Her Blue Sky (Book1)

Five

James

I can’t blame Sky for being skeptical. He doesn’t know that I write songs and he has no clue that I’m capable of writing songs for an entire album. He isn’t aware that I take care of every artist who can’t write for themselves and that’s basically everyone except for his and my father’s band. Of course, there’s no way he was going to know because every composition says written, composed, or arranged by Griffin Hayes. I didn’t want to put my name on since I started because most people around us are judgemental f***s. I often hear them say that I only got the job because I’m a Hayes or the owner's daughter which is why I have so many privileges.

Sometimes they’d also say that I should follow my mom’s footsteps and take up modeling because it makes more sense. Everyone saw me as the daughter of two famous people who takes advantage of that way too much, which sucked because I’m more than that and I hate taking advantage of people or situations. What can I say? I was so insecure back then. I didn't like how people would comment about my looks and then assume that I'm trying so hard to fit in in the music industry. But now, I want to show people what I can do because I know I'm good at it and it's what makes me happy.

I was a nervous wreck the whole time. I couldn’t stop myself from blushing and being so awkward because it was the first time that we talked for more than two minutes and the first time we actually stayed in one place with no one else around. I was trying so hard to act normal, but doing exactly that made things worse. I even argued with the guy which was so embarrassing. Thank God we got along in the end, so I’ll probably be more at ease when we officially start working together. I just need to focus on the task and avoid daydreaming about him. A hard promise to keep, but worth a try.

I arrived at my parents’ house a few minutes after I met up with Sky for our Sunday family dinner thing and I noticed several small trucks and a lot of people hustling and bustling around the garden. I went inside the house and came face to face with my father. “Hey, dad what’s with the tent and a bunch of people running around carrying all sorts of things outside?” I asked pointing my thumb towards the door behind me. “We decided to invite people to celebrate a special occasion.” I gave him a questioning look. “And what’s that?” He grinned and said, “Your mother’s pregnant. Surprise!” I gaped at him unable to find any other expression at all. I couldn’t even fake a smile which is something that comes naturally to me for many years now.

“Wha- how- did- excu- umm- what?!” I was struggling to string coherent words together. I mean that would have been awesome, but I don’t think my mom can still get pregnant. Can she? I mean she's not that old, but she's not that young either. My father started laughing so hard that he had to put a hand over his stomach. I continued to stare at him looking very confused. “I’m just messing with you, princess!” he chuckled and gave me a bear hug. “Relax, she’s on the pill,” he added. “Oh my god, dad! There are things you just can’t unhear and unsee. Please!” This time we both laughed. When he let go, my legs almost gave out. I really thought he was serious. I'm good with having a younger sibling, it's just that I was worried about how my mom would do if that was truly the case. “We invited some of our close friends and family for a change,” he explained already disappearing down the hall.

I went up to my old room to change my clothes. I still keep some of my things here for impromptu stuff like these. I normally don’t dress up for our Sunday dinners because it’s usually just the three of us, but since we’re having... I’m guessing several guests, I don’t think a leather jacket on top of a plain white shirt and tattered jeans is appropriate. I took a shower and changed into a short and simple light blue dress and white flats before I searched for my mom.

My parents’ house is enormous. It’s no wonder people who live here don't need to work out or use the gym, but it can be a hassle at times, just like not having any clue where everyone is. After a while, I just gave up and went into the kitchen to look for something to drink and it was perfect timing because she just got there too. “Hi, mom!” I greeted giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “You look lovely, dear. How’s working with Colin and our hot rock stars?” I narrowed my eyes at her, suspecting that she’s interested to know more about what happened with Sky than the rest of Lucid Mantra and Colin. The thing is, I don’t keep secrets from my parents. Contrary to what people believe, we’re really very open and close to each other, so they’re aware that I have a thing for a certain someone who plays the guitar. “It’s not so bad. It went well, I think.” perching myself on the stool. “Oh? Is that all the answer you’re going to give me?” She teased. “Yes, mom. We talked about working together as early as possible and that was it. Nothing unusual, just you know, me being awkward and him being him. Hot...” She smiled at that and kissed my head before leaving.

I watched random channels for about an hour waiting for everything to settle. I would’ve offered to help, but I guess everything’s been taken care of. Guests started arriving by 6:30 PM and so I turned the TV off and marched out to the garden where the party is. I stopped dead in my tracks when Sky and Maddox crossed paths with me. “Hey, James!” Maddox greeted wearing his usual hot as sin grin. “Uh, hi?” I said, clearly confused about the turn of events. Sky didn’t say anything and just nodded, but I noticed his dark brown eyes travel so slowly up and down the length of my body. Really? we talked for hours and he greets me with a nod and a smoldering look? Also, why didn’t he mention that he was going to be here? What’s up with that? I shook my head not as a way of reprimanding him, but as a way of gathering an iota of my wits.

“Where’s the rest of the gang?” I asked trying to pretend that this isn’t weird at all. My parents said close friends and family so I guess they also mean every signed artist, manager, and other employee. Okay, I guess that makes sense since GWH is family. “Still on their way I guess or they might already be here,” Sky answered with a shrug. “Oh, okay. Well, let’s go then!” I said as a means of invitation and walked towards the garden the guys trailing closely behind.