On The Other Side

Chapter 31 - Karaoke Confessions

GEORGE
—

We reached our destination without any hitches and successfully stole the car. With numerous choices available, we settled on the sleek black Tesla.

We've got roughly ten more minutes until we reach the hotel where we have a reservation, and I can't remember the last time I felt this excited.

My gaze shifts to my lap where Clay is sleeping soundly, a gentle smile adorning his lips. It's infectious, and I find myself grinning as I turn my attention to the beauty of Florida outside the window.

—

We got to the motel, trying to save money, so we chose a room with three beds. As we entered, we noticed a club below the motel and decided to go check it out later.

—

I toss my backpack onto the bed and take a seat beside it, glancing over at Clay. I want to ask him if he likes the room, but before I can ask, Nick emerges from the bathroom and says, "Time to hit the club."

I shoot Nick a grin and notice Clay's sigh as he flops down onto the bed. "Maybe we should just call it a night," he suggests wearily.

When he says that, I realize how tired I am, and I promptly get up to shake off the fatigue.

I shake my head and approach Clay, gently tugging at his hand. "Come on," I say, and he rolls his eyes but eventually gets up.

As we arrive, we're immediately greeted with horrible singing from someone at the karaoke machine.

We reach the bar and begin drinking. In no time, Clay is completely wasted, leaning on my arm while I enthusiastically cheer on Nick, who's about to take the karaoke stage.

"Fuck, I've never done this." he slurs into the microphone, swaying on unsteady legs, and the crowd bursts into laughter.

The music kicks in, and I can't help but burst into laughter when I recognize "That's What I Like" by Bruno Mars playing.

Rather than singing the correct lyrics, Nick begins with, "Jump in the Cadillac, girl, let's put some miles on it!"

He's rapping at this point and the entire room erupts in laughter. Suddenly, the music comes to a stop, and he calls Clay up onto the stage. The crowd starts screaming Clay's name in excitement.

"Clay, don't!" I say as Clay releases his grip on me and makes his way to the stage.

I can't help but burst into laughter, knowing that this is about to become the funniest night of my life.

He stumbles over to the DJ booth to request a song, then clumsily returns to the microphone.

"So, this song is for someone I really like," he mumbles, and then his gaze shifts towards me.

It might be silly since he's intoxicated, but no matter what, I still feel butterflies in my stomach.

"At Your Worst" by Calum Scott begins to play, and my heart swells with emotion instantly.

At the beginning, he mumbles, unsure of the lyrics, but then as the chorus kicks in, he finds his voice.

"Don't you know I would die for you? The least that you deserve. You know I'll always put you first, do anything to make it work!" he sings, pointing down at me with a heartfelt expression.

Wow.

His voice is beautiful.

"I would go anywhere for you, across the universe. I'd go all the way to love you. I'll be there when you say you need me, on the days when you don't believe me!"

Instead of continuing to sing, he gently sets the microphone on the stage floor and gracefully exits. With purpose, he strides over to me, grabs my hand, and guides me outside.

The outside air, though slightly chilly, carries a crisp and invigorating freshness. The music from the indoors becomes a distant, muffled hum, while the stars overhead twinkle with a magical allure as we stand beneath them.

"George," Clay says, his hands enveloping both of mine, "I love you."

I shake my head. He's drunk, he doesn't mean it.

—