Read a Romance!

Sophie was anxious about meeting Luke . . . would they connect as well in person as they had by phone?

Because I work swing shift, it’s midnight when I start the drive home. I turn on the radio, and the smooth voice of Luke Allen, a local late-night talk show host, fills the air.

“Welcome back, fellow night owls,” he says. “For those of you just tuning in, we’re sharing stories of how our parents embarrassed us when we were kids. I’ve already confessed how, during my high school linebacker days, my mother yelled, ‘That’s my baby boy!’ every time I made a tackle. What’s your story? Lines are open.”

I debate on whether to call. I’ve called before—like, a lot. I get off work at roughly the same time most dates are ending. Needless to say, my social life is very . . . unsocial. It might sound pathetic, but calling Luke Allen makes me feel less alone. From earlier conversations, I know we’re the same age, single and adore animals and silent films.

I find myself fascinated by his warm brown eyes

I stop for a red light and decide to call. My Bluetooth takes over. “Hi, Luke, it’s Sophie.”

“Sophie.” The pleasure in his voice sends a thrill through me. “Great to hear from you. What’s your embarrassing story?”

“My father’s a lawyer,” I say. “When I was a teenager, before he let a boy take me out, he always made him sign a contract codifying the ten rules for dating me.”

Luke laughs. “Sounds like your dad is oldschool.”

He asks me how things are going with my new boss, and I ask about his new kitten. The next call is from a woman. “When are you going to ask Sophie out?”

In shock, I slam on the brakes. “Mom?” Luke says. “Yes, Mom. For months, I’ve been listening to you two chat, and you always steer the conversation in a personal direction that you never use with any other caller. So when are you going to ask her out?”

“Listeners, I stand corrected. This is my most embarrassing parental moment.” “I’m waiting,” his mother says. So am I. With bated breath and hammering heart. A horn beeps, and I realize I’ve stopped in the middle of the street.

I press my foot to the accelerator as Luke heaves what sounds like an indulgent sigh. “Sophie, if you’re still listening, you once told me your favorite coffee shop is Flanagan’s on Market Street. I’ll be there tomorrow at noon, if you’d like to meet.”

My phone rings as I step into my apartment. It’s my sister.

“You’re going to Flanagan’s, aren’t you?”

I flop down on the sofa. “You heard?” “I was up with Abby.” Abby is her six-month-old. “She’s teething. And I looked Luke’s picture up on the radio station’s website. He’s gorgeous.” “Is he?” I’m playing dumb because of course I looked it up ages ago. Talk about drop dead.

“So, are you going?” Sarah says. “It’s your weekend off.” “I don’t know,” I hedge. “You know you want to.” She had me there. Flanagan’s is jammed. Luke is seated at the only table with an empty chair, so I spot him instantly. He stands as I approach. “Sophie?” “Hi, Luke.” He’s even better-looking in person. We shake hands, and I find myself fascinated by his warm brown eyes.

“Do you mind if we get out of here?” he says. He nods toward the back of the room. “See that table in the corner? That’s my mother and her bridge group.”

A woman raises a hand and waggles her fingers at us.

“And,” he continues, “I have a hunch most of these tables are occupied by people who were listening to the show last night.”

When I glance around, I see we’re the object of more than a few curious stares. I also see my sister and her husband.

“There’s a nice park across the street,” I say.

“Perfect. But first, I need to know: Did you come here just to help me save face?” His meaning is clear. He won’t hold me to our “date” if my answer is yes.

I shake my head. “I came because I wanted to meet you, Luke.”

His grin is so endearing, my heart melts. “I wanted to meet you, too, Sophie. I think we might have a lot to talk about. I’ll even sign your dad’s crazy contract, if you want.”

Heart soaring, I return his grin. “That won’t be necessary.”

We head for the door amid a round of applause. Luke and I barely notice. We’re too busy talking.

— Shelley Cooper

A little boy who looked like he was about seven years old was in line ahead of me. He handed some candy to the cashier, and told her that it was his mother’s favorite. The boy then dug into his pocket for a handful of coins to pay, but when the cashier counted the money, she told him it wasn’t enough. His little face fell, so I quickly told the cashier that I would make up the difference. As she bagged the candy, the little boy gave me the biggest smile. “Thank you!” he said. It made my Mother’s Day full of joy just to know that mom would receive such a thoughtful gift!