CHAPTER NINE

"Of course I do. I just didn't encourage you 'cause you never believed in yourself. Now that you signed that contract, you should know that I've always liked your music. You're voice is perfection. But your belief in yourself is going to be your downfall. Be prepared to start thinking more highly of yourself or to fail and live with regrets."

Max was amazed at his father. How had he hid his approval all these years? He always thought his dad hated the path he'd chosen and that's why he didn't believe in himself. He thought his dad was right about it being a waste of his potential. Could he have been mistaken? Was his dad really only hard on him because he knew he could do better?

"Dad...," Max stood up and hugged his father. "Thank you. Do you think I should take the opportunity to move to Atlanta though?"

His dad hugged him back tightly. "I think you should try. It never hurts to try your best. And it makes more sense. Plus, if things fall through, your mother and I will be right here waiting for you."

Max's heart warmed. His dad was encouraging him to follow his dreams for the first time ever. His dad ruffled his hair, like he use to when Max was a kid, and smiled before disappearing into the house.

As he walked back in, Max decided to talk to the guys about moving to Atlanta to further their music career.

"Hey! I say let's do it," Clay piped up right away. He was jogging in place with excitement. He walked over to Jon and pretended to punch him in the stomach a bunch of times. "What do you think, bro? Exciting shit, right?"

Jon laughed and shook his head. "I'm not sure, man. That's a long ways from home. And we don't really have enough money for this big of a move," he said, bringing his friends back to reality. Jon was always the level-headed one. He thought logically which is why they valued his opinion most.

Phil chimed in with, "J is right. We can't afford it. But it would make everything easier if we were there. We could look for jobs when we get there, but that's still not helping us now."

"We could 'tute Hollywood, here, out," Clay said while elbowing Max. "Sure plenty of women would love to do things with him," he chuckled playfully.

Max felt the betrayal. "Me?! Why me! You're better with the ladies than all of us," he retorted.

Clay did a quick jog and punched Max's arm. "Damn straight and don't ever forget that," he winked.

Jon chipped in some more logic before the guys got too far ahead of themselves. "Or... We could pool our savings together and look for something in our budget there." Everyone looked at him surprisingly.

"Why didn't I think of that," Clay shouted. "Easy fuckin' solution!" They all laughed as they checked their savings.

Phil did the math, since he was the best at math, and they found a place online that they could easily afford. The only problem was, they wouldn't have enough to feed everyone. Bills and everything were already factored into the monthly rent. So all they had to do was pay for their phones and food.

"Damn... We could wing it. Buy a shit ton of instant ramen to live off of for a minute. After we all start working it won't be so hard, but for now... Eat like b*tches," Clay offered, attempting to cheer everyone up.

Max felt defeated. But his dads words rang in his ears. "I have an idea... Hang on," Max ran from the garage, into the house. He was hoping to catch his dad before he went to bed. When he shut the door, he saw his mom washing dishes in the kitchen and asked, "Did dad go to bed already?"

His mom peeked over her shoulder and smiled. "He said he had some work to do before bed. He should be in his office. Is there something I can help wit-"

Before she could finish, Max was rushing up the stairs, shouting, "Thank you, mom! Love you bunches!" Upon reaching the office, Max took a deep breath to compose himself before knocking. "Dad," he asked as he opened the door slightly.

"Max, come on in, son. Is there something you need," his dad pushed his glasses, that were sitting on the edge of his nose, up further. He stood up and offered Max a seat. It was rare for his son to visit him in his office and he felt flustered he had to see it in the mess it was now.

"I actually had a question for you," Max started. His dad removed his glasses and stared at him, showing that he had his dads undivided attention.

Max looked down, feeling more nervous than ever. He'd never asked his dad for money or anything before. He always felt like his dad was burdened enough, having to provide for him all these years without a lick of help.

"We talked it out... The guys and I, that is... We have the money combined to get a place in Atlanta... It's a 2 bedroom, so we'll have to work out sleeping arrangements. Everything is included. It even has a washer and dryer in the place, a 2 car garage, and a dishwasher. But we don't have the money to feed all of us if we go through with this... We already looked and there's nothing cheaper. So I was wondering...," Max hesitated before continuing.

His dad leaned closer. "You were wondering if I'd help out with the food," his dad continued for him, seeing as Max was struggling to ask his dad for help. He smiled faintly as he watched his son nod.

After a few minutes of silence, his dad let out a deep sigh and cleared his throat. "Tell you what. I'll get your housing set up. You guys buy your own food. Deal?" Max finally lifted his head and met his fathers gaze.

"You..." Max was surprised. His dad normally hated helping people. But, he's showed Max his kind, yet surprising, side multiple times tonight alone. "Dad, I couldn't ask you to do that."

His dad smirked. "You didn't ask. That's the problem. You never ask me for help. You're finally coming to me as a man, and I see how hard it is for you to ask for help. Let me do this for you. You can pay me back in time."

"What if I can't find a good paying job for a few months," Max felt panicked. He didn't want to put his dad out. He was already being nice enough to help not only him, but his best friends and his career.

He watched his dad stand and walk around the desk that was separating them. Placing a hand on Max's shoulder he said, "I never said I wanted your money. Just promise to work your ass off and follow your dreams. And send your mother and I some tickets to your first concert. We'd love to watch your first show and cheer you on."

Max smiled at his dad and agreed. He couldn't have felt more lucky. He had amazing support. Fantastic band mates. His dreams were even coming true. Yet he still felt lonely somehow. He thought about this empty feeling as he walked back to let his friends everything for their move was settled.

But all he could think about was her.

Jayde.