Page 1 of Step By Step

Chapter One

Jordan

“Hello Pine Grove!”

Music almost drowns out the greeting, but I am all smiles. Each time I start a show, I am reminded of how lucky I truly am. How I ever got a gig at the hottest radio station in town, I am still unsure. Being in the right place at the right time sure helped.

Last summer, I was just another guy going nowhere. Working at the Tape Deck, the newest record store at Pine Grove Galleria, was a good time. I always loved music, not that I have the talent to sing or play. What is that they say? Those who can’t teach? Well, this onecan’t, so I supported local bands, went to all the shows I could, and became somewhat of a music aficionado.

At a huge summer concert last year, one I wasluckyto get tickets to, I won a wicked contest. That contest won me a weekend with the hottest DJ in town, Terrie Towers. I got to shadow her while she did three shows on the radio, helped her create playlists, and even got to dedicate a song to my little sister, Josie.

It was more than an awesome weekend. It was eye-opening. After one weekend working on the radio, I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to be a DJ. Talking to listeners about music, creating hit shows with slamming music, and being around the community where music is so loved was a dream come true.

First, I enrolled in a few courses at the community college, but I was luckier than most. Terrie Towers saw how much I wanted it, so she let me shadow all the other DJs at the station. I even got to host a late-night show once a month while I was finishing school.

“We want to give you the mid-morning block. Ten am to two pm. It will be a trial basis to see if you can get listeners to stay tuned in after the morning show.”

Terrie announced this to me just six months ago. It was the chance of a lifetime, and I ran at it full force. I knew who I wanted to be, what I wanted to do, and I wanted to be damn good at it. I worked my ass off creating play lists and even partnering with some stores at the mall to host giveaways and events there.

After my first quarter, we knew I had something special going.

“Keep your radios tuned to Sweet 105.5 all day. You don’t want to miss our announcement during the lunch hour! Who will be our guest for the back-to-school concert at Pine Grove Galleria? Until then, how about we hear a from a few of your favorites—and mine! First up, the smash hit from everyone’s favorite—New Kids on the Block!”

As their hit singleStep-by-Stepplays, I smile and pull away from the board. I have six more songs scheduled to play before I take some calls to interact with listeners. Everyone is excited about the show at the Galleria.

“Hey, yo, Jordan,” a familiar voice calls as I spin away from the controls. Grinning down at Terrie, I tip my head as she climbs the stairs to the lifted control station.

“Hey Terrie, what’s up?”

“Roger expects us to sell out of meet and greets for the Galleria show. Which means the place will be packed. He is working with the sheriff for some crowd control. Your first show looks to be a hit, J.”

Grinning even wider, I nod and thank her for the slight praise. It was my idea to host a show at the Galleria. Get kids there to hang out, spend some of their money at the shops, and show them a good time. I am proud of how it has come together, and excited for the band, a new pop group chasing fame, to get some exposure.

“Oh yeah? I am wicked excited for it, dude. I cannot wait to see the setup at the mall. It’s going to be so sweet, and these guys deserve it.”

Terrie smiles and nods, raising her hand for a high-five. Like I always do, I hold my hand up, but we don’t smack hands. It’s a weird thing of mine to touch no one. We chat a few more moments about the announcement today. We finish agreeing on the grand prize tickets for a winner to hang out with me during the day’s event.

“Maybe we get another Jordan Bowers out of it,” she teases me with a wink. “We would be pretty lucky if we did.”

Flushing, I thank her again, ducking my head. On the radio, and at the events we host, I am a different guy. I am louder, I am more confident, and admittedly, a bit of a flirt. It is as if an alter ego comes out when I have to be on for our listeners.

Meanwhile, when I am not on, I am finishing my degree or spending time with my little sister. Our parents died a few years ago while on a trip celebrating twenty-five years of marriage. Josie was just starting high school, so I had to do the right thing and start working to take care of us both.

“Or it could be the girl of my dreams. I could get lucky twice,” I tease back, flushing the moment I say something so stupid.

“You could. Have you checked your mailbox lately, stud? You havetonsof rabid girl fans,” she teases me, trying to ruffle my hair as I playfully swat her hands away, keeping her from touching me.

Rolling my eyes at her comment, I pretend it doesn’t bother me.

Girls might go for me over the radio, but in person not so much. I am a little withdrawn. I am not good at flirting when it counts. I dated a girl in high school, but it was never serious. Just someone to do homework with or hold hands with at football games or school dances.

“Come see me after the big announcement. We can talk about stage plans and some contests we want to host with our partners at the mall.”

Nodding, I jot down some notes for the meeting. Ideas for stages or prizes we can partner with stores to giveaway. I know a guy who used to work at the Glamour Shots there, maybe we can get a photo session? I also have a buddy who used to work at the theater, maybe some tickets to a new movie?

“Yeah, of course. Thanks, Terrie,” I sober a little, dipping my head because I can’t look at her. “This really... this whole year, this entire gig, it’s changed my life. I am so grateful you took a chance on me.”

“Thank you for not making me regret it. When you know it’s time to take a chance, you will know to take it.”

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