She lined up the next song on her playlist, a golden oldie, “Strangers in Paradise” by The Supremes, and it felt like some kind of message to her.
“Sorry for the slight delay there, folks, just a small technical hitch.” Ginny swallowed painfully. She turned her head so she couldn’t see Tam and ignored Adrian’s voice.
“There’s something I want, something Ineed, to share with you...” Ginny inhaled, to summon more strength. “I sit here each day considering your problems and giving you answers, trying to do my best to advise you. I thought I was in a good position to do so. After all, I have the perfect life and perfect husband. Or, so I thought...” She laughed wryly.
“Ginny,Ginny. Don’t do this,” Adrian shouted.
She ignored him and carried on. In her current headspace, she wasn’t thinking about his reputation at work, or about Phoebe. She couldn’t stop her words from tumbling out.
“I feel so foolish because I’ve been living a lie and didn’t realize it. My marriage has been crumbling and I’ve been in denial. I thought a holiday might paper over the cracks, but our issues are more like the Grand Canyon.
“You may have heard a caller last week asking me how well I know my husband. Obviously, it’s not very well at all. He’s walked out on me after twenty-five years of marriage and refuses to join me on the special holiday I’ve planned for our anniversary. He’d actually prefer to go away with a stranger. And, considering the way he’s treating me, so would I.”
Out of the corner of her eye Ginny could see Tam gesturing wildly. She took a few seconds to gather her thoughts. “So, if you’re listening to this, and you’re heartbroken, too, why not join me on holiday, for three weeks in Italy next month?
“I’ll pick up the hotel bill for four lucky listeners if you can cover your flight costs. We can all be heartbroken together.
“Pick up the phone during the next song and leave your name and a few details with my producer, Tam. She thinks my show is boring, so it will give her the shot of excitement she’s craving.”
Ginny set “Strangers in Paradise” playing and sat back in her chair. She cut Adrian off the call and turned off her phone. After removing her headphones, she picked up her shoes and walked barefoot out of the studio and into the office, feeling strangely serene.
“What the f—?” Tam asked, her glasses sliding down her nose.
“The phones are ringing and I need some fresh air,” Ginny said calmly. “Please field the calls from listeners and select four winners. You can WhatsApp me their details later.”
Tam opened and shut her mouth like a fish lying on dry land.
Ginny put her shoes back on and left the building.
By the time she’d walked home (taking back streets to avoid seeing anyone), Tam had sent her three messages, starting with the list of strangers who’d be accompanying Ginny on holiday.
I hope you know what you’re doing. Your holiday mates are...
Heather Hall, 43. Schoolteacher. Likes yoga and talks too much. Her mum is ill.
Eric Sanderson, 28. Carpenter. Quiet. Had some kind of bereavement.
Edna Edgerton-Woods, 80. Ex-seamstress. A bit grouchy. Missing her family.
Curtis Dunne, 38. Property developer. (Sounds fine, if you ask me).
Curtis will replace Adrian on your flight and the others will make their own way there.
BTW. Take all the time off you need. Talk Heart FM takes mental health very seriously.
The last message sounded like Tam had been instructed to send it by the radio bosses and Ginny was relieved to read it. There was no way she could face going back on air before her holiday.
Needing to change the booking before time ran out, she quickly logged in to the travel website and deleted Adrian’s name, humming The Supremes track as she added the strangers’ names instead.
As she reread their brief descriptions, Ginny gave herself a firm nod. She would prove to Adrian, to Tam and also to herself that other people needed her.
And she needed them, too.
5
Splendido
Nico
