Kyle flipped his computer around for us to see. “I’ll let you see for yourself and come to your own conclusion.”
Ben and I leaned in together, both analyzing the numbers, the most important ones being women twenty-five to fifty-four.
Ben and I leaned back in our chairs and glanced at each other, both of us speechless.
“Can that be a mistake?” I finally said.
Kyle shook his head. “The numbers don’t lie. This is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen! The listeners are responding more than I could’ve ever imagined.” His phone rang and he answered it. “This is Kyle.” He nodded. “Yeah, yeah. Just saw them.” He nodded again. “They’re here with me now. I’ll tell them and call you back when we’re done.” He hung up and grinned, locking his hands together behind his head and leaning back in his chair. “Are you both ready for the big time?”
“What exactly does that mean?”
“It means Steve gave me a clearance to give you both a raise, effective immediately, although there will be some things expected of you. Lori, you still have your one-month contract. Your raise will be prorated starting tomorrow. Then at the end of the month we are prepared to offer you a one-year contract, to coincide with Ben’s contract. And because we do everything here above the boards and fair, your salaries will be equal, which means another raise.”
Ben glanced over at me. “Nice work, partner.”
I smiled. “You sound like a cowboy when you say that.”
It was amazing the show was being received so well, so fast. There were rumors at the other radio station about how much Ben got paid. It was supposedly miles apart from the salary I was getting for doing the night show.
Curiosity got the best of me, so I had to ask. “If you don’t mind, just to know, how much are we talking here?”
Kyle picked up the pen from his desk and scribbled something on his notepad. He tore the paper from the pad and stood, leaning across his desk to hand it to me.
I grabbed the piece of paper and casually looked down, like it was no big deal.
I jerked my head back and almost fell out of my chair.
The guys laughed together.
I looked at Ben, then Kyle. “Seriously?”
Kyle nodded. “Of course.”
I glanced over to Ben. “You make this every month?”
He grinned. “Welcome to the club.”
Kyle sat back down and pulled his laptop in closer. “Of course, that doesn’t include your personal appearance talent fees. Oh, by the way, has anyone told you about our anniversary party tomorrow night?”
I shrugged. “No.”
“The radio station is twenty years old and we’re celebrating tomorrow night. I know you just came on board, but you need to come. It will also be a great opportunity for us to get some promo pictures of the two of you together. Some of our biggest clients will be there as well.”
“I’d love to go. Where will you be having the party?”
“On theStar of India.”
“Oh, wow! Count me in.”
TheStar of Indiais the world’s oldest active sailing ship, located at the San Diego Maritime Museum and I had been wanting to board it for years. I was finally going to get my chance and I was so excited.
“Talk with Debbie at the front desk on your way out,” Kyle said. “She can give you all the info and a parking voucher for the valet. And also talk with Dan, our promotion director, when you get a chance. Ben has a public appearance coming up at the Helen Woodward Animal Center and I want you to be there with him. Moving forward, we’ll try to book you both as a package.”
“No problem at all,” I said. “I’ll make myself available for whatever you throw my way. About the Helen Woodward Animal Center . . .” I wrinkled my nose. “I would feel funny taking money to do something for a charity. Can you just give my talent fee directly back to them?”
“Of course. That’s what Ben does.”
I glanced over at Ben again, and this time his smile was more sincere, more compassionate.
