Page 104 of Pity Parade

I don’t really think he believes that. I think he’s trying to guilt people into doing the right thing. Heath motions toward me and says, “I’d like to introduce you all to a very special lady.” Heads turn toward me as I walk toward the podium to join Heath.

“This is Trina Rockwell,” he says. There’s a surge of recognition as people call out to me. Heath continues, “Trina and I are building a lodge in Elk Lake, Wisconsin, where we plan on doing a lot of fun things.” The crowd goes quiet in anticipation, so Heath tells them, “Trina is going to host singles’ weekends and play matchmaker, which she does so well.” He takes a breath before adding, “And we’re going to give the unhoused who come through Jeremiah’s program a chance to rejoin the workforce once they’re ready.”

I look out into the audience and see that Tom looks like he’s about to blow. I nudge Heath and motion toward my old producer.

Heath announces, “I just had a very nice lunch with Tom Meranda who produced Trina’s old show Midwestern Matchmaker. We talked about a lot of things, including the importance of supporting people who are down and out.”

Another look at Tom and it’s clear he’s not having happy thoughts as far as Heath is concerned. Heath continues, “Tom was originally planning to make a spinoff show of Midwestern Matchmaker called Matched, in which he was going to set up Trina with several Chicago bachelors. But then I told Tom that Trina and I had begun seeing each other this summer.” He puts his arm around me for effect.

I wasn’t quite sure why Tom was here, but I now see Heath’s plan. He’s sharing our relationship news publicly, with Tom in attendance. If Tom sues me now, he’ll look like a fool.

I decide to jump into the fray and add, “Tom and I have had seven wonderful years working together, and I’m just so grateful how gracious he’s been about letting me out of our show at the last minute.” I smile at Tom and add, “You’re one of a kind, my friend.”

Someone calls out, “Is Mr. Meranda going to do a show about this project?”

Heath answers, “That’s not for me to say. But I think a man of Tom’s character certainly understands the importance of people helping people. And if he were interested in producing a show about our community, I’m sure we’d be happy to discuss some ideas with him.”

I can’t even look at Tom at this point for fear I’ll burst into nervous laughter. Heath is pure magic. Not only has he made our relationship public, but he’s done it in such a way that Tom can’t do anything about it. Add to that, he’s giving Tom a chance to do something good with his sorry life.

I don’t see Tom taking the bait, but even so, you never know. I’ve gotten along with Tom in the past and I’d like to think everyone is redeemable. Maybe if we give him some time, he might do something with his career other than pandering to the lowest common denominator.

As for me, I want nothing more than to go back to Elk Lake with Heath and start making a difference in the world.

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

HEATH

Before the press conference ends, I want to let Trina know how much she means to me. I take her hand before I lean toward the microphone. “Before we tie things up here, I want to tell you all something personal.”

I’ve never heard a crowd go so quiet as quickly as it does. “Some of you know that I used to be married.” Trina’s body tenses.

A reporter yells out, “That was over a decade ago. Why haven’t you ever remarried, Heath?”

I glance at Trina briefly and give her a smile of encouragement before answering, “I loved my wife very much and I’ve mourned her deeply. While you all know that I’ve dated since then …” I pause to let their laughter fill the air. Clearly, they know this as they’ve covered nearly every event I’ve brought a date to.

When they calm down, I continue. “There hasn’t been anyone I’ve wanted to date for any stretch. And while I’ve gone out with some amazing women, none of them have compared to my wife.” I pause before adding, “Until I met Trina.”

I feel her body wilt next to me, so I put an arm around her to hold her up. “Trina and I went out on one date last year and I felt things I hadn’t felt in a very long time. So much so that I made sure we didn’t go out on a second date.”

“Trina,” someone shouts out, “did you enjoy your date with Heath last year? What happened?” This is Trina’s big moment to out me as an uncaring player. And truthfully, I don’t care if she does because those days are over for me.

Trina smiles playfully before telling the world, “I bought a date with Heath at a bachelor’s auction to raise money for childhood diabetes.”

“How much did you pay for him?” a disembodied voice calls out.

Trina’s expression turns coy. “I’m not going to give you an exact amount, but let’s just say that I really hope there’s a cure soon.” The crowd erupts in amusement.

I take over from there and say, “Like an idiot, I let Trina get away, but then we discovered we were vacationing in the same town this summer and our cottages are conveniently located right next door to each other.”

“What happened when you discovered that?” one of the curious masses wants to know.

“I made a tactless play for Ms. Rockwell,” I tell them. “And she rightfully shot me down.”

“What happened that made you decide to date him, Trina?” This question is asked simultaneously by multiple people.

She tells them, “I think Heath might finally be ready to move on from his past.” She looks up at me with such hopeful eyes that I nearly beg her to marry me right there. But I know it’s too soon for that, and I don’t ever want to put her on the spot.

So I say, “I finally found the right woman to move on with. Trina”—my tone softens even though the microphone picks up everything I say— “you are one scary woman.”

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