Jones’s ratings were down for 2 years in the morning drive. They could have given me a try at any time.”
“I know.”
“But they didn’t. It’s like my lawyer said. Now that I’m on a non-compete, I just have a career of indentured servitude.”
“I understand,” she said.
“You know, they just fired Mike like it was nothing. It’s not like he’s getting a severance package. Now he’s out of radio for 3 years. That could be me one day.”
“Maybe you’re right. I think a lot has changed since I was a DJ. I had to work at 4 different stations before I made a name for myself.”
“It’s changed for the worse not only for me but for lots of other people. These non-competes are ruining lives.”
“I can see that.”
“And you know that I haven’t had a raise in 5 years. Actually, no one a the station has had a raise. Can’t live on $50,000 forever.”
“I know.”
“The truth is, Rick’s advice isn’t so crazy. Might be the best thing I could do at this point. I mean, at least I’ll be free in California.”
“You have my support, you know that.”
“I know. Look, I should go.”
“Okay. Look. Just play Thank the Day from Riders of the Purple Sage and Let it Roll from Little Feat.”
“Okay. Thanks. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
Diane closed the phone, put it back on the table. She stood up angrily, walked over to the water cooler, took a plastic cup from the side. Her mind went to Tim Harrelson, her skin crawled. She recalled the many times that Tim put her hands on her shoulders, hugged her from behind, his breath always close to her ear.
Diane knew it wouldn’t have done any good to report him for sexual harassment. Herman Pearson always covered for him.
She remembered the incident on the booze cruise with Mary, pressing her lips together. Rick has a point. The years are piling on and I’m not getting any younger. The best part will be getting away from that asshole, Tim Harrelson. She filled the cup with water, took a sip, hoped that she’ll never meet anyone like him in the future.
Chapter 2
Tim Harrelson
Monday, May 17, 2010 2:15pm
Tim walked upstairs, wiping the perspiration from his forehead as he spotted Diane Crawford in the engineers room. She paced around the room, her cell phone to her ear. He looked her over from head to toe, stopping along the way to admire every part of her body: Her long curly brown hair the fell over her shoulders, framing her dark eyes and round face; her breasts were large, barely contained in her short sleeved red blouse; her white pants were tight, displaying the generous curves of her hips.
He saw that Diane rolled her eyes and turned around, giving Tim a nice view of her bottom as it worked against the fabric of her white pants. “I love that ass,” he muttered. “So perfect, just like the rest of her.”
He shook his head, still disappointed that she was leaving in 2 weeks. Can’t believe that she’s going to California without having another job. Crazy bitch must be out of her mind.
First Mary, now Diane. Place would start to look like a dog pound in no time, Tim reflected.
His thoughts turned to Liz. Wonder if I still have a chance with her, he asked himself. Not ready to give up on her just yet.
He grinned, walking toward the booth. Mind as well have some fun with her before she leaves, he mused. Just like I did with Mary.
He opened the door quietly, barely hearing the creek as he stepped inside. She was still on the phone, her voice low sultry, just like it was on the radio. He licked his lips, moved closer, swinging his right arm just so slightly, drawing closer.
“I’ll have to call you back,” she said, closing the phone as he reached her.
She turned, took a deep breath, drawing her lips together, forming an angry line. “What do you want?”
“Nice way to greet me,” he replied.
She shrugged her shoulders, narrowed her eyes. “Then leave.”
“I’m trying to be nice to you. After all, you’re leaving.”
“The only thing I regret was that I didn’t report you for sexually harassing me.”
“I didn’t sexually harass you.”
“You know that you did, just like you did to Mary.”
Tim deliberately stared at Diane’s breasts, smiling. “Look, I’m sorry if I upset you. I said I was sorry. I just came in here to tell you that I’m sorry that you’re leaving.”
“I would appreciate it if you would look at my face,” Diane said angrily.
He looked into her eyes, grinning. “Look, you’re a beautiful woman. I can’t help myself.”
“I’m really glad that I’m not going to see you again. You’re such a creep.”
“I’ve always tried to be nice to you.”
“You’re a liar. You got Mary fired from here and the truth is that no one likes you. Except for Herman.”
“Don’t forget the owner, Bruce Thompson.” Tim’s smile grew wider as he drew closer. “And Herman is the general manager of the station.”
“And he’s just like you. Only difference is that he’s even more nasty if that’s possible.”
“If you say so.”
“Why don’t you get the hell out of here already,” she said, pointing at the door.
“Look, let me just give you some advice when you go for your next job.”
“Like I’m really interested in what you have to say.”
“Look, all I’m saying is that you’re a beautiful woman. Look at those women on the news stations. They wear short skirts. Leather skirts.” He rubbed his hands together. “They’re so hot. If you dressed like that and took some pictures, you’’d be on morning drive in no time.”
She narrowed her eyes, formed the letter -o- with her lips. “I think you better leave.”
“I’m getting tired of this.” He moved closer. “You know what I really like.”
She took a step back, feeling the table on her thigh. “What?” she said, annoyed.
“I really like it when a hot looking woman like yourself gets mad. That makes
