Breathe, Dana, just breathe.
“But there’s something…some…I don’t know,” his voice trailed. “I want to find out where this may lead.”
Exhale.
He continued. “Does any of this make any sense to you?” The words tumbled from his mouth.
She looked into his eyes. “It does.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.”
“I’m a little scared,” Dana said truthfully.
“Me too, but I want to try. There are phones.”
“Yes, thank you Alexander Graham Bell.” He smiled at her joke. “But it’s going to be hard.” Dana was being realistic.
“Nothing in life worth having isn’t.”
“That’s true…but doesn’t make it better.” Dana was skeptical.
“Look at me,” Cody said, gazing into her eyes, determined to fill the empty place in his heart that once belonged to Laura. “This is possible.”
Fresh off misreading her situation with Sam, Dana slightly balked. “It is going to be hard though, never really seeing each other.” She played devil’s advocate, arguments against this flooded her mind. And you are younger…and I need to be more cautious with my heart. I can’t deal with another Sam situation.
“I agree, but, I don’t know, maybe I’m crazy. I’ve only known you…what?” he looked at his watch. “A day? Can I give us a day?”
She laughed, “Yeah.”
“Last night was incredible…today was incredible. We both lead such odd lives with really difficult schedules, in that way, we understand each other.”
“True.”
“And I also know it’s not easy to meet someone you connect with. I’ve never felt so close to someone so fast. I want to see where this goes.” He pulled her close.
Dana didn’t expect these words from this gorgeous man. He was on his way to fame, of that she was sure, why was he so willing to commit to her? Stop, she told herself, hating the self-doubt that entered her mind. Why wasn’t she someone worth pursuing?
“You’re not answering.” Cody looked at Dana and saw a glimpse of apprehension on her part. It worried him. He hadn’t dated much since Laura and he missed the stability of a relationship in his life. He never had any consistency before Laura…his family was a power struggle of fear. He and his mother walked on eggshells around his father, always waiting for the bottom to drop out. When his dad left, happiness eluded them because of an ever-present fear of his return. When it became obvious his dad wasn’t coming back, the fear turned to disillusionment. Cody realized he was an adult and he had no idea what being a part of a family meant.
There was a hole in his heart keeping him from being whole.
Laura changed that. He thought Laura was the one who could make him complete, but she didn’t understand his life and wouldn’t sacrifice hers for him. Not that he could blame her, they were so young and he so foolish, thinking when she said it was over that she really meant it. He learned the hard way that women often don’t say what they really mean. His one night stand ruined any chance for reconciliation. Not that he even wanted to get back with Laura after his fling. The fact that he had been with someone else made him feel like there was no way they could ever get back together. The hurt of betrayal would always be present in her eyes and he wouldn’t be able to live with himself. In these past few years on the road he’d met women here and there, but no one special. Until now. Dana made him feel something unexplainable and he didn’t want the feeling to end.
Cody waited expectantly for Dana’s answer.
“I must be losing my mind…” she said smiling.
He kissed her as if to seal their understanding.
“So what happens now?”
“We’re heading to Panama City, Tallahassee, Jacksonville…then up the Southeast coast. I should be able to steal some time in between to see you. But, no matter what, we finish up in Atlanta end of spring, then I’ll have a break and some free time to get back to you.”
“That’s a couple months away?”
“Yeah.”
“Figures. The station is sending me away to the Bahamas then for an appearance.”
Cody smiled. “Oh, really?”
Suddenly Dana understood what he was thinking. “Yes, really.”
“So tell me, Dana, do you like piña coladas?”
Chapter 43
5:59 pm
Wednesday evening.
Larry Carter pushed play record on his tape player.
Dana’s dulcet tones emanated from the speaker. He touched the black cover of the speaker and felt the vibration of her voice.
Today Dana was announcing the winner of the trip to the Bahamas. It had to be him…it was perfect. Dana and he could travel to paradise and be together. Then the whole world would know that she was his and he hers.
“Okay it’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for…time to pick the winner who’ll accompany me to Nassau, Bahamas for a weekend at the Paradise Island Resort and Casino…with air travel courtesy of Island Air. Drum roll please…”
Larry held his breath.
“Tom Gantry you are our lucky guy! Tom, if you’re listenin’…and I’m sure you are, gimme a call so I can hook you up with this incredible trip. 305-555-WORR. More music comin’ up on Miami’s Only Rock and Roll – WORR.”
Larry’s hand fell from the speaker. So did his heart.
“Dana I thought I knew you,” he whispered, reaching for her picture. “There must be some mistake.”
Unless Dana didn’t choose him on purpose because they were together. It was probably against the rules to let your boyfriend win. That had to be it. Why else? Dana was honest and would never do anything to get in trouble.
The anger released itself from Larry’s body.
He picked up the phone and dialed Dana at home. He didn’t want to disturb her at work. Now he knew the rules. Now he knew it was unprofessional to call her when she was on the air.
The phone rang four times, then Larry heard Dana’s sweet voice. “Leave a message, I’ll call you back.”
“Dana, it’s Larry…I understand why you didn’t fix the contest for me to win. It’s okay. I hope you’re still planning on taking me with you. I can’t wait. Call me. Goodnight.”
Larry replaced the phone and began another vigil, waiting for Dana’s call.
*
Jonny heard Dana’s break from the comfort of the bed in his motel room. For the first time, he met Heather at a hotel after hours, telling Jill he had to work late. This was more complicated than his usual lunchtime rendezvous. Jill sounded distant when he told her his excuse.
“Whatever…just call me when you’re on your way home so I don’t get scared when I hear the door open.”
“Sure, honey, I love you.” Gulp.
“You too. Bye.”
He wasn’t trying to hurt Jill…he really did love her. He felt guilty, not sure why he agreed to see Heather after work.
Heather emerged, naked and wet from the shower.
Suddenly he remembered why.
“That felt amazing,” she cooed, her long red hair hanging messily around her face.
“Did it?” He rose from the bed.
“You should join me dirty boy.”
“Should I?” He walked towards her and pushed her hair back from her face. She eagerly removed his boxer shorts, took his hand and led him into the bathroom. The shower was still running. They stepped into the hot pulsating water.
“I’ll clean you up,” she murmured.
Heather kept her promise working her hands and tongue all over his body. And when she was done he returned the favor.
Soaking wet they returned to the bed, insatiably devouring each other’s bodies. Jonny was breathless.
Heather snuggled up to Jonny. “So I have a question for you.”
Jonny slowly ran his hand up and down the curves of her body. “Shoot.”
“Actually, it’s more of a request.” Her eyes grew wide.
“What
is it?”
“I want you to leave your wife for me.”
Jonny stopped caressing her.
“What did you say?” He was trying to buy time. Think, think.
“I want you to leave your wife. I hate the idea that you see me on the side, then go home and sleep with her. I want to have a meaningful relationship with you. I feel like you’re cheating on me.”
Jonny couldn’t believe the irony. Didn’t she realize the only reason he was having an affair was for the thrill? He had the “meaningful relationship” and it was boring. He liked the affairs, something different for a change, no commitment, no strings. But how to tell her? This was a delicate situation.
He stroked her arm. “Heather…I like what we have.”
“So do I.”
“Why can’t things just be the way they are? We’re great like this.” Jonny grasped her hand.
Heather pulled away from him and sat up. “Because I want more.”
He let go. “I don’t.”
“So what? I’m a good lay? Is that it?”
“No…that’s…”
“I’m you’re little whore.” She cut him off and wrapped the sheets around her. Suddenly she was embarrassed by her nakedness.
“I never thought of you that way.” Jonny couldn’t believe how quickly the situation turned. He had to handle this carefully. Not only could Heather tell Jill, she could go to his boss, Ted. He’d be in a lot of trouble. Unless you are the President of the United States, an affair with an intern is cause for dismissal.
Heather was out of the bed, pulling on her pants and shirt with record setting speed. “Think about it Jonny. I’d think you’d miss me if I was gone.” Angry tears ran down her face. Heather had fallen hard for Jonny. She really thought they had something special.
“Heather, you know how I feel about you.”
“Prove it,” she said as she left. “Prove it.”
*
Dana turned off the mic and admired the bouquet of roses on the console, one dozen pale pink roses delivered to the studio from Cody. A wonderful surprise.
She’d gotten back from Tampa to find that Sam had moved out as she had asked. Good riddance, she thought as she walked through each room, making sure there was no trace of him. Her apartment did not seem empty this time, now it was filled with possibilities.
She told Jonny about her weekend in Tampa, leaving out a few key details. He told her he was cautiously happy for her, and while she didn’t need his approval, it felt good to have it.
That was two months ago. Since that weekend, she and Cody had spoken every night. He’d kept his promise calling her from every stop. Each conversation brought them closer as they learned more about each other.
“Hey…Dana, it’s Cody.” His voice was muffled. Behind him, Dana could hear the bar crowd.
“Cody…”
“We’re at the club in Savannah, I thought I might catch you.”
“You caught me.”
“What?” he said. It was hard to hear her above the noisy crowd.
“You caught me,” Dana repeated loudly.
“So how are you?”
“Okay.” She debated whether or not to tell him about the crazy listener, Larry. She decided against it. “And you?”
“I’m fine, but get this…and by the way, this is most definitely not for broadcast.”
“What’s up?”
“Alex’s girlfriend is pregnant.”
“What!”
“I know…it’s a shock.”
“What’s he gonna do?”
“He’s been struggling with that since he found out. I’ll tell you one thing though, he’s known for a while and he’s still freaked. He’s not ready to be a dad.”
“Didn’t he think about that at the time?”
“We all asked him the same thing, but you know how some guys can be. Caught in the moment, they think with the wrong head. Anyway, he’s flippin’ out…he wants to keep going with the band…”
“…and doesn’t want a family,” Dana finished glumly.
“Yeah.”
“It’s a rock star thing. You can’t have it all,” she said absentmindedly.
Cody picked up on her sudden distance. “That’s not me.”
“What’s not you?”
“I’m not ‘that guy.’ I don’t want an outrageous life…I really have more simple ideas of what I want.” Cody thought of the life he never had, the family he always wanted.
Dana pondered that for a moment. He was telling her something. Wasn’t he? She took the risk. “I do, too.”
“Listen…they’re telling me it’s time for us to go on…I have to go. I’ll call you tomorrow…oh, and look for a surprise.”
“Good luck, Cody.”
“Bye.”
Cody hung up the phone, unsure of why he was so drawn to Dana. He hoped he didn’t make a mistake by telling her about Alex. He certainly didn’t want that juicy piece of gossip released, but he trusted her and he wanted someone close who he could talk about it with. Talk about things in his life in general…someone to confide in. Cody missed out on the security of family when he was growing up…he never had close friends because of it…and now he wanted that emotional intimacy more than ever.
Dana fingered the petals of the roses thinking of their conversation. Cody kept his promise and bought a ticket to meet her in Nassau. She could not wait to see him again.
She checked her watch. Ten o’clock. It was finally time to go home. One day gone, one day closer to Cody.
Dana gathered her belongings and closed up her office, found George and took the short drive to her apartment in Aventura.
She clicked play on her answering machine and was shocked to hear Larry’s voice play back to her. That alone would have floored her, but then she heard the second message.
“Dana…uh, hi, it’s Sam. I wanted to tell you something…I uh…wanted you to hear it from me. Sorry to leave it on your machine, but I, uh, know your crazy hours.” Nervous laugh. “I’m getting married.”
Chapter 44
Larry Carter was mad. It had been two days, two long days since he left his message on Dana’s home answering machine.
She wasn’t calling him back.
It suddenly dawned on him that maybe Dana didn’t understand who he was. She was just like the people in high school. Just like the people at his work.
“Larry’s so weird.”
“A loner.”
“He kind of creeps me out.”
Larry had overheard them all a thousand times, standing in the shadows of secret conversations where truths were told. No one really knew him. No one. Not his parents who left him an orphan at age seven. Not the foster parents that kept him for a few months before rejecting him and sending him on to another home only to be discarded again. Not The Bitch who stopped loving him once he stopped paying her.
No, no one bothered to know the real Larry.
He was wonderful, caring and capable of deep love.
Through it all, Dana was always there with him every day on the radio, talking to him, telling him stories about her life. And when he’d call her, she’d talk to him and listen to him.
Not like his foster parents. Not like the people at work. Not like The Bitch.
Dana was the woman for him…she just didn’t realize it.
He was her destiny.
And now he’d have to prove it to her.
Chapter 45
Heather called Jonny at home.
“Hello.”
“Hi, Jill this is Heather from the station.” Her voice was a bit demanding. “I’d like to speak with Jonny.”
Her tone made Jill’s hair stand on end. A familiar chill went down her neck. “Hold on a moment,” she replied tersely. “Jonny…” she yelled to her husband.
“Yeah, babe what is it?” He breezed into the room.
“Heather.” She held out the phone like poison.
“Oh,” he took the receiver, “what’s up?�
� Jonny walked out of the room.
Jill lingered behind, still in earshot.
“We need to talk.”
“Heather, I thought I showed you how to handle that issue.”
“Jonny don’t play this secret stuff with me. Nothing was resolved earlier.” Heather’s anger turned to sadness. “I haven’t stopped crying all day.”
Jonny hated to hear a woman cry. It was his soft spot. “Look,” he whispered in the phone, “this is a bad time. Can we please discuss this tomorrow?”
“Promise me we will,” she begged. “I have strong feelings for you.”
Jonny sighed. “I promise.” He hung up the phone.
“What was that about?” Jill asked.
Jonny nearly jumped out of his skin. Jill startled him.
“Just station stuff,” he said, dismissing the conversation.
“Oh.” Jill turned and walked out of the room.
Jonny stopped her, putting his hand on her shoulder. “Really Jill, just station business.”
“I said okay.” Jill walked away.
“Okay. I’m gonna go take a shower and go to bed. I’m really beat.” Jonny wanted a quick way out of this awkward situation. He sensed hostility from Jill, but wasn’t sure why. He’d been very careful.
“Fine,” she answered flipping on the television and lying down on the couch. Within minutes he saw she was engrossed in some reality program.
As soon as Jonny left the room, Jill leapt up. She only had a limited amount of time. She quickly ran to his cell phone and began scrolling through the calls. The radio station popped up a lot, but so did the name Heather Dupree. She was sure she was the one who was having an affair with her husband. Jill flashed quickly to the night of the station kickoff party. She remembered how the slight redhead sashayed by them, flirting shamelessly with her husband, acting as if Jill wouldn’t notice. Acting as if Jill didn’t exist.
So young, so foolish, she thought, like I’d just stand by and watch another woman steal my husband from me.
Jill gave up her career to follow Jonny to small town markets so he could follow his dream to rock deejay stardom. She survived with Jonny on his barely minimum wage salary, sacrificing buying new clothes, going out to dinner and taking much needed vacations so they could pay the rent.
Rock Radio Page 17