Page 19 of Served
The station wasn’t huge, but we had a decent enough budget thanks to the college being so close. We played mostly mainstream top one hundred but had windows of hours, odd hours, for different emerging artists and various genres. I made sure the segments were broken out properly, the commercials ran as agreed with our advertisers, and the DJ’s stayed within the time slots laid out for that, their segments, and some music. We had more music than segments, but we did throw in a few. I had interned here during college, and it was so fun and laid back. Plus, I always knew about the good parties, although I had to work at some. Since it was smaller, it was easy for me to pick up extra jobs and shifts at the station for some extra money.
“Hey, Luce. Rough night?” Stan was the station manager. Good heart, no tact.
“Thanks a lot, Stan. Why don’t you just tell me I look like crap?” He sheepishly walked off and I got back to work on the board. The good thing about working at a radio station is most people were too busy doing their work and trying to be quiet that nobody bothered you. We all got along well but during airtime, not a lot of chatter happened and on the breaks we all were prepping for the next segment and music run. Even with the digital world, you still had to focus. I was especially appreciative of this today. Just a few hours and I could go hide out in my apartment. Or maybe Jason’s apartment.
Ding. Speak of the devil.
Jason: Hey sexy. I got some good news for you later. Can’t wait to see you.
Me: Oh, I’m intrigued. I leave here by 3 but need to go change. Wanna meet me at 3:30?
Jason: I’ll be there. And Jaz is covering for me later, so you got me all to yourself.
Butterflies filled my stomach, chest, head, all of it. 3:30 couldn’t come fast enough.
Me: I’m ready to be served.
Oh my God I couldn’t believe I just hit send. What the hell was wrong with me? My heart was racing.Shit! I almost missed the commercial slot. I looked over and saw a new text come over from him with a tongue emoji.Sweet geezus.
I turned the phone over so I could attempt to make it through the next two and half hours without losing my job.
The rest of the day went on as planned with no distractions. The next shift was walking in and once I cued up my last commercial spot I stood up and let Angie slide into my chair for her shift. I grabbed my phone and my bag then headed out.
I didn’t want to wait for the bus home, so I just started walking since it wasn’t far. It was still hot, but I could freshen up once I got home. Except, I told Jason to be there at three thirty. I pulled my phone out.
Me: Hey, I need to change and freshen up, maybe closer to 4?
I held the phone as I kept walking waiting for a response but by the time I got home, one hadn’t come. Oh well, maybe he was already on the way and didn’t check the phone. He could wait. Or maybe join me…
I went inside and Amy had left already. I made some water and kicked my shoes off and sat on the sofa. The last 24 hours was catching up to me. I didn’t want to hop in the shower and have Jason show up at the door, so I sat on the sofa and grabbed some candy from the dish on the side table instead of being an adult and getting a snack from the fridge. After a few pieces, I finished off my water and rested my head on the side of the sofa. If I rested here, I’d hear the door.
*********************
I bolted up, completely disoriented. I grabbed my phone which had fallen to the floor. It was half past four and no texts.
Me: Hey, if you came by, I’m sorry, I must have fallen asleep. I’m hopping in the shower.
I took my phone with me but decided to go clean up and change. Maybe he had to go by the club anyway. I showered lightning fast and checked my phone before I even dried off. Still no response.What the hell?
I finished drying off and combed some detangler through my hair. I opened the bathroom door to let some steam out so I could throw some fresh makeup on and work my clothes on. Once the mirror was cleared up, I leaned in and inspected my face. The scratches were healing up well, but a dab of concealer wouldn’t hurt. I rummaged my closet to find a shirt that I wouldn’t roast in but covered my neck. Spring in Georgia was more like summer in most places so a little exposed skin normally was a must. But I couldn’t walk around in public with that on my neck and my makeup wasn’t pricey enough to cover it.
Half an hour later and steam was practically shooting from my ears because I still hadn’t gotten a response. My curls had almost dried, so I shoved my sandals on stormed out of my apartment toward the club.
I was working on some great one-liners to spew at him once I got there. He acted so interested but once he got what he wanted he was done? Why bother? Why all that crap about “trying” for so long? I go to the club almost every day, so he knew I’d come say something eventually. He knew me, I wasn’t one to keep my mouth shut when I wasn’t happy. How could he do this?Asshole.
I slung the door to the club open and a few people turned to look as I stormed in, stomping all the way to the bar.
“Where is he?” I barked at Jaz.
“Where is who? Are you okay, honey?” Jaz asked.
“Jason. I need to speak to him. Now.” I took a deep breath, it wasn’t her fault he was a jerk. “Sorry, Jaz, I just need to talk to him. I didn’t mean to be such a bitch.”
She looked confused and passed me a bottle of water. “He’s not here. I thought he was with you. At least that’s what his text said.”
I was lost now. My heart fluttered knowing he didn’t just call out, but he told Jaz he was going to be with me. My anger was turning to confusion.
“Yeah, maybe I messed up our meeting spot. But I don’t have his address.”
