And I’m starting to realise that leaving Sunnybrook behind isgoing to be a good deal harder than I first imagined...
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
The following morning, still buzzing after the amazingsuccess of our cake celebration the day before, I tune in to local radio justbefore eleven for Liam’s programme.
It’s his very first show today.
I’ve got butterflies myself just waiting for it to start, soI can’t imagine how Liam must be feeling!
I needn’t have worried, though. It turns out he’s reallygood – funny as well as informative – and his deep velvety voice and smoothdelivery are perfect for radio. It’s partly a chat show and the subject thismorning is the cost of living, with people invited to phone in with theirpersonal tips on how to save money. Liam interviews a local councillor aboutthe help that’s available for struggling families, and then it’s back to a mixof great music, which I dance along to while ripping off wallpaper in theliving room.
When the programme finishes, I call Liam and congratulatehim on a great show.
‘You really thought I sounded okay?’ he asks, a touch ofdoubt in his tone.
‘Absolutely. I listened all the way through. Even thatstuffed-shirt councillor was quite amusing after you cracked a few jokes andhelped him to relax a bit.’
‘Oh, good. I thought it went quite well, but you neverreally know until you get feedback from listeners.’
‘Well, I’m sure the feedback will be nothing but positive.’
‘Thank you, Lottie. That means a lot.’
‘You’re very welcome.’
‘Hey, listen, I’ve been making a list of topics to talkabout on future shows and I... well, I was thinking of doinga feature on missing people. Nothing too heavy, but maybe highlighting theorganisations that can help, you know?’
‘Right.’ I frown. ‘Sounds good.’
‘So I was wondering if Dorothy might come in and talk aboutfinding her aunt with your help?’
‘Oh. Well, I could certainly ask her.’
‘Would you? If she seems agreeable, I could give her a ringand talk to her about it. Her story is such a positive one. I think it couldgive hope to anyone in her situation.’
‘It definitely could.’
‘And also... well, I was wondering ifyou’d like to come in with Dorothy and talk about the part you played infinding her aunt?’
‘Me? On the radio?’ I laugh nervously. ‘Oh, no, I’d berubbish.’
‘No, of course you wouldn’t.’
‘But Iwould. Honestly, I’ve got butterflies alreadyjust thinking about it, so imagine how I’d be on the day, knowing thousands ofpeople were listening to me waffling on!’
‘But you’re good at expressing yourself, Lottie. I thinkyou’d be great. And you wouldn’t have to say very much. The segment will bequite short – just a matter of minutes, really.’
‘Even so... Oh, I don’t know, Liam.’
‘Well, will you think about it?’ he asks gently.
‘Okay. But I’m not promising anything.’
He chuckles. ‘Fair enough. It was just an idea.’
When the call ends, I flop back on the sofa, stunned. I wantto help Liam. I really do. But me on the radio?
Could I really pull it off?
