I stare at the radio, waiting for the song to end.
The contest begins in just a few moments.
I’m thrumming with excitement.
Every year, my favorite radio station hosts a scavenger hunt across Los Angeles.
I’m 17 now, and this is the first year I can enter.
The prize is a date with Ian Kendrick.
AKA my favorite recording artist of all time.
I HAVE to win this contest!
My best friend, Caleb, is with me at my house…
As I await the first clue.
Caleb would do anything for me…
Including help me get a date with Ian Kendrick.
Annie
Caleb, get over here!
Annie
It’s about to start! We have to take notes.
Caleb
You don’t need to take notes!
Caleb
You already know everything there is to know about that guy.
I blush, because it’s true.
Ian has been my celebrity crush for years.
I have posters of him on my walls.
I’ve always wanted to meet him, and now’s my chance.
The song ends, and I lean toward the radio eagerly.
Ian’s low, sexy voice glides over the airwaves.
Ian
Hey there, Los Angeles!
Ian
Are you ready for your chance to meet me?
Caleb
You know he can’t hear you, right?
Ian
Today, I’m sending you on a scavenger hunt around LA…
Ian
And this is your first clue.
Ian’s new song, “Ferris Wheel,” blasts from the radio.
It’s about falling in love at a carnival, and it’s based on Ian’s first date on…
Caleb and I race to my car.
Since it’s a weekend, traffic is light.
I hope I’m the first one there!
I keep the dial tuned to the radio as we drive.
Caleb
So, what are you going to do if you actually win this thing?
Annie
WHEN I win, I’m going on a date with Ian Kendrick.
Annie
And then we’re going to fall in love and live happily ever after.
Insecurity jabs at my gut.
Annie
What, you don’t think Ian will like me?
Caleb realizes his mistake and pats my knee in apology.
Caleb
Let’s get to that first clue!
When we arrive at the pier, it’s packed with tourists.
Caleb and I break into a sprint, skidding to a stop in front of the Ferris wheel.
I scan for any hint of a clue…
And spot a girl wearing the radio station’s logo on her shirt.
I rush up to her, out of breath.
Annie
Are you the next clue?
She laughs and hands me an envelope.
We thank her and duck under an umbrella to open the envelope.
There are four words written there:
“Falling Down Music Video.”
My face spreads into a grin.
Annie
Falling Down was Ian’s first song.
Annie
He filmed it in West Hollywood, at the Troubadour theater!
He laces his fingers through mine automatically, and I pause.
I’ve never seen Caleb blush in my life.
Caleb
We should get going.
Caleb
It looks like we have competition.
I look back at the Ferris wheel.
The radio employee is now talking to three girls.
They’re all wearing shirts from Ian’s latest tour.
Caleb and I run back to the car and set off for the Troubadour.
Ian’s voice crackles over the radio as we drive.
Ian
I hope everyone is having a great time out there, running after those clues!
Ian
I can’t wait to meet you.
I squeal with excitement.
Annie
We could actually win this thing, you know!
Caleb
Yeah, I guess we could.
Annie
What’s up with you?
I glance over at him and frown.
Annie
You’re being weird.
Caleb
I’m not being weird.
Caleb
I just want you to be happy.
At a red light, I look at him again.
Caleb is tall, cute, and captain of the basketball team.
He’s usually the epitome of confidence…
But right, now he looks almost bashful.
I don’t quite know what to say.
Annie
Thanks for doing this with me.
His face closes off as he looks away from me, out the window.
Before I know it, we're at the Troubadour.
I park on the street next to the theater and race inside.
This time, a giant logo for the radio station is plastered to the door.
There are three photos underneath it:
A ghost, a yo-yo, and a bottle of wine.
To most people, they wouldn’t mean anything…
But I understand immediately.
I sprint back to the car.
Caleb
You get it already?
Annie
The basement venue in Echo Park!
Annie
It’s where Ian played his first show.
Caleb
It’s also pretty far away.
Caleb
We should get going.
I snap on my seatbelt, and we’re off!
We’ve been driving for a few minutes when Caleb looks over at me.
Caleb
I owe you an apology.
Caleb
For laughing when you said you wanted to live happily ever after with Ian.
Caleb
It’s not because I don’t think you’re beautiful.
Caleb
It’s not because I don’t think he’d love you.
Caleb
It’s because I’m jealous.
Caleb takes a deep breath.
Caleb
And I know that this is the worst timing ever, but…
Caleb
I like you, Annie. I always have.
Caleb
I can’t stand the thought of you going on a date with your dream guy…
Caleb
Without you knowing that.
A wave of shock courses through me.
I used to have the BIGGEST crush on Caleb…
But he never made a move.
I assumed he didn’t feel the same.
I thought I was over my feelings for him…
But hearing him admit how he feels now…
Caleb
Can you say something, Annie?
Annie
I just need a minute, okay?
We drive the rest of the way in silence.
I don’t find my voice until I’ve parked outside of the Echoplex.
Annie
I’ll be right back.
Annie
And then we can talk.
I feel terrible leaving Caleb without an answer…
But I’ve been dreaming of meeting Ian my whole life.
This could be my only chance.
My hair bounces as I run inside the Echoplex.
Ian Kendrick is lounging in a chair, surrounded by radio staff.
I’m in the same room with Ian Kendrick.
My heart speeds up, and at first, I can’t find words.
Ian walks over to me and pulls me into a hug.
Joy rushes over me in waves.
Suddenly, loud music blasts from the speakers.
One of Ian’s songs plays over the speakers.
It’s an old one, called “Just Friends.”
It’s about how he missed out on his chance at love…
Because he was too afraid to tell his friend how he felt about her.
As I listen to the lyrics, the smile slides off my face.
Because as giddy as I am right now…
I can feel the truth of that song.
Caleb and I are supposed to be more than friends.
I motion to stop the music, and it drains away.
Annie
But I can’t go on a date with you.
Annie
I think I’m in love with someone, and it’s time I told him.
Disappointment flits over Ian’s face, but it gives way to a smile.
Ian
Well, I won’t say I’m not disappointed.
I give Ian one last hug and return to Caleb…
Who’s leaning against the car.
Annie
But I didn’t take the prize.
Tentatively, I step towards Caleb.
Annie
Because I’d rather go on a date with someone else.
Annie
I’ve always liked you too, Caleb.
Annie
Can you forgive me for running off like that?
Caleb’s face spreads into a grin.
He grabs my waist and pulls me into a kiss.
And as I feel his lips against mine, I know…
That he’s better than any rock star.
