Philips (Sequel to De Santa)

Chapter Six

Tequi La-La was completely packed by the time I got there, with a line leading out the front door. I quickly walked up to the bouncer and gave him my name and, much to everyone's protest, he let me in instantly. I scanned the room for a moment before heading over to the bar where the bartender was quickly fulfilling drink orders. "Excuse me, I'm looking for Jimmy De Santa?"

"He's upstairs with the band, tell them they're on in ten." The bartender answered.

"I will, thanks." I carefully made my way through the crowd and made my way upstairs where Jimmy was sitting on the couch, his hands resting in his palms while a couple other people forlornly stood around drinking a beer. "Hey, Jim!" I smiled.

"Chelsea!" Jim exclaimed as he rose to his feet. "I was thinking you weren't coming."

"Sorry, I accidentally slept longer than expected. I'm here now, that's all that matters."

"Well, it's a waste of a trip." Jim plopped down onto the couch and sighed. "We're not headlining."

"What?"

"When we got the call, we were under the impression that we were doing a solo gig, but it turns out they just want someone to play a song to warm up."

"Oh, Jim," I sighed. "I'm so sorry."

"This is bullshit! We've worked our asses off for over a year to get a gig like this, and they just take it away from us!"

"Jim, please don't be mad. If anything, think of it as a stepping stone."

"How?"

"This is still technically a gig. Not a big gig, but it's still a gig. People are coming here and they will hear your music and learn your name, and if they like you, which they will, you'll be getting more gigs than ever anticipated."

"You really think so?"

"I know so, Jim. When you want something, you find a way to get it one way or another. Don't let this gig discourage you, let it encourage you to keep going."

"J?" A man spoke up as he and the others stared back at me. "Who's this?"

"She's my sister," Jim smiled. "Chelsea."

"She's right," The man smiled. "You've got a smart sister, J."

"And hot," Another man laughed, causing my cheeks to flush bright red.

"Hey, that's my sister!"

"Ignore him, J, you know he's always playing like that." The man smiled and walked over to me and shook my hand. "I'm Matt, guitar, and that weirdo over there is Tim, he's drums." I gently waved to Tim, who gave me a smile. "Thanks for the pep talk, we really needed it."

"Don't mention it," I softly smiled. "Now, get off your asses and get downstairs, you're on in a couple of minutes."

"Alright, guys, this is it," Jim smiled. "Our first gig!"

"Let's do this!" Tim smiled and he and Matt quickly made their way downstairs, leaving Jim and I in silence.

"Thanks again, Chels...I couldn't have done this without you."

"Anytime, Jim. Now go, have fun!" Jim gave me a gentle hug and made his way downstairs. I followed him and stood by the bar, smiling over at them as I watched them set up the set.

"Chels." I looked off to the side and froze.

"Dad, what are you doing here?" I panicked.

"I know you said when you got home, but we really need to talk now."