Page 70 of Just Another Silly Love Song
Lori shrugged. “What do you want me to call you? Ben? Benny, maybe?”
I loved the way she called me Benny, but my mom was the only one who called me that.
“Benjamin?” Lori smirked. “Benji?”
“Now, who’s calling who a dog?” I laughed. “Ben or Benny is fine. Most people at the radio station call me Ben.”
She smiled. “Okay, Benny. Let’s get a drink.”
We headed to the bar, both of us ordering a beer, just like we had at the Italian restaurant.
A jazz trio played music.
A waiter approached us with a platter of appetizers. “Stuffed mushrooms?”
“Yes, please.” Lori grabbed one and popped it in her mouth, not hesitating for even a second.
“Good?” I asked.
She nodded emphatically as she chewed. “Mmmm.”
“Okay, I’ll try one,” I said.
The waiter held the tray closer to me.
I grabbed a stuffed mushroom and popped it in my mouth, an explosion of garlic, cayenne pepper, and cream cheese hitting my taste buds. “Oh, wow.”
“Yes. Wow.” Lori reached for another one.
I held up an index finger for the waiter as I swallowed, knowing I was going to grab another one. “Thank you, don’t mind if I do.” I grabbed another stuffed mushroom and ate it, nodding my appreciation of it and then pointing to another waiter. “Let’s go see what he has.”
“Twist my arm.”
We walked over and grabbed a couple of pieces of crab cake from the next waiter, washing it down with some of our beer.
“I have to admit that it feels slightly odd being here,” Lori said. “Like I’m crashing the party or something.”
I turned to her, surprised she said that. “Why?”
“I don’t know. I’m the new kid on the block, and it’s like everybody has been working at the station for such a long time. It’s your celebration, not mine.”
“This is a celebration for all employees and you’re an employee.”
“I know . . .”
“And a damn good one.”
She studied me for a moment. “Likewise. The station is lucky to have you.”
I chuckled.
“I mean it!”
“I know you do, and that’s what makes it funny. This feels odd, us complimenting each other.”
Lori laughed. “True. It’s almost as if we like each other or something.”
“Nahhh. Don’t get carried away.” I winked. “But seriously, you belong. People really like you, and it was almost instant for all of them.”
