Page 23 of Just Another Silly Love Song

Kyle wrinkled his nose. “Fightis such a harsh word. Let’s say that I would like you to discuss things with a crap-load of enthusiasm and if you disagree, even better. Both of you can offer your own version of advice for each caller. Ben has a huge male audience and knows how to get through to the guys very well. Lori knows how to connect with the female listeners with her advice and song dedications. And that’s what we need, more female listeners, especially women twenty-five to fifty-four. The beauty of this arrangement is you can both be yourselves and do what you do best. The difference is you’re doing it as a team now.”

I shook my head in disgust.

Lori turned to me. “What’s your problem now?”

I shrugged. “Nothing, as long as you don’t play those—”

She crossed her arms. “Sappy love songs?”

“I was actually going to call them silly love songs, because that’s exactly what they are. And just so you know, they don’t belong on my show.”

Lori glared at me. “Our show.”

“You’re a sidekick.”

“Cohost.”

“Whatever. Just keep in mind you need to be here at five fifteen in the morning for a little show-prep, so we’re ready to go on the air at six.”

Lori stared at me. “Excuse me . . . five fifteen?”

I grinned. “Welcome to mornings on the radio. I know you’re used to doing the night show and staying up until the wee hours of one or two. But if you can’t handle it . . .”

Lori sat up straight. “I’ll be here at five fifteen on the dot. Besides, I need to download any of my go-to songs that aren’t in your music library.”

“We have over a hundred thousand songs in our database,” Kyle said. “You shouldn’t have a problem finding what you’re looking for.”

“Good to know.”

“Wait . . .” I turned to Kyle. “You’re not going to let her play that horrendous music on my show, are you?”

“Our show.”

Kyle nodded. “Of course. I told you I want you both to be yourselves. Completely.”

Lori gave him a seated curtsy. “Thankyou.”

“Uh-oh . . .” I clutched my stomach.

Lori bent down. “Are you okay?”

I sat back up and turned to her. “Just the thought of Air Supply or Michael Bublé playing in my headphones is making me physically ill.”

She smirked. “Now you know how I feel every time you open your mouth.”

“Yes!” Kyle pumped his fist in the air, enjoying this way too much. “Please save those zingers for the show tomorrow!” He laughed and slapped the top of the desk. “I’m brilliant.”

Kyle was the only one laughing.

I wasn’t enjoying this one bit, but I didn’t have a choice at the moment. I needed to come up with a way to get the ratings up without Lori being part of it.

In the meantime, I was going to make her time on the air with me as uncomfortable as possible until she quit.

Chapter Six

LORI

The next day, I walked into the building of my new employer with my mocha, ready for the first morning show with Ben. I was pretty sure it was the first time in my entire life that I had gotten up before five for anything, if you didn’t count having to pee in the middle of the night.