Once inside the vehicle, Maileah showed him her phone with the social media results. “People love you and your dad. Look at these numbers. And you both have a few marriage proposals.”
“I’ll pass on those.” Sailor blinked and ran a hand over his jaw. “The numbers and comments are incredible. How did you do this?”
“It’s you two. And that amazing song your father wrote.” She’d helped it along with some optimization, but everything else was simply a heartfelt response to them. And it was thrilling to see it. She’d experienced this kind of response at her old job, but that was just business.
This was personal.
And she couldn’t be happier about it.
When Maileah and Sailor reached Regal Bikes, Adrian had just turned over the Open sign. They burst through the front door.
“Dad,” Sailor called out. “You need to see this.”
Adrian looked up, surprised. “What’s going on?”
Elated, Maileah thrust her phone at him. “Look, I posted your video last night, and it’s blowing up. People love your song.”
Adrian’s eyes widened as he scrolled through the stats. “Thousands of views already?”
Sailor clapped his father on the back. “You’re a hit, Dad.”
Adrian’s phone rang, and he held up a finger. “Hi, Skeeter. I’ll put you on speaker. Have you heard the news?”
“No, but I’m calling because I think your music site got hacked. There were so many orders when I woke up, but they’re probably bogus.”
“Hey, Skeets,” Sailor said. “Dad’s video with his song for charity went viral on social media.”
Adrian looked incredulous. “Do you think that’s it?”
“Probably,” Maileah said, happy that music lovers were finding him now. “They’re also asking if you’re single.”
Adrian chuckled. “I’m a little old for groupies.”
“That’s awesome,” Skeeter said. “And they all want a song called ‘Unbroken.’ I don’t see that in your catalog. Is it new?”
“Sure is,” Adrian said. “I haven’t even recorded it yet, but I will. I’ll send you the audio files. All profits from that one should go to the charity.”
Maileah quickly explained, “We’ll send you the video so you can hear the song. It’s special.”
They talked more and figured out how they could take preorders for the new song and mark those for charity.
Skeeter laughed with glee. “I’m watching the sales and downloads now. I can hardly believe it. Dad, this is what we’ve all dreamed of for you. I’ll catch the ferry later today to help you sort this out.”
“Good idea,” Sailor said. “But only if you can afford the time away from school.”
“I can finish my paper there, so no worries,” Skeeter replied.
“This is a real win-win for your father and the charity.” Maileah was ecstatic over the double success. “And it’s only the beginning.”
Still looking shocked, Adrian tapped off the phone. “Let’s not get ahead ourselves.”
Maileah shook her head. “Now is not the time to be modest. You’ll raise a lot of money for the charity, and I can shoot more videos of you playing other songs.”
When Adrian looked hesitant, Sailor put an arm around him. “Do it, Dad. You’re hot now, so capitalize on that while you can. Isn’t that what you told me about surfing?”
Adrian grinned. “So you do listen to me.”
Just then, the business phone rang. Adrian answered, “Regal Bikes, Adrian here.” While he listened, his eyebrows shot up. His expression grew more surprised by the second.
