Sultry Radio Nights Chapter 1, a janet evanovich fanfic

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Janet Evanovich. No money is being made. This story is the left over mush that my muse tossed while working on I was Lost. I may come back and finish, if I can find songs to use. Warnings: Cupcakes will most likely think I'm mean, and you may not want to bother. I'm a babe. Enough said. Also, this has not been beta proofed, and I cannot proof my own work to save my life, so hopefully, it's still readable.

Sultry Radio Nights

The last few days have been hell. She hadn't caught a single skip, but managed to destroy two pairs of jeans, one pair of shoes, and her car is now in car heaven. All thanks to one seventy two year old skip. Oh well, tomorrow was another day, and maybe her luck would pan out. She heard the phone ring, but ignored it in favor of a shower to wash the gunk out of her hair.

About two weeks ago, she'd declared war with Joe again. He didn't like one of her distraction outfits, or so he claimed. She had a feeling it was more about him finding out Ranger and her had been posing as a couple. When Ranger explained the plan, it seemed like the best possible option. Now…

No she wasn't going to second guess her job. And that's all that happened, well, there were the kisses, but damn. Going in as a couple was needed. Otherwise who would she break up with? But did Joe let her explain that part of the plan? No, he blew a fuse. It wasn't her fault that the man's body guard recognized her. Things went to hell, but no innocent people were hurt, and they caught the guy. So there'd been a gun fight between the Merry Man and the skips guards, but it turned out all right in the end.

Stupid Arrogant Italian Man. Neanderthal. She got out of the shower, and noticed the flashing answering machine. There would be messages from her mother about the break-up. She wasn't in the mood to hear it, so she turned the ringer and answering machine volume off.

"Rex how did this happen?" He just kept running on his wheel. She flopped on the couch, prepared to watch Ghostbusters, until she remembered that during a moment of insanity, she'd let Mary Alice borrow it for her sleep over. Damn, what could she do? Cleaning was out because she already did that to get over her frustrations after the fight with Joe. She refused to think about Joe. There was Ranger.

He'd been acting different, but she couldn't pick out why. A few times she'd caught him watching her, and while that wasn't new, the feeling it gave her was. It had been driving her crazy because he'd never answer her questions about the looks. She also noticed that they were spending more time together. And she'd been enjoying it, maybe too much.

As he drove her home after the fight with Joe, he made another comment about her and Joe's unhealthy patterns. Well, then why did you send me back to Joe? She wanted to ask that so many times lately, but didn't want to knife in her heart twisted anymore. But his comments kept causing her heart to flutter. He seemed to be pushing for something other than kisses in the alley. But it must be her imagination. She repeated his mantra "his life doesn't lend itself to relationships"

Then there was the buddy act they were both playing. She knew that they didn't care too much for each other, but lately they'd been acting friendly. She wasn't sure what was up, and both of them avoided answering her. That itself was enough proof that they had some kind of agreement. Damn stupid men, life would be much simpler if … All this thinking is dangerous. She needed to find something else to do.

The phone was ringing again; might as well answer it.

"Hello?"

"Girl where have you been? Connie tried calling you twice. Why ain't you answering your cell phone?"

She picked up her cell phone, and noticed she has fourteen missed calls. What the hell?

"Turn on the radio… What's this damn station?"

She could hear Connie in the background yelling to let her have the phone. It was my station. We'd never heard the dedication if you'd pick the station. The scuffle continued for a few minutes, when Vinnie picked up the other line. "What the fuck? This isn't a wrestling ring. Stephanie needs to go catch Davidson. You only have two more days! I don't pay her to sit around listing to sappy radio songs."

Simultaneously, all three women told Vinnie "Shut the fuck up" it was officially the office motto. They'd voted it in last week after Vinnie's warpath over the last month got old. Joyce found some other man to leach off of, and wouldn't risk her divorce settlement to play barnyard animals with Vinnie.

Connie's voice came back over the phone, breathless. "Stephanie turn on the radio to 101.9"

I groaned. "Isn't that the soft rock station?" I don't like soft rock.

"Yeah, but you gotta listen to this show. It'll be worth it" In the background, Lula shouted, "Tell her skinny ass she best stop by tomorrow with apology donuts."

Apology donuts? I must have thought out loud because Connie said "How about Lunch instead"

I was totally confused, but walked over to the radio and began searching for the station. "What am I apologizing for?" best to know if I should hide fore a few days.

"Not telling us about Ranger" They both answered. Huh? Before I could ask anything else the commercials ended, and Connie hung up the phone saying she'd see me tomorrow. The DJ's sultry voice began with a small chuckle.

"Well tonight's show just got more interesting. We've just confirmed that the special lady is now listening to our show tonight. So we'll get to play that second dedication.

She paused, and you could hear some papers shuffling, then she began reading. "Cupcake, I know I was wrong. I'm sorry. Please don't do anything rash. You know he'll never love you like I do. I hope you'll accept my apology and come to dinner with me on Friday night" Well whoever Cupcake is, Joe wants to know he'll be waiting to see you Friday.

A guitar began strumming and she recognized the song. Angie had been blaring it at her parent's house a while back. She began listening to the lyrics of the song forgetting all about the fourteen messages on her cell phone.

"He Don't Love You Like I Love You" By: DANIEL BEDINGFIELD

He don't love you like I love you
Don't think about you like I think about you
He don't want to have your children
He don't wanna build his life around you

Well, duh. Ranger told her he thought having children would be stupid. Why did Joe feel the need to mention Ranger in his apology dedication? Shouldn't he have just picked out a romantic I'm sorry take me back song?

Tell me I should not be feeling what I am today
Tell me to silence my heart
Tell me We've been here before
and I will walk away from you love

Boy have they been here before, too many times to count. She knew Ranger was right. It wasn't healthy to make up and break up like a roller coaster ride.

For there is a wall between you and I
And he hasn't been treating you right
I've been watching it all
I seen you cry
And I just gotta tell you tonight

Joe had dropped a few hints that he knew what happened between her and Ranger that night so long ago. Did he know about the kisses and everything? Was Ranger really a wall between her and Joe? Or was his a brick in their relationship issue wall?

That he don't love you like I love you
Don't think about you like I think about you
He don't want to have your children
He don't wanna build his life around you

Tell me this love's just a feeling and will pass away
Tell me your heart is a liar
Tell me your not what I know you are
All that a man could desire

And he doesn't know, darlin, what he's got,
But I will treasure you
If you give me a chance I will make you smile
I will give you a love that is true

But he don't love you like I love you
Don't think about you like I think about you
He don't want to have your children
He don't wanna build his life around you

So why, can you not see,
The place in your heart that was made for me
Why must you hide yourself away?
And why must you fight the way that I'm holding your hand tonight
Take a chance and give your heart to me

That last line made her suck in a deep breath. Take a chance… would it be worth it. Would his love be true? Could he stop trying to change her? Stop making the comments that deep down hurt her feelings, even when she didn't show it?

But he don't love you like I love you
Don't think about you like I think about you
He don't want to have your children
He don't wanna build his life around you

Ha, that line made her laugh. Joe didn't want to build his life around her either. He wants her life to be built around him. The song faded, and the DJ voice came over the air waves.

"Thanks for spending your time with us here at Sultry Radio Nights the only all dedication show. I'm Sultry Susan, and that was He don't love you, like I do" by Daniel Bedingfield. Dedicated to Cupcake from Joe. That song topped the charts a while back. After the commercial break, we have a classic by Bryan Adams going out to Joe. Could it be the same Joe? We'll find out after the break.

My face was deep red with fury. Who would be giving Joe a dedication? Better not be that skank Terri.

My phone began vibrating, and I dropped it from shock. I'd forgotten it was still in my hand. Glancing at the caller ID screen i noticed it was Mary Lou. Fuck, I bet the whole burg knows about this now.

"Hi" I answered. Still wrapped up in my thoughts.

She didn't give me a reply greeting questions just began spilling out. "Ohmygod? Did you hear those songs? You're dead. You never told me that Ranger was pursuing you. How could you keep that from me, I'm your best friend. Did you hear Joe's song? ….."

I had to stop her. I was getting more and more confused and that was dangerous. "What are you talking about? Yeah I heard Joe's song."

That made her suck in a breath. "You didn't hear the dedication to Babe? Isn't that what Ranger calls you? I didn't hear all of it, but Tammy, Carl Costanza's girlfriend called me and then I heard the end of the song. We all tried to call you, but you weren't answering your phone."

I felt as if someone turned the world on its side. Ranger made a dedication to me?

"Then apparently Joe called the station and asked for your song. Bret Jaminson's wife said he was talking about Rambo trying to out romance an Italian. And since he was breaking the truce, all bets were off."

Damn, why can't I pay attention? I interrupted her trying to get details to explain again. Apparently, the wife's all listen to the dedication show. Mary Lou wasn't sure who picked up the nickname, but phones all over the burg are burning up about my two lovers. My mother was going to deny me pineapple upside down cake forever.

I promised to come over and give Mary Lou all the dirt, if she gave me the message and song Ranger had played for me. True to form, Mary Lou got and wrote it down word for word.

Not that it took much. She also told me that Sue Ann recorded each show. She could ask to borrow her tape. I told her it was ok, what she had been fine, for now.

The whole message was "Babe". And the song requested was "That's when I love you" sung by Aslyn. I've never heard of her, so I pulled up the internet and went to a page to find the lyrics. I'll search for a copy of the song later. My phones were both ringing, and my heart was pounding in my chest. As I read the lyrics, my eyes got blurry. I needed to hear this song, but it wasn't on her album. I was trying to find a plan B, and settling for asking for Sue Ann's tape, when the show came back on the air.

"Welcome back Trenton. We're going to jump right into the next dedication, because the phone lines have lit up tonight. It seems everyone has an opinion on who our special woman should choose. Before we get to those songs, we've got an unusual dedication to Joe. Our mystery man, who still refused to give a name, has this message for you."

The guitar strings began playing and the song from that Al Pachino movie. What message was Ranger sending to Joe?

Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman - by Brian Adams

To really love a woman
to understand her
you've got to know what deep inside
hear every thought see every dream
and give her wings when she wants to fly
and when you find yourself lying helpless in her arms
You know you really love a woman

A tear slipped out as I thought about flying. I'm never going to stop trying, and Ranger does help me. Gives me his support and backs up me. He doesn't try to change me, but does try to give me advice. I know my stubbornness irritates him.

To really love a woman
to let her hold you
till you know how she needs to be touched
you've gotta breath her
and really taste her
until you can feel her in your blood
when you can see your unborn children in her eyes
You know you really love a woman

Images from our one night flash into my mind, Ranger took his time to learn how I needed to be touched. Taste her, Ranger tasted till I begged for mercy. Unborn children? I gave myself a few seconds to ponder children with Ranger, then the fear took over, and I felt better. Whew, still don't want to be a mommy. Not to mention he thinks it's stupid.

When you love a woman
you tell her that she's really woman
When you love a woman
you tell that she's the one
She needs somebody
to tell her that you'll always be together
so tell me have you've ever really,
really, really ever loved a woman?

You've got to give her some faith
hold her tight
a little tenderness
you've gotta treat her right
she will be there for you
taking good care of you
(you've really gotta love your woman) (yeah)
and when you find yourself lying helpless in her arms
you know you really love a woman

Ok, so they both do things that most people wouldn't call treating me right, but at least Ranger has faith in me, sometimes, whenever I'm not in over my head. Ok, he does at least work with me, includes me in his jobs. That's faith, even when I'm just dressing like a slut. He still knows that I'll do my job. What ever it takes to get the guy outside peacefully into the Merry Men's waiting arms. I know some may see it as degrading, but I know by being a decoy, it protects innocent people from being caught in the fire. The other night was a perfect example of what we try to prevent. He also gives me other jobs. Research, chauffer and surveillance, so he doesn't only use me for my legs in a skirt. Not to mention all the help and protection he gives me.

When you love a woman
you tell her that she's really woman
When you love a woman
you tell her that she's the one
She needs somebody
to tell her that it's gonna last forever
So tell me have you ever, really
really, really, ever loved a woman?
Just tell me have you ever really,
really, really, ever loved a woman?
Just tell me have you ever really,
really, really, ever loved a woman?

On the other hand, At least Joe does explain what his love means. And he'll have my children, only he doesn't seem to realize how much that scares me. He loves me, and I love him, but am I the woman for him? Can I be the woman he needs? Is he right for me?

There was a knocking at my door, and I reluctantly went to see who it was. I peeked into the viewer and was met with Lula trying to see back into the peek hole. I yelped when Connie pounded on the door. I tried to back away slowly, and Mary Lou yelled… "Stephanie Michelle Plum You better open this door we know your home. I brought Ice cream"

Well, all this thinking did call for ice cream, and I didn't have a vehicle to get my own. I reluctantly gave in and opened the door. They piled in, and it was then that I noticed the liquor. Well, when in Rome right?

We sat around my living room listening to the people call in with dedications, and people talking about me. Giving advice on who I should pick. The DJ seemed to be getting happier and happier with each passing commercial break. Bet her ratings skyrocketed. Nothing like the Stephanie Plum show to reel in ratings. Just ask the weasel reporter. I was thinking of horrible accidents for him when the current caller caught my attention.

"Well, in my day, women didn't flaunt themselves around like this one does. If she had any respect for her family, she'd stop sleeping with all these men…Having late night visits. Downright shameful" I didn't hear the rest of what he was saying because I was attempting to throw the radio out the window before committing homicide. Liquid courage was flowing through me, and I was seeing red. At least until Lula tackled me, because I recognized the voice. It was Mr. Ashton from the third floor. I was sure of it.

"Don't be getting crazy, Vinnie went out of town today. Plus, I'm not fit to drive us to the station to bail you out" Connie said, then took another shot of evil. Damn tequila.

I grabbed my shot, and downed it. Lula cheered me on, and it took a few minutes to make sure I wasn't going to wretch on the carpet. I began picking at the ice cream when a strange voice began talking to the DJ.

"Hello Caller, Who would you like to make a dedication to?"

"The mystery woman should pick the first man who called in. He'll take care of her."

You know our mysterious man, woman, and Joe. "Yes" I felt my eyes narrow. Someone was using voice disguising technology and calling. It better not be Ranger… Shit, I must be wasted.

"Why do you think she should pick mystery man over Joe?" Sultry Susan had been working the phones for all their worth. Glad she found this entertaining.

"Bomber means …" I knew that voice. It was Hal. "And he does it again" That was Lester. Man, Boss is gonna kill us you were supposed to hold the button each time you talk." Couldn't place that voice. There was silence, and a voice came back on disguised again, but slightly different from when Hal was talking. Who was talking now?

"We wanted Bomber to know she does mean a lot to Boss. Hell, if she'd come back to work, maybe he'll get his paperwork done."

Susan tried to get more details, but wasn't having any of it. The caller simply named the song, and hung up with a weird commotion in the background.

I think about You- Bryan Adams

I oughta be workin' - but i can't concentrate
I oughta be sleepin' - 'steada stayin' up late
when I oughta be doing all the things I should do
I think about you

I oughta be writin' - but I can't find the song
just sittin' here driftin' - driftin' along
there's only one thing that I wanna do
and that's think about you

I think about you - I can't get no rest
I think about you - there ain't no one else
It's all I can do - I can't help myself
ya - I think about you
I could go cruisin' - but I've had enough
I could go drinkin' - but I can't stand the stuff
It just don't do me like it used to do
I'd rather think about you

I think about you - I can't get no rest
I think about you - there ain't no one else
It's all I can do - I can't help myself
ya - I think about you

I sat there stunned, and jumped out of my skin when Mary Lou squealed. "He doesn't get his work done, thinking about you." she got this dreamy look, and then began fanning herself. "You're so lucky. I hate you."

"Me, Lucky?" In my defense, it was late at night, I had had been partaking in the evil tequila.

"Yes you. First you nab Joe Morelli. We all wanted him in high school, and you got him." Connie added

"He's even kinda proposed to you" Mary Lou added as if that was a good thing.

"Then you got Batman sniffing around you. Now he wants you. I bet he's a real animal in bed" Lula began fanning herself.

I couldn't help it and turned bright red. They caught the change in color and broke several sound barriers. I admitted to him kissing me. No way would I tell them about the other stuff. After some non Stephanie related dedications, it seems as if Joe's friends on the force had to step up because the merry men did.

I recognized the guy's voice as the new desk lieutenant. He liked to question my skips about anything that may be bet worthy while writing out my slips.

"We think the last song should be ignored. Joe's the best choice for her. He keeps her out of trouble, and frankly we all know she needs that. Women think long term. He's prepared to go all the way. He's still waiting to hear about Friday. "

Now and forever- Richard Marx

Whenever I'm weary from the battles that rage in my head
You make sense of madness when my sanity
hangs by a thread
I lose my way but still you seam to understand
Now and forever
I will be your man

Sometimes I just hold you
Too caught up in me to see

I'm holding a fortune that heaven has given
to me
I'll try to show you each and every way I can
Now and forever
I will be you man

Now I can rest my worries and always be sure
That I won't be alone anymore
If I'd only known you were there all the same
All this time

Until the day the ocean doesn't touch the sand
Now and forever
I will be your man
Now and forever
I will be your man

I was surprised that they didn't pick something sexual. I knew I wouldn't call Joe tonight. I looked around pulling myself from my haze, and Lula was gone. "Where's Lula?" I noticed it came out a little bit slurred. Ok, time for less tequila and more ice cream.

"Said she needed something from her car" Connie said, talking another shot, and returning to the argument with Mary Lou about Joe and Ranger's bodies. Nope, not joining that, I turned the radio up a bit, hoping for a distraction. Eventually they'd want my opinion. I needed to avoid that. In my drunken state, I might actually cast a vote.

"You're speaking with Sultry Susan. Do you want to make a dedication and touch someones heart?"

"Damn Skippy. I want you to play "Like a boy" for my girl Steph. Why can't she do like them men do and keep both men? Why she gotta chose just because she's a woman"

"I don't think I know that song who's it by?" Sultry Susan seemed stumped. While I look for it, answer this for me "Steph is that our mystery woman's name?" Fuck, Lula just made sure everyone knew who was involved. I began thunking my head against the coffee table.

"Yeah, we've been listening to all these people try put her down. Stephanie's one of us modern independent women. We don't need men. And she shouldn't have to choose unless she wants to. You playing my song yet?"

"We can't find it. Can you sing some of it? Maybe that'll help us recognize what song you want?"

"Well it's a good thing I've got this singer's voice. I'm part of "The What" and can do this for ya. She cleared her throat, and began singing. Hopefully off key, otherwise that song must suck.

Wish we could switch up the roles
And I could be that...
Tell you I love you
But when you call I never get back
Would you ask them questions like me?...
Like where you be at?
Cause I'm out 4 in the morning
On the corner rolling
Doing my own thing
Oh

What if I?...
Had a thing on the side?
Made ya cry?
Would the rules change up?...
Or would they still apply?...
If I played you like a toy?...
Sometimes I wish I could act like a boy

"I don't recognize that song. Do you know who sings it?" Susan answered.

"You're supposed to be a DJ. That be Ciara."

"I'm sorry we don't have her in our album list. Do you want to play another song?"

"Do you have "Can't Hold Us Down" by Christina Aguilara?

"No, we don't have that one either. We mostly have adult contemporary artists" Susan tried to be subtle. Lula was drunk, and didn't get the hint. "Let me think I'll find something else"

"Sure, while you think, can I put you on hold?"

"You best not hang up, or forget about me, or I'll come bust a cap in yo ass"

"No, I wouldn't think of hanging up. I'll check back in a few minutes."

I looked at Mary Lou and Connie in horror. I tried to stand, but I fell back down. Connie and Mary Lou convinced me I should keep listening to see if Joe or Ranger called back, they'd go get Lula. Since I couldn't walk, I decided it was a good plan.

I listened as woman called in and wished me luck. Saying her husband of forty years just passed, and she hoped I picked one who was as wonderful a man as her Lawrence was to her. I bit my lip to prevent me from crying, and when that didn't work, I took another shot of Tequila. My eyes watered for a whole different reason.

(Everything I Do) I Do It For You- Bryan Adams

Look into my eyes - you will see
What you mean to me
Search your heart - search your soul
And when you find me there you'll search no more

Don't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
You can't tell me it's not worth dyin' for
You know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you

Look into your heart - you will find
There's nothin' there to hide
Take me as I am - take my life
I would give it all - I would sacrifice

Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for
I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more
Ya know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you

There's no love - like your love
And no other - could give more love
There's nowhere - unless you're there
All the time - all the way

Oh - you can't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more
I would fight for you - I'd lie for you
Walk the wire for you - ya I'd die for you

Ya know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you

By the end of the song, I was sniffling again. The girls weren't back, and I decided to ignore it. Maybe Lula passed out and they were trying to carry her up the stairs. Yep, denial works well.

Sultry Susan came back online and talked for a few minutes, but I tuned her out. I wasn't sure I could trust her relationship advice. For all I knew, she was a lonely, ugly woman who just had a great voice.

"Are you still with me Lula?"

"Yep, and we've got a message for our girl. But we need at least five minutes before you play our song. We have to get back to her place."

"Ok, why don't I go to break, then I'll play your song after the commercials."

"Yeah, that'd work."

"Well, here are a few words from our generous sponsors."

I waited and waited through commercials, I hate radio commercials, but I'm not sure about that satellite stuff. I noticed Ranger's truck had installed. He said something about liking to hear consistent music when he had to travel. Personally, I think he liked getting a new toy. Men, really they are just big boys.

"Welcome back, your listening to Sultry Radio nights. Every weekday we spend a few hours listening and supporting love. Our show is the only show that consists of nothing but your dedications. Our next dedication goes out to Steph, from her friends Connie, Lula, and Mary Lou. She began playing a recorded message. Hon, we know tonight has been tough. We'll always be there with ice cream. And support. Mary Lou started out.

And we only want to know everything because they live vicariously through you. We miss you when you don't show up at the office" Connie added. "And don't be letting them men, no matter how great the be, live for you. You're a strong independent woman, and don't listen to those stupid ass callers. They don't know you like we do." Lula added. Susan came back on the mic and said "Here's there song of support. They know you'll make the right choice for you."

As the song began, Lula, Connie and Mary Lou opened the door, and began belting out the song. I was shocked, touched, and laughing my ass off, because they must have tried to choreograph a routine, but they were all too wasted.

Count On Me - Whitney Houston and CeCe (something, I cant remember her last name ! )

Count on me through thick and thin
A friendship that will never end
When you are weak, I will be strong
Helping you to carry on
Call on me, I will be there
Don't be afraid
Please believe me when I say
Count on...

I can see it's hurting you
I can feel your pain
It's hard to see the sunshine through the rain
I know sometimes it seems as if it's never gonna end
But you'll get through it
Just don't give in cause you can...

Count on me through thick and thin
A friendship that will never end
When you are weak I will be strong
Helping you to carry on
Call on me I will be there
Don't be afraid
Please believe me when I say (Please believe me when I say)
Count on...
(You can count on me, oh yes you can, ahhh)

Ohhh
I know sometimes it seems as if
We're standing all alone
But we'll get through it
Cause love won't let us fall

Count on me through thick and thin (...count on me...I'll be there)
A friendship that would never end (Friendship that... will never end)
When you are weak (You are weak)
I will be strong (I'll be strong)
Helping you to carry on (Helping you...carry on)
Call on me I will be there
Don't be afraid
Please believe me when I say count on
(Please believe me when I say)
(Count on )

There's a place inside of all of us
Where our faith in love begins
You should reach to find the truth in love
The answers there within, ohhhh
I know that life can make you feel
It's much harder than it really is
But we'll get through it (we'll get through it)
Just (just) don't (don't) give in...

Count on me through thick and thin (count on me)
A friendship that would never end (It will never end)
When you are weak (You)
I will be strong (I'll be strong...)
Helping you to carry on
Call on me I will be there (call on me...i'll be there)
Don't be afraid (Don't... be afraid now)
Please believe me when I say
Count on
Count on
Count on
Count on
Count on
Count on
Count on me...
Ohh yes you can, I know I can, sure I can, so glad I can, so glad I can, Count on me

When the song ended, they flopped down with me, and I gave them a hug, and said thanks, but next time, close the door. I shut the door on Mrs. Stanley face who had been watching the show. I heard her comments earlier, and slamming the door in her face felt good. I joined the others and we were laughing at her face.

I groaned and said "Why me?" as grandma Mazur voice began.

"Am I on the radio now?" Yes, you are Edna. Whose heart do you wish to touch tonight?

"My granddaughter. I want you to play "You don't own me" for Stephanie. I'm with her black friend. Men get away with having all the fun. Play the one by the Blow Monkeys. That's got a sexy beat. She can do a lap dance for the one with the great package. I'll even lend her my video to learn." Mother, who are you talking to! My mother must have heard her own voice on the radio, because the phone was hung up. Guess grandma got caught.

"Well, normally I'd play that song, but we have a final surprise tonight. I promise to Play Edna's song first thing tomorrow night. "Caller what did you want to say?"

Ranger's voice came over the line, and he said "Babe, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have called… Someday" His voice sounded mellow, something was wrong. I began searching for my phone. I needed to check on him since I couldn't drive but I found myself dialing a different number first. The song Ranger requested began playing, and I sat back to listen once again. Trying to figure out the puzzle. What made him call tonight? Why not call me, why call a radio station he knows I don't listen too?

"There you have it, our mystery man finally speaks."

Without the Girl- Daniel Bedingfield

And mama told me if I want her. I gotta take it slow
You just can't tell her, you gotta find other ways to let her know
But I don't understand this game
This is so new to me
I wanna tell her
I wanna take her in my arms

Give her time and maybe one-day she'll come around
And see the love I am offering
'Cause I don't wanna live without the girl
Heaven knows everyday I pray
That someday she will belong to me
'Cause I don't wanna live without the girl

She is my sunshine but her heart belongs to another man
She looks right through me, she only ever though of us as friends
But I'll keep holding back my heart
I will not let her see
I gonna bide my time
until the day she comes to me

Give her time and maybe one-day she'll come around
And see the love I'm offering
'Cause I don't wanna live without the girl
Heaven knows, everyday I pray
That someday she will belong to me
'Cause I don't wanna live without the girl

I hung up the phone, wondering if it would work. Oh well, I can always blame it on being drunk. I hit speed dial number one, and waited for him to answer with his customary Yo, except Tank answered.

"Hi" he sounded really happy and relaxed. The world spun again without letting me know. Well, the room was spinning, but I thought I was just drunk.

"Bomber are you ok?" he was laughing a bit.

"Where's Ranger?" I slurred out. I noticed Lula passed out; Connie was looking for something, while Mary Lou was taking our ice cream to the trash. Burg mother instincts. Glad I don't have them. See I get to loaf on the couch.

"Bomber" Oh I forgot about Tank, except it was supposed to Ranger.

"You don't have to yell, I'm right here." I said trying to sound …I'm not sure but it was important.

"Are you drunk?" Tank asked, I could tell he sounded amused.

"Yep" I answered happily.

I heard him mumble something about a pair, but didn't understand. Then I remembered why I called.

"Taaaaank" I yelled at the phone.

I heard him sigh. I'm not a bad drunk. See all safe at home. Wait Ranger. "Why are you answering Ranger's phone? Is he ok, he didn't sound right" I was trying to figure out what he sounded like, because it wasn't normal.

"What a pair. Ranger's fine, you want to talk to him?"

"Yes" I was confused because he didn't answer his phone, but Tank said he was ok.

"Had to piss, who are you talking to?" Ranger's voice came over the phone in the background. "Here Tank said, his voice moving away from the phone.

"Yo"

"Ranger, you ok?"

"Babe?" I nodded, looking for a pillow.

The couch and floor were taken. My Bed, I tried to walk, but couldn't. I decided to crawl to bed. "Was she ok?"

"Yeah, just drunk sound familiar?"

"We had a party" I defended me and my friends. I was an adult; I could drink if I wanted to.

"Celebration?" Ranger asked his voice rough.

"No, distraction" What would I celebrate, loss of dessert? That made me sad. My mother's last call threatened everything under the sun, including no pineapple cake for a year. It wasn't my fault.

"I'm sorry. I'll have Ella make you desserts" Ranger said. I began to blush but got happy.

"You will, wow. Thanks. Are you still listening to the show?" I asked remembering why I called.

"Yes" Ranger answered.

"Good, I asked for them to play you a song." With that I snuggled into the pillows and passed out. Not hearing the rest of the show, or Ranger trying to talk to me.

I'll play this song request as our final song for the evening. I wanted to thank all of our callers, and Stephanie, sounds like you have a tough choice to make. Good Luck, god bless, and remembers to touch the hearts of your loved ones every day. This song is from Babe to Carlos"

I can't Read You- Daniel Bedingfield

I'm never shy but this is different
I can't explain the way I'm feeling tonight
I'm losing control of my heart
Tell me what can I do to make you happy
Nothing I ever say seems to come out right
I'm losing control of my heart

And I wish that I could be
Another better part of me
Can't hear what your thinking
Maybe if I just let go
you'd open up your heart

But I can't read you
I wish I knew what's going through your mind
Can't touch you, your heart defending I get left behind
Can't reach you
I wish I knew what's going through your mind
Can't touch you, your heart protecting I get left behind

I like you so much I'm acting stupid
I can't play the game I'm all intense and alive
I'm losing control of my heart
I'm not supposed to be this nervous
I should play my hand all cool and calm
I can't breathe
I'm losing control of my heart

And I wish that you could see
The other better parts of me
Feel this fire I'm feeling
Then you'd see me in control
And baby then you'd know

But I can't read you
I wish I knew what's going through your mind
Can't touch you, your heart protecting I get left behind
Can't read you
I wish I knew what's going through your mind
Can't touch you, your heart protecting I get left behind

And I wish that you could see
The other better part of me
Feel this fire I'm feeling
Then you'd see me in control
And baby then you'd know

But I can't read you
I wish I knew what's going through your mind
Can't read you
I wish I knew what's going through your mind
Can't touch you, your heart protecting I get left behind

But I can't read you
I wish I knew what's going through your mind
Can't touch you, your heart protecting I get left behind

Shortly after four in the morning he entered her apartment. Quietly he passed a sleeping Lula and Connie taking note of the empty bottles and ice cream containers poking out of the trash in the kitchen. Assured they wouldn't awaken he slipped into the bedroom.

To be continued….if you think I should. Hope I haven't bored anyone, but this wouldn't leave me alone. Also most of the songs were picked for lyrics or song titles. Not necessarily who sings them or their actual sound. insert shrug