Page 20 of Polly

Chapter 5

Polly

“Dude, Miguel is going to murder you,” Flynn’s drummer, Zack, said with a laugh, referencing the band’s manager, Miguel. The long-haired drummer offered a hand to Flynn, and they did a complicated handshake. Zack and the three other members of Late Nyght Smoke stood in the hallway at the radio station wearing tuxes. None of the band appeared surprised about the outfits, although their dates seemed disgusted.

“Nah,” Flynn said. “He’ll enjoy the extra press.”

Flynn looked business casual compared to the rest of his band, who wore formal.

The band introduced their dates to Polly and Flynn. The women all screamed “groupie” to Polly, and she didn’t attempt to remember their names. They all wore fashionable outfits and dressed to the nines.

They all stood in the hallway, listening to the light sounds of the radio station that played over some overhead speakers.

The middle-aged, average looking DJ went on commercial break and opened the studio door to wave the band inside. Polly and the rest of the dates stayed in the hall. She watched them get seated and adjust microphones through the glass viewing wall of the hallway.

Polly pulled out her camera and took a few behind-the-scenes snapshots as they settled in.

A sign that read “on the air” turned on in the window.

Polly heard the DJ’s voice come over the building’s speakers. She could see his mouth moving inside, but could only hear the radio broadcast over the speakers. She also noticed a small lag between reality and the broadcast.

“Thanks for joining us here today,” the announcer said. “I understand you’ve been nominated for Song of the Year.”

“Yes,” the lead singer, Will, answered. He tucked his blond hair behind his ear. “A nomination is an honor itself. We would be humbled if we win that category. We have the greatest fans and we’re only here because of them.”

The DJ chatted with them and asked the standard interview questions for a while.

Soon he asked, “Who is that out there in the hallway?”

“Who?” Will asked.

“The woman that looks familiar.”

Flynn cleared his throat. “She’s with me. That’s my good friend, Polly. She’s accompanying me to the awards ceremony tonight.”

“Is that Polly of Lovely Oblivion?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Are we seeing a relationship bud? Are there little Polynn mixes in the works?”

Polly started laughing. Polynn? “Pollen”? What an awful name.

Flynn’s hand hit his face, and he shook his head. “Please don’t mash our names like that. Polly and I are good friends. That’s it. Nothing to tell.”

Polly laughed so hard her knees buckled and she crumpled onto the floor. Her laughter continued. The other women looked at her like she was insane.

“Well,” the DJ said. “Since Polly is dying of laughter in my hallway, I’m inclined to believe you.”

Flynn chuckled. “You should. We aren’t together. And now I’ll never hear the end of this Polynn thing and how her name came first, so thanks.”

The DJ chuckled. “Why are you both dressed in jeans? Didn’t you say you’re attending the awards? I mean, you look nice but the rest of your band is in formal wear. Don’t you feel a little underdressed?”

Flynn laughed. “We’re both in jeans because my companion doesn’t follow social norms. I’m humoring her. I don’t care what outfits we wear.”

“Well, there you have it, listeners. Look for their ‘small town dress-up’ on the carpet today.” The DJ laughed. “Thanks for stopping by, guys. I’m here today with Late Nyght Smoke. Are there plans to release new music anytime soon?”

Zack leaned forward and spoke. “We can’t give the date yet, but new music is coming soon. Follow us on social media for official updates.”

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