April 19, 2009

On Air

"T minus 20 to air." Joe was ready for the show. He was ready with the playlist, talking points, and knew the controller board like the back of his hand. This was his third season being the host for the radio show "Walking on Air". Since the beginning, the show had skyrocketed in ratings and had somewhat of a cult following. There was no reason for him to be nervous except...this time he was certain that she would be listening. 19...18...17... as the seconds counted down, he thought of her.

"Welcome back to Walking on Air and I am your host Aaaverage Joe. I hope all of you have had a great evening and I promise to keep it that way with variety, spice, and entertainment in all the shows to follow..." Her face flashed in his mind and he went blank for a second. Joe was jolted back to reality by his program manager frantically waving to him from the other side of the studio glass. He continued, "We only have time for one more song and one more call tonight..." He lost his voice for a split second. "Callers, this is your last chance to walk on air tonight! So here it is by the Beatles...Michelle."

"Caller you're on the air"
"Joe?"
Joe's heart stopped.
"...Michelle?"
"How are you?"
"It doesn't matter. How are you?"
"It doesn't matter"
"Where are you?"
"Outside."

For the first time since the show started, Joe actually felt like he was walking on air.