chapter 36
Jill Roeker got home early from work. She had a splitting headache. Still feeling unresolved about her relationship with Jonny, she ducked out of a meeting with Miami Motors. She was actually relieved she had an excuse. The ad partnership with Nick Coleman was getting on her nerves. He was an obnoxious little weasel who spent the entire meeting trying to hit on her. The less time she had to spend with him the better. She lay down on the couch and fell asleep.
Jonny’s touch woke her from her slumber. “Hi, Jill.”
“Hi.”
“Are you okay? You look like you don’t feel good.”
“I came home early today. I had a massive headache.” She put her hand up to her head. “I still do.”
“Is there anything I can do...make dinner, maybe?”
“Yeah, that’d be nice.”
“Why don’t you get undressed, take a shower, I’ll have supper ready when you get out.”
Jonny was trying extra hard. He thought he could break things off with Heather, but it wasn’t so easy. He wasn’t emotionally attached to her, but physically she had become an addiction. He couldn’t stop fantasizing about her. There had to be a way to keep her and Jill...he just hadn’t figured it out yet.
“Dana’s back with Sam,” he told Jill at dinner, filling the uncomfortable silence with station gossip.
“Really? I didn’t see that one coming.”
“She didn’t either. I’m not sure she’s all in.”
“Huh...well...” She put her head down on the table. “I’m sorry Jonny, I’m not much in the mood for conversation. I think I’m just gonna go to bed.”
“Okay. I’ll be in soon.”
The phone rang. Jonny jumped.
“I’ll get it,” he said rushing to pick it up. “Hello?”
“Jonny, it’s Dana.” He was relieved.
“It’s Dana,” he mouthed to Jill. “What’s up?”
“I’m freaking out. That guy Larry called me.”
“Larry?”
“Larry, the listener. The one who sent me that card? Remember we had a long discussion about it today?”
“Oh yeah...what happened?”
“He called me tonight. He thinks we’re destined to be together.”
“Does Sam know? This might make him jealous.”
“Be serious, please, I’m really spooked. He was delusional.”
“Dana, I understand what you’re saying, but I really think he’s harmless. You know how some people get. Whenever I go to an appearance the listeners are always acting like I’m their buddy. It’s the whole illusion.”
“This guy seems different.”
“You may be overreacting. He’s infatuated.”
Dana wanted to believe him. “You think?”
“I think. He’s just some lonely guy with too much time on his hands.”
“I guess you’re right...but I think you’re lulling me into a false sense of security.”
“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.”