Page 24 of First-Time Caller
Jackson straightens in his seat. “I actually think a dog might be good for you, man.”
I ignore him. “What’s the end goal here, Maggie?”
“End goal. Listen to you. You’re acting like I’m some Bond villain.”
I stare pointedly at her and she tosses her hands in the air. “I am trying to capitalize on our momentum, you walnut. I am trying to channel all of this interest into programming. If you haven’t noticed, our numbers haven’t been great lately. Orion has been up my ass about acquiring this station and I don’t know how much longer I can hold out.” She’s referring to the mega-giant satellite radio corporation that’s been hounding her for the last six months about folding us into their portfolio. We’re all in agreement that we want to stay local, though we’re quickly losing ground to stand on.
“This is an opportunity to save this show and this station. Not to mention the jobs of everyone in this room.” She circles her finger around once. That explains why we’re all here, then. Nothing like a good emotional blackmail from the puppet master herself. “I’m not extorting anyone. I simply asked Lucie if she’d like to join you on the air to explore some of the engagement around your conversation. My hope is that people tune in and stay tuned in.”
That sounds like a fancy way of saying Maggie wants to do a radio version ofThe Bachelorette, but sure.
“And what did Lucie say about all of this?”
“She said she’d think about it.”
I exhale. “Good.”
Thinking implies hesitation. And if this is something that is going to happen whether I’m on board or not, I at least want to know Lucie agreed after careful consideration. She was bullied into that initial conversation, no matter how good Maya’s intentions were. I don’t want her to be bullied into this too.
“But I’m confident she’ll say yes,” Maggie adds.
“How do you figure?” I manage, daydreaming about the cookies I already ate and a shirt that is dry. Confetti-free hair and the blissful silence of my soundproof booth. I’ve been thoroughly outmaneuvered this morning and it’s not even noon.
“You should know this by now, Aiden.” Maggie’s smile is assured. “I always get what I want.”
CALLER:I just think I’m a good candidate, is all I’m saying.
AIDEN VALENTINE:For what?
CALLER:Dating Lucie.
AIDEN VALENTINE:[sighs]
AIDEN VALENTINE:You and the rest of Baltimore.
CALLER:She sounded hot on the phone, you know?
AIDEN VALENTINE:That doesn’t explain why you think you’re a good candidate.
CALLER:Some women say I have a magical di—
[dial tone]
Idon’t know what to do,” I whine in the empty café, my arms folded on the table, my chin resting on top.
Patty tucks her feet beneath her on her chair, the cork of a wine bottle between her teeth, two coffee mugs on the table in front of her. She texted me around noon with a single question: SOS? I almost cried in relief.
I need wine, cookies, and my best friend. In that order.
“What don’t you know?” she asks, peering at the label. The only lights left on in the café are the soft glowing lamps from the bookshelves at the top of the stairs, making everything look dreamy and soft. Except for the cupid decorations she still hasn’t taken down from her anti–Valentine’s Day celebration. Those hang like tiny sparkly demonic spirits.
Maya is with her dad tonight and I am here, at the shop across the street from my house, wallowing in self-pity and bottom-shelf wine.
I hold out my empty cup. “The radio show thing. I don’t know what to do about it.”
Patty ignores my glass and tosses her head back with a laugh. Honey blond hair cascades down her back as she laughs and laughs and laughs some more. She was the kid in high school who somehow managed to be friends with everyone. She performed in the spring musical and kicked ass on the soccer field. She was crowned homecoming queen but gave the crown to someone else because it made her ears hurt. She’s always been a bundle of chaotic, charismatic energy, and for some reason, she decided to adopt me junior year. She hasn’t left my side since.
“Oh my god,” she breathes, wiping at the corners of her eyes. Her eyeliner is still perfect, of course. “I almost forgot the purpose of this emergency meeting.”
