looked out toward a large picture window framing the sapphire blue ocean. Watercolors of palm trees and colorful beach scenes with large pastel umbrellas adorned the pale yellow walls. White crown molding bordered the ceiling, giving the room a majestic feel.
To the left of the living room was the master suite. A large bed draped in a white duvet sat on a giant dark wood frame in the center of the room, but the true focus of the room was a sliding glass door dressed in billowy white gauzy curtains, behind which was a large balcony with another incredible ocean view.
Dana had little time to enjoy her accommodations. She had just an hour and a half before her first broadcast. The station engineer, Liam, had flown down earlier to set up the connection. They’d be broadcasting from the pool area. Dana quickly unpacked her small travel bag and then took a brief shower. She dressed in khaki shorts and her black WORR T-shirt with a golden electric guitar emblazoned on the front of it. Strappy black wedge sandals, a quick brush of her long ebony hair and Dana was ready. She added one more coat of red lipstick and left to meet Sharon at the remote site.
A small crowd had already gathered around the broadcast table by the pool, curious about the radio station. Some guests were from Miami and recognized the station’s call letters on the banner in front of the table. The winner of the contest, Tom Gantry had taken an earlier flight that day. He stopped by the desk and was talking to Liam when Dana arrived.
“Hi, I’m Dana Drew.” She extended her hand.
“Tom Gantry.” The heavyset man with a thick beard extended his hand. “Wow am I lucky.” The petite, full figured blonde woman next to him gave him a sharp elbow. “Oh, this is my wife, Janet.”
“Hi, nice to meet you,” Dana shook her hand as well, ever the good hostess. “I was just telling Sharon the same thing.” She motioned to Sharon. “She’s the promotions director.”
Tom and Janet smiled in wide-eyed excitement...unable to decide which was more amazing, winning a trip to Paradise Island or spending the afternoon with Dana Drew.
“Well, I’ll leave the two of you to your vacation...we’re going on the air shortly so I just need to get my notes together. If you all could stop by a little later so I can interview you, that’d be great.”
“Sure,” they nodded in unison and took off for the huge pool.
“So Liam, how are ye?” Dana kidded the tall Scotsman. Liam the engineer endured endless ribbing, especially Star Trek teasing. ‘Beam me up Liam,’ was a familiar refrain, much to his chagrin.
“I’m fine Miss Drew and you?” His thick Scottish brogue was rather sexy.
“Wonderful. Do we have a connection?”
“Indeed we do. I’m talking to Miami now.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she teased.
“Me too,” he winked.
Sharon approached Dana with a slim Bahamian woman. “Dana this is Charlotte, she’s with the Paradise Island Resort and Casino.”
“Dana we are so happy to have you here,” she said, prim British accent in full effect. Charlotte had flawless cocoa colored skin and large blue eyes. She was striking. She wore a light pink wrap dress that was perfectly pressed. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“And you.”
“I’d like to give you some information about our hotel that we’d like you to mention, if possible.”
“Certainly,” Dana replied taking the stacks of promotional sheets, glancing over them briefly. “Anything in particular you want me to say?”
“Just tell them how fantastic it is here,” she said, motioning to their surroundings. “I’m sure you’ll agree.”
“It’s not hard to.”
“Good, and to make it even easier,” she snapped her fingers, summoning a waiter from the bar area, “Charles here will get you whatever island creation you desire...as well as some snacks.”
“Great,” Dana said, inspired by the island vibe. “I’ll have whatever you recommend.”
“At your service, Madame,” Charles took a small bow.
“Oh, I like him a lot.”
“If you have any questions or requests,” Charlotte continued, “let me know. Here’s my business card with all my numbers.” She shook Dana’s hand, “Thank you and enjoy.”
“Dana!” Liam’s voice rose, “Five minutes.”
Dana scurried around the table and put on her headphones. In her ears the loud rock music from the station conflicted greatly with the calypso band that was playing poolside. The song started to end and Dana was on.
“It’s Dana Drew live from paradise...the Paradise Island Resort and Casino on Paradise Island in Nassau. Let me tell you, this hotel