Love By Touch

Chapter Three

Late for a Very Important Date

First Person of Kasia Durban

***

When I awoke, I groggily rubbed the sleep from my eyes and turned my head towards the digital clock by my bed. The time read: 1:30.  I gasped and jumped out of bed startled.  I’ve never slept in that much.  In my tired and upset state, I had forgotten to set my alarm clock.  I only had one hour to get everything done before I had to go down to the studio which wouldn’t normally be a problem except for the fact it’s a week day and there may be a traffic getting to downtown Chicago.

I quickly hopped in the shower.  Not allowing myself to enjoy it, washed off quickly and got out to blow-dry my hair.  I know, I know not blow-drying would save a lot of time what are you doing.  But, even though I was in a rush, my appearance still mattered to me and I didn’t want to walk in looking like a slob my first day on the job.  I changed into some clothes that wouldn’t restrict my movement while dancing. I slipped on my gloves they looked athletic and were made of a thin material, they were still a nuisance but they did the job since my hands touched things the most.  I slipped on my coat and shoes and put my hair into a high ponytail.  I made sure to grab my dance shoes, wallet, and car keys as well as the card with the address written on it.  I made my way to my car and stuck the key into the car’s ignition.  Unfortunately, my car was old so instead of the purr that I should hope to hear by turning the key I heard a series of coughs and sputters before it noisily thwacked to life.

I looked down at the piece of paper with the address written on it; 994 Baverly Road.  I knew exactly where that was.  Although, it was quite a distance away from my apartment building’s parking garage.  I pulled out of my parking space and made my way onto the highway.  Switching on the radio to my favorite station I tried to calm myself so as not to be all flustered when I arrived.  What a great first impression bursting through the doors as a hot mess.

I listened to the radio to calm my nerves, “You’re listening to 101.4 the Beat.  Alright all you in radio world so I know all of you out there know of Dinner and a Show.  Well my sources say that the exclusive eatery has just recently recruited some new talent; Kasia Durban and Joseph Link.  And at twenty-two and straight out of college this skinny little lady is the youngest to ever work for Dinner and a Show.  Well my hats off to you Kasia.  Good luck.  Let’s keep it fast and pumping with this next track.”

I smiled in success.  No wonder my mother had known about my new job, not even twenty-four hours and my name was all over the radio for the whole city to know.  The whole thing seemed kind of surreal, just yesterday at this time I had been driving to an audition never in my wildest dreams picturing I’d end up here.  The next song to come on the radio raised my spirits even more with its upbeat sound and happy lyrics.  "Good Time" by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen.  I started to bop my head in glee.  Right then I forgot all my stress and realized that my dreams were coming true.  Not too far off the dashboard clock liked to remind me of reality.

“Okay it’s 2:45.  I still have plenty of time.  I can definitely make it in time.  Just calm down and breathe,” I said to myself.

*

By the time I pulled up to the address, it was 2:56.  Cutting it close but at least I wasn’t late.  I opened the door and was confronted with a lobby and a receptionist chatting happily on the phone.  She was a plump redhead with rosy cheeks and a delightful smile, her hazel eyes gave off tones of affection.  She seemed like the motherly type that wanted to care for things.

“Hold on Linda. I’m going to have to call you back,” she said as she hung up the phone.  “Can I help you?” she turned to me.

“Um, I’m here to-”