Music of the Heart(64)

“Thanks.”

“I can’t believe you’ve gone and grown up on me.” I pulled away and grinned down at her. “Just promise me you’ll keep being my sweet, innocent little Allison.”

She giggled. “I’ll try.”

Turning back to Abby, I said, “I wanted you to meet my girlfriend. This is Abby Renard.”

At the word “girlfriend”, Allison’s dark eyes almost bulged out of her head. “Wow, it’s awesome to meet you,” she gushed, shaking Abby’s hand.

“It’s great finally meeting you too. Jake talks about you all the time.”

Allison beamed with pleasure. “He’s amazing, isn’t he?”

Abby grinned. “Oh yes, he is. But we better not say too much. He already has a big enough ego about him.”

“Hey now,” I argued to which Abby nudged me playfully.

Brayden came up behind me. “Okay, man, it’s time.”

“Excuse me ladies, but my adoring public beckons, so I’ll see you later.”

Abby and Allison waved to me as I headed to the stage with Brayden. The plan was for us to play the first thirty minutes of the party, and then the DJ would take over. AJ disappeared behind the drum set while the rest of us suited up with our guitars.

Taking the microphone from the stand, I gazed out into the crowded ballroom. “Good evening, everyone, and welcome to Allison’s Sweet Sixteen Party.” A symphony of high-pitched, hormonally fueled teenage girl shrieks filled the room along with some hearty screams from the males. “As her big brother, I couldn’t be prouder of her at this moment.” Meeting Allison’s gaze, I smiled. “I hope all your dreams come true, and that you stay forever young.”

The guys and I then launched into a harder rock version of Chrissy Hydne’s Forever Young. We finished to thunderous applause and cheers. I searched through the crowd of faces for Abby who grinned and gave me two thumbs up. I laughed and shook my head before starting “Unravel Me”, which got everyone dancing. After playing through two more fast songs and two of our ballads, I handed the mic off to the DJ and headed through the throng of people to Abby.

I was almost to her when my dad stopped me. He gave me a stiff hug before saying, “That was fantastic, son. We can’t thank you enough for making this night so special for Allie.”

“You’re welcome. You know I’d do anything for her.”

He nodded. His lips twitched as if he wanted to say something else but was afraid to. Finally, he drew in a ragged breath. “Jake, I’m so very sorry about your mother.”

I instantly tensed. “Yeah, it fucking blows when bad things happen to good people.”

Dad’s expression paled a little. “She’s one of the strongest and bravest women I know. I talk to her often, you know. She has the most forgiving of hearts.”

I knew Dad was talking about how I couldn’t forgive him for the fact he walked out on Mama and me for a piece of ass. Sure, he paid his child support and saw me every other weekend and during the summers. On the surface he was the most attentive and supportive father. But everything changed with us the moment he chose to leave.

“Yes, it’s probably one of her only faults.”

Seeing he wasn’t getting anywhere with me, Dad sighed. “Well, just know I’m here for you, son. Always.” His gaze left mine to hone in on Abby who had sought me out. “And who is this lovely young lady?”

“This is my girlfriend, Abby Renard.” I slipped my arm around Abby’s waist. “And Abby, this is my dad, Mark Slater.”

“It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Slater,” Abby said politely.

“Likewise, Miss Renard.” Dad’s gaze roved over Abby, and I could tell he was surprised. Because even in her sexy little dress, Abby still looked like a good girl, and I’m sure Dad couldn’t believe I was actually with someone like her.

As the music turned over to a slow song, I wanted to escape from my dad. Glancing down at Abby, I asked, “Wanna dance?”

“Sure.” She smiled at my dad. “Nice meeting you.”

“Yes, very nice meeting you as well.” He patted my back. “Thanks again.”

“You’re welcome.”

I took Abby’s hand and led her out onto the dance floor. As I wrapped my arms around her waist, she pressed against me. Damn, she felt good. I tried tuning out the myriad of disgusting sexual thoughts swimming through my dirty mind.

“Your dad seems nice,” Abby said.

“Oh yeah, he’s a real stand-up guy.”

She pulled away to gaze up at me. “So I was right to come and try to save you?”