Stage Fright

Chapter 48 ~ Party Time

Josh

This was it, my final bow of high school. There wouldn't be a next year or a next show, this was it, and dare I say we went out with a bang. It was the most energetic performance I'd seen out of all of the cast, the show had gone perfectly, and now I was taking my final bow with Heather.

She was waving to her dad now as she lets go of my hand and he smiles back. I was so happy he'd made it tonight, I knew she would've understood but she would have been crushed if he wasn't here. 

Tonight we were headed to the cast party at Owen's, his parents were hardly home and if they were, they didn't seem to care what went on in their house. I was excited, the show was over, the clock had hit zero on mine and Heather's countdown.

She leans over and gives me a hug that I gladly accept, under the stage lights in these ridiculous costumes, this was the first time I felt completely free, and I knew she felt it too.

Soon the lights shut off and I know where I'm headed before she even says anything. I follow her to her father, she immediately squeals and gives him a hug. 

"You made it!" She says excitedly and he laughs.

"They postponed my flight, I tried as hard as I could to reschedule but I couldn't. My phone died, I came straight from the airport and luckily I barely missed a thing." He says and she nods. She then steps back and takes my hand pulling me forward.

"Dad......I know you know Josh, but I thought I should introduce you a bit better." She says with a smile and gives my hand a squeeze. I extend my other one and he smiles, giving it a firm shake.

"Good job tonight, Josh." He says and I smile. "So, you're seeing my daughter?"

"I am." I tell him and I can see Heather smiling out of the corner of my eye. "I'm very lucky to be with her."

"Well, we'll have to go to dinner one night, the three of us." He says and I nod. "Tonight?" He asks and Heather sighs.

"We have a cast party tonight." Heather says with a smile. "Tomorrow's our big date, but Monday's good." I of course wanted to have dinner with her dad, I knew after Zeke he had to be pretty strict about the boys Heather saw. I wanted to make a good impression, but I've been waiting months to take her out, I was glad that she seemed to feel the same way.

"Monday it is then." He says. "I have to take care of some business here, I'll be in town until Wednesday." He tells her and she smiles. "Have fun at your party tonight and be safe. If you need a ride-"

"Call the house, or Eleanor. I know dad." Heather says and he chuckles. 

"Are you coming back to the house tonight?" He asks and she shrugs.

"Just to change, but I'll be back tomorrow morning." She informs him and he nods. She gives him one more hug before Eleanor gives her a bundle of flowers and another hug. 

"Well done." She whispers. "I miss hearing you sing. I'm headed home but if you need me please call." She tells Heather who smiles and waves as they follow the crowd out the auditorium doors.

"My turn." I tease, bringing her with me to my family. She just laughs and says hello to my dad and Anna again.

"Heather, you were much better than Josh. Good job." She says and I roll my eyes as she gives Heather a hug. "I'm heading back early tomorrow so I'll give you a hug goodbye now." She tells me and I chuckle as she wraps her arms around. "I'll see you in a week and a half, good luck Heather." She just laughs at that and waves goodbye to my dad and sister with me.

She then turns and wraps her arms around me with a big smile.

"Oh my god, it's over." She whispers and I nod, giving her a quick kiss.