The Gemini

36 - Tomorrow

March 4, 1989

"That was Milli Vanilli's Girl You Know It's True jumping up to number 12 this week. Those boys are really getting around, aren't they. Baby Don't Forget My Number is coming up later."

"Didn't you say you're crushing on one of them?" Neena trolled.

"Uh no, that would be John Taylor." Jody cheesed amidst the correction.

"Duran Duran, oh yeah. What's your favorite tune?"

"All of them."

"Ooh, if you could see the beam on this one!" Neena teased. Jody laughed. "I can pull a few threads, you know. Johnny boy, if you're out there listening, Jody's got some strings that need a tuning."

"Oh my god."

"She's a real fox, so get a pen. 279-3...."

Jody interrupted Neena's reciting of her telephone number. "That's enough of that! Here's The B-52s with Love Shack down two spots this week."

Off air, the scarlet haired woman yucked it up even more when she saw the other's slight blush.

"You're horrible." Jody said.

"Really? Lunch is on me."

"Did I say horrible? You're a godsend. The best boss ever."

Jokes aside, Jody meant it. She couldn't have picked a better hero than Neena. Enthusiastically, the woman had taken Jody under her wing; grooming and teaching her everything she could. After seeing how well Jody handled solo request hours and hearing the positive feedback she was getting, Neena promoted her to cohost. The graduation gave Jody a much needed boost in morale. Though she still resided in a tunnel, the light at the end wasn't nearly as dim as it was before.

To Jody's surprise she'd become a fast favorite amongst listeners. Being a known name on air and having had her face on tv also helped her status at Pandemonium tremendously. Alan was pleased with her modestly blooming celebrity.

Another contributing factor to her popularity: Sugar Walls was still hotly circulating. That thing that once made her elated now left her feeling awkward. A smile she would give to those that complimented her on it, but inside was indifference. With emotions still raw, she tried to avoid thinking on it as much as possible. In fact if Alan asked her again to perform it live, she just might throw a bar stool at him.

"Imagine it, Bell. Say Johnny actually rings you up." Neena wasn't letting go.

Twisting the cap off a bottled water, "Some dreams are meant only for sleeping." Taking a small drink, she then shook her head. "Besides, isn't he London based or something? There's just no way."

"Stranger things have happened." Neena reasoned. "I could tell you a few stories of my own. Springsteen is called Boss for a reason, if you know what I'm saying." She waggled her brows.

"No way in life." Jody snorted.

Neena crossed over the left of her chest. "And hope to die!" she swore. "I'm a natural blonde, that's a secret I vowed to keep until death. That's how you know I'm telling it straight."

Jody's brow dented as unintentional ponders of Neena's southern conditions popped in her head.

How often is that dye job? That can't be healthy.

Neena caught on and casually answered. "Don't stress yourself, she's bald."

Jody would add that to the list of things she didn't need to know.