"Thanks so much, Derek, for recording your part with me," said DJ a week later. "Awe, shucks. Don't mention it. It was a lot of fun.", said Derek. "Well, I have a small surprise for you, as my way of saying thank you." "You didn't have to do anything. Like I said, DJ. I was glad to do it." "Yeah, I know, but I think you'll like this. I already called your folks, and they said you could stay. So, we're having pizza. My treat! Do you like Dominos?" "DJ, I do, but that's more a question I think for Steve, as much as that guy eats. Hahaha!" "Derek?", DJ said with a really huge smile, "Shut up." Both of them cracked up and totally lost it. "Oh, geez," said DJ. "I needed that. But anyway, seriously, would you like to join us?" "Heck yeah!", said Derek. Just then, the doorbell rang, and DJ excused herself to get the boxes of pizza, and pay the delivery driver.
"You know, DJ," said Stephanie. By this time, she'd heard the recording. "You should seriously think about trying out for America's Got Talent." "Burr'rr'rrp!" "Ewwwww! Joey!", said DJ. "That's disgusting!" "Sorry..."
"Actually, Deej," Joey said thoughtfully, "Stephanie might be on to something here. We're serious, DJ. You really do have potential, I'm not kidding you." "You really do, DJ," replied Derek. "I suppose I could try," said DJ, "But I don't want you all to get your hopes up. That show is super super hard to get on, let alone win."
"DJ, can I speak to you for a moment, not as your uncle, but as the professional I am?", asked Uncle Jesse. "Yeah, what's up?" "DJ, you are correct on one thing you said, and I'm heartened greatly to hear that you understand not to put too high of expectations on things. I wouldn't want you to be heartbroken because you didn't win, or didn't even pass the audition. Shoot, you might not even make the audition in the first place. Even doing that much takes lots of effort, time, and responsibility. But, that all being said, you're my niece, and I love you, and believe strongly in you. We all do, Deej. Honey, you've got what it takes. Again, listen here to what I'm telling you. I'm not saying this as just your uncle. I mean, OK, I am, but I'm also saying this from the perspective of someone who is a professional musician, and understands the industry, and what it takes to make dreams like this come true Danny? You've been kind of just sitting here quiet. Either that pizza is really delicious, or something's wrong."
"Yeah...", Danny sighed. "I don't know, Jesse. She's so young still. Do you really think she's got what it will take? I just don't want my baby girl having to go through that rejection possibly." "Do I get a say?", asked DJ. Everyone was quiet and awaited her next response.
"Look, I know you all have mixed feelings about this, and rightfully so. Dad, you always have said, you'll never know if you don't try things." "DJ," Danny said, "What about your school work? You know... things like this can really go to kids' heads. I'm not saying that will necessarily happen with you, but realize that if you do this, and you make it past the initial audition, you're going to have to rehearse a bunch, and let's not even talk about the legal paperwork I'll have to do as your guardian to give my consent for you being on TV, and moving forward through the different rounds in the show."
"Hey Danny?", Becky quietly said. "I've got an idea. If I may." "Sure, absolutely!", Danny replied. "What about our show, Wake Up San Francisco? I mean, I know it airs while she's in school, but could we maybe tape an episode ahead of time at the TV station and have DJ sing a few songs? That would get her some local feedback here just within the city before going national with something like America's Got Talent. Then, if that proves to be a success, we could see about moving forward with the bigger audition." "Aunt Becky," DJ said, "That's a fantastic idea! I love it! How about you guys?" "Only if we get a DVD of the show," Derek joked. "Derek, eat your pizza, please?", Danny half jokingly shrugged. "That's not a bad idea, Becky." "So, does this mean we're going to do it?", asked DJ. "Well, I am the host of the show," said Danny, "But there are people above me I'll need to consult with to be sure it's OK. I don't have a problem with it, but I'll have to run it by the program director." "Oh, thank you thank you thank you!", said DJ as she jumped up and ran over to give her dad a huge hug.
"Well," Derek said, "It's getting late, I really probably do need to get back home soon. Thank you all so so much though for such a wonderful evening. I really do mean it. DJ, you didn't have to do this with the pizza. I really appreciate your generosity." "We're happy to do it for you, dude," said Jesse. "Um... Dude? Wo! There's a term I didn't expect you to use," said Joey. "Anyway," Joey continued, "You guys finish cleaning up, if you don't mind. I'll drive Derek home if he's ready."