chapter 21
The next few weeks were hard for Dana. It was getting close to the annual WORR beginning of the year kick-off party. Last year she went with Sam and had an awesome time. She didn’t want to go this year, but she knew she had to. Attendance at the event was more of a requirement than a choice.
This year the party would be especially bad because it was taking place on a boat. She’d be trapped for four hours with no way off.
Welcome to schmoozing hell.
Jonny already promised she could hang out with Jill and him. She was grateful for the offer, but she still didn’t want to be there.
Dana found herself spending more and more time with Jonny. He was like the older brother she never had...he had become family.
Her office phone rang. She looked at the caller ID, it was Jonny.
“Hey...I was just thinking of you,” she said picking up the phone.
“That’s nice to hear. Do you have a minute?”
“Yes, in fact, I do.”
“Can you come into my office?”
“Sure.”
Two seconds later she was at his door.
“What took you so long?” Jonny tapped his watch.
“I got lost on the way. What’s up?” Dana plopped down in the red beanbag chair in the corner of his office.
“Oh, make yourself comfortable first.”
“Thanks, I will.” She crossed her legs Indian style. “Now cut with the pleasantries, what’s the emergency?”
“Listen to this.” Jonny hit play on his CD player. A strong raw voice came through the speakers. “All you were is all I was...”
“They’re good,” Dana said, leaning forward. “Who are they?”
“The Cody Blue Experience.” Jonny threw the CD jewel case to Dana, who caught it with one hand. “Good catch.”
Dana studied the cover. “Wow, cute.”
“Now Dana, is that all you care about?” Jonny teased.
Dana stuck her tongue out at him. “They sound awesome, but you know that already. I can comment, professionally of course, on the appearance and presentation of the band.”
“They’re from Gainesville.”
“Really? They’re local?”
“I know I was surprised, too. The notes say they’ve been together for years.”
“So why haven’t we ever head of them?”
“Wish I knew, but I’ll tell you this. I want to add them to the playlist.”
“Really,” Dana said surprised. “You must be impressed. You don’t want to try them out in the local show first...gauge the response?” The local show was from eleven to midnight on Sundays, a low listened to, low risk hour ripe for trying new artists.
“C’mon we’re a cutting edge rock station...”
Dana rolled her eyes. “In theory. You know the songs are just here to fill time between commercials.”
“Right, but maybe I can start a grass roots effort...put the music first in radio.” Dana’s jaw dropped in mock horror. He held his hands up. “I know, I know, radical stuff.”
She laughed. “Well, the song is definitely gonna be a hit, why not be the one to break it first?”
“Exactly how I feel...and that’s why I want you to come with me to convince Ted. I’m going for the two against one approach.”
“I knew you had an ulterior motive for letting me look at cute guys.”
“So are you in?” Jonny said, pushing back from the desk.
“Why not,” Dana agreed grasping Jonny’s outstretched hand to get up. “Let’s go now before I lose my nerve.”
Ted didn’t need much convincing.
“It’s a hit,” he said after listening to the song.
Jonny preened. “That’s why I want to put it in regular rotation.”
“I agree with tha...” Dana said.
“Do it, Jonny,” Ted said, talking over Dana, not even acknowledging her presence in the room.
Jonny and Dana left, victorious.
“That was easy,” he said, patting Dana on the back. “Good work, partner.”
“Why am I invisible?” Dana asked.
Jonny looked over each shoulder. “Did someone just say something...?”
Dana playfully hit Jonny’s arm. “It’s not funny.”
“I saw it and I don’t get it either. Ted’s a jerk, we know that. But, thanks for coming with me anyway.”
“Yeah, I was such a big help.”
“You were.” Jonny put his arm around Dana. “So, on another note, did you decide if you’re going to the party tomorrow night?”
“I have a choice?” She shrugged her shoulders.
“Okay, so Jill and I’ll pick you up.”
“Can’t wait.”
*
That afternoon Dana Drew had the privilege of debuting All You Were during her show. The response was intense. Midway through the song the phones started lighting up.
“Who are they?”
“What’s the name of that song?”
Even Dana was overwhelmed at the positive reception. Jonny poked his head in the studio.
“So?” he asked.
“Jonny the people love it...the phones are ringing off the hook.”
“Wanna hear more good fortune?”
“Okay.”
“They’re playing tomorrow night at Luna on South Beach.
“Really.” Dana’s eyes lit up.
“Yes, really.”
“Why didn’t we know about this sooner? I could’ve interviewed them today on the air to promo the show?”
“Calm down, I just got the press release. See the time and date.” Jonny pointed to the top of the fax. “They’re on a small time label. Their manager guy probably didn’t think about all that stuff.”
“Too bad.”
“Yes, Dana, too bad for them.”
“And me. Tomorrow’s the station party.”
“Yeah, but the boat gets back at eleven. The show starts at midnight. We can make it.”
Dana smiled. “Very true.”
“Anyway here’s the info so you can announce it.”
She grabbed it eagerly. “I will.”