Fourth of July

Chapter 7

Gee clung to me nervously as we walked towards where the crowd was cheering as the lights dimmed. He had on those noise canceling headphones that kids usually wear at concerts and he looked so cute with them on.

"Come on, you're staying here with Jamia," I said.

Jamia held his hand and pulled him closer to her. We went onstage and people cheered. I grabbed my guitar, putting the strap over my shoulder. I looked at Gee, who cowered against Jamia nervously. Clearly the energetic crowd was scaring him. I told him he could go wait back in the dressing room but he didn't want to, he wanted to be as close to me as he possibly could.

The performance seemed to go by so fast, as I gave it my all, pouring my heart and soul into the performance. Sweat covered me as I walked offstage and I smiled at Jamia and Gee.

"I am going to go talk to the record label," Jamia said as she hurried off.

I gave Gee a hug but he shrieked and pulled away because I was too sweaty. We went back to the dressing room and I grabbed a water bottle, drinking half of it quickly. Gee looked up at me curiously, holding Sebastian to his chest.

"What'd you think?" I asked

"It wasn't good," Gee said. "Too loud and I didn't understand anything you saysed."

I chuckled softly and kissed his forehead. Jamia walked in with a big smile on her face. She smiled, one arm looping around mine and the other looping around her brother's.

"So? What'd they say?" I asked.

We all looked at her in anticipation as she waited for dramatic suspense.

"Guess who just got you signed to Raw Stereo Records!" Jamia exclaimed.

Everyone cheered and screamed as I grabbed Jamia's face, giving her a big, rough kiss. I pulled away and hugged the other members of my band as she stood in slight shock.

"Let's go to the bar now to celebrate," Matt said.

I nodded my head, holding Gee's hand. We got everything cleaned up before we went back to the car. We went to a bar and we were all sitting around as we talked.

"So, I'm thinking a short East Coast tour," Jamia said. "It'd be great for publicity. And then we can try to get you on tour opening for another band. Maybe even one that goes around the country."

"We should design shirts," Alex said excitedly.

I nodded my head, looking over at Gee. He was looking down at Sebastian sadly as he gently pet his fur.

"What's wrong?" I asked quietly.

Gee shrugged and I reached over to hold his hand. He pulled his hand away and I frowned softly.

"What happened?" I asked. "Is something wrong?"

I looked at my watch and frowned.

"Oh, it's past your bedtime," I remarked. "We should get you home."

Gee nodded and I rubbed his back.

"Hey, we're gonna head off," I said.

"Are you sure?" Jamia asked. "D-don't you want to stay? We just got here."

"Sorry, it's past Gee's bedtime," I said.

"I can drive you home," Jamia offered.

"Nonsense, you stay here and celebrate and have fun, it isn't that far from home," I said.

I held Gee's hand and we walked out of the bar. It was starting to get a little bit chilly so I took off my jacket and put it on Gee instead. Gee held my hand tight as we walked in the dark. He leaned closer to me and I moved my arm to wrap around his waist.