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“It’s ready,” Collin said. “And we need a slow song.”
“I wouldn’t risk doing one of those until we have a following,” Barry mumbled.
Exchanging a glance with him, I said, “I agree. It breaks the momentum.”
“If we ever have a following,” Andy muttered.
“You’ll have one,” I said decisively. “But until then, we do one that they’ll be tapping their feet to. So, we end our first show with ‘Rocket.’”
• • •
“Hold up, Barry,” I called out before he could disappear down the hall. He’d practically sprinted out the door after band practice.
“What’s up?” He turned, his brows drawing together as he took in my expression.
“You’re supposed to be my best friend.” I couldn’t keep the hurt out of my tone or the burn from my eyes as I stepped closer to him.
Students streamed by us on their way to class, hurrying because the late bell was about to ring. Rachel was probably already in her English class, and Collin and Andy were heading to the far side of the school for senior-level math.
“I am your best friend.” Barry’s brown eyes narrowed, a tempest within them. “You changing that for some reason? Collin, maybe?”
“You connived with him behind my back.” I hooked my hands on my hips. “You should have talked to me about the cell phone first.”
“Connived is a strong word.” Barry frowned. “I’m concerned about you.” He swept my hair away from my face, his frown deepening as he studied me. “She hit you hard.”
“I provoked her in front of Collin.” I stepped back, and his hand dropped to his side. “It wasn’t even five o’clock, and she was already wasted.”
My gaze dropped to the linoleum. La Rasa had spray-painted their name on the tiles on the losers’ side of the school, a part they didn’t rule. Round and round, the anger and violence went, never stopping.
“Addy, it’s not safe for you there. It keeps me up at night, worrying. I know it does you too.” Barry wedged a finger underneath my chin. Lifting my head gently, he searched my eyes. “So, what are you going to do?”
At least he acknowledged it was my choice, unlike Collin, who continued to pressure me to report my mother. But Collin didn’t understand the ramifications. If I reported my mom, Child Protective Services would get involved, and Rachel and I could get separated.
I couldn’t take that risk. I’d take my chances that she’d hurt me again. Though Barry was right. I was worried about my sister.
“I’m going to keep a closer eye on Rachel,” I said, determined. “And try harder to avoid my mother.”
Barry’s lips twitched. “And stop hassling your best friend for trying to look out for you.”
“You should have told me.” I batted his shoulder, and he captured my hand.
“Would you have agreed?”
“Maybe,” I grumbled.
“Unlikely.” He caressed my skin with his thumb, both soothing me and turning me on. “You’re like me. You want to do everything on your own. Life has taught us that we can only rely on ourselves.”
I nodded. Barry understood because we were alike. Our minds followed similar patterns.
We both had a shitty parent. His mom was long gone, like my dad. His father hadn’t been a bad guy, but he’d been a desperate one who’d made a bad choice and got caught. A terrible irony that his father’s fear of being homeless had led him to steal, and now Barry was essentially homeless, moving from house to house, depending on the kindness of friends.
“So, stop being mad at me for caring.” He brought my hand to his mouth and pressed his warm lips to my skin, his handsome features settling into familiar, reassuring lines.
“I’m not.” I let out a shaky sigh. The heat rolling through me from his kiss wasn’t friend-type heat. “I just don’t like the idea of people talking about me behind my back.”
Actually, I didn’t like him talking about me with Collin. Barry was my friend, and I didn’t like the idea of anyone coming between us.
“People,” he said with a raised brow, “meaning Collin and me?”
