Chapter 14 is exactly what this is don't be fooled by cheap imitations.
"Thank you and goodnight!" Molly yells out to the excited crowd while walking off the stage, myself and the rest of the band follows suit. It was a sold out show the first one of those we have had in nearly two months time. It felt good; it felt really damn good actually. My foot had been removed from the bandage a day earlier than scheduled, actually I risked taking it off at that point because my foot no longer hurt and has I predicated the stupid crutches were just that stupid. Just as long as I don't over do it I am perfectly set to go. We arrived in Las Vegas only ten minutes before the show, usually we try to avoid cutting it that short, just sometimes it can't be avoid. The stage crew had everything set up including all the mic checks. I must admit it felt weird going out without some sort of a rehearsal run through first, but we do the same set day after day it seems. I know there are changes but it's certainly not brain surgery.
"Mom! Dad!" I whip around quickly at the sound of Annie's high pitch squeal and manage to jump out of the way as she came running right past me to reach the people she screamed for. I had meet her mother when she had been left in Molly's care, a nice woman. Her father I had only meet him through hundreds of photographs arranged in cute scrapbooks made by Annie. She absolutely adored him. It seems that majority of girls I meet no matter their age adore their fathers. Never being someone's daughter or having one I can't really make any sense of it.
"Oh honey you've grown! I just know that you have." Her father tells her after giving her a hug that lifted her straight off the ground. Grown? No that girl had not grown a single centimeter since being here, I am guessing it's those 70's styled boots that are causing the illusion. I am starting to feel uneasy being here during this long waited family reunion of sorts. The rest of the band with Molly had packed up quickly to have more time at the casinos, and as Molly pointed out nine days ago I can't gamble so I had no where to rush off to. The Thelans said they were going to meet us tomorrow morning around 8:30 at the airport, I guess they are like Annie had enjoy surprises. I carefully try to slip past them unfortunately they were standing next to the only entrance and exit to the room.
"Carey! Hey mom you remember Carey right?" Dear God why did she have to yell everything? I turn my attention to the three of them putting on my best smile and giving a quiet hi.
"Oh Carey! Yes I do remember him. How are you sweetheart?" Rather uncomfortable and out of place so please let me leave.
"I am doing just great Mrs. Thelan. And yourself?"
"I am doing wonderful and please call me Lisa. This is my husband Kevin by the way." He reaches his hand out towards to me and gives me a tight and firm handshake, I'll admit it sort of hurt.
"Ah yes you're Irene and Ned's son right? Good people your parents are."
"That they are."
"Don't forget he's also Molly's guitarist, he's amazing!" Amazing me? I try not to blush at Annie's untrue words.
"I am not that good."
"Don't be modest Carey I am sure you are great. I bet Molly just adores you." Um yeah you could say that.
"Well I have to get going do you guys know what hotel we're staying at?"
"Sure do, we already booked a room. You have a nice night Carey I am sure we'll be seeing you soon." I wave farewell at all three of them and finally escape the room. Once outside of the club I look around for someone that I might know, I am sure that all can't be scampered in the four winds already. At least my dad would of waited for me. Hell this is Las Vegas anything and everything is possible. As I am preparing to reenter the club and request permission to use their phone a hand grabs my elbow roughly yanking me around.
"Shit Molly don't do that to a person!" I tell her teasingly as she pushes me from out of the bright lights coming from the street and the building to an area surrounded by shadows and passionately kisses me. She's coming more risky and adventuress with this kissing business. Not that I mind of course.
"Um Molly?" I finally manage to break lose to speak after what seemed like an eternity I am sure it was no more than five seconds.
"What is it?"
"Annie and her parents are right inside." Quicker than a flash of lightning she has jumped at least five feet away from me.
"Kevin and Lisa are here? But they aren't due for another nine hours."
"Yeah I am pretty confident about it unless they both found their long lost twins and told them everything about our lives." I say jokingly at her while dodging her swinging purse.
"I suppose I should go inside." Molly informs me while walking towards the door, this time I do the elbow grapping and pull her in the opposite direction.
"Nah let them and Annie have some time alone, they know what hotel we're staying at. Don't worry you'll see them soon enough and vise versa. Now come with me I have a plan." Before she can protest with my hand still holding her arm I begin to walk down the street.
"Carey where are we going?"
"If I told you it won't be a surprise. Taxi!"