Page 206 of Fame & Chaos

After laying down two tracks, I’m utterly exhausted. It’s taken the entire day, and everyone keeps assuring me it’s normal and not because I constantly need breaks every hour to recover. But honestly, who knows if they’re just trying to make me feel better?

Indi was supportive the whole time, but fuck me, she was in full nurse mode today. Every time I so much as flinched or shifted awkwardly, she’d stop what she was doing and rush over to check on me. Annie started getting snappy about it after a while because she thought Indi was babying me too much, but everyone else seemed to think it was adorable how protective she was.

As for me? I thought it was pretty damn adorable.

Every time we paused recording for a break, Indi would sneak over and quietly tell me how good I sounded singing the chorus, or how one particular lyric made her heart flutter. Hearing her say shit like that filled me with so much pride I couldn’t stop smiling afterward. I already love singing more than anything in the world, but singing while Indi watches me? While she looks at me like I’m something incredible? That somehow makes it even better.

Now all we need is for this album to sell well enough that we can play Wembley one day, so I can finally sing to her in a crowd the way I promised her when we were kids.

And I fully intend on keeping that promise.

We finally wrap up for the day, and Dad walks over while Dee talks animatedly with Indi nearby. I smile watching them because, honestly, everyone loves Indi. It’s impossible not to. Even Dee absolutely adores her.

“I’m proud of you,” Dad says, dragging my attention back to him.

“Thanks, Dad,” I reply. “I know I was a bit slower today, but just being back in a studio with the band again…” I glance around Abbey Road and shake my head slightly. “And having all of 12GAUGE-Slayed here with us? It’s honestly kind of surreal. It’s an honor.”

Dad laughs softly and gently pats my back. “No, son. Trust me, the honor is ours.” His expression softens as he looks at me. “Watching the man you’ve become, the life you’ve built for yourself, besides this little run-in with a tree…” he teases lightly, “… it’s honestly everything a father could hope for.” Emotion thickens in my throat as he keeps talking. “Caleb, your band has something special. Your sound is fresh and alive in a way ours never was. Don’t get me wrong, 12GAUGE-Slayed was incredible in our day, but what you kids create? It’s different. It’s bigger emotionally, and there’s magic in it.”

Jesus Christ.

Hearing Dad say that feels incredible.

“If people don’t love this album…” he continues, “… then there’s something seriously wrong with them because what you all make together is fucking special. I couldn’t be prouder of you if I tried.”

I press my lips together tightly, suddenly feeling way too emotional for a recording studio full of people. Without thinking, I lean forward and hug him tightly.

“I love you, kid,” Dad murmurs while hugging me back. “And yeah, you’ve made some mistakes, but you’re fixing your shit now. So make it count, Caleb. Make every second count.” He pulls back slightly and keeps his hands on my shoulders.

“Thanks, Dad…” I hesitate before speaking again. “You know… I’ve never actually said this out loud before.”

Dad immediately groans. “Oh, God. Here we go,” he jokes.

I laugh quietly before meeting his eyes properly. “I’m really glad you turned out to be my father.”

The second the words leave my mouth, everything around us seems to go quiet.

Dad just stares at me.

And for the first time in my entire life, I see his eyes fill with tears.

He quickly looks away and wipes at his cheek like he’s embarrassed anyone might see it. “Well… shit,” he mutters hoarsely. “What the hell am I meant to say to that?”

Before I can answer, he pulls me into another hug. This one is tighter, more emotional.

“I’m glad you’re my son, Caleb,” he says quietly near my ear. “Not my nephew. Having you as a son was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

My eyes burn, and my throat tightens so hard I can barely breathe around it.

“Bloody hell, what’s going on over here?” Dingo suddenly booms while slapping Dad hard on the back. “Mutual admiration society meeting? You two confessing your undying love or some shit?”

Dad laughs roughly and wipes his face again. “Nope. Just telling my son how proud I am of him.”

Dingo scoffs dramatically. “Proud? All he did was lose a fight with a tree. Come back after wrestling a full-grown dingo with your bare hands and then maybe we’ll talk about impressive achievements.”

Dad and I both roll our eyes while Dingo launches into the story of how he got his nickname for what has to be the ten-thousandth time in my life. Honestly, I stopped listening halfway through the first sentence.

A few minutes later, Indi quietly slips her hand into mine and gives me that look that says she knows I’m completely exhausted.