Page 51 of Animal Beats

Glancing around, I notice a large plastic bucket on the floor and remember the busker in Barcelona. Without much thought, I pick it up and flip it upside down. Down the hallway, another bucket is off to the side. Guess the school was preparing to use them for something? They won’t mind me borrowing them for a short while, I’m sure. I make a mental note of where I got each one and create a small drum setup.

If I only had my sticks with me. No matter, I can use my hands. I tap a happy beat, hoping my little music will help Mila get over whatever it is she’s going through. About ten minutes later, Mila’s door opens and three women step outside.

“Río?”

Hayden’s question brings me to my feet. “Hey.” I point to my makeshift drums. “Hope you don’t mind, but I found these lying around.”

Before Hayden can respond, the administrator says, “No problem. We got these buckets in preparation for a painting project that hasn’t happened yet.”

My gaze travels to the shorter girl peeking around Hayden. Should I shake her hand? Would she be afraid if a strange man touched her? Not knowing proper etiquette, I wave. “Hi, Mila. Your sister’s told me so much about you.”

Hayden turns and puts her arm around Mila. “Would it be okay if I introduced you to my friend, Río?”

The girl giggles. “That’s a funny name.”

“Hey,” I mock tease her. “My real name is River.”

“Like where I go for picnics when it’s warm?”

Hayden tousles her hair. “Exactly. Only that’s his name. River.” Hayden glances at me.

After a brief pause, she says, “My real name is Mila,” she announces.

“I like your name,” I say, and the girl’s smile could light a stadium.

Her head tilts. “What are you doing in my hall?”

“I was making a drum set. Do you play an instrument?” I look at Hayden who nods at me.

For her part, Mila lifts her chin. “I play triangle.”

“Oh, that’s a very important part of the drum line. Do you have your triangle in your room?”

“I do!” The girl turns and disappears into her bedroom.

Hayden puts her hand on top of mine. “You don’t have to do this, you know.”

“It’s fine. I really want to meet Mila.”

The administrator approaches us. “Miss Vaughn, if your friend here can keep Mila occupied for ten minutes or so, I’d like to speak with you privately.”

Hayden looks at me. I don’t let her object. “Of course. Go have your meeting. I’ll make sure Mila has a wicked triangle solo.”

My babysitter’s gaze bounces between me and the administrator. “Are you sure?”

“Definitely.”

“Here it is!” Mila bounds into the hall. Sure enough, she’s holding a triangle.

I take it from her hand and pretend to inspect it on all sides. “Wow.” I pass it back to her. “You have the best triangle I’ve ever seen.”

The girl hugs it into her body. Hayden puts her hands on both of her sister’s shoulders. “I need to talk with Mrs. Smitty, Mila. Are you good if I leave you here with Rí, River for a couple of minutes?”

For some reason, I suck in my breath. Her sister’s words feel like they’re going to determine more than the next ten minutes. After a pause, Mila gives Hayden a nod. “Yes. I will stay here with Mr. River.”

Since when did I become Mr. River? I stifle a chuckle.

“Great!” Hayden hugs her sister again, then the pair approach me. “Río, my sister would like a quick lesson on the drums. Are you good with that?”