Just Another Silly Love Song - Rich Amooi Page 0,22
me and then back to Kyle. “Uh, no. I was a little distracted with someone else being in the studio with me.”
I glared at Ben. “Likewise.”
“Well, you need to see it for yourself because the traffic and engagement on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram is insane.” He flipped his laptop around until it was facing us. He came around the desk so the three of us could look at a software program that analyzed all the traffic and engagement that we were getting from every one of our social media pages.
Kyle pointed to the screen. “Look. Up five hundred percent compared to the same time yesterday. And people are still commenting and sharing. The numbers keep going up and up and up!”
Ben and I leaned closer and smacked our heads against each other.
“Ouch.” I rubbed the side of my head and winced. “You’re hard-headed.”
He massaged his noggin. “Likewise.”
We turned and inspected the live social media statistics, the numbers continuing to climb. We glanced at each other again.
I couldn’t tell which one of us was more shocked.
“The listeners like us?” I finally said.
How could they like us when I didn’t even like us?
“But why?” Ben asked.
Kyle slapped his laptop shut and walked back around his desk to his chair, taking a seat. “Of course, they like you. The back and forth between you two was mind-blowing and so bizarrely in sync. It was like you had been together for years. Awesome chemistry.”
Chemistry? What was this guy smoking?
“If your first day is any indication, this is going to be huge. Anyway, right now I need to get corporate on the phone and give them an update. We can talk more about the future after your show tomorrow. Keep up the good work.”
Ben and I both stared at Kyle.
The future?
Was he serious?
How could there possibly be a future with me and Ben?
I think I’m going to be sick.
Ben walked out of the office, shaking his head, not one word coming from his snarky mouth.
I turned to leave but Kyle stopped me. “Lori . . . keep doing what you’re doing.”
I flipped back around, still a little in shock. “To be honest, I don’t know exactly what I was doing. The show felt like a train wreck to me.”
“Not even close. You had three hours of borderline perfection. You have to understand that people are into the conflict and drama and the he-said-she-said. It’s all about the ratings. So, assert yourself more with Ben. Have fun with it.”
I placed my hands on my hips. “Fun? But how can I have fun with a man who’s so arrogant? Honestly, he’s not a nice person at all!”
“There’s more to Ben than meets the eye. Appearances can be deceiving.”
I studied him. “What are you telling me? The caveman isn’t really a caveman?”
Kyle laughed. “Just think of yourself as two actors playing to a live audience, but instead of being on television or on stage at the theater, it’s radio! There’s really no difference at all. You both are entertaining the listeners.”
I blinked. “But with me, what you see is what you get. I’m not acting and I find it hard to believe that Ben is, if that’s what you’re telling me.”
“Ben’s a big teddy bear, once you get to know him. He does more for the community than anyone at this radio station.”
“Are we talking about the same Ben Baxter?”
Kyle smiled. “Google him if you don’t believe me.” He grabbed the phone and held it up. “I really need to make this phone call now. We’ll talk again tomorrow.” He started dialing.
“Yeah . . . tomorrow.” I could barely get the words out.
I walked out of Kyle’s office shell-shocked, because of three things.
The listeners loved our show.
I was going back for a second day on the air.
Dr. Tough Love was supposedly faking it.
Well, according to Kyle he was.
The last one was something I just couldn’t wrap my head around.
I staggered toward the front door, deep in thought, when I glanced up and saw Debbie, the receptionist.
“Hi, Lori! Great show this morning!”
“Thanks.”
It felt odd saying that since I thought the show was a disaster.
Then I remembered what she had told me.
If you ever need anything at all, or need to know something, just ask.
I hesitated but then stepped toward the counter, the curiosity eating me up so much that I couldn’t walk out the door without asking.
I needed to know if Dr. Tough Love was all just an act.
“Hey, I have a question for you, if you don’t mind.”