The soft roar of the taxi distanced itself from me as I grab my suitcases and walk towards the house.
I set my bag down at the door and fish out my keys.
After flipping to the key and inserting it into the lock, a soft "click" tells me I'm home.
Finally.
I hate that my job takes me away from home.
I love it, don't get me wrong, but I'd much rather be at home, just being Dad.
It's much more fun.
But I promised Cat that I'd at least work until the kids are out of school and into college.
We're paying for the kids to go to college with my income.
If they want to go to college.
We're living off the rest of what I make, and a little bit of Cat's.
The rest is either in the bank, or invested personally by my father.
He doesn't manage much anymore. Just our money, plus the money he and mom have.
But it gives him a hobby, and something to obsess over, which as bad as it sounds keeps him happy.
The last two weeks of touring was weird to say the least.
I had to kick someone out at every stop, which I've never had to do.
Went 17-17.
A depressing figure.
But it's over now.
I walk into my bedroom and let out a happy sigh.
I see where Cat discarded her covers this morning when she got up.
The morning schedule has certainly changed.
I guess it would be simplest to start with the girls.
They've had a whirlwind of excitement all around them.
First off, they've firmly entrenched themselves on Splashface and settling at about 8 million followers each, which is categorically insane.
On top of that staggering number, is the fact that some of their musical idols followed them, without solicitation.
For instance, Ellie has always loved Jennifer Lopez's work for some reason. I'm not sure why.
So imagine how she reacted when she got a DM from J-Lo herself saying that she was thrilled to see
I honestly think my eardrums are still ringing.
Sydney at least didn't scream when Jennifer Lawrence DM'd her.
Well…I don't know about that.
I was out of town by then.
I…
We'll talk about that later.
Cat, Jade, Beck and I told the girls that all you have to do on Splashface is be friendly and gracious.
If someone insults you or creeps you out?
Just block them and they'll never be seen or heard from again.
They're naturally gifted at it, if that's possible. At least their personalities show thru, which isn't always the case.
Ellie's been her usual wisecracking, feisty self. To a fault.
People flipped when Ellie said she "Sucks" at love and romance.
Within minutes, Jade replied "All lies."
Ellie shot back "Then what do you call only having one boyfriend ever? I call that sucking at love!"
Jade: "I call it you're 15 and have more than plenty of time."
The fact that that exchange got favorited by people over 2 million times tells you what people thought.
Sydney…she's opening up.
She's been posting since the night we activated the accounts.
It took her 3 days to post a profile picture, and according to Cat, she refused to look at the reaction for fear of being called ugly.
Until the trend "Sydney is Beautiful" caught her eye.
Like her dear mother, after crying she said thank you and that she can't believe the response.
Every day since then she's been using it as kind of a photo diary. Taking pictures of scripts at her classes in Pasadena, stuff going on at school, and pictures of her and Ellie goofing off, usually with funny faces.
In the past day or two, she's been posting pictures of her outfits to school, and replying to more of Cat's fans.
She's coming out of her shell.
Ellie is too, and I didn't even know she was in one.
Apparently she hadn't kept in touch with her cast mates from her Broadway show '13'.
But they stubbornly followed her and posted at her username.
And now she's following all of them back.
It's a beautiful thing.
People love how normal the kids are, saying they post like completely normal teenagers.
For example. Sydney posted "I can't find my dumb Biology spiral. Don't mind me if I just doodle here in the back. #SorryTeach"
Splashface basically turned into a puddle.
Then Syd capped it off by posting her doodle of her view out the window, holding it up to the real thing side by side.
Pretty accurate.
Cat texted me later that night wondering if we should look into art classes for Sydney. I talked her into checking into classes at Hollywood Arts.
Hollywood Arts.
We'll be there on Thursday for auditions.
I'm excited. Irrationally excited for what we've been warned is a talented train wreck.
I'm just happy to be home.
Speaking of home…
Sydney texted me earlier today, saying she needed me to do something for her, and that she has a purple note for me in the top drawer of her dresser in her room.
So that's where I'm going.
Top drawer…
There's the purple paper.
I open it.
"Dear Daddy,
Hi! I'm glad your home! Mom said that your tour was good, but that you had to kick people out. That's awkward haha.
Anyway, I'm writing this so Mom won't see it. If you haven't already guessed, I'm still thinking about the music thing. Once you get a second, would you mind setting up an anonymous appointment with Mom's record label please?
Can't wait till I see you. I miss you already.
Love,
Sydney"
She has a great signature.
I smile and take the note downstairs and stash it in my 'important papers' stack.
Luckily I have the number of the head of Cat's label. He gave it to me in case I ever needed to speak to him.
This is his lucky day.
I unlock my phone, tap the contacts and scroll to "Universal CEO Guy"
Calling…
…
…
"Justin Schmitt, CEO of Universal Republic Records."
"Justin, this is Robbie Shapiro, Cat Valentine's husband?" I say.
"Robbie! Good to hear from you! How is everything?" He said happily.
"Good, and you sir?" I ask.
"Great, just moving along with the family. You know how that goes." He laughed.
"I do."
"What can I do for you today? How's Cat?"
"She's great. I'm actually calling about something in regards to music."
"Really? Ok, I'm all ears."
Cheerful guy, I see why he has the job he does.
"Great, but it has to be off the record for now. Is this being recorded?" I ask.
"Yes, but I can turn it off. This isn't anything illegal I assume."
"No way." I say.
"Okayyy…" He said, and then I hear a click.
"You're clear."
"Wonderful. I'm sorry to make you do that, but it's the only way Sydney will come out with this."
"Sydney? That's Cat's daughter." He said.
"Yes. She would like to, in her words "See if she is any good at music."
"Really? We know she's good. Every time the topic comes up Cat says she has a wonderful voice." He says.
"She does, but she doesn't want to be judged because of her mother. She's afraid of being handed a record deal." I tell him.
"So she wants to come in and basically record a bit and see if the company is interested?" He asked.
"Yes. I know you guys do monthly meetings about possible artists. I was thinking that we could record some tracks, then leave it up to the board."
"Ok. That all sounds reasonable. Now I have to ask, why did I have to turn off all my monitoring equipment?" He asked.
"She doesn't want anyone to know about this. She wants it to be 100% anonymous." I explain.
"Ohhh…I see. Well, how about this? We come up with a pseudonym for her to record under, we use it at the meeting, and if she's accepted, I'll tell the board who she actually is?"
"That'd be wonderful." I say.
"So, would you like to schedule a time to come in?" He asked.
"Please."
"What time can you guys come in? I assume you'll be coming with her?"
"I will. Can next week on Friday work? After school ends?"
"I take it school ends at 2:30?" he asked.
"Yup." I say.
"Thought so…we can do that."
"Woinderful. Thank you so much sir." I say.
"No Robbie, thank you. I'm thrilled that Sydney wants to look into possibly starting a music career. And very appreciative that you gave me the call." He told me.
"Well, you said call if I needed something, I thought this would apply." I joke, getting him to laugh.
"It certainly does. Thank you Robbie."
"No problem. Bye." I say, then hang up.
WHEW!
She'll be happy about that.
I smile and sit down on my bed, then start unpacking my stuff.
Until I hear a "Beeeep!"
Someone's here.
Clop clop clop clop…
I poke my head out of the bedroom to see Cat carrying some bags.
I creep behind her and say "Let me get those for you."
"ROBBIE!" She yelped happily, dropping the bags and hugging me.
I kiss her then smile. "Hi."
"You're home!"
"Uh huh. Just got back 30 or so minutes ago. Haven't even unpacked." I say, grabbing a few bags.
"It's so good to have you home. I was tired of sleeping alone." She said.
"Corey didn't join you?"
He usually sneaks into bed with her when I'm gone.
"Nope. Maybe my baby boy is growing up." She said.
"Possibly." I kid her. "Is the rumor true?"
"What rumor?"
"That our Sydney is becoming an independent teenager?"
While I was gone, she was busy.
She and Cat went to the DMV, got her a permit and applied for a hardship waver so she could drive kids her age around before the 6 month grace period that's usually required.
She'll probably get that.
The first few days Syd was driving, she refused to go anywhere or do anything without Cat driving behind her.
But finally, two days ago she drove to the grocery store all by her self, and has been good ever since.
Cat bought her a parking pass at school, so now our morning routine has changed.
I drive over to Jade's with Kevin and Corey, pick up Matt and drive them to school.
Jade takes Ellie.
And she will until Syd can drive them both to school.
That'll make life so much easier.
It's already easier. Yesterday night when I was packing, Cat texted me and said that Sydney was already thinking ahead and helping out with stuff like shampoo the boys need, toiletries, etcetera.
Cat smiled. "Yep. It's true. She's driving like a champ."
"What's it like seeing her behind the wheel?"
"Honestly?" She asked.
I nod.
"Terrifying. She's getting more confident, but the number of bad drivers out there scares me."
I scratch her lower back. "She'll be fine. She's naturally cautious. Don't worry about her."
"You know that's not possible right? You have to be worried too." She immediately replied.
"I am, but I'm giving her enough rope to hang herself."
She grudgingly smiled.
I glance at the clock and see 2:00.
"Crap. Gotta run. I'll be back with the boys. Sorry I didn't help much." I say, coming to her for a hug.
She quickly pulled me in and kissed me.
"It's fine. I missed you. I'm glad you're home."
"Me too."
"Go. Bye." She pushed me to the door.
I laugh and grab my keys, then go out the garage door.
We put my car in there so that Sydney and Cat could both park without having to negotiate around my car.
Well…it's actually Cat's Escalade.
Cat normally drives my BMW to save gas.
I put on the radio and see that Cat has been listening to talk radio.
Currently they're talking about politics.
Ugh.
I block it out and enjoy the sparse drive to Matt and Kevin's school.
I get into the parent waiting area just as kids begin to file out.
Moments after I stop, both boys are sprinting full bore.
They threw open their doors.
"DAD!" Kevin yelled, climbing over the dash in the front and hugging me.
"Uncle Robbie!" Mat cheered, hugging me from the side.
"Hey guys, how's it going?' I smile, ruffling Kevin's hair as they shut their respective doors.
"Great!" Kevin smiled.
"How was the tour?" Matt asked.
"Chaotic. Had to kick some people out." I say.
"Why?"
"They were being jerks and ruining the show for other people. And I wasn't going to let that happen. So I kicked them out."
"Did they get their money back?" Matt asked.
"No. Why would they?" I say, pulling onto the streets.
Corey's school isn't far away.
"I don't know…" Matt said.
"Don't tell your brother that ok? He won't understand." I say.
Both boys nod thankfully.
"So school was good?" I change topics.
"Tiring." Kevin said.
Matt just groaned.
"I see." I say, pulling into Corey's school.
In the past, when I've picked the boys up, I let them go get Corey, and I wait outside.
But this time I'll go ahead and get out and wait for him to see me.
Something tells me he's missed me.
"Same as normal guys?' I ask, stopping near the door.
"Uh huh." Kevin said, as he and Matt are already getting out.
I laugh and put the car into park, then walk to the side facing the door and pull out my phone.
"Got K & M. Getting Corey now." I send to Cat.
…
"Awesome. Jade and Ellie just got here. Sydney apparently got stuck in the parking lot log jam."
"They still haven't fixed that?" I ask.
That was a problem when we went to school there! I remember chilling with everybody on our trunks, waiting for the line to shorten up.
I hear sudden running, then look up.
"Daddy!"
"Corey!" I beam, seeing him running full speed at me.
Kevin has his backpack so he can run faster.
He crashed into me so hard he sent me into the car.
"Daddy!" He said again, clinging to me for dear life.
"I see you missed me." I kid him.
He gives me a silly look, then sticks his tongue out at me and walks to his door.
"Good to see you too then." I say, causing Kevin and Matt to laugh.
"How was your tour?" He asked me as I start home. "I missed you!"
"I missed you too buddy. I missed all you guys. My tour was lots of fun. I got everybody a gift!" I smile.
"Really?' Corey lit up.
I usually buy the kids each something from one of my stops. Usually a different city per kid.
This time I got Ellie a "I (Heart) NY" shirt.
Syd is getting a nice belt buckle from…Nashville.
Oh the comedy.
In my defense, they paid REALLY well.
Kevin is getting a pen from Philadelphia.
Matt is getting a guitar pick, also from Nashville.
He's been really interested in the guitar, and is collecting different kinds of picks.
I honestly didn't know there were different kinds.
And lastly Corey is getting a "100 random facts about Washington D.C" book.
He loves his books.
"Yup. I think you'll like yours bud." I say.
"Yay!"
"Thanks Dad." Kevin smiled.
I look in the rearview mirror and see Corey smiling from ear to ear.
What's Matt looking at?
"Whatcha looking at Matt?" I ask.
"I…Is that Sydney's Range Rover?"
"WHAT?" We all say, looking to the left.
IT IS.
I start laughing and set my head on the wheel.
"Tell me when it gets green." I gasp to Kevin, as Corey and Matt roll down their window.
"What's so funny?" Kevin asked me.
"I…" I say, then start laughing again.
Oh the IRONY.
"SYDNEY!" The backseat boys yell.
Syd has the side window open and immediately turned.
Her jaw immediately dropped.
"Hiii!" She waved.
I roll down my window. "Hi! Focus! See you in about 2 minutes!" I say.
We're one light away from the neighborhood.
"Okay!"
I roll up all the windows.
"Ok guys, what I'm about to do, do not tell your mother ok?"
"Okay!" They all say.
"And don't follow my example. Do as I say, not as I do."
They all laugh.
"What are you going to do daddy?" Corey asked.
Green light.
"You'll see buddy."
Sydney stays in her lane, and I stay in mine until she has to merge with me.
Syd easily checked her mirrors and blind spot, then sped up and went ahead of me.
Good girl.
I knew she wouldn't take me for granted.
Ok. In our neighborhood.
LET'S GO.
As soon as I've turned in, I hit the gas and turn into the left lane.
"WHOA!" The boys yell.
I easily pass Sydney, then speed ahead and go back into my lane.
Meanwhile, the boys are laughing their butts off.
"Take THAT SYDNEY!" Matt laughed.
"Go Daddy!" Corey cheered.
I speed up more, and Sydney disappears from my rearview mirror.
"Run in guys. Ok?" I say, turning into the house.
"Okay!" They all say.
I park, and we all sprint in.
"What is going on?" Jade jumped, as I slam the door and take off for the couch.
"We saw Sydney!" Kevin said.
"Daddy beat her home!" Corey smiled.
Cat laughed and shook her head.
"You guys are weird." Ellie said.
"Oh. Hi Ellie." I wave.
She smiled and sipped her drink while waving back.
Then the door opened to Sydney.
"GOSH you're SLOW!" I call out.
"You're a crazy driver!" She snapped at me, hiding a smile.
"No. What? Me?" I say, appealing to the boys.
Unfortunately they're all trying not to laugh.
"Oh no." jade smirked.
"He sped right on by me, going at least 50 once we got into the neighborhood! Left me right in the dust!" Sydney protested, albeit smiling.
"Robbie!" Cat said, as I stood.
"Hey. As I told the boys. Do as I say, not as I do."
Everyone laughed except for Cat and Sydney.
"Good driving though. I'm glad you chose not to speed up. Nice instincts." I rub her arm.
She frowned and pulled me into a hug.
"Hi daddy."