Chapter 36

"I miss you, too," she said. "Now, tell me all about Tasha. What's she like? What was she wearing?" Mom went on and on, and we talked for hours about nothing. Mom and I could talk about nothing and it would be the funniest thing. But when I tried to tell someone about it later, it sounded ridiculous, which made it even funnier.

"Is Dad there?" I asked.

"Sure! I'll put him on JAMES!"

"Mom! That was my ear!" I laughed as I held the phone away.

"JAMES, ALYSSA IS ON THE PHONE! COME IN HERE!" she yelled as I laughed, shaking my head. Only Mom.

"Alyssa? Is that you?" Dad's voice asked on the other end of the line. "What's this about a recording contract?"

So, I relayed the whole story to my father again. I stood up and it was already dark out. "Dad, I have to go," I said. "Here. Take down my number and call me whenever you want, but don't be alarmed if it goes to voice mail. I'm going to turn off my cell phone when I'm performing."