Note: The characters are loosely modeled on real people (in my twisted mind) but only people who catch local Chicago news will know who my models are.
Dateline: Chicago
Jackie Berg glanced one last time in the mirror to see if there was any remaining pancake from the newscast she had just finished co-anchoring. Satisfied, she left the women's room to head for home. She almost walked into Dana Orlov, a beat reporter with the station as she was heading into the restroom.
"Oh, I'm sorry Dana. I didn't see you." Jackie said. "You made good time getting back from that remote on the West Side."
"Yeah, traffic was pretty light and Jim gave us the go ahead to come in right after I finished the report." Dana replied. "How was the rest of the broadcast? Everything go okay?"
"The show was good, you know, for a slow news night." The newswoman said before continuing, "But you know how that can be, filling in on the Morning Show."
"Oh yeah, it can be pretty hard to fill time. But to be fair, in the morning it's a lot looser and more fun. The only drawback is getting up so damned early in the morning to be here and ready by 6. I don't mind filling in for Roseanne, but I don't think I could do the early routine on a regular basis." The blonde reporter said. "But, excuse me please, I need to..." she finished, nodding toward the door.
"God, I'm sorry!" Jackie said stepping out of the way. She looked as the young reporter walked past, admiring the fit of her slacks. `Nice ass' she thought.
Outside in the studio parking lot, Jackie was looking for her car keys when she heard someone yell to her.
"Hey, Jackie! Wait up!" Dana trotted over to Jackie's car, smiling. "Did you have any plans for dinner?"
Jackie stood for a moment, then said "No, the rest of my night is wide open." Jackie didn't add "And so am I."
Dana's smile grew wider, "Great. There's a place on Ravenswood that serves until the wee hours."
"The Fireplace? Sounds good. I'll meet you there." With that Jackie climbed behind the steering wheel, started the car, and waved at Dana on
the way out of the parking lot.
"I wonder what this is all about," Jackie mused aloud. "We've never been more than friends. If, however, she's interested in anything further, I'd sure like to let her know the feeling is mutual. Oh, who am I fooling?"
As she pulled into the parking lot, Jackie checked herself out in the rearview mirror. She saw a pretty, young lady with blond hair falling below her shoulders. The nose might be too big (she had her father's Roman nose) but it fit quite nicely with the rest of her face. She knew others found her attractive including many viewers, considering the amount of fan mail she received. As she finished her appraisal, headlights swept the lot and Dana pulled up next to her.
"Making sure you're beautiful for all your fans?" Dana teased.
Jackie replied, "No, not for all my fans." She stressed the word "all."
Dana cocked her head, looking thoughtful then led the way into the bar.
They took a table towards the back and relaxed. They chatted for a while about station politics before Dana stopped and asked "Where's the waitress? I'll go up to the bar. What would you like?"
`You,' Jackie thought. "I'll have a vodka tonic with a twist." She said out loud. "Oh, and don't forget a couple of menus."
"Definitely not. I'll be right back." Dana crossed to the bar, affording Jackie another nice view of her ass.
Dana returned promptly, and said "Here's your vodka tonic," and with a slight wiggle of her hips, added "and your twist."
Jackie laughed and, taking a menu, asked "Any specials? Any waitress?"
"No to both. She had to leave early; family emergency, the bartender said. And there are no specials on weeknights, but anything on the menu is available. And more besides." Dana muttered the last under her breath.
They took a few minutes and looked over the menu before the bartender came and took their orders. They both order the grilled chicken salad.
"You know us on-air personalities have to watch our figure" Jackie joked.
"Especially if you're wearing those jeans," Dana responded. 'And they hug your ass so well,' she thought.
"One of the perks of sitting behind the anchor desk. I can wear what I want from the waist down, within reason of course, as long as I have a nice blouse and maybe a jacket," Jackie said.
Dana looked thoughtful for a moment then asked, "Jackie, can I ask you something?" She continued at Jackie's nod. "Well, to start, I never expected to get fan mail. I'm a reporter, not a celebrity."
"Yes, but you are on TV, and to some that's the same thing. And why shouldn't you get fan mail? You're an attractive, young lady."
"Well, thank you. Do you get fan mail?" Dana asked. "I'm leading up to my question, in case you thought I was doing a `dumb blonde' bit."
"Yes, I do get some. Maybe not as much as the more-established anchors like Steve or Allison but I get several letters every week. Why?"
Dana looked thoughtful then said, "I get plenty that are complimentary of my reports and stories, but I also get some that are a little out there. You know, proposals, propositions, requests for used underwear."
Jackie replied, "Yeah, there are some sick people out there. You can't let them get to you, though."