Spring has sprung, and with it, smiley faces. When yellow crocuses bloom all over town in the shape of an emoji during April’s first warm days, reporter Nero Storm is sent out to discover their meaning and origin.<br><br>Nero has little to smile about himself, what with dysfunctional family drama and a tragic love life. The previous fall, it seemed as if he might have finally met the man of his dreams in dog daddy, ride share operator, and charity organizer Z. Though the two spent but ten morning and evening car rides together, sparks flew. Unfortunately, at the end of that time, Nero witnessed a crime, and Z disappeared.<br><br>Now, as the rest of the world looks forward to a new beginning promised by spring, Nero is left to wonder. Are the smiley face flowers a message for him, and will he ever see Z’s smile again for real?

21 Smiles

“Most video views ever,” I boasted. “Getting shot in the ass could be my claim to fame. The whole network’s. My boss Frasier expects tonight’s ratings to soar when they show it again, an extended version.”


“Someone might have caught a four letter word on her cellphone.”


“Who else?” I talked to Z about her just as much as I talked to her about Z.


“We have to make that happen.” I brought up the video, even as I still couldn’t sit back all the way.


“You want my little feller in the back?”


“Naw.” I patted Moose’s head. “He’s good. It only hurts—”


“Yikes.” Z had played the video. “Both cheeks.”


“My producer thought it was funny to get the other one.”


Chapter 20