He's not my dad

Part 25

My feet were stuck to the floor , my legs were suddenly so heavy that I couldn't even lift them. My knees were weak I can't remember ever been being so anxious. My hands were sweaty, I rubbed them against my jeans in hopes of drying them. My stomach felt like it would fall out of my ass, I don't know how I was still up right.

The lights were so harsh that my eyes were burning, I turned away and caught chucks pleading glare.

He looked desperate, after everything he had done for me I owed it to him. I put my hands on the microphone and nodded at him.

"Hi were the rich kids, we hope you like what we've got to say" chuck said into the microphone.

The drums started followed by the rest of the instruments, I took a breath from my stomach and opened my mouth.

I lost myself in the music, chuck had told me to act like I was in the shower and that no one was watching. I listened to his advice, I just let go and enjoyed myself. I was grateful for all the gigs I had attended and the bands cd chuck had given me played in my car so I had learnt the words to his songs.

The humiliation and depression I had felt the week before was slipping away, I was getting into the song. I was dancing with the microphone, I was acting like I was at a concert. I think I was asking ok, although I could have looked like a fool. I was honestly disappointed when the music stopped.

I stood still and caught my breath, the bar broke out into applause and cheers. I looked at chuck and he was smiling, when I looked at the rest of the band they were smiling too.

The music started to play for the next song, I only just hit my que as I hadn't known what song was next I just had to rely on me recognising the tune.

The set went by so quickly, when I was singing I just blocked out everything but the words. All my nerves evaporated, I guess all the years my mum had me singing in the church choir had been useful after all. I was absolutely in my element until the music stopped then I suddenly would realise that everyone was looking at me and I would go shy.

Luckily chuck and the rest of the band ran at me and lifted me up, making me forget about the hundred or so people who were in the bar.

"You've been holding out on me, I knew you could sing but wow" chuck swung me about.

"Wait is genie still here" I had forgotten all about him. I jumped out of chucks arms and headed to the bar, I called the band and asked that the followed.

I found genie draining the last of the bottle, he looked happy but it could have just been a buzz for the booze I had plied him with.

"You never said you were the singer" he said as I approached.

"I'm not , the singer quit today. I was just filling in" I explained.

"I liked it, I liked the song, the look and the singer. You all look great together and you sound fantastic." Genie was looking us all over.

"Thank you, chuck and Freddie wrote the songs " Anthony said as he put his arms around his band mates shoulders.

"I liked the songs, I'd like to hear you again in a studio. Here's my card, come to my studio Monday at 11" he passed me a card and walked away.

"Thanks for the drink" he called over his shoulder.

We watched him leave, as soon as he was no longer in sight the guys jumped around. They were shouting and congratulating each other, chuck took me in my arms again and spun me around the room.

My head was a little fuzzy but I was positive that I saw Greg. When I was spin around for the second time I saw Greg again and the murderous look that sat on his face.

I tapped chuck on his shoulder desperately "Greg, Greg"

"I'm chuck, were not that alike" he replied with a laugh.

"No your dads over there by the fire exit"

I slid down chucks body and checked I hadn't been mistaken, I hadn't it was Greg and he was walking over to us.

"Fuck, are you ok" chuck asked.

"Yeah, I just need a drink" I turned to the bar and bought the band and I a tray full of shots. I had planned to get drunk but now I wanted to get blathered to the point where I wouldn't remember anything.

"Dad, I thought you couldn't make it"

Greg was looking at me as he replied to his son "things change, I thought I would come see what all the fuss was about. You are all very talented"

"Thanks" chuck sounded as uncomfortable as I felt.

"Your a wonderful singer Taylor" the way he said my name made the familiar butterflies return to my stomach.

"Thank you" I replied curtly.

"Can we talk" he looked needy, it hurt to see him look that way. I had only ever seen him radiating with confidence.

"I don't think we have anything to talk about" I was cold but I didn't want to fall into the trap.

"Please Taylor, not seeing you is killing me. If it means we can be together I'll marry you, I'll have as many kids as you want"

I snorted "how very generous of you"

"I'll have as many kids as you want if that's what it takes I'll do it" he repeated.

"I don't want kids now, I just want a future and you and I don't have that. It was fun while it lasted but it's over now." I was annoyed, he just didn't get what I was saying. It just showed that he didn't know me.

"Dad you need to leave , I don't want tay upset" chuck said as he moved in front of me.

"Don't get involved son"

"But I am involved, I care about Taylor and I'm not going to let you hurt her more than you already have. Taylor's moving on just let her go" chuck said as he squared his shoulders.

"What with you, are you telling me Taylor's moving on with you. I've seen how you look at her, you have feelings for her it's obvious" Greg sounded mean , his words had took me by surprise.

"Maybe I do" chuck snapped.

"Maybe you do what" Greg asked.

"Love her"