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*3rd Pov
"Sheldon! Let's go! We're going to be late!"
George marched toward Sheldon's room, knocking on Sheldon and Missy's doors.
"Wait a second!" Sheldon's voice called out from inside.
George let out a deep sigh, waiting for them to come out.
He wasn't wearing anything too fancy—just his usual bar attire—but he had made an effort to dress up a little. Well he said that but he just wear A plaid flannel shirt, paired with blue jeans.
And for the first time in a long time, he pulled out his rarely worn cowboy boots.
Even though he was exhausted from work earlier, he refused to miss this event.
It was their family's first time going to see Georgie perform, and he wouldn't let himself regret missing it.
Mary walked up beside him, her face still filled with worry.
"Are they ready yet?" she asked, glancing at George.
Even though she had agreed to come, she still felt uneasy about bringing the kids to a bar.
But since she'd be watching them the whole time, she allowed it.
Her outfit was neat and proper—a soft-colored blouse tucked into a midi skirt.
It had been years since she had last gone to a bar, so she dressed carefully.
Low heels and flats made it easy for her to move around, while a thin cardigan covered her arms, giving her a polished yet modest look.
She knew it was going to be a long night.
And she hoped it wouldn't be too wild.
"I'm still worried about this…" Mary sighed, adjusting her cardigan. "There are going to be drunk men and women everywhere. I just hope it's at least appropriate."
George gave her a reassuring look.
"Relax," he said.
"Georgie told me this bar is proper—not one of those cheap, rowdy ones. And I'm not drinking much tonight. I'll keep an eye on the kids."
Mary sighed again but gave him a small, appreciative smile.
George smirked and leaned close to whisper in her ear.
"…Maybe you can have a drink or two," he murmured. "And we can have some fun when we get back… you know, like last time in Houston…"
Mary's face turned red.
She smacked George's arm, but the shy smile on her lips betrayed her embarrassment.
Click!
Sheldon's door finally opened.
He stepped out—his face twisted in disgust.
"Dad, I can hear you," he said, shaking his head. "That's gross."
George's smirk vanished and Mary's face turned awkward.
Sheldon was usually dressed in a button-up shirt with dress pants and casual shoes.
But tonight, he had gone for a different look—
An Atom logo t-shirt, brown chino pants, and his usual shoes who complete his attire tonight. But his attire is lost from Missy who just walked out.
She confidently stepped out, dressed in a white top, layered with a denim jacket, paired with fitted blue jeans.
Her heeled boots clicked against the floor as she walked, her loose hair giving her a more mature look.
She looked at her parents who speechless looking at her outfit, but Mary didn't yell or say something to her because she dress appropriately.
"Hey," she greeted casually before striding into the living room, where Veronica and Connie were already waiting.
Veronica's eyes lit up.
"Ohh, you look adorable! Total country girl vibes!" she grinned.
Missy beamed.
"Thanks! You look pretty too!"
Veronica was dressed in a short-sleeved, polka-dot blouse with a button-up collar, tucked neatly into a pair of long jeans.
A black belt cinched her waist, completing the casual yet stylish look.Missy sighed dramatically.
"I wish I could be as gorgeous as you."
Connie chuckled, giving Missy a teasing smirk.
"Honey, you're already prettier than your mama," she said, throwing a playful glance at Mary.
Connie wears a floral blouse with small flowers that give a vintage and classic impression, there are ruffle accessories on the collar and sleeve ends. Blue Denim jeans make it more stylish and fashionable.Mary fumed, "oh shut up" she said but she didn't want to ruin this night and fighting with her mother over a smile thing. So she stopping herself.
"Let's go! I don't wanna miss Georgie's gig!" Missy said, grabbing her family and pulling them toward the door.
George and Mary drove separately, while Connie rode with Veronica, who had offered to drive.
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Georgie's POV
"This is your fault." I huffed, shooting a look at Fenley.
She was out of breath, looking just as exhausted as me.
We had… spent some time together.
Maybe too much time.
And if I hadn't forced myself to stop, I might've missed my own gig.
"It's your fault!" Fenley shot back. "Who told you to keep going?!"
We had to rush to Fenley's house first to change clothes and playing a few minutes there, because someone had been too eager, and now we were both running late.
By the time we arrived at Luminous Records, everyone was already getting ready.
As soon as we stepped inside, I spotted Rosie.
Her sharp gaze immediately landed on us.
Oh boy.
Fenley looked nervous—and rightfully so.
"Welp—I gotta go check in with the team!" I quickly excused myself, leaving Fenley alone to deal with Rosie.
I could hear Fenley's awkward laugh as Rosie stormed toward her.
That was her problem now.
I entered the studio, where the crew was packing up all the equipment—guitars, pedal effects, spare amps—just in case the bar's system wasn't up to our standard.
Rosie's team had already checked the venue.
It had the basic necessities—PA system, stage setup, lighting.
As soon as I walked in, all eyes turned toward me.
Especially James, Edo, and Kayla.
They looked exhausted.
"I told you guys to get some sleep." I sighed, walking over to them.
Kayla was dragging her bass like a zombie.
"Look at you," I chuckled.
"You look dead."
"It's fine, Georgie," James reassured me.
Edo nodded in agreement.
Kayla, however, let out a dramatic groan.
"I AM TIRED!" she wailed.
The entire room burst into laughter.
Even Alex and Beckie, who also looked tired, but didn't seem as miserable as James and his gang.
"They practiced all night to perfect their playing." Alex said, adjusting his steel guitar.
I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck.
"You know what I think?" I said, looking around at the group. "This gig is gonna be a mess."
No one said anything.
They just stared at me, waiting for what I had to say next.
"I don't expect our first stage to be perfect," I told them.
"This is about experience. It's about building our chemistry."
I locked eyes with all of them.
"That's why I just need one thing from you tonight."
I smirked.
"Give it everything you've got."
James and the others nodded.
"Alright. Now get in the van—we're gonna crash the bar!" I grinned, gesturing for them to move.
Fenley walked up to me.
"You can ride with me," she offered, looking at me expectantly.
I smiled but shook my head.
"No, I'll go with them," I said. Then, leaning closer, I whispered, "…Or I'll be late again."
Fenley blushed and lightly smacked my shoulder.
"Shut up! Rosie will hear you," she hissed, glancing at Rosie, who was busy managing the band's logistics.
I saw how serious Rosie was about this gig.
This wasn't just about having fun.
This was about my debut.
About gaining experience—for me and for the team.
Even though I had lived before, I still felt my heart pounding.
My hands were actually shaking.
This wasn't like singing in front of my classmates.
This was an actual gig.
But no matter how nervous I was, I wanted to succeed.
And I wanted to do it with these people.
I turned to Fenley, and she smiled at me.
"You look amazing," she murmured, brushing my cheek with her hand. "I believe you're going to become something great."
"Thank you…" I held her hand gently. "I won't disappoint you."
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3rd POV
On the other side, The Cooper family, Connie and Veronica arrived at the bar.
At first, the bouncer stopped them. They are not gonna risk their job for bringing kids to the bar. Fortunately, they met with Rosie and Fenley who still coordinating their own crew.
Rosie and Fenley showed their IDs and explained that they were family of the performing artist—and the bouncer finally let them in.
With a small bribe, of course.
"Alright, we're going backstage to let Georgie know you've arrived." Rosie said, glancing at them.
"Can I see Georgie?" Missy asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
But Fenley and Rosie immediately shook their heads.
Missy pouted.
They weren't denying her just to be mean—it was because backstage was…. unpredictable.
Mary and George also shook their heads, silently agreeing with the decision.
"I tell you what, At George S.'s concert, I'll bring you backstage, deal?" Fenley offered, ruffling Missy's hair.
"…Alright…" Missy grumbled, dragging herself to a nearby table.
Then, she sighed dramatically and leaned back.
"…Can I get a beer?" she muttered, like an exhausted old woman after a long shift.
"NO!" Mary's voice boomed, making Missy groaned.
Connie just laughed, ordering beers for herself and George.
"I DON'T LIKE THIS PLACE!" Sheldon suddenly shouted.
Even with earplugs, the atmosphere of the bar was already overwhelming for him.
"I hate it here! It smells like alcohol! I think I'm already drunk!"
Mary sighed.
George groaned, regretting bringing any of the kids.
Veronica, on the other hand, was silent, watching the stage as another band performed.
Even though she also wanted to be backstage, she didn't voice it—she simply followed the Cooper family.
Mary and George acted like guardians for her.
And, of course, they were watching her closely—making sure she didn't drink.
"WHEN IS GEORGIE PLAYING?!" Sheldon shouted again, louder this time, drawing several stares.
Mary shot him a sharp look.
"Shelly! You don't have to yell!"
But Sheldon ignored her, still complaining.
"IT SMELLS LIKE ALCOHOL! I THINK I'M LOSING BRAIN CELLS!"
A man at the next table snorted.
"That's why you don't bring kids to a bar," he muttered.
Mary turned to him immediately.
"MIND YOUR DAMN BUSINESS!" she snapped, glaring.
The man instantly turned his head away.
Connie and George chuckled and clinked their beer bottles together.
"Sorry, buddy," George said, he get up and sit on the man tables before offering peaceful beer to the man, "This is our son's first gig. We weren't gonna miss it."
The man raised an eyebrow, accepting the beer George offered.
"Oh yeah? Which band is he in?"
George pointed toward the stage.
"Not them, but soon."
The man shrugged.
"I hope he's good," he muttered, chugging his beer.
Missy, offended by his lack of enthusiasm, crossed her arms. "Georgie is opening for George S. at his next concert!" she huffed.
The man's eyes widened.
"Seriously?"
"Is he that good?"
George grinned, finishing his beer.
"Of course he is!" He leaned in, speaking with pride. "I met George S. in person at the studio—he even signed my shirt!"
And just like that, George completely forgot about his promise to Mary to take it easy on the drinking.
Mary sighed.
She knew George needed to let loose.
So, she let it slide—for now.
Veronica turned to Mary.
"Let me help you keep an eye on Missy." she offered.
Mary nodded gratefully.
Missy, meanwhile, took the chance to whisper to Veronica.
"…Can I sip some beer?"
"NO!" Veronica shot her a glare, mimicking Mary's reaction from earlier.
Missy pouted, "Party pooper." she muttered under her breath.
Connie sipped her beer, watching them with a nostalgic smile, "This is nice" she murmured.
Mary raised an eyebrow, "What's nice?" But Connie didn't answer.
Instead, she grinned, then got up to join George and his new drinking buddy—leaving Mary and Veronica to babysit the kids.
Mary sighed deeply.
She did her best to tune out the loud, chaotic environment.
Veronica sat beside her, making sure Missy didn't try anything stupid.
The sound of a fiddle pierced through the air, blending with sharp guitar riffs.
A lively honky-tonk atmosphere filled the bar as people stood up, raising their beers to the band on stage.
George deliberately avoided looking at his wife. He knew that if he made eye contact, the party would be over.
"Well, just wait and see," George declared, raising his beer. "My boy's gonna give you a performance you won't forget."
The man across from him chuckled, "Well, I hope so. It's been a rough day." He said and sipping his beer again.
Connie smirked and gave Mary a teasing glance, "Well, I'm just like you—I just wanna enjoy my night!" she said cheerfully.
Mary fumed, Snorting before she turned her attention to the stage—just as the MC walked up.
"Well, I hope you folks are still sober," the MC joked, glancing at his notes. "Alright… Next up, we've got a new name. Georgie Cooper?"
He smirked.
"Well, this is a first. Let's see if this guy can bring the energy tonight."
The crowd gave a half-hearted applause, they weren't interested yet for the new guy.
James and the others walked on stage, to them, this was just another night.
They'd done this before.
The audience barely reacted, returning to their drinks.
Then, Georgie stepped out.
A grin played on his lips as he took in the atmosphere.
His gaze swept the bar—then landed on his family.
He frowned.
"Dad… why does Mom look so angry?"
His voice echoed through the microphone—
And the entire bar silently watching where he pointed, before erupted in laughter.
The spotlight landed on George, and the whole crowd turned to see Mary's furious expression.
"Oh boy…"
George slumped in his seat.
Kyle, his drinking buddy, howled with laughter, slapping George's back.
Connie grinned, sipping her beer.
"This is getting better and better!" she smirked, clinking her bottle against Kyle's.