Muller, Marcia - [McCone 05] Leave a Message for Willie [v1.0] (htm) (47 page)

"You're kidding!"

"I'm not. They liked my demo tape, but the thing they liked
most was the way I handled the teenage callers."

"Amazing." The call-ins were the part of the show Don
hated most. There was no way he could do them wearing earplugs.

"Well, they did, so they proposed a talk show. I get a
celebrity on there—someone who's performing in town and looking
for publicity—and ask him questions. We'll take call-ins too,
but they'll be carefully screened."

"Is it good money?" Willie asked.

"The best. Of course, I'll still have to do a rock-and-roll
show, but several times a week I'll get to do the other. And they
said to make it as controversial as I like." His eyes gleamed,
and I knew he was thinking of how to create radio's most embarrassing
moments. For a man who hated rock-and-roll as much as Don, the job
had fascinating possibilities.

"Well, here's to fortune and fame." Willie raised his
glass. "When do you move?"

"As soon as I can find a place large enough for my baby grand
piano." Don glanced at me and winked.

I gave an inward sigh of relief, not returning the wink because I
never winked at anyone. The last hurdle had been crossed; he didn't
intend to move in with me. He understood my need to go slowly and
carefully.

"So what's for dinner?" Don stood up and went to the
stove.

"Um, it was going to be lasagna," I said, "but I'm
not too sure about the marinara sauce."

Don raised the pot lid.

"I'd take it kind of easy," Willie said.

I glared at him.

Don sniffed at the sauce, drew back, and then sniffed again. "Come
here," he said to Willie.

Willie went over there and Don pointed at the sauce, indicating he
should smell it. Willie looked hesitant. Don said, "I insist."

Willie sniffed gingerly. Then he straightened up and looked at
Don.

"What do you think?" Don asked.

Willie shrugged.

"No, really."

"I think we should continue this celebration over dinner."

"Right." Don turned to me. "Babe, would you do us
the honor of accompanying us to dinner tonight? There's a wonderful
little Italian restaurant that just opened over on Union Street."