How Could This Be Real?

26. There's Just A Rumor Going Around

Before the next show, Cam seemed on edge. He kept peeking out the curtains and pacing back and forth.

"You alright?" I asked.

"Fine," he muttered.

I put my hands on my hips, "Cam, out with it."

He glanced at me, "My dad's supposed to come tonight. I just don't want to muck up in front of him."

"Yeah, my parents are here too. You just have to pretend that he's not though, pretend that we're just at a rehearsal."

He nodded but I couldn't tell if I'd helped or not. All I could do was hope that I had and wish him luck because we had to get in our places. His performance didn't change, it was just as good as it had been last night.

When we finished I gave him a hug backstage, "Great job Cam! I'm sure your dad loved it."

"I guess we'll see."

My parents were one of the first ones to come out and congratulate us. My dad handed me a bouquet, "Fantastic job Angel! You did amazing. Well done to you as well Cam."

He shook his hand, "Thank you Mr. Cosgrove."

My mom was beaming, "You look absolutely lovely dear! I love this dress."

She played with the fabric and I said, "Uh, yeah, Miss Darnell picked it out."

"Oh, and gorgeous singing too! Your duet," she sighed dramatically, "oh how it made my heart dance. But the kiss, oh my, the kiss! It looked so real! Almost as if you two were together in real life as well."

"Well, we're not. You guys should probably go, you're kind of holding up the line."

"Oh, fine. See you at home." I said goodbye and resumed shaking hands with everyone.

Cam kept glancing down the hall, looking for his dad I assumed. Soon, there were only a few people left and Cam hung his head, disappointed.

I gently touched his arm, "I'm sure he'll come some other night."

Just then, a man came over to us. He looked in his mid-thirties though his hair was starting to gray. He had scraggly facial hair and glasses and dark bags under his eyes. He nodded to me and turned to Cam, "Great job son."

His head snapped up and he let out a sigh of relief, "I thought you hadn't made it."

"Of course I did, I wouldn't miss this."

"Well, what did you think?" he asked nervously.

"It was excellent, although you didn't tell me you'd be... kissing anyone."

Cam glanced at me and drummed his fingers, "Yeah, uh, surprise."

He turned to me and shook my hand, "It's a pleasure miss...?"

"Angel," I finished.

"Angel, what a beautiful name."

I smiled sweetly, "Thank you."

He looked to Cam but was still holding my hand, "So, have you asked her out?"

His cheeks flushed, "Dad!"

He glanced at me, "Well?"

I shook my head, "No, we're just friends. Right Cam?"

He looked down and mumbled, "Yeah, good friends."

He finally released my hand, "Shame, I would love to bring some good looks back into the family."

Cam buried his head in his hands, "Oh my god, Dad, just stop."