Island Radio | Chapter 3: Galvanizing
“Happy Friday to us!” Diana cheered, bringing her third classic beer to her lips.
Anne was only halfway through her first and took another small sip. Being the new girl, she had insisted on treating her co-workers, which was a huge mistake as Ruby had a penchant for shots and Josie ordered the most expensive, exotic mixes that were 80% fruit juice and none of the “good stuff” as Diana called it. Jane, blessedly, was their designated driver and had brought her own organic vegetable juice.
“Gilbert!” Ruby hiccuped, pointing across the hole-in-the-wall pub that was the go-to for everyone in the media district of Avonlea.
Diana, although already slightly tipsy, quickly covered for her friend, “Charlie, Billy, come on, join us! Anne’s buying!”
Anne winced inwardly. At least Rachel had ceased her threats on her job so she could pay off her credit card… eventually.
“Did you have to invite my oafish blood relative over too?” Jane groaned. "It's bad enough that Prissy is God knows where in here yucking it up with Phillips."
“He’d’ve invited himself over anyway with Josie giving him the look,” Diana leaned in conspiratorially and polished off her beer.
“Ew, TMI, TMI!” Jane put her hands over her ears.
“Hello, ladies,” Charlie leaned against the side of their booth in what was supposed to be a suave manner, but he’d pre-gamed with Billy, so he would have collapsed into Jane had she not elbowed him firmly in the ribs.
“I’m getting a refill.” Diana stood carefully. “Anyone want anything?”
“Diana,” Anne whispered, “we have to be on the air tomorrow morning --”
Diana must not have heard her because she asked again, “Going once, going twice…?”
Ruby was too busy staring at Gilbert, Josie and Billy were trading innuendos, and Jane was this close to telling them she’d wait in the car -- maybe then Charlie would take the hint and leave her alone.
Diana shrugged and got her refill.
“So Anne, I hear you’re having your first In-House Critic segment tomorrow,” said Gilbert, studiously avoiding Ruby’s gaze and attempts to brush her hand against his… well, everything.
“Yes,” the redhead smiled brightly, “The topic is movie adaptations of classic novels.”
“Let me guess, Pride and Prejudice?” he smirked.
“More like To Kill a Mockingbird.” She didn’t know why she lied. There was nothing shameful about being a girl and appreciating romance, but his correct assumption irked her nevertheless.
“Okay, but you have to talk about Frankenstein --”
“That comes in when we bring up Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” Anne decided to go back to telling the truth for the night and Gilbert rewarded her with a laugh.
“I can’t wait to hear it,” he seemed perfectly earnest, smiling warmly despite being squeezed on the bench between Ruby, who was snuggling drunkenly into his shoulder, and Josie and Billy, who were making out like it was their last night on earth.
A/N: Modern AU art by the sweet @kailene-blossom <3