Chapter 17: Confusion

'So, you're crying and shaking like that all because she yelled at you?" Jace asked as they both got out of the car. 'Yes. I'm actually not good at handling people yelling at me," Dorah replied, making Jace burst into laughter. 'You've got to be kidding me," he said through laughs. 'I'm serious, and it's not something you should be laughing about. You're frustrating," she said, rolling her eyes. 'Okay, okay, I'm sorry," he said, now apologetically. 'How are you feeling now?" His tone turned serious, and his expression matched. 'I'm fine now. Seriously, I'm fine," she replied, seeing how serious he was. Just then, her phone started ringing. 'Who's that?" Jace asked as they paused. 'Ronald," she said, sounding downcast. 'Why does he keep calling? Doesn't he have anything else to do?" Jace frowned. 'I don't know," she shrugged. 'You can go ahead without me. I'll pick this call." As she turned, Jace grabbed her hand. 'No, you're not," he said and snatched the phone from her. 'You're not picking his calls." 'You've been stopping me from answering him all day. Can't you just let me hear what he has to say?" she asked, nervously playing with her fingers. 'No can do, babe. You need to stop letting this guy put you in tight spots. If he wants you, he should do the right thing before coming back. You don't have to worry about him. I'll always be there for you, alright? And if you're ever feeling uncomfortable, talk to me. Anytime." 'Oh gosh, I've heard you, Jace. You sound like an elder brother looking out for his little sister," she chuckled. 'You must be kidding me. The thought of being your elder brother makes me cringe. I'd rather be something… more intimate," he said and winked. 'Here we go again. Don't you ever give up?" she asked. 'I don't. Especially not on you. I really want to make you mine," he smirked. 'Suit yourself. Good luck with that." 'Thanks, ma'am," he said with a playful bow, making Dorah laugh. He opened the door for her. As they entered the living room, Jace's eyes widened in shock. 'Dad!" he exclaimed and hugged the man standing there. 'Aww, look how my son's grown. As handsome as ever," Joseph, Jace's dad, said as he hugged him back. Dorah greeted Joseph and then Jace's grandma. Joseph only responded casually, too focused on his son to notice much else. 'I missed you, Dad. Why haven't you checked on me all this while?" Jace asked, pouting. 'I've been really busy, son. Company stress, you know. We just recruited some new singers too. It's been hectic. But I'm here now," Joseph said, caressing Jace's hands. 'Oh gosh, I'm so excited. I'm glad you're here," Jace grinned. Dorah chuckled quietly. She'd never seen Jace smile this broadly. 'Well… Dad, meet Dorah—my friend. Dorah, my dad," he introduced. 'Wow, you make friends quickly. And such a beautiful one," Joseph said, winking at his son. 'You know I take after you. Got a good eye," Jace replied, bumping knuckles with him. Grandma and Dorah laughed. 'It's nice meeting you in real life, sir. I'm a fan of your music," Dorah said excitedly. Joseph smiled, but his expression turned surprised. 'You know my music?" 'Yeah! I love your songs—and even some from your industry, like Just Like Magic by that anonymous young guy," she said, air-quoting dramatically, knowing full well it was Jace. 'Wow. I didn't know I still had such big fans after I stopped singing. It's a pleasure, Miss…?" 'Dorah," she said with a smile. 'She sings too, Dad," Jace added, giving her a proud smile. 'Really?" Joseph looked from Jace to Dorah. 'Yeah, but I'm not that good. Nowhere near Jace's level—let alone yours," she said shyly. 'That doesn't matter. You can grow with time. Why don't we meet up sometime and see how good you are?" Joseph asked. 'Really? Thank you so much, sir. I'd love to," she said cheerfully. 'I'm sure you won't regret it after hearing her sing. Her voice is angelic," Grandma said with a smile. As they chatted, Joseph kept glancing at Dorah. She looked strangely familiar. He couldn't shake the feeling. Jace noticed his father's intense gaze. It made him uneasy. 'Dad, you good?" he asked. 'Yeah, I'm fine. Uh… Dorah, do you know me? I mean, apart from me being a musician?" Joseph asked, clearly curious. 'Not at all, sir. I've never met you before, not even by chance," she replied. 'Oh. Okay," he said, shaking his head. 'Is everything alright, Dad?" Jace asked, a little concerned. 'It's fine. She just looks really familiar, like I know her from somewhere." 'Well, that's normal sometimes," Jace shrugged. 'You kids should go and change. Your food's in the dining room," Grandma said. 'I'll be right back, Dad. I have so much to tell you," Jace said, walking off with Dorah. 'Alright, buddy," Joseph replied, though the confused look lingered on his face. Grandma smirked. She knew exactly what he was trying to figure out.