We were in the elevator, on our way to the dining area. 

We were in the restaurant, a lot of people were there dancing and eating. Pam pointed at the banner above the stage.

BUTCHER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Pam and Dad were laughing and hugging. They were dancing to the music, it was silly, I couldn't help but giggle. 

This big guy gave this short speech.

"Butcher of the year," I said.

Dad chuckled.

Pretty soon, we were talking to a couple guys, Pam was banging her head to the music, Larry and the two guys were chatting up a storm about show business. Then, a waiter walked to us and asked for beverages.

"Nothing for me thank you!" Dad said.

"How about you Mrs. Brathwaite?" The older guy asked Pam.

"I'll just have a brandy."

"How about you young lady?"

"Just a Coca Cola."

"No alcohol!?"

"She's not 21 yet," Dad said.

They continued talking about show business. The older guy ran up on the stage and got the guests' attention.

"May I have your attention please!? We have a very special treat for you this evening from the cabaret circuit. I'll say no more, I'll let them do the rest. Let's bring em up stage. Pam and Larry Brathwaite!"

The guests applauded. The older guy started to pull them up but Dad stopped and turned to me.

"Come with us. It'll be fun!"

"Dad, I'll get stage fright."

"No you won't!"

Dad sighed and whispered in my ear for about ten seconds.

"Come on. I'll even let you sit by me at the piano."

I smiled and followed him. We were seated at the piano.

"I hope that many of you enjoy Ray Charles as much as we do, because he's our first special guest tonight."

Dad took out his sun glasses and put them on. He made the finger movements like Ray. The guests laughed, I let out a small giggle.

"You sing first."

I nodded. The music started to play.

"Hit the road Jack. Don't you come back no more no more no more no more! Hit the road Jack, don't you come back no more."

"What I say!" Dad sang in his Ray impersonation.

Pam sang next. It went on from there. It was the first fun thing I did since we left this morning. I inherited my singing voice from Dad. I was never proud of it, I don't like to sing anyways. Dad and Pam were smiling at each other. They looked so happy together! I saw Brogan walk in as soon as we sang the last verse. He always show up everywhere we go! The guests applauded along with Brogan.

All of us were on our way to our room.

"You just had to show up didn't you!?" I asked.

"Look on the bright side, I got that Scottish bastard off your backs."

Dad unlocked the door and we went in.

"That was a great show!" Brogan said.

"Leslie was up there and we sang together for the first time in years!" Dad said smiling.

"Did she now!?"

"Yes. She sounded great!"

"You have a great voice, that's the first time I ever heard you sing!" Pam said to me.

I smiled and nodded.

"What did he whisper to you back there?" Pam asked me.

"He reminded me about the time I had a talent show back in my second year of school, I had a duet with this boy in my class. Unfortunately he got sick on the day before the show. Dad, from the kindness of his heart, decided to be his replacement. We had a great time!"

"Aww, that's so cute! So sweet of you Larry!" Pam said smiling real big.

Larry grinned.

"Can we tell Brogan?" I asked.

"You talking about the money?" Pam asked.

"Pam! Leslie!" Dad said, not wanted to expose the money to his best friend.

Brogan looked at us with wide eyes, already knowing.

That night, I was in the bed that pulled down from the wall, Pam was asleep in one of the twin beds, both beds were together for her and Dad. Brogan was in the chair snoring his head off. Dad was probably outside smoking or something. I was awake. When Dad came in, he hung his jacket up. I pretended to be asleep. I felt his hand stroking my hair gently, then kissed me on the forehead. I opened my eyes. As he was about to stand up, I took his hand. He looked at me.

"Les, it's almost midnight," he whispered.

"Can't sleep, Brogan's snoring is so annoying."

Dad chuckled. He got in the bed opposite side of me and covered up and laid down.

"Let me help you go to sleep, perhaps an Irish folk song I used to sing to you when you were a small girl."

"Greensleeves?"

"Yeah, you remembered!"

"That's my favorite song in the world."

Dad sang it to me. As soon as he got to the first chorus, I fell asleep.