A/N: I didn't expect to write another story this soon, but it randomly came to me that a "Frasier Crane's Day Off" fic had potential. I thought I'd explore what was happening at the studio while Frasier was home sick. This does take liberties with the plot, as Roz was NOT Gil's producer, but I always enjoy writing her and it made sense that she would still need to work Frasier's time slot.
Anyway, readers, without further ado...
Gil Chesterton strolled into the KACL offices, smilingly smugly to himself. He finally had Frasier Crane's time slot! Well, not quite; today he was only filling in. But he intended to change that.
This change would be a boost for 'Restaurant Beat', as it aired when people were making dinner plans. If all went well and he got good ratings, this could be permanent. And Frasier...well, he would just have to deal with it.
"Morning, Gil," Kenny greeted him, brandishing a greeting card and a pen. "I was just wondering if you'd sign this card for Dr. Crane. Roz says he's very sick."
"Oh, of course. Anything to help Frasier feel better," Gil said with a saccharine smile. "What a pity. I do hope the poor dear will come back soon. If you talk to him, tell him I send my regards."
Kenny smiled approvingly at Gil's supposed generosity.
"Thank you, Gil. I'm sure Frasier will appreciate your kindness."
Gil managed not to laugh until Kenny was out of earshot. His plan was working; nobody could possibly suspect that he was angling for Frasier's time slot when he, by all appearances, was oh so worried about the radio psychiatrist's health. He nearly skipped into the studio, where he was greeted by Roz.
"Roz! How nice to see you!" he said grandly. "You know, I heard someone gossiping that you wanted to change your schedule so you wouldn't have to work with me. I'm sure it's all rumor."
"Of course!" Roz said brightly...too brightly, but Gil was too pleased with his fortunate circumstances to noticed.
"I look forward to working with you, Roz."
"Thanks," was all Roz could say before heading into the recording booth. "We're on in one minute, Gil."
Gil settled into his seat with a flourish, primly adjusting his jacket and tie and brushing a bit of lint from his sleeve as if he were on television and not on the radio. Roz rolled her eyes at his pompous gesture before taking the first caller. Though Gil's show was primarily for food and restaurant reviews, in the first hour of his show, he took calls from anyone wanting to discuss fine cuisine. The first caller was Claudia, who had a very vocal opinion about crepes.
"...and people tend to compare them to pancakes, which is so inaccurate and makes them sound so common."
"Well, as fascinating as your opinion is," Roz finally interrupted through gritted teeth, "I'm afraid we must make time for other callers."
A careless wave from Gil cut Roz off and she seethed visibly at this dismissal of her producing skills. Frasier might be critical of some of her commentary at times, but at least he trusted her to screen and manage callers.
"No, no, Roz, we take time for all opinions. No need to cut people off you do with Frasier Crane's callers."
Roz took a deep breath and forced a smile. "If you say so. Go on, Claudia."
Later...
"Well, Elias, I'm afraid I have to disagree with you about Geraki's," Gil said loftily, referring to a classy Greek restaurant. "I found their moussaka rather uninspiring without pasta."
There was a long pause before Elias spoke again.
"That's because there is nopasta in moussaka," he said with a disbelieving laugh. "You'd think a food critic would know that!"
"Oh? Then why is it often referred to by the less sophisticated as 'Greek lasagna?" Gil demanded loftily.
"That's pastitsio, you uncultured..." Elias paused as if to collect himself. "Oh, if my Greek forebears could hear this now, they'd be laughing in your face."
Gil muted his microphone and whirled to glare through the glass at Roz as he turned a brilliant shade of pink.
"Roz! Roz, would you cut off this buffoon before he embarrasses me further?"
A catty smirk as Roz pointedly pushed away from the controls did not improve his mood.
"Why, Mr. Chesterton, you said that no caller should have their opinion silenced," she said innocently.
With that, she folded her arms over her chest, grinning broadly, clearly enjoying this shot. Gil had never felt more insulted. Of all the nerve, getting mocked by his own producer! He unmuted the microphone and took a deep breath. Elias was still speaking.
"Mr. Chesterton? Are you still there?"
"Of course, Elias. I am sorry for the interruption," Gil said. "I was just feeling so badly for making such a mistake. I apologize if I have disrespected your family's culture."
"Please," Elias snorted, and Gil could almost 'hear' him rolling his eyes. "We both know you're trying to save your dignity."
And with that, Elias hung up.
"Let's move on from our callers and go to my latest restaurant review, Roz," Gil said, hastily launching into the main focus of his show. "Last night I attended The Silver Spoon for the first time and I have to say, I was quite pleased..."
Roz settled back into her seat and began daintily applying nail polish to her perfectly manicured nails, in anticipation for her upcoming date. There was little else to do as Gil droned on. Producing for his show was rather dull...and a bit worrisome, as he seemed to be gunning for a permanent spot in Frasier's time slot.
Frasier, you need to get better before I either quit or murder Gil, she thought.