Free Missed Connections: Stepping Out by Marie Harte

A hint of makeup that the television staff upgraded, as well as wearing her hair down straight, made her look more sophisticated, less crazy. Her moderate heels added the right amount of sass. Even Mia had given her stamp of approval.
    After telling the moderator how much better women were than men at handling relationships, and comparing herself as the trainer while assigning Conlan to the role of trainee, she thought she’d sufficiently given the viewers some hints at the conflict sure to rise when she and the Insider ’s go-to man for relationship advice came together on their joint project.
    He Said-She Said would have its own daily run in the paper, as well as a huge spread in the Bend Voice . Next week they’d air Conlan’s interview, and the week after, a segment where they both answered questions from viewers on live TV. Together.
    Part of her was unnerved to act in front of tens of thousands of viewers, while the rest of her knew how beneficial the programming would be for her livelihood. More viewers meant more readers for her blog, hence more money in advertising. Ka-ching.
    The segment wrapped up, and after making sure they had everything they needed, she turned to leave. She’d made it to the outer lobby of the studio before she stopped in her tracks. A pregnant woman looking a lot like Conlan stood by the security desk.
    When the woman saw her, she smiled.
    Oh boy. Is she here to talk about Aaron or Conlan? Nervous, though she could always outrun the pregnant woman if trouble drew too close, Gwen pasted a smile on her face and walked toward Lisa.
    “You must be Gwen Wilcox.”
    “I am if you’re happy to see me.”
    Lisa smiled, but underneath the humor, Gwen saw tiredness as well as a sense of recognition when she lingered on the dress.
    “I am. Could we go somewhere and talk, do you think?”
    Gwen nodded. “Sure. We should go somewhere so you can sit down, anyway. You are Lisa, Conlan’s sister, right?”
    Lisa flushed. “I’m sorry. Yes. I’m Lisa Dawson.” She held out a hand, and they shook before leaving the building. “Would you mind coming to my house? I’d like privacy to talk, and you seem to be an impartial observer. My girlfriends are no help, and my brother…” She huffed. “I want to brain him as much as I want to hug him.”
    “I was afraid of that.”
    “Yes, well, he explained about Aaron. I know he didn’t want to upset me, but it’s not like I’m going to get any happier about Aaron cheating on me.”
    “Er, well, your ex and I didn’t do anything. I wasn’t even at that party when he—”
    Lisa held up a hand. “I know. I’m not mad at you at all. It’s just, well, this sounds pitiful.” To Gwen’s horror, Lisa started to cry.
    “Oh, Lisa. Come on.” She helped Lisa to her own car and settled the woman inside.
    “I’m sorry. It’s the baby. Makes me emotional all the time.” Lisa dug in her purse and pulled out a bunch of tissues.
    “Trust me, you have every right to cry. My ex cheated on me with a good friend five months ago, and I bawled like a baby for weeks. Of course, I also had to be talked out of setting his stuff on fire. I ended up sending him to jail instead.”
    Lisa blew her nose, then gave her a watery smile. “You’re someone who’ll understand.”
    Gwen nodded. “Yeah, I will.”
    “I’m okay now. Follow me home, will you?”
    “Sure.” Not like Gwen had anything else pressing. She just hoped Conlan wouldn’t be mad at her for talking to his sister. It wasn’t as if she’d instigated the conversation. Truth to tell, she felt for Lisa and wanted to help her. That, and Lisa was an insight to Conlan that Gwen would be a fool to pass up.
    After Lisa left the car and started her own, Gwen followed her to the west side, just a few short miles from her own house.
    Once inside, she sat while Lisa insisted on making them herbal tea. They sat in the dining room, and Gwen helped herself to a cup of peppermint tea.
    “I confess, Gwen. I