24. Twenty-Four

Twenty-Four

Cass

As we enter the sound studio, the hum of high-end equipment fills the room, rich acoustics bouncing off the walls. The band and I rehearse and then run quickly through a few takes. After just an hour, the sound man nods. “That’s a wrap for now. I got the short track I needed.”

We wave our goodbyes, and the rest of the band leaves, everyone but Sam. He stays behind.

Cassidy looks over, her enthusiasm contagious. “Dad, what about the song you started on the fishing boat? Can we start with that?”

Glancing at Cassidy, I can tell she’s a little nervous.

“Sure. It’s not ready, but I don’t mind if we play around with it. If you and your mom are game.” I look over at Kendrick, standing on the sidelines.

“You just want to get a feel for how it’s coming together, right?” she asks, biting her lip.

“That’s right.” Leaning in, I ask in a low voice, “Why? We used to sing together all the time.”

Kendrick gives a self-conscious laugh. “Yes, but that was a long time ago. Thirteen years, to be exact.”

“Who’s counting?” I chuckle. “Come on, it’ll be fun.”

I open my notebook and start the melody, with Cassidy quickly joining in on her guitar. I sing the chorus, and Kendrick’s unmistakable voice sings harmony. Our voices blend perfectly, just like in the past. By the second take, Kendrick finds her true voice. The sound of the music is filled with strength and rhythm as we harmonize together, our voices a seamless blend of shared notes and unspoken emotions.

As the notes fade away, there’s a stillness in the studio. My eyes meet Kendrick’s, and time seems to stand still. I try to hide the surge of emotions that singing with her again has stirred within me. I clear my throat. “Okay, I think that was good. Damn good.” Noticing Kendrick’s misty eyes, I lean over and gently kiss her forehead, sharing a smile.

Turning toward Cassidy, I gruffly ask. “Ready? Because you’re up next.”

Cassidy steps up to the mic, her face a mixture of nerves and determination. This isn’t just another recording; it feels like a turning point, something deeper. Kendrick stands beside me, her gaze shifting from Cassidy to me, a mix of pride and slight trepidation in her eyes. This day means a lot to our daughter, and we don’t want anything to tarnish this precious moment.

Cassidy glances over her shoulder at Sam, who gives her an encouraging nod from behind the glass. He’s set up everything just right, the mics calibrated, the instruments ready. “Are you ready, superstar?” I ask her, giving her a playful nudge.

Cassidy nods, clutching the notebook with nervous determination, her fingers gripping the edges tightly. “I think so,” she whispers, taking a deep breath. She glances at Kendrick. “Mom, will you watch from here? I think it helps when you’re close.”

Kendrick steps up beside me, and we both give her a nod of reassurance. She looks up at us with a mix of awe and determination that tugs at my heart. I know that look—it’s one I’ve felt in myself before every performance that mattered.

As Cassidy lowers the mic stand, I adjust my guitar and tune it for a few seconds, letting her hear the rhythm and connect with it, falling in sync. She takes a deep breath and then begins. The first few notes are shaky, but as the song progresses, her voice grows stronger and more assured. I come in with the harmony, the music filling the space between us, creating something larger than either of us could make alone. Kendrick watches, her arms crossed, but I see her fingers tapping lightly to the rhythm, and it’s clear she’s as swept up in the moment as we are.

When Cassidy finishes the last line, she glances over, a hopeful look in her eyes. “How’d I do, Dad?”

I grin, a surge of pride swelling inside me. “You nailed it, Cassidy. Let’s do a final take to see if we can capture even more of that energy. Okay?”

During the final take, Cassidy’s confidence soars. She doesn’t just sing; she owns the song, and her voice soars over the lines, clear and pure.

Cassidy’s cheeks are flushed, her eyes bright with excitement. She turns to Kendrick, who’s already moving forward to meet her. “Mom, did you hear that? Dad and I sounded amazing!” Cassidy exclaims, her excitement bubbling over.

Kendrick pulls her into a tight hug, her voice thick with emotion. “I did, sweetheart. You were… incredible.” She looks up at me, her eyes shining. “Both of you.”

Cassidy laughs, a carefree sound that fills the room. “Can we listen to the playback?”

Sam cues up the recording, and we all crowd around, listening intently as Cassidy’s voice fills the room once more. There’s something about hearing it like this, as though we’re outside of ourselves, listening to her talent as though she were a seasoned performer. It’s surreal but beautiful.

Cassidy’s eyes are wide when the playback ends, her expression almost reverent. “Is that really me?” she whispers, glancing up at us.

I put an arm around her shoulders, squeezing gently. “That’s all you, sweetheart. And it’s just the beginning.”

Cassidy glows under the praise, practically floating on air. She looks up at Kendrick, her expression turning serious. “Mom, you don’t mind if I keep doing this, right? With Dad?”

Kendrick hesitates, her soft sigh betraying an internal battle. I know she’s weighing her desire to protect Cassidy from fame’s darker sides against the pride she feels in seeing her shine. A quiet acceptance that her daughter has inherited a gift.

“As long as you’re happy and you’re doing it for yourself,” Kendrick says gently, “then yes, Cassidy. But remember, music is about joy, not pressure. Promise me you’ll always hold onto that.”

Cassidy nods, her face serious. “I promise, Mom.”

Later, as we take a break, Cassidy’s gaze lands on Kendrick’s bag. “Mom, you brought your notebook of songs?”

Kendrick hesitates, glancing at me, then back at Cassidy. Finally, she pulls out a thick, well-worn notebook, its edges frayed from years of use. “Yes,” she says softly.

“How many are in there?” I ask curiously.

“Hundreds,” Kendrick admits, a shy smile tugging at her lips. She flips to the middle of the notebook and pulls out a smaller bundle of neatly folded pages. “These are the best ones… about twenty or so.”

Cassidy reaches out. “Will you sing one for Dad? Please?”

Kendrick’s fingers tighten around the bundle. “Maybe someday,” she says gently. “But not today.”

Cassidy’s face falls slightly, but she nods. Then, her expression brightens. “What about the heartbreak song? My favorite?”

Kendrick freezes, her eyes darting to mine. For a moment, the air between us feels charged with something unspoken. “Not that one,” she says quickly, shaking her head. Her voice softens as her gaze locks with mine. “Not yet. I’m not ready to share that with anyone.”

While Cassidy catches her breath, I guide Kendrick over to the corner and pull her into my side, giving her a reassuring squeeze. “You okay?” I ask, my voice low.

She nods, glancing back at Cassidy, who’s now talking animatedly with Sam about different recording techniques. “I am,” Kendrick says softly, a faint smile on her lips. “I just don’t want her caught in a whirlwind, Cass. Fame isn’t always kind to young talent.”

I brush the back of my hand down her face, understanding exactly what she means. “She’s got us. We’ll be her safety net and guide. She’s not going to face anything alone, Kendrick. I won’t let that happen.”

A flicker of relief crosses her face, and she leans into me, letting herself trust that we’re in this together. “Thank you, Cass. For understanding my concerns.”

We rejoin Cassidy, eager for another go at the mic, solo this time. We spend the rest of the session recording a few more tracks, each one a little better than the last.

Later as we’re packing up, I can see the excitement in Cassidy’s eyes is tinged with exhaustion. She’s given it her all, and it’s clear she’s ready to call it a day. Sam pulls me aside while Kendrick gathers Cassidy’s things.

“You know,” Sam says, glancing back at Cassidy, “she’s got the spark, Cass. That drive, that… whatever it is that sets people apart. You can’t teach that.”

“I know,” I reply, my chest tightening with pride and a little worry of my own. “She’s something special, isn’t she?”

Sam nods, his voice serious. “Yeah. Just make sure she’s protected from the sharks out there. Fame’s not exactly kind to the gifted.”

“Trust me, that’s the plan,” I say firmly, a determined glint in my eye.

On the way back to the hotel, Cassidy can’t stop talking about the session, her voice a mixture of exhilaration and awe. Kendrick listens with an indulgent smile, her hand resting on Cassidy’s shoulder.

“Mom, Dad?” Cassidy finally asks as we pull up to the entrance. “Do you think… do you think maybe one day I could record an album? Like a real one?”

Kendrick’s smile falters just a bit, and she gives me a quick, searching glance. I know what she’s thinking. But this is our daughter’s dream, and I want to nurture it, not discourage it. Help her dreams come true, but in a way that keeps her grounded and safe. Suddenly, it hits me. Just like I don’t want to crush Cassidy’s hopes, this is only a fraction of how Kendrick felt all those years ago–about my big chance. The last of my lingering resentment over her decision melts away.

I reach over, placing my hand on my daughter’s shoulder. “If that’s what you want, Cassidy, and you’re willing to work hard for it, then yes. One day, we’ll make it happen. But remember, music is about passion. It’s not about success and money.”

Cassidy nods, her eyes filled with determination and gratitude. “I understand, Dad. I’ll remember.”

That night, after Cassidy is in bed, Kendrick and I sit together on the balcony, watching the city lights blink in the distance. She’s quiet, lost in thought, her body tucked warmly against mine.

“She’s amazing, Cass,” Kendrick says finally, her voice a mix of pride and worry. “But I don’t want her exposed to… everything that comes with this life–people like Derrick.”

I tighten my grip around her waist, understanding her completely. “We’ll protect her, Kendrick. She’ll get to experience the music without the turmoil. We’ll find a way to give her the best of both worlds.”

She looks up at me, a faint smile on her lips. “You really think that’s possible?”

I nod, confidence filling my voice. “I know it is. Because this–” I wave my hand in the air between us. “This is worth it. Having caring people around. We’re stronger together.”

“She’s only twelve,” Kendrick reminds me, worry flickering in her eyes. “I don’t want her to grow up too fast.”

“She won’t,” I reassure her. “We’ll take it slow—voice coaching, lessons—but we’ll guide her together.” Taking a deep breath, I give Kendrick a direct look. “But you have something to contribute as well. You were good, Kendrick. And your harmony is incredible–”

Kendrick interrupts me with, “But, I never had your drive. I just loved to sing and enjoyed performing.” She points out, biting her lip. “I see a fire in Cassidy that I never had. It’s the same fire that’s in you,” she says with conviction, meeting my eyes. Then she states thoughtfully, “I’m not trying to extinguish it, Cass. I just want to help guide her toward a balanced life. One where she can have everything she wants–and deserves. Without anyone taking it away from her.”

Nodding, I say, “I want that for her too.” Giving Kendrick a warm look, I continue, “I want that for me–for us. And you know what? We’re going to get it.”

As the hum of the city below us drifts through the night air, I pull Kendrick close, engulfing her in my arms to ward off the chill of the night. Leaning down, I give her a warm kiss, and I feel her slender form mold to mine. The moment brims with fierce determination. Together, we’ll shield Cassidy from fame’s harsh edges, letting her brilliance shine while keeping her spirit untarnished.