Rock Radio

by Lisa Wainland

  “Fine,” she said rising abruptly from the chair. “But know this, I am no liar.” Heather left Ted’s office, angrily slamming the door behind her.

  Ted focused directly on Jonny. “I need you to tell me the truth.”

  “I am,” Jonny lied, nervously crossing his legs.

  “Jonny, we’ve worked together for many years. You are a strong part of this station. I do know that you’ve taken to voice tracking a bit in the afternoon. I also know that you are staying with Dana right now…I’m guessing because of problems with Jill.” He picked up the pen again. “Now, I’d also wager to believe that Heather hasn’t been so secret with her secret and that there might be other people who know things or have seen things. This could potentially be a major lawsuit if she really wanted to start trouble. Not to mention the implications it would have for your career. The press can be very nasty to a public figure in a scandalous matter like this.” Ted leaned forward in his chair, almost coming across the desk. “I’m asking you again, please tell me the truth.”

  Jonny turned pale. The walls began to close in on him. He had no escape. The truth would probably come out. He didn’t think about the way his fame would play into this. If the affair went public he would be extremely embarrassed. Embarrassed for himself, his career, his family…and Jill. There’d certainly be no chance for reconciliation if all the dirty details came out.

  He breathed in deeply.

  “Ted, can I talk to you as a friend?”

  “You can, but remember, I am listening as your boss as well.”

  “Right.”

  “So…?” Ted tapped the pen on his desk.

  “So Heather and I had a relationship.”

  Ted’s eyebrows shot up.

  “A consensual relationship, believe me.”

  “A few seconds ago you were telling me to believe you that nothing happened.”

  Jonny looked away. “I know…I just felt awkward with Heather in the room and, to be honest, I panicked. But the truth is she’s the one who started up this relationship. You see the way she dresses…”

  “Jonny,” Ted looked somber. He removed his fashion glasses and rubbed his eyes. “The other truth to this is that you are her superior and she is a college intern. You are the one who should know right from wrong in this situation, you should have stopped this before it started.”

  “I know, but she came on very strong…”

  “Let me introduce you to a little something we like to call self-control. And, by the way, aren’t you married?”

  Jonny could not look at Ted. He stared at the floor in shame.

  Ted didn’t wait for a response. The disgust he felt for Jonny hung in the air. His star deejay had an affair with an intern. The publicity would be horrific. “Look, Jonny, I’m not going to moralize with you, my issue is my responsibility to the station. I am going to talk to Heather and see where she is with this. She came in here talking about lawsuits and this and that. My guess is that she’s just angry with you for ending the affair. I’m not going to let this tryst destroy my station.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Let me be clear, I’m not doing this for you. I’m doing this for the good of the station. The last thing we need is a scandal like this.”

  “Well, I still appreciate it.”

  “You should. You should kiss the ground I walk on for what I’m about to do. But don’t expect any miracles,” he warned. “Your ass is not out of the fryer yet.”

  “I understand.”

  “You have to understand. I need you here, every day, on the air live…no more of this voice tracking crap.”

  Jonny nodded.

  “You don’t talk to anyone about this or about the conversation we just had. I will try to fix this to my benefit, but if I can’t, you will lose your job and you will leave quietly. If you don’t, I’ll make sure you never work in this business again.”

  Chapter 58

  Larry stood back in his living room and admired his masterpiece. The space under the stairs was done. The door was perfect. He had checked the alignment several times, holding up a level to ensure it was straight. The bubble immediately floated to the center space between the two lines. He was thrilled. Nothing made him happier than a perfectly straight line.

  He opened the door and peered into the small space. It was cramped, nothing fancy, but it was also temporary. It would do just fine.

  Larry’s triumph was not long lived. There were still things to do. He had taken the day off from work, calling in sick. It wasn’t really a lie, he was sick, sick of his job. Thinking about the drones at the bookstore made him physically ill.

  He studied his doorway to the space under the stairs one more time, noticing a slight speck of black on the frame. He quickly got the matching paint and covered the imperfection. One more look, and he was satisfied.

  Larry put away his supplies, vacuumed the floor for the third time that morning and wiped down the dusty furniture. His townhouse looked immaculate. Just as he wanted it to be.

  Grabbing his keys Larry slipped into his small car and headed on to I-95 north. He cruised up the highway listening to WORR. He heard Dana’s break live from Paradise Island and turned up the radio.

  “It’s Saturday, it’s sunny and I am having a blast. The Paradise Island Hotel and Casino is truly paradise. I’ve had incredible food, played in the casino and am getting ready to go snorkeling this afternoon. If you want to get away, this is the place.”

  Dana’s sultry tones excited him as he sped up the road, hopping on I-595 westbound. Larry noted how relaxed and happy Dana sounded. He was glad. Her happiness was important to him. It would only make their future, their immediate future, he corrected himself, even better.

  Fortunately traffic westbound was very light on this beautiful, cool Saturday afternoon. Larry rolled down his window and turned the radio louder. They were playing his favorite heavy metal song. The angry words and pounding drums pushed him to the edge of anger and excitement. It was a heady mix. He put his foot on the gas pedal and let the engine roar, eating up mile after mile with rage filled intensity. He sped onto I-75 west crossing onto Alligator Alley, a desolate road surrounded by the everglades. Tall faded green sawgrass sped by him as he looked out on the lonely horizon. Large turkey vultures circled over the swampy marsh looking for their next meal. Larry identified with the large ugly bird that loomed overhead waiting to strike. Like them, success was just a matter of time…and his time was now.

  The long drive gave Larry time to reflect on his life. No one had ever imagined the complexity of his mind. No one ever took the time. He thought The Bitch had tried to get to know the real Larry. She acted like she liked him and pretended to take an interest. She’d sit with him and listen to stories of his lonely childhood. Nodding in sympathy, she’d rub his back and arms with kindness, prodding him to dig deeper and reveal more about himself. After an hour or so, she’d gather her things and ask for some money, which he obliged. That was the deal, but Larry grew close to her. She was very skinny, too skinny, he’d always tell her. She liked to wear cheap looking red leather skirts and black fishnets. “Buy something nice for yourself,” he’d say as he’d hand over some cash. She’d smile and say okay, but the next time he’d see her she’d still be in her ratty black sweater and worn leather skirt. Larry was taken by her youthful looks. Stringy brown hair and sad brown eyes. Larry saw himself in her soul.

  They were in love. Larry would hold her and kiss her and feel things he never thought possible. But when he asked her to see him outside the seedy motel where they’d usually meet, she faltered.

  “I can’t Larry, you know our arrangement.” Her voice was childlike.

  “Yes, but I want to go to a restaurant with you or to the movies.”

  “Larry that’s just not possible.”

  “But…”

  “I’m sorry,” she said, gathering up her things, “I have to go. Do you have my money?”

  “Why do I have to pay you to be with me?
”

  “Because that’s my job, you pay for my time.”

  “People in love don’t pay each other to be with them.” Larry was confused. She listened to him with kindness, touched him with softness. If this wasn’t love, what was?

  She spun toward him. “I’m flattered, I really am, but this is business.”

  “I thought we meant something to each other.”

  “We do…but I need my money now. I have to go.” She looked anxiously at her watch.

  Larry grabbed her roughly by her arms.

  “You’re hurting me.” She winced in pain.

  He released her arms, scared at his own reaction. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you. I love you.”

  “Well I’m not available to be loved. I need my cash Larry.” The little girl grew up fast - money was an aging tool.

  Sadly, Larry opened his wallet and pulled out some money. “Get something nice for yourself,” he said, denying to himself what the transaction was really about.

  “I’ve gotta go. Bye.” She quickly picked up her purse and left.

  Larry tried calling her later, but she didn’t return his calls. He tried to set up other dates, but that too failed. Larry never heard from her again.

  And so the love of his life became The Bitch. Larry vowed he would never be hurt like that again.

  He tightened his grasp of the steering wheel thinking of her, then let his mind wander to Dana. Dana was different. Dana has class.

  He plowed through the tall grass into Naples, Florida, clear on the other side of the state. This wealthy town was calm and serene…quite different from the frenetic pace of Miami. He liked it for that very reason. He felt a million miles away, not just two hours from his home. No one knew him here. Larry liked it that way. He turned his car down a palm-lined street, parking it in the far spot of a busy shopping mall. He then walked on foot five blocks to Talbot Motorcars.

  Larry stepped into the luxurious showroom out of breath. Classic cars and fantasy sports vehicles filled the wood paneled floor. Larry felt important just walking in there. He caught his breath, then approached the main counter.

  An older man greeted him.

  “What can I do you for?” he asked, running his hand through his thinning white hair.

  “My name is Fred Holden,” Larry said calmly, feeling his well thought out pseudonym roll off his tongue. “I reserved a limousine for rental.”

  The man flipped through his leather-bound book. “Yes, Mr. Holden, I have your vehicle ready for you. A Lincoln Town Car, quite a beauty.”

  “Wonderful.”

  “I’ll get you the keys…she’s got a full tank, I’ll expect that when you return her.”

  “Of course.”

  “Just sign here,” he pointed to a line on the contract, “and we’re good.”

  Larry glanced over the rental agreement and signed it.

  “Fantastic. All I need now is your credit card.”

  “I’ll pay with cash.”

  The man stepped back. “I usually like a credit card to guarantee you’ll bring her back.”

  Larry pulled out a wad of cash and peeled off some bills, just like he’d seen done in so many movies. “Is this good enough?” he asked, handing him quite a bit more than the required deposit.

  The man smiled broadly. “Yes, sir, that’ll do just fine. I’ll have them bring the car around. And you’ll have her back…?”

  “Monday night,” Larry said firmly.

  “Yes, sir, Monday night.”

  Larry turned and walked outside. The black, shiny stretch limo pulled around. A freckle faced teenager hopped out of the car and handed him the keys.

  “Thank you,” Larry said, sliding behind the wheel. He pulled out of the lot smoothly and turned onto the road. The car was roomy and comfortable. Larry settled into the seat, finding his way around the dashboard. There were controls for music, air temperature and a button to raise and lower the divider between the driver and the passengers. For the first few minutes of driving, Larry pressed every button, learning the car. By the time he reached I-75 heading east, Larry felt he knew the limo inside and out. He practiced all of the features as he drove back across the state of Florida to Miami. When he reached his townhouse he felt like a professional limo driver.

  And that was exactly what he was supposed to be.

  Chapter 59

  Dana awoke next to Cody’s warm embrace.

  “Hey, you.” She traced her fingers over his face.

  “Good morning.”

  “Late morning,” Dana corrected. “I have to get ready to go to work.”

  “Oh, work…what a nasty four letter word.”

  “I know.” She kissed him quickly, reluctantly sliding from the bed to get ready.

  Cody watched Dana dress. “You are so beautiful.”

  She blushed. “Thanks.”

  “So…I’ll occupy myself somehow while you’re working…and meet up with you for our afternoon?”

  “Perfect,” Dana said, hating to leave Cody.

  “Yes this is.”

  *

  Dana finished up her on air shift by the pool with a high five from Liam. It was another perfect island day – a flawless blue sky, slight breeze and warm sunlight.

  “You are the best my dear,” Liam said in his charming accent.

  “As are you,” she answered blowing him an air kiss.

  “Hey, should I be jealous?” Cody appeared from the glare of the sun wearing tan shorts and a navy blue shirt.

  “Hi there,” Dana said, rising to kiss Cody.

  “I should be jealous,” Liam replied, “She never greets me like that and I’ve been with her for years.”

  “I’m the one who’s jealous,” Sharon piped in, “when are two guys going to fight over me?”

  “I’ll have you my dear,” Liam said, taking Sharon’s hand.

  “Great, now I’m second prize.” Sharon rolled her eyes with feigned anguish.

  “You’ll always be first to me…who needs them.” Liam brushed Dana and Cody off with a flourish causing the foursome to collapse in laughter.

  “I hate to be the one to break up the party,” Cody said, “but, Dana I do believe we have a date with the fishes.”

  Liam raised his eyebrows. “Sounds a little risky to me.”

  “He said date with the fishes Liam, not sleep with the fishes,” Dana giggled. “We’re going snorkeling.”

  “Well, have fun then and don’t mind us…we just have to clean up the whole remote set up and put everything away…”

  Sharon played an imaginary violin to Liam’s woe-is-me routine. “Go, have fun.” She winked at Dana.

  Dana and Cody left the broadcast table and headed for Adventure Bay, a special area set up by the hotel for renting snorkeling gear. They approached a faux cave like structure and rented their equipment: fins, masks and snorkels.

  “I’ll be right back,” Dana said. “Just need to change.”

  “Me too.”

  They each disappeared into their respective locker rooms, coming out to each other’s delight. Dana’s heart jumped at the sight of Cody. His blue eyes were especially bright, crinkling with a wide smile at the sight of her. She took in his lean, muscular frame, which was accentuated by his navy board shorts. His body was a perfect V - broad shoulders, strong arms and solid abs. His tan skin glistened under the hot sun. Dana felt her pulse race.

  Cody’s reaction was similar. Dana wore a pale pink string bikini showing off her curvy shape. The light colored swimwear offered a sexy contrast to her olive skin, raven hair and green eyes.

  They embraced at first sight enjoying the feeling of skin on skin.

  “I could just stay like this all day,” Dana whispered.

  “Me, too…but the fish…”

  “They’d be disappointed, wouldn’t they?” Dana said, her head resting on Cody’s chest.

  “Probably.”

  Dana and Cody put on their snorkeling gear and dove into the crystal clear wa
ter. Holding hands they explored the blue sea, watching schools of fish cut expertly through the water. There were hundreds in every size and color, dancing together, playing hide and seek with each other. A group of silver fish, perfectly synchronized, darted left then right. Like a Seurat pointillist painting, they looked like one big fish from far away, but up close each was visible, a tiny point in a giant ruse. Neon blues, yellows and oranges swam among milky white soft coral tinged with violet. Large sting rays, like looming UFOs, slid across the bottom of the sea barely kicking up sand in their wake.

  Their journey to this enchanted world was breathtaking. They swam slowly, taking it all in, enjoying being part of a living painting. It was a shared experience each was glad they were sharing with each other.

  “This is amazing!” Dana said as they popped up out of the water in a shallow hidden cove.

  “It’s you that’s amazing,” Cody said, drawing her close to him, pulling her body against his.

  Dana looked around over her shoulders, “Cody, someone will see us.” She kissed his lips, salty and soft.

  “Dana, there’s no one around us,” his hands caressed her skin. She felt his touch go through her.

  She leaned in closer wrapping her legs around his waist. “I can’t tread water that long…”

  “I’ve got you,” he said smiling, “and I can stand.”

  He kissed her hungrily, Dana feeling every bit of his intensity. He reached his arms around her back and untied her bikini strings. Her top immediately rose to the surface. She felt the warm water against her body and then his hands. She responded, bringing her arms around his strong back then down slowly, loosening his bathing suit, feeling his desire. He pulled her even closer until they were one, riding the rhythm of the waves to its intense crest, then melting downward, spent in each other’s arms.

  They floated for a while, hearts racing, then made their way on shore.

  Their snorkeling gear and bathing suits had washed up on the hidden beach. After dressing, they sat on the warm sand watching the waves roll in and out.