I Was Invited to a Christmas Date On-Air, Only to Find Two Men Claiming to Be My Mystery Caller — Story of the Day
I had no idea how romantic and treacherous my Christmas would become. I believed I had found the right man when I received an invitation to a fantastic on-air date. However, I discovered the true narrative had only just begun when two strangers claimed to be him and my decision caused heartache.
There was a recurring pattern of upbeat jingles and holiday favorites on the radio station on Christmas Eve. Giving holiday cheer to an invisible audience while seated in my go-to studio chair, which on evenings like today felt more like a throne.
The benefits of being unmarried?
No embarrassing family questions about my love life or spills of mulled wine to avoid. The only thing I had was the microphone and a playlist that shouted “holiday magic.”
With a smooth and well-practiced voice, I said, “Next up, another Yuletide classic to warm your night.” “And keep in mind that Santa is listening, so do your best, or at the very least, do better than you did yesterday.”
All evening, happy callers had been filling the station phone lines with stories and well wishes. Then his voice, which had a warm, rich tone like caramel over snow, broke through the static.
“Hello,” he said with a self-assurance that might win over a Scrooge. “I want to dedicate a song to you.”
I bent over the microphone. “I hope for someone special.”
“Yes,” he said with a lighthearted grin that was practically audible. “To the voice that has brought a little comfort to innumerable lonely Christmases. Here’s one for you.
I blushed up my neck and froze, looking at the control board.
Is this a joke?
“Well, that’s definitely… special. I hoped my voice sounded professional and less nervous than I actually felt when I said, “I don’t think a song has ever been dedicated to me before.”
The line of words burst. My screen displayed the following messages:
“Who is this guy?”
“Are we watching an actual Hallmark film?”
My producer even sent a playful emoji.
We continued our chat, which was unexpected, pleasant, and somehow reassuring, like mulled cider. Before I knew it, I had admitted my favorite Christmas ritual: going to the little park beside the shopping center, where a mysterious donor had turned it into a symphony of classical music and sparkling lights.
He remarked, “It sounds magical.” “Perhaps we ought to meet there.”
The words struck me in the face like a snowball. I paused.
On-air, am I really going to accept an unplanned date?
I heard myself answer, “Why not?” with my professionalism now on the verge of collapse.
The audience burst out. The station received a ton of calls, and its social media accounts were as busy as Times Square.
The only thing my employer texted was “Genius.”
The mayhem hadn’t diminished by daybreak. In a café corner, I sipped a cappuccino while mentally reliving the bizarre evening. With a big smile on her face, my coworker Julie walked in as if she owned the season.
She added, “You’ve officially gone viral,” as she slid into the seat across from me. They are now requesting that you conduct a matchmaking section. You resemble Cupid using headphones.
I tried to sound excited as I said, “Wonderful,” but my nerves were buzzing more than the espresso machine in the café.
A date. a raise. More brilliant than any Christmas star, a spotlight.
Will I ever get removed from Christmas’s naughty list?
Fairy lights illuminated the park, each bulb illuminating the recently fallen snow with a golden sheen. Holiday charm permeated the scene as the air buzzed with gentle, joyous tunes. With my anxiety jingling louder than the carols, I gripped my coat harder.
A blind date with the man whose voice had captivated me live on radio felt unreal that night. However, I came to a halt when I got closer to the tall Christmas tree.
Two men were present.
I froze for a second, blinking as though changing my angle might change the scene. It didn’t. With smiles as radiant as the decorations, both men turned to me.
With an almost cinematic air of confidence, the taller one stepped forward and stated, “You must be Anna.”
He handled himself as though he knew how to take center stage, and his cheeky smile seemed to be permanently carved.
“Steve,” he said, holding out his hand as if in a play. “Your caller for Christmas.”
I forced myself to smile politely as my mind attempted to link the man in front of me with the rich, playful voice I remembered. It felt appropriate. He definitely “felt” like the type of person who would make a daring move by calling a radio station.
The second man came up before I could answer. His smile was tentative but kind, and he was shorter. As he spoke, he nervously adjusted his scarf, which was too tight around his neck.
“That’s me, actually,” he said in a quiet but oddly recognizable voice. Richard. Last night, I made a call.
My eyes darted back and forth between them as I blinked once more. They sounded remarkably same.
Perhaps the difference had been obscured by the radio’s faint crackle.
However, there was no greater contrast in their intensity.
“Look, I realize this is a bit surprising,” winked Steve, “but isn’t this what Christmas movies are all about? One night of magic, two guys, all for you.
Richard scowled. “This is not a competition, in my opinion.”
I choked back a tense giggle. With my breath hazy in the cold air, I said, “This is definitely not how I envisioned tonight going.”
With that million-dollar smile, Steve added, “Well, we can debate here or let the night decide.” What about a mutual date? The best man wins.
Richard paused, looking at me to get my blessing. “If that is acceptable to you.”
Before I could second-guess myself, I answered, “Sure.” “Why not?”
Steve jumped right in, acting as though he was the evening’s director. At the hot chocolate booth, he set up a whole scene, juggling marshmallows and made the vendor laugh until his eyes welled up with tears.
“More whipped cream,” he said, winking as he slid the cup in my direction. “Because a person with your level of sweetness deserves nothing less.”
Richard gave me another cup. “In case you would rather have less sugar.”
Steve sprang in like an action hero as we entered the snowball fight area, heroically protecting me from flying snow.
He said, “No snowball shall touch this woman!” to the applause of the children around him.
Richard, on the other hand, was kneeling next to me and making a small snowman while grinning crookedly.
As he adjusted the snowman’s stick arms, he jokingly said, “I thought he might need a bodyguard.”
My heart began to falter on the carousel. Steve took out his phone to take a selfie, saying, “for the fans,” while his flawless smile filled the picture.
Richard, in the meantime, reached out to stabilize my slightly unsteady carousel horse.
As we made our way back to the rendezvous, Steve was leaning against the tree, his smile unwavering.
“So, what are your thoughts? Join me for Christmas? I swear to make it memorable.
Richard moved up and grasped my hand tenderly, standing just out of the spotlight. Even though it was cold, his touch felt warm. “I’m grateful. for allowing me to try.
He turned and vanished into the shimmering lights without saying another word. Richard’s retreat seemed like a polite way to go, saving me the embarrassment of having to make a decision and risking hurting someone.
It all made sense, anyway. The charming and self-assured voice on the radio could only have come from Steve. His self-assurance, his demeanor, and his effortless sense of humor were all ideal for the man who had caught my interest on television.
“Wise decision,” he teasingly said. But let’s leave. In any case, this park is too lovely for me. Really, who thought it would be a good idea to gather here?
I blinked. “You mean—you recommended it! Remember, it’s my favorite place?
Did I? Oh. It’s funny. I had nearly forgotten.
Why had he forgotten such a thing? Furthermore, why did it sound as though he hadn’t meant it at all? I could have picked the wrong man.
I had spared no effort, determined to leave an impression. My hair looked like it had its own lighting crew, the delicate glitter of my makeup felt like magic dust, and the smooth fabric of my new dress fit me perfectly.
I thought it may be a memorable Christmas when I arrived at Steve’s opulent townhouse. I pressed the doorbell, straightened the hem of my dress, and clutched my carefully wrapped gift.
The door was opened by Steve. “You look amazing. Enter.
I entered. Small groups of couples gathered and shared wine glasses while laughing.
Then I caught sight of her.
Julie stood close to the hearth, her stance haughty and her clothes immaculate. Before she even opened her sentence, she approached Steve and put her arm through his in a way that said a thousand words.
She purred, her voice like poisoned syrup, “There you are.” Her eyes never left mine as she leaned in to give Steve a cheek kiss. “I appreciate you coming. Isn’t he simply amazing?
I went cold. Her next remarks struck more forcefully, yet the first ones landed like little thorns.
“You have excellent taste in men.” Unfortunately, you will always come in second.
The audience erupted in courteous laughter, but I was unable to respond. I turned and stepped out into the cold, clutching my coat. The agony in my chest was far worse than the cold wind that scorched my face. The Christmas night’s enchantment was gone.
I collapsed on the couch at home and buried my face in a pillow. Julie’s remarks kept coming back to me, each one more profound than the last. My jealous coworker humiliated me because I had fallen for Steve’s charm and allowed myself to believe in the fairy tale.
The radio was playing the same holiday songs I had played a hundred times before, and its gentle hum filled the room while I lay there. Automatically, my fingers extended to increase the volume.
Then I heard it, a voice I knew right away.
With calm but passionate words, he said, “It’s Richard.” “I’m waiting in your favorite location, but I’m not sure if you’re listening. I’ll be here if you’re ready to take another opportunity.
Richard? Are you waiting?
My heartbeat accelerated as I sprang to my feet. Without a second thought, I picked up my coat and went out into the night.
The sight of the park stopped me cold when I got there. With glistening lights that seemed to reach for the stars, the Christmas tree was more radiant than ever. The moment seemed to be enchanted by the gentle tones of classical music that drifted across the atmosphere.
And there he was. Richard. With his hands in his pockets and a determined yet anxious expression, he stood beneath the bright tree.
“I am aware of my imperfections in real life. “My voice on-air did,” he replied, his eyes meeting mine and his voice quivering. “However, I would like to try to be for you.”
The music faded into the background as the world around us became blurry. There were no ostentatious displays of charm or gestures. Richard alone, vulnerable and honest. The emptiness of Christmas was filled for the first time in years by something completely different.
Share this story with your friends and let us know what you think. It could give them motivation and make their day.
Here’s If You Love to Read More: Fans Share Strong Reactions to the Season 5 Finale of ‘Yellowstone’ – Here’s What They’re Saying
Here’s If You Love to Watch Movie: MyFlixerHD
