Tension is high after what had taken place between Dad and Adrian. Dad isn't quite himself and he's extra quiet, rarely saying much. It hard seeing him so down hearted. I consider revealing my secret about me writing a song that I'm hoping to perform with him, on stage.

But I decide to hold off on that just yet. I'm not sure if sharing that news with Dad would actually cheer him up much. I'm beginning to have some serious concerns about Dad's band and rather he's still going to have one much longer.

***

"Dad?"

"Hmm?" He's staring past me. His gaze isn't even focused on me at all. I can tell by the glazed look in his eyes.

I go to him, grabbing his hand and squeezing it harder than I intend to. Dad blinks at me, his eyes meeting mine, finally.

"Dad, I'm worried about you. You're not your usual upbeat self. It's depressing."

Dad actually chuckles, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and gives me a little squeeze.

"I know this can't be fun for you, Rory. I'm sorry." I give Dad a side hug and he softens slightly.

"I'm not worried about myself," I tell Dad. "I'm just concerned about how this crap between you and your band mates. Specifically Adrian."

Dad sighs, looking depressed again. I wish there was something important I could say to make my dad feel better. I know there's nothing I can say to fix this situation.

"Let's not talk about that now, doll," Dad says with false cheerfulness. "We'll be in Dallas Texas the day after tomorrow. Have you thought much more about seeing your aunt?"

I nod, leaning against Dad. I like how his body is so solid against mine. It gives me courage. Much more than I've ever had inside me before.

"Yeah, Dad. I'd love to meet Auntie Daphne. She sounds really cool." Dad laughs and it makes me feel a little less stressed.

"As cool as your old man?" I wrap my arms around him, just holding on. I don't give a shit what Mum says about Dad. He's not a bad person. Maybe he's made some shitty decisions. That doesn't make him bad.

"No one is cooler than you are, Dad." Dad kisses my forehead and I practically melt into him.

"Aww shucks, doll. You're amazing."

"Just stating the truth."

***

I'm nervous. Not as nervous as when I first went out on stage with Dad. But still nervous. We're meeting up with Auntie Daphne and her two daughters, whom one is three years older than me and the other one is just a year older than me.

The reason I'm nervous is because I don't want to make a bad first impression on my cousins. Especially since they're the first cousins I've met that aren't eighty years old with blue hair and wears flower print dresses that are far too big for them and insist I kiss them on the cheek, when they smell like moth balls and bleach.

Dad had invited Auntie Daphne and her daughters to the hotel. He figured it would be much less stressful for all of us to meet here instead of out in a public place. I'm grateful for that. We don't need any shit to happen.

I'm waiting in the front room when Dad's bodyguard rings him up from downstairs, announcing that his sister and nieces have arrived.

"Fab! Send them up, Mike!" A few minutes later, a tall woman with graying dark brown hair and brown eyes sweeps into the room, heading straight to Dad and throws her arms around him, hugging him tightly.

"Knox, it's been far too long!" Auntie Daphne holds at Dad at arms length and grins, looking teary eyed.

"Hey, Daph. It has been a long time. Which is why I'm happy we could meet up today."

Dad moves to me, taking my hand and leading me over to my aunt and grinning proudly as he reintroduces us.

"You remember Rory, Daphne? She was anxious to meet you again."

Auntie Daphne smiles softly at me and I immediately like her. I can definitely see the family resemblance between her and Dad.

"Would it be all right if I gave you a hug, Rory?" I smile and nod, moving into my auntie's arms as she hugs me. I close my eyes. This feels as right as when Dad hugs me.

"You've gone and grown up too quickly, Rory. And you're absolutely stunning!" I laugh, my face growing warm.

"Thanks," I say, stepping back.

"Girls, come meet your cousin, Rory. Rory, these are my daughters, Abby and Riley."

I'm afraid to meet their gazes, thinking they'll judge me. But Abby moves to shake my hand, her gaze as warm as her mother's. Riley is a little more reserved and shy but she at least gives me a kind smile.

"It's great to meet you, Rory. I love your name! It's very cool," Abby says.

"Uh, thanks. It's nice to meet you both as well."

"I think it's great having a cousin, close to our age," Abby adds. "If we're ever in London, I hope you'll show us around, if you'd have time."

"I'd love it if you came to London," I say. "That would be fun."

"So!" Dad claps his hands together, grinning. "Who's hungry? We can order room service."

"Typical Knox," Auntie Daphne says with a laugh. "Always ready to throw money around."

"Well what else is am I supposed to do with it? Money is for spending."

"Maybe invest it?" Auntie Daphne suggests. Dad just rolls his eyed.

"Not on your life, Daph!"

****

We all enjoy our time together and Dad even asks Coco to join us, which makes me happy as I feel less shy around my aunt and cousins and it's just nice to have Coco around in general.

After we've finished eating, Dad asks Auntie Daphne if he can speak with her privately. I'm thinking he's probably asking Auntie Daphne for legal advice on what to do about Adrian and Levi. Especially Adrian.

"Would it be all right for us to take a walk outside?" Riley asks. She's warmed up to me since we first met and I ask Dad. He nods, stating as long as Mike, Dad's bodyguard comes along.

We all troop downstairs and slip out a side door, us girls walking in a tight cluster, Mike trailing along behind us.

"How have you been enjoying your time with your dad?" Abby asks me. I shrug. It has been incredible. Yet there have also been times when I wasn't sure if I really should be here.

"It's been an experience," I reply, locking eyes with Coco. She gives me a smile.

"Good or bad?" Riley asks.

"Both," I answer, taking Coco's hand for emotional support. She gives my hand an affectionate squeeze.

"Mom cares a lot about your dad," Abby adds. "But sometimes she questions his life choices."

"I feel that," I say. "I love my dad but he needs to make some changes."

"I hope for your sake, Rory," Abby says. "He'll do so."

"I think he can," I say, smiling at Coco. "He'll just need a little push in the right direction."

***

As soon as Auntie Daphne and my cousins leave, Alice comes to Dad. A meeting has been set up for him, Adrian, Finn and Levi. Apparently everyone is going to be forced to work together until the end of the tour. Once the tour ends, if those who want out will be allowed to do so.

I expect Dad to be upset and stressed out by this news. He's not. If fact, he seems relieved to hear it.

"Aren't you worried?" I ask after Alice leaves. Dad shakes his head, drawing me closer to him. I smile, slipping my arm around him.

"I'm really not. In fact, I think this might be the beginning of something better for me." I give him a squeeze.

"I have a feeling you're on to something good here." Dad kisses the top of my head and smile again.

"I think you could be right, doll."

***

I attend the meeting, which not only includes Dad and his band mates, but also Alice and all the other agents. It's kinda awkward and silent at first but then Dad speaks up, asking his band mates if they're unhappy with the band.

"Not really," Levi responds. "It's just with the kid around, Knox, you've changed."

"I'm trying," Dad says. "To change for the better. For my daughter. She's growing up and needs me. I know I haven't been the best father to her in the past. I want that to change."

My eyes are tearing up, listening to Dad talk that way. I don't know if he really means that but if he's willing to try, that's better than nothing.

"Are you planning on quitting the band?" Finn asks.

"I haven't decided yet," Dad repiles. "I may consider taking a sabbatical, at least. To spend some uninterrupted time with my daughter."

"Nobody has to make a decision right now," Alice says. "But if anyone is really unhappy with how things are going, you can leave, no questions asked."

"I guess we'll see how Knox feels when we finish this tour. Maybe it's for the best if we all take a break," Adrian says. Dad nods.

"Yes," Dad agrees. "We'll refrain from making any hard decisions right now."

Everyone agrees that's what they'll do. As for me, I've made my own decision. I want to stay with Dad. For as long as I can.

***

I've finally finished my song I've been working on. And I'm ready to share it with my dad. I hope he'll be proud of me.

I grab my guitar and the sheet of paper that has the lyrics written down on and I knock on Dad's bedroom door. He answers, looking curious.

"Dad, I've been secretly working on a song and I just finished it. I'd love if you could hear it."

"Of course." Dad comes out of the bedroom and we go into the front room. Dad takes a seat opposite of me, waiting for me to begin. I'm suddenly nervous and my hands start shaking.

"You can do it, baby girl," Dad murmurs softly. I try to smile as I position the guitar in my lap. I close my eyes for a few seconds, gathering my courage and slowly I begin to play.

I play and sing, all the while keeping my eyes closed. When I finish, I open my eyes and Dad is smiling proudly at me and he applauds loudly. I burst into tears. But it's not because I'm sad. I just feel so overwhelmed by the music and Dad's response to it.

"That was beautiful, Aurora Daphne," Dad says, sliding over to me. I set the guitar aside and throw myself into his arms. Dad gives me a big hug as I cling to him.

"You really loved it?"

"Absolutely! In fact, I'd love it if we could perform it together when we're in New York." I nod, grinning.

"Oh, Dad! I'd love that. I was hoping we could." Dad laughs, looking more like his old self and I'm warmed inside.

"You can bet on it, doll. I'd be honored to do that with you."

"Oh and Dad?"

"Yeah?"

"I want to stay with you. For long as I can. And Coco." Dad looks teary-eyed and I know I'm getting emotional.

"We'll figure something out, Rory. I promise you can stay with me for as long as you want."

***

A few days later, we're finishing up the tour in New York City, at Madison Square Garden. And guess what? Mum is even here! She'd taken some time off from her job just so she could come see Dad and I perform together.

I've also told Mum that I'd like to spend more time with Dad. She agreed, much to my shock. We still haven't worked out all the details yet, but I'm not worried. I have a feeling everything will work out.

***

It's nearly time for me to go out on stage and perform my song with Dad. I'm a wreck and for once, I'm happy Mum's around because she's doing a great job of calming me down.

"You can do this, Rory." Mum gives me a hug and a smile and I return the smile. I can hear Dad introducing me and that I'll be coming out to perform for the last song of the evening.

Coco grabs me, giving me a kiss and a hug. I blush and kiss her back. She squeezes my hands, whispering good luck to me and I clutch my guitar, heading out and stepping on to the stage and go straight to Dad, who has a stool set up for me to sit on. I do.

"I hope everyone is ready!" Dad shouts to the massive crowd, who roars in excitement. I'm getting goosebumps as I get ready to play.

I look at Dad who grins and winks at me. Then I play my heart out and I know this is something I'll never forget.

Chapter 10

0 Comments