Rock Radio - By Lisa Wainland Page 0,74

lined up in descending order of size. Smaller pads were set on top of larger pads, their lower left corners perfectly in line with each other. To balance out the notepads on the left side of his desk, Larry put his calculator and file folder system on the right side of his desk. In everything he did there was symmetry.

That included his relationships. He gave and expected back equally.

He invested so much time listening to Dana on the air and calling her.

But Dana wasn’t reciprocating.

And now he’d have to make her.

Chapter 53

Friday morning and Dana was on her way to the Bahamas. Sharon, the promotions director for the station, picked Dana up at her apartment. Jonny was there to send her off.

“Be careful and have fun.”

“I will,” she said, kissing him lightly on the cheek. “Take care.”

Sharon, a pleasant, cherubic brunette, had only been working at the station for six months. She still had the glow of a radio newbie – so excited for the opportunity to work at a radio station that it compensated for the low wages.

They arrived at the seaport in Miami and boarded the small seaplane. The craft, which sat seventeen passengers, was full. Dana sat next to Sharon

“This is awesome,” Sharon said as they buckled up.

“It should be fun,” Dana agreed, absentmindedly looking out the window.

“I mean this is really cool to be going to Nassau like this...for work.”

“It’s a good perk.” Dana answered. But it won’t pay your bills.

“I’ll say.”

Dana settled into her seat and thought about Cody. They had grown so close so fast. Time, distance and mystery were a powerful elixir for love. Dana felt herself falling hard. She couldn’t wait to spend some real time with Cody to find out if this was real.

The propellers started to spin and the engine roared. The small plane rode quickly across the water and then up into the sky. They were just a hop, skip and a jump from Paradise Island, Nassau.

“Oooh we’re off!” Sharon’s innocent excitement was more contagious than annoying.

Dana decided to join in...she was going to the Bahamas, for work, as Jonny liked to say, but it was also going to be a nice vacation. “This’ll be terrific,” she confirmed.

Fifty minutes later they were making their descent. The plane dropped rapidly from the sky approaching the turquoise water at an alarming rate. They touched down smoothly on the ocean, sprays of water hit their windows.

“We made it,” Sharon exhaled.

Dana smiled ear to ear.

They exited the plane and took a taxi to the Paradise Island Resort and Casino. The giant pink hotel rose above the casino-lined skyline. The cab pulled up the driveway passing bright birds of paradise flowers fully in bloom and tall willowy palm trees. Paradise Island wasn’t false advertising.

They got out of the cab and let the bellman gather their luggage.

“Once you check in, we’ll bring it to your room,” he said, taking their names and handing them a claim ticket.

Inside, the hotel was a tropical fantasy. A huge waterfall was the centerpiece falling from the second floor into a large pond below. Bright golden Koi swam peacefully below the water, while perfectly white swans floated on the surface. Lush foliage framed the scene.

It was magnificent.

They approached the registration desk and received a hero’s welcome.

Sharon leaned up against the desk. “Sharon Foster and Dana Drew, WORR.”

The check in clerk smiled broadly, speaking in proper British English. “Yes, we’ve been expecting you. Welcome to Paradise Island Resort and Casino.” She typed quickly on her hidden keyboard. “We have lovely rooms for both of you on the top floor, fantastic suites with fabulous views.” She produced two key cards and handed them to Dana and Sharon. “You’re on the fifteenth floor. I’ll have your bags sent up immediately. If you have any questions feel free to call the concierge.” She smiled. “Enjoy your stay.”

Dana and Sharon giggled at their good fortune, marveling at their luck. They practically skipped across the marble floors to the glass elevator. The ride up to the fifteenth floor was spectacular. They rose above the lobby, the glass elevator revealing the tropical landscape surrounding the resort. A huge pool, complete with a water slide came into view, and behind it, the expansive clear blue Atlantic Ocean. It was breathtaking.

“I may not go back,” Sharon commented.

Dana nodded in agreement. “Why should we?”

Dana and Sharon’s rooms were equally exceptional. Dana entered her room and walked through a large foyer into a living room. Sumptuous white couches with giant pillows