Just Another Silly Love Song - Rich Amooi Page 0,14

them have your experience or following. Most of them go straight to the trash. And I didn’t have to listen to your aircheck since I know who you are. Your on-air skills and connection with your female audience are amazing.”

“Thank you,” I said. “I appreciate that. I have to admit I’m surprised you’ve been following my show.”

“You’ve been number one in the ratings at nights for as long as I’ve been in San Diego. I wouldn’t be doing my job correctly if I didn’t know what was going on at the other radio stations in the market. Anyway, down to business. Do you have time to come to the radio station and chat this morning?”

I glanced up at the clock on the wall. It was pretty early still.

“You mean now?” I asked.

“Yeah. I have to get cracking on filling the morning show opening. We’re looking to take it to the next level, and I think you’d be the perfect fit.”

I nodded, surprised. “Yes. Of course. I can be there in thirty minutes if that works for you.”

“Rock on. See you then.”

I disconnected the call and glanced at Grandma Joyce. “I can’t believe this. I have an interview in thirty minutes.”

“That’s wonderful! Maybe you’ll get a chance to work with Dr. Tough Love!”

I shook my head. “I told you—the opening is for the morning show, so he’s definitely on his way out. Karma.”

Honestly, as much as I disliked him—especially after calling me a dog—I felt bad for him. Being unemployed in the radio business was one of the worst things. You could be driving around town and listening to someone on the radio, confident you could do a much better job than them. As much as Ben rubbed me the wrong way, I hoped he would be able to find another job soon.

I placed my plate in the sink and ran some water over it. “I hate to eat and run, but—”

“Don’t be silly. You go and get that job.” Grandma Joyce gave me a thumbs-up, which made me smile. “They know a good thing when they see it. Speaking of which, I am so happy that you and Zachary aren’t together anymore. He wasn’t the one for you.”

I pulled away from her hug, surprised. “I thought you liked him.”

“Nahhh. I never saw a spark with you two. It was almost like you were friends. And you never held hands, and that just seemed odd to me! Who doesn’t like to hold hands? I want a man who’s not afraid to show his feelings. Take me in your arms and kiss me, you big stud!”

I laughed.

“Or at least grab my hand and hold it like you mean it. Anyway, Zachary wasn’t for you, end of story.” She hugged me and then pulled away, keeping both hands on my shoulders. “Call me later after they offer you the job.”

I grabbed my purse and pulled the strap over my shoulder. “Will do.”

Grandma Joyce was always positive and caring—it wasn’t a surprise she was my best friend.

Thirty minutes later, I walked into the radio station, surprised how much bigger and fancier it was compared to the one I used to work for.

The receptionist smiled. “Good morning.”

I gave her a smile back. “Good morning. I’m here to see Kyle Jacobs.”

“Lori Martin, right?”

I nodded, surprised. “Yes . . .”

She stood and held her hand over the counter, shaking my hand enthusiastically. “I loved your show.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m Debbie, by the way. If you ever need anything at all, or need to know something, just ask. Oh . . .” She looked around to make sure nobody was listening and leaned in. “And let me tell you, your boyfriend didn’t deserve you.”

I hesitated. “Oh, you heard about that?”

“Of course! You’re already legendary around here.” She pumped her fist in the air. “Love stinks!” She laughed and glanced toward the front door. “It’s pretty quiet at the moment, so I can take you back to Kyle’s office.”

“Sounds great. Thank you.”

I followed Debbie down the hallway and into an enormous open area with monitors of all sizes on every wall and on every desk. There must have been over a hundred of them.

I froze. “Holy guacamole.” I scanned the room from one side to the other, in awe of the newsroom. “I can’t believe this.” I eyed the six giant monitors on one particular wall, each of them showing traffic congestion on the busiest sections of San Diego freeways.

The vibe for a news-talk radio station was much more serious than