What I'm Dreaming Of

18

Julie walked down the stairs and heard her dad singing Finally Free and saw him and Reggie in the kitchen.

"Hands up," Reggie said, raising his hands as Ray continued to sing.

She saw her dad making breakfast and said, "This is new."

"Yeah," her father replied. "I was in the mood for cooking some breakfast."

Reggie giggled. "He thought you were talking to him. Me and your dad are pals now. It's a little one-sided, but it works."

Julie's dad said, "Look, after the talk we had the other night, I was thinking that I may have cost you and Laila an opportunity with that manager. So, I was thinking-"

Julie cut her father off. "Dad, no. I should've never snuck out."

"Let the man speak," Reggie argued. "He's been stress eating all week. I don't know where he puts it though. It's like... firm."

Julie's father continued. "I know, but I really want to support your band, so I called in a few favors, and I booked you and Laila a local gig."

"Best dad ever!"

"What?"

Julie's eyes widened. "Oh my gosh. Where? Did you call your buddy from Drakes?"

"Not quite. I called Flynn, and she's gonna help us throw a party. Here. Tonight."

"Oh! So you booked us a gig at our house?"

"Maybe I was early with the "Best Dad Ever" award," Reggie said.

Julie's father continued. "All right. Hear me out. You invite some of your friends over, you and Laila play with your band, and I'll get some colleagues to put you on film. That way, you have something professional for your YouTube."

Julie chuckled. "You'd do that for me and Laila?"

"Yeah."

Reggie grinned. "Back to "best dad ever." I'll go tell the guys. Have a good day at work, Ray. It's cool. You don't have to answer. Just..." He nodded and whooshed away.

---

Julie went to get Laila and said, "My dad and Flynn arranged for us to perform at my house."

"Uh..." Laila began.

"I mean, if you don't want to, you don't have to, but I was kind of hoping you would."

"No, it's okay. I'm just worried I'll mess it up."

"I'll be there to help you through just like you'll help me."

Laila nodded. "Okay. Do the guys know?"

"Reggie was gonna tell them."

"Wonder what his words were."

"I kind of do too."

---

Julie and Laila walked to their lockers and put stuff in. Laila closed hers and saw Luke.

"Hey," Luke greeted.

Laila gasped before saying, "Normal people don't do that. And ghosts definitely shouldn't. What are you doing here?"

Julie closed her locker and stood next to her friend.

Luke smiled. "I have to talk about what song we're gonna play tonight. I was thinking Great."

Students snickered and a girl said, "Hey, Julie. Hey, Laila. What's up?"

Laila cleared her throat. "Hold up." She pulled out her phone.

Luke frowned. "You're taking a call while we're talking? You know how rude that is?"