“You don’t have to go with my advice…”
Dana sighed. “Frankly, I don’t even know why I’m trusting you on this one.”
“Yes you do, because you know I’m always right.”
“I don’t have a sense of humor tonight.”
Jonny grew serious. “I’m sure it’s fine…just make sure George walks you to your car.”
“I thought you said not to worry.”
“I meant it…but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful.”
“Okay, well, thanks…I’ll let you get back to Jill.”
“G’night Dana.”
“Good night.”
Chapter 37
Larry Carter woke up Tuesday morning with a mission. Get Dana Drew’s home phone number. He looked her up in the phone book, but her name wasn’t there, so he called information.
“I’m sorry, I don’t show a Dana Drew in Fort Lauderdale.”
“How about Miami?” he asked anxiously.
“Nope, not there either.”
“Is it an unlisted number?”
“No sir, I don’t show a record of a Dana Drew at all.”
“That can’t be,” he said, “Dana Drew is a real person. Don’t you listen to the radio?”
“Look sir, I don’t know what to tell you.”
“But…”
“Sir, I’m sorry, goodbye.” The operator hung up on him.
Another woman hung up on him. They were all the same. All like The Bitch.
Larry was angry and confused. How could this operator not know who Dana Drew was? Of course she lived in South Florida. She said she lived here on the radio. Dana wouldn’t lie.
This was a mystery. Why was Dana Drew not listed? Larry walked naked from the kitchen back to his bedroom to think. He’d seen enough episodes of Perry Mason to know this mystery could be solved.
Suddenly a revelation hit him like a lightning bolt.
Maybe Dana didn’t lie about where she lived, maybe she lied about her name.
Not really a lie, though, it must be a stage name, he rationalized. Larry remembered seeing episodes of E! True Hollywood Story – his favorite show. Many big stars changed their name to sound more interesting. Liberace was really Lee. Marilyn Monroe was Norma Jean. And Dana Drew was…?
Larry called the station.
“WORR.”
“Yes, can you tell me Dana Drew’s real name.”
“Sorry, we can’t give out that information.”
Yes! Larry was right. “Why not?”
“We just can’t sir, I’m sorry.”
Larry thought quickly. “Well…I have a delivery for a Dana on the radio, but it’s not Dana Drew and I want to make sure that I have the right Dana.”
Larry could hear the operator rolling her eyes. Even he realized his story sounded stupid.
“Sorry, have a nice day.”
She hung up on him
Another Bitch.
Larry scolded himself. He knew he sounded foolish.
Stop trying to think on your feet!
Give yourself time to think things through before you act!
Okay, then, now what? At least he figured out that Dana Drew was not her real name. But how would he find out what her name was…and how he could reach her at home.
How?
Then it hit him.
Larry turned on his computer and logged on. He went to his favorite search engine and typed in Dana Drew. It came up with one hundred forty-five entries. Larry went through each link.
Dana Drew, rock deejay with WORR…
Dana Drew kicks it in the evenings…
Listing after listing of Dana Drew on the air. Dana Drew disc jockey. Then Larry stumbled on a listing for Dana Drew on the web page of the University of South Florida. He was directed to their alumni notes page.
Journalism grad Dana Hill has accepted a position as the evening disc jockey on Miami’s rock station - WORR. Listen for Dana as radio personality ‘Dana Drew’ if you’re in South Florida.
Dana Drew was Dana Hill.
Bingo.
Chapter 38
Dana and Sam’s reunion wasn’t what she thought it would be. They’d slipped back into their familiar routine, but it wasn’t the same. She wasn’t sure she’d made the right decision.
Dana sensed Sam felt the distance too. That morning he suggested a weekend away at a hotel by the beach to reconnect. A change of scenery would do them good, he said. She didn’t jump at the chance and that bothered her.
“Think about it Dana…a few days in the sun. No distractions, no work.” He rubbed her shoulders.
“I just have so much going on now…” she said, though she could make the time if she wanted to.
“Vacation is always good,” Sam said. “You need a break. I found a great deal in Key Largo.” He leaned into her ear. “It’ll be romantic.”
She sighed. Maybe time away would do some good.
“I’ll tell you what,” she said, “I’ll check in with Ted and see what he says.”
“Tell him I could take legal action if he says no,” Sam joked.
Dana forced a smile. “Will do.”
She got up from the couch and moved into the kitchen. The new Radio & Records was on the table. She mindlessly started flipping through the popular trade magazine. Top of the charts, which jock was in and which one was out… then something caught her eye.
Florida Band Explodes on the Scene – The Cody Blue Experience is burning up the charts. Straight out of the sunshine state, this charismatic group led by the eponymous Cody Blue is expanding their tour to the Northeast this summer. For now, they’re still on the road in Florida, next stop Tampa.
Above the article was a picture of the group at some club. She picked Cody out right away, his arm was casually slung around the shoulders of some pretty brunette. The caption read: Cody Blue and friend enjoy new success.
So her gut instinct was right. A girl in every port…a girl in every club. She needed to shake out of this daze. Sam wanted her and only her. He was talking about their future. Everything she’s wanted to hear. He knew her better than anyone else. And loved her. What kind of fool was she to keep phoning in their relationship?
Dana found Sam at his desk. He was working on some papers.
“Hey baby,” she said forcing a smile.
He swiveled in his chair, “Hey yourself.”
She sat down on his lap. “So tell me, how soon can we go?”
*
“Jonny Rock in the studio with you on WORR – Miami’s Only Rock and Roll. That’s new music for you from Dave Matthews Band…and I got more where that came from. In fact I got a trip for you and a guest to go to the Bahamas. Did you register? Two lucky listeners could be heading to the Paradise Island Resort and Casino in Nassau! You’ll party with our very own Dana Drew for two nights and three days. Air travel courtesy of Island Air. Sun, fun and rock and roll – who could ask for anything more? Get to Scully’s and look for the Bahamas Box or mail in your name and phone number to register while you can…time is running out. Keep it locked…I got new music from The Cody Blue Experience after the break.”
Jonny took off his headphones. Tuesday afternoon and no sign of Heather. Jonny was relieved and confused. He loved Jill…he wanted Heather. Years in his marriage had increased their intimacy, but diminished their passion. Jill knew him better than anyone else. That kind of familiarity seemed to extinguish their desire for each other. That, and the loss of Jill’s youthful shape. He wished he didn’t care so much about her body, but he did. He couldn’t help what attracted him or what didn’t. Jonny shook his head as if to dispel this topic. He was at work and work needed to be done. He needed to talk to Dana. He called her office.
“Dana.”
“What’s up, Jonny?”
“Can you come see me in the studio?”
“Sure, I’ll be right there.”
Dana walked down the hallway thinking of Sam and their trip to Key Largo.
“What’s up?”
“We’re gonna do the drawing for the Bahamas trip next month.”
“Really, it’s time for that already?”
“Yeah…it’s getting close.”
“Awesome!”
“I didn’t realize you were so excited about going.”
Dana blushed. “Sam and I are going to the Keys this weekend.”
Jonny whistled. “Nice. So Ted gave you time off?”
Dana nodded. “I had to call in a favor. He said for just one night – plus I got Tony to cover my remote on Saturday.”
“Wow, Ted’s a real sport.”
“Better than nothing.” Dana shrugged.
“So, you’re back in love.”
“I don’t know if I’d go that far. Things have been okay…” She smiled wryly, “This will hopefully make them better.”
“Look at you. You’re starting to remind me of this girl I used to know named Dana Drew? Maybe you know her. She used to be a pretty positive person.”
“I’m trying.” She rolled her eyes. “What about you? You’ve haven’t been yourself lately. You wanna talk about it now?”
“Everything is fine, Dana. Stop reading into things.” Jonny looked away, ending the conversation.
“Okay.” Dana backed off. “So what did we need to do with the contest?”
“We need to pick the winner. I have the faxes and paper entries here.” He fanned them out.
“I thought you’re still taking entries…?”
“Shhh. I know, I know, but I wanna tie this up and get the winner’s name so I can get custom promos made. I don’t want them produced in house, I want Ben Fields to do them. The resort is spending a ton of money and they want ‘the official voice of the station’ on the spots. I thought it’d be cool to have them ready to play immediately after you say the name.”
“It’s a lot of time still…”
“I don’t like it either, but Ben is backed up and if I don’t get him the info soon, I’ll never have it on time.” Ben Fields was the voice of more than fifty stations across the country.
“All right, let me choose.”
Dana closed her eyes and picked a piece of paper from the far left. “Tess Redding, age thirty-seven.”
“Why don’t you try again. We want a guy to win.” WORR was a station geared for men. They targeted the male eighteen to thirty-four demographic specifically. It looked better if a guy won.
Dana picked another sheet. “I’m putting this one back.”
“Who is it?”
“Larry Carter.”
“The card guy? Maybe it’s fate speaking to you. Maybe you’re supposed to be with Larry.”
“I don’t think so. I’m picking again.” She plucked a paper from the stack. “Tom Gantry age thirty-two. Sounds like a fine guy that Tom Gantry.”
“So Tom Gantry it is. Now, one more favor. Do you mind sending this off to Ben? He’s already got the idea for the promo, he just needs the name. Then we’re set for when you announce it.”
“No problem.”
She dropped the name off in the production department and went back to her office. Her phone message light was blinking.
“Hey…Dana, it’s Sam, I got called to work on a big case and they need me here this weekend. One of the head partner’s asked. We’re going to have to postpone the vay-cay. Bye.”
Dana felt like the air was let out of her sails. She thought this getaway would reignite the spark. She quickly dialed his number.
“Sam Quinn.”
“Sam, it’s me…”
“Dana…hey, did you get my message? I’m sorry babe.”
“Sorry is a word I hear a lot of lately.”
“What, you’re mad?” he said. “I have to work.”
She sensed a hint of anger in his voice. “You were the one who was mad at me for having to work. I made arrangements for time off, I don’t get why you didn’t do the same. We just made these plans.”
“Things happen out of my control. Hang on,” she heard him cover the receiver with his hand and whisper, “Hey, shhh.”
“You got company?”
“Just some of the other guys in the office. Let me move outside.” She heard the sound in the background grow faint. “Listen, how many times have you had to change plans on me?”
“Not plans we made right after I made them with you. Certainly not after I broke your heart then said I’d make it up to you.”
“Ouch.”
“I cancelled an important remote for this. Why can’t you tell them you had plans? You’re allowed to have a life, too.”
“If I want to get anywhere in this firm I have to be available when they need me,” he said in a lecturing tone.
“And this is different from my job how?”
“That’s my point Dana. My job is important too. You need to learn that.”
“So this is to teach me a lesson?”
He hedged, “Maybe learn is the wrong word…how about you need to realize that too. Is that better language for you?”
“Don’t patronize me, Sam.” She took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “It just doesn’t make sense. You just asked me to go. I called in a favor with my boss. What about respect for my career?”
“Because one day you’re going to be a housewife and I’m not.”
“Huh?” she said incredulously. Was this trip just a test?
“Because you’re supposed to support me, Dana. It’s more important I don’t screw up my career.”
“And I can screw up mine?”
“Well, you’re not in it forever. You said you want to be home one day with kids.”
“I said maybe I would, but that’s not right now. I can’t afford to trash my career and, last I checked, I don’t see a ring on my finger so I’m not sure what timetable you’re on.” She held her breath waiting for his answer. She didn’t expect to be so forward, but who did he think he was? She could rearrange her life for him and he could be unbendable? Unless he had a plan he wasn’t sharing…
Unknowingly she had called his bluff because a long silence followed.
“Is that all you want Dana?” he finally said, “A ring? ‘Cause I’m not ready for that. Not anytime soon.”
She felt the anger rise. “What was all that talk of our future you just gave me?”
“I meant it, one day. I just don’t know when that one day will be…”
It suddenly came clear to her what happened. He wanted her back. To date. They’d been together over a year. If he didn’t know already that she was the one he’d never know. She’s seen it enough times with her friends. He knew the words to say to get back in her bed. He was a lawyer, words were his trade. So apparently was lying.
He knew her better than anyone and knew exactly which buttons to push. She wasn’t his Miss Right. She was his Miss Right Now.
Dana had instant clarity. The veil of self-pity that fueled her reconciliation lifted.
“Okay Sam.”
“Good, Dana, I’m glad you understand,” she could hear him walking back inside his office.
“Yes, Sam, I do. Perfectly. So, have a good life. I suggest you get your things out of my apartment tonight.”
“What…?”
“You heard me. It’s over. I’m done.”
She hung up the phone, her hand shaking.
She didn’t want to be home when he left again. Her bags were packed and she had the weekend off. Suddenly she knew where she needed to be.
She got in her car and began to drive.
Chapter 39
Cody knocked on Alex’s door at the hotel. They were in Tampa and had a show that night. Alex was glad to see Cody when he answered the door.
“Hey…did you come to congratulate me on my big news?” Alex walked over to the small table in his room and removed a bottle of vodka from a brown bag. “Want to join me in a toast?” He began pouring the clear alcohol into a glass.
“No, I’m fine.”
“C’mon…it’s a toast to my good f
ortune.” His tone mocked his words.
“Take it easy.”
“I need to medicate first. Kylie’s meeting me at the show tonight. I told her we didn’t get in to town till much later today. I wanted to avoid the whole big conversation pre-concert.” He took a swig of vodka and let the alcohol drown his frustration. “She wants me to marry her.”
“Do you want to marry her?”
“No.”
“Oh.” Cody proceeded delicately. “Did you think of that before…”
“I know. You all said it to me already. Don’t you think I know this?”
“Well…”
“Point taken.” Alex refilled his glass with vodka.
“So what will you do?” Cody probed, asking questions he knew he didn’t have a right to ask, but had to. His childhood made him feel for this unborn child. Alex had no idea what it was like to grow up without a dad or worse, with parents that hated each other.
“I asked her about another option…ya know, terminating the pregnancy, but she’s super religious and wants to keep it. I can’t imagine how the hell she’s gonna raise it…”
Cody bristled. “Not ‘it,’ Alex, your child.”
“Whatever, she’s a young kid…only twenty. What’s she gonna do with a baby?” Alex’s voice grew angry. “And if she was so damn religious then what the hell was she doin’ sleeping with me? Don’t the ultra-religious frown on that whole pre-marital sex thing?”
“How do you feel about her?”
“I like her, I mean, maybe I love her…I don’t know. I do know that I don’t wanna be married now with a kid. Dude we are on the way up…we’re gonna be huge rock stars.” Alex leapt onto the bed and opened his arms to an adoring imaginary crowd. “This is the beginning of the best time in our lives. Sex, drugs and rock and roll man.” He downed the rest of his drink.
“Alex, this is your reality now. You have to deal with it.”
“Do I?” he screamed, throwing his vodka glass hard against the wall. Shards of glass flew around the room.
Cody shielded his face with his hands. “Alex!”
Alex jumped from the bed and flew out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
“Alex!” Cody ran after him. Alex was drunk and depressed, not a good combination.
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