As he drove through the traffic, Liam listened to the RJ talk to listeners who called in a funny manner. It was quite relaxing to listen to. Some of the quips by the RJ were funny enough to make him smile. This eased the bit of irritation in his heart.
Just as Liam arrived at a junction and ran into a traffic light, the RJ smoothly transitioned to recommending a song and playing it afterward. The entire section didn't last even 30 seconds, but it made Liam's mind suddenly buzz. Staying in the traffic, he wondered if it was possible to do the same thing on TV.
Their channel wasn't that different from a radio. On radios, RJs talked and recommended songs. The corresponding songs will be played after that. He can apply the same method for their channel and create a new program.
But, why hasn't their channel done it yet?
To Liam, it looked like a no-brainer. How can their channel miss such an easy to transition thing? Unless, there were some significant difficulties in execution. Those in the office might all be lazy guys, but if it was said that such a thought wouldn't even pop into their minds, then it would be too outrageous. He needs to have a talk with Evan and see why this wasn't implemented.
The moment the traffic light turned green, Liam put this thought to the back of his head. Such worries didn't matter to him right now. He needed to reenergize himself. That was the most important thing currently.
Liam arrived at Rockerz Paradise and entered the club boldly with a swagger. This time he didn't need to act lowkey while entering and didn't have to grease the palms either. This was like a novel experience to him. So, Liam had a spring in his step the moment he neared the doors.
Looking at the familiar black guard, who was scrutinizing his face, Liam proudly swaggered into the gate - only to find a hand blocking his way. Liam looked at the hand barring his path incomprehensibly and looked up at the familiar black guard.
"Oi Shawn! What's the meaning of this? I'm 22 now. You can't block my way!" Liam said a little dissatisfiedly.
"Hmmph, you are still shorter than me. So, you still have to pay me to allow you entry," Shawn replied with a smirk.
Liam looked at Shawn's tall form. Shawn stood at 6'6. Liam was only 6'2. There was no way he could outgrow Shawn in this lifetime. This truth deflated him a bit.
"Not many people can enter this club if we use your lamp post height as cut off. Damn it Shawn! This is a club, not an NBF draft."
"Hah, you, little punk, will always be 18 to me. Pay the cut or else I won't allow you in. Damn man! I thought some jealous boyfriend offed you! Haven't seen you here for 4 years," Shawn mussed Liam's hair affectionately.
"Ha, not my fault. My old man had enough of me and packed me to some prestigious college in the east. Just graduated this year," Liam replied with a shrug.
"Still, you could have dropped in during the break, right. I seriously thought you got done in."
"Sorry about that. Spent most of these 4 years in the east. Man's gotta change his hunting grounds a bit and explore variety," Liam chuckled.
"How are the girls in the east?"
"Bit posh, but wildcats in bed. You know what I mean?"
"So, you have been living it up in the east then. Then, you definitely need to pay the gate fee. No bargaining," Shawn replied mischievously.
"Ha, I will even treat you. When are you getting off?"
"Have a full night shift today. Greg's on leave," Shawn shrugged.
"Damn that's bad, tell you what, I will let Thomas know. You can have your fill when you get time today. Greg can do it tomorrow. I will settle the bill with Thomas," Liam offered.
"I will hold you to it," Shawn said menacingly.
"Don't worry, big guy. When have I gone back on my word? I will let Thomas know. And no way I am paying tonight to get in. Any other day might be fine. Today's my coming of age moment. Don't spoil it," Liam stood firmly.
"Get in, you little punk. Don't forget what you promised," Shawn chuckled and opened the door.
The duo didn't pay any attention to others who were held up due to their chat. Their relationship was pretty great. So, meeting after a long time meant chatting for a bit. As for what others thought, that was irrelevant to both of them.
You ask what if people complain about Shawn. Ha, that's useless. Shawn has been guarding the door since this club opened. In his youth, Shawn used to be in a gang. This club belonged to the gang boss. Shawn had even saved the gang boss's life a few times. The boss treated Shawn well.
And Shawn guarded the club not because he didn't have any other option. He did it out of loyalty. With such a relationship between Shawn and the boss, complaints had no use. And the boss knew Liam as well. It is hard not to know Liam when he used to be so popular at the club despite being underage.
While they weren't buddies, the boss still stopped and chatted with Liam whenever he came by and Liam was present. Thomas, the manager of the club, knew very well what kind of background Liam had. So, he never made things difficult for him. This club could be called Liam's playground.
Complaints? Pfft, don't joke.
As Liam entered the club, he saw that the decor was slightly changed since he was last here and felt a bit nostalgic. He made his way directly to the bar and found his favorite bartender James on duty.
"Look who's here. It's a miracle to see you back in here. How long since you were last here?"
"Four years. Hit me up with my favorite. I am parched," Liam ordered with a grin.
"Ha, your usual, Whiskey, on the rocks, coming right up," James chuckled and went to get Liam's drink.
Suddenly, he saw a large man looming beside him and looked up.
"Kid, long time no see."
"Hey Thomas, sorry about being absent. Was away for college. Just graduated this year. How's the business going?" Liam asked with a smile.
"It's been good. What kind of place is this, don't you know? This is the best club in this part of the city, kid. How can it not do well?"
"Ha, you guys need to change the decor a bit. Four years and there is only little change. Good for nostalgia, but bad for business, Thomas," Liam replied back casually.
"Been meaning to, but it keeps getting postponed," Thomas sighed. "Boss's other business are not doing well. Cash is a bit tight."
"Oh, what happened?"
"What else, this damned economy! You know boss is in real estate. The entire market is in a slump. So, things are a bit dull."
"Then it is even more important you keep this thing in top shape," Liam noted. "By the way, Shawn and Greg's drinks for one night will be on me. You can take it from my card."
"Ha, Shawn shook you down, eh?"
"The talk bastard wouldn't let me in and asked for gate fee," Liam chuckled. "He told me since I am shorter than him, old rules still applied. I told him this is not an NBF draft."
"Well, he was a bit worried about your absence after not seeing you for a while. Thought someone did you in."
"I ain't that soft" Liam snorted.
"Well, the way you were going through the girls, it would have been a wonder if no one took offense. Luckily this is not like the other clubs the boss runs."
"I wouldn't be so high profile in those other clubs," Liam chuckled. "I know my own weight."
"Heh, as if I would believe you," Thomas sneered as Liam's drink arrived. "You couldn't keep it in your pants for one night, kid."
"Well, I am matured now," Liam said a bit sheepishly. "My old man even gave me a position in the company."
"What did you threaten your old man with?" Thomas asked mercilessly. "Tell me you didn't pull a stunt like you did with your teacher."
"Yikes, I would never stoop so low to blackmail my old man. He and I have a great relationship. I just made a deal with him and kept to my end."
"Tough to believe," Thomas said unsympathetically. "I know your type, kid. I ain't buying it. I am sure you had backup plans if your old man didn't keep his end of the bargain."
"That's just common sense," Liam scoffed. "Having a fallback plan is essential."
"Heh, you sound so high minded," Thomas sneered. "But I know you. You are a vindictive bastard. Stop putting up an act. Anyway, what position did the old man give you?"
"Channel Head," Liam replied smugly.
"Did you threaten your old man with a gun?"
Liam felt speechless hearing Thomas's question. How come his friends think so low of him? Is he that bad in their eyes?