few wisps around her face. Renee liked having her hair out of the way, and she wanted Ben to be able to see her face. Though he saw quite a bit of it the other night when she wiped away her makeup with his handkerchief, this time, he would see it in its complete natural state.

  Renee had to wear a little makeup to keep the producers happy and so she wouldn’t appear washed out on TV. She put on light foundation to make her skin tone even on camera. Then she added clear, shiny lip gloss…the only form of enhancement she wore on a regular basis.

  Renee didn’t see Eva. She must be in the other group. That was disappointing. Eva was the only girl she connected with on the first night. She hoped they would get a chance to speak at the eliminations and catch up on each other’s dates.

  “Ladies,” Mike the producer called from the center of the room. “Your wardrobe has arrived. Choose your attire, and the car will be here to pick you up in a few minutes.”

  Most of the dates would take place away from the studio with handheld cameras surrounding the action. Renee moved toward the rack near Mike in the center of the room to see what the attire options were. Would they be playing a sport? Enjoying tea in a garden somewhere? As Renee got closer and closer, she squinted. Whatever was on the rack was very very tiny.

  Renee elbowed her way through the group of women who gasped in delight at the miniscule pieces of fabric they held up against themselves. Swimsuits.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me.” The other women stopped their chatter, their swimsuits in mid-air. “I mean…” Renee pointed to a nearby strip of fabric in a leggy blonde woman’s hand. “I think you got the best one.” As the women began to move away from the rack, Renee had the rest of the choices to herself. She grabbed one hanger after another, trying to decide which suit provided the most coverage.

  Renee wasn’t ashamed of her body. She was athletic and fit, especially for someone in radio who had the option of sitting unseen in a studio and eating all day long. But Renee was annoyed by the wardrobe requirement. It matched Ben’s playboy persona. Of course he wanted to see the contestants in tiny bikinis. That would help him judge who to keep for the next round. Any woman he dated had to be perfect, right?

  Renee shook her head. What a jerk. When she went to the pool, she usually wore a two-piece. Granted, a tankini that showed nothing more than a one-piece would, but still. She always wondered how a bikini would look on her, but she didn’t want to find out minutes before a date. Going on a date in a bikini was not cool. Especially so early in the relationship. And in front of the entire city.

  Renee gave up on the hangers. None of the suits were larger than the handkerchief she tore from Ben’s pocket the first night. With a shrug, she ripped a suit from the next hanger she touched and headed to the bathroom to change.

  As Renee changed in her own stall, she formed a plan in her head. It would make her stand out, that was for sure. She wasn’t going to hang out in a bikini next to an Amazonian goddess, and she didn’t want to show that much of herself to any man on a first date. Her plan would allow her to do both at the same time.

  Renee smiled and hoped her idea furthered her goals. If the listening audience appreciated her on the last show, they might really get a kick out of this particular episode.

  * * *

  When Ben received the information on his first date, he wasn’t sure he liked the idea. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to see the beautiful women in swimsuits, but their appearance might distract him from what he really wanted. Many of the women probably already judged him based on what they had heard in the media. He wanted a chance to see them for who they really were, and the TV station decided to put them in bathing suits and parade them around before him. That would cloud any man’s judgment.

  Upon signing on for the show, Ben insisted he have control over the bachelorettes they cast, but he hadn’t thought to add a clause to include approval of the dates. He wasn’t sure hanging out by a pool would help him decide on a woman to marry, but the male side of him wouldn’t complain.

  Ben arrived on location several minutes before the women. He had on his swim trunks and tank top, and someone offered him a fruity beverage with an umbrella stuck in the side. He took his sunglasses from his pocket and placed them on his face. He was ready.

  When the women arrived, Ben knew immediately because the quiet lapping pool water was interrupted by shrills of excitement outside
the entrance. Ben stood to await his candidates and watched as they strolled into the deck area. The taping had officially begun.

  Ben pasted a smile on his face as one pair of long legs after another walked before him. Luckily for him, they were all wearing cover-ups for the time being. At least he would be able to get in his initial statements before he got tongue-tied.

  “Welcome, ladies.” Ben raised his drink as they stood in a line before him. “I appreciate you joining me for a relaxing day by the water. Today, I really want to kick back and get to know all of you. And hey, if we can fit a little water volleyball into the day, even better.” Ben lowered his glasses on his nose. “What do you say we get this party started?”

  The women clapped and cheered as Ben looked slowly from one to another. When he got to the end of the line, he noticed Renee, clapping in a lackluster manner. Ben frowned. What was she hiding under her cover-up?

  One by one the women began to do just as Ben imagined…take off their cover-ups to reveal tiny bikinis that shimmered and glowed in all the right places. Ben knew if he wasn’t used to beautiful women already, he would have a hard time keeping his jaw in place and his wits about him.

  Instead of jumping straight into the water, beautiful bikini-clad women surrounded him. He wasn’t sure what to do. He glanced over their heads when he realized one was missing. Renee stood in place, playing with the bottom of her cover-up.

  “Excuse me, ladies.” Ben patted one woman on the shoulder while gently pushing another aside. “I’ll be right back with you.” He swiftly walked over to Renee, a camera close at his back.

  “Renee.” He lifted a fruity drink in her direction. “Won’t you join us? You look rather hot and alone over here.”

  “Thanks,” Renee replied sarcastically. She had to know Ben wasn’t trying to compliment her appearance. As Ben got closer, he examined her a little more. All of the women wore their hair long and flowing, showing off every angle of what they had to offer. Renee, on the other hand, had her hair bunched up on the back of her head in a ponytail. And Ben had to admit, she had a fresh and pretty face.