Rock Radio - By Lisa Wainland Page 0,27

regardless. And they’ll learn the new name. We do that whole formerly Red Lawn thing when we advertise a show. But when we hit nationally, we want a name that says who you are, that generates buzz. Red Lawn says nothing to me. There’s no intrigue.”

“So what do you suggest?”

“I did some research on you guys and I think I have the perfect name.” He sat back and put his hands in the air as if to frame a marquee. “The Cody Blue Experience.”

“No fuckin’ way!” Alex shouted rising to his feet.

“Chill out, man.” Bobby put his hand on Alex’s arm, preventing him from leaving.

“No,” Alex shouted, “This band is not all about Cody. For Christ sakes he was the last one to join us! I am not playing back-up to him!”

Cody sat silent, not wanting to be any more the target of anger.

Eric looked Alex right in the eyes and spoke firmly. “Listen Alex, this name is not about you. It’s about the band.”

“I think it sounds cool,” Harper said, just happy to have a record deal. To him the name was secondary, what Eric could do for them came first. He wasn’t going to ignore his advice.

“I’m not opposed to it,” Bobby agreed.

Eric looked at Cody, “And you?”

“Well, what the hell do you think he’s gonna say?” Alex yelled.

“I don’t know why your anger is directed at me!” Cody spat, sick of Alex’s attitude.

“Maybe it’s because you, Cody, joined the band last and somehow you, Cody, have become the lead, the spokesperson and now the freakin’ name of the band!”

“Alex,” Eric interrupted, “leadership roles evolve. I think you’re giving Cody too much credit with this whole name thing. It was my idea. I’m putting my money behind you. I have a vested interest in your success and us working together.” His threat was not so veiled. “Don’t bust up the band right when you’re getting your big break.”

Alex sat back down, realizing the reality before him. He took several deep breaths. “Fine.”

“Good answer,” Eric said. “Cody?”

“Uh, whatever, it’s fine.” He was embarrassed.

“Good. That’s settled. Now let’s talk about more important things, like making a demo. We’re gonna get you boys on the radio.”

Chapter 14

Dana drove to Scully’s. She wasn’t in the mood to be Dana Drew tonight. She just wanted to be Dana Hill, brokenhearted with a bag of potato chips on the couch. But the job didn’t allow that. So she pumped herself up for the appearance, pasting a smile on her face.

“So happy to be here,” she practiced in the car. “So happy to be with you all.” She sounded believable. Maybe. “I’m happy, happy, happy.” She said, hoping that by saying it enough times the sentiment would stick.

Dana pulled up to Scully’s. It was a favorite waterfront bar on the intracoastal, a landmark really. Scully’s was the place to come for happy hour, for a casual date, or to park your boat and pick up appetizers. For years, Scully’s had been and still was the hot spot in Miami. They didn’t really need the station there to draw a crowd, they were always busy, but the restaurant and bar business was a flaky one. Hot restaurants came and went. Scully’s had learned from all that had sparkled and faded and continued to advertise heavily, keeping their name indelibly etched on the young Miami singles scene.

It was now, seven-thirty, one half hour to air. Dana parked her convertible and took a deep breath. She could do this. She was Dana Drew. She turned her rearview mirror sideways to see her face. She realized she should have spent more time on her appearance, she didn’t look all that fabulous. “Who cares,” she muttered and got out of her car.

Larry Carter watched Dana’s whole ritual from his beat-up green Toyota. He’d been at Scully’s parking lot since six p.m. waiting for Dana to arrive. He saw her get out of her car and walk into the bar. He was disappointed to see she had her beautiful black hair pulled back in a ponytail. This was going to ruin his picture.

He got out of his car and entered Scully’s, taking a seat at the bar. From this vantage point, he had a perfect view of Dana setting up to go on the air. Even with her hair pulled back she was still good looking, he admitted to himself

“Can I get you anything?” The bartender interrupted his thoughts.

“Yeah, vodka rocks.” Larry needed a little liquid courage for the night.

Dana got