Page 92 of Animal Beats

Her strawberry blonde head shakes. “Time to go?”

I kiss her lips. “No, Babysitter. It means you need another.” I signal for the server to refresh her drink.

It’s gratifying to be the one looking out for her.

27

HAYDEN

Two days have passed since I last saw Río. I left him in his hotel suite when I had to go to the Lisbon airport to fly to North Carolina and he flew to Ireland. If I breathe in deeply enough, I can still smell his unique scent of musk and cedarwood.

I wish I could still feel his arms around me.

His husky voice telling me everything will work out.

How he declared he loves me.

I wasn’t able to say the words back. I only hope he knows how special he is to me. A text pings, and I grab my phone to see it’s from him.

Río:

Hi, beautiful. We’re in The Closet getting ready for tonight’s show in Dublin. Nese misses you! [he attaches a photo of my friend waving]

Itrace her features. I miss her, and the rest of UC so much. I reply:

Tell her I miss her too! Make sure she gives you two towels before the encore!

Río:

I wish it were you handing them to me.

Me, too. Río’s antics on the boat in Lisbon, and Platinum Records’ subsequent pulling rank, left me where I am right now. In my tiny apartment without a job. Daydreams about joining UC won’t make them true. I end our text conversation with a bunch of kissing emojis.

Time to get back to the real world, Hayden.

Since it’s two in the afternoon here, I grab my stuff and hop in my car. Might as well visit my sister when she’s not having a meltdown. I drive the hour to her school, and make my way to her room.

Mrs. Smitty does a double take in the doorway. “Hayden, I didn’t expect you today.”

“Hi. I was in the neighborhood, and thought it would be nice to see Mila when she’s in a good spot.”

“I’m sure she’ll love that. I’m happy to report she’s been in excellent spirits since you visited last. She can’t stop talking about learning how to play the drums from an actual drummer.” The administrator chuckles.

I can’t hold back my own smile. “Río was taken by her as well. He’s adding a triangle to a couple of UC’s songs.”

She smiles. “Very good. I’ll let you enjoy your visit.” She leaves the doorway as the hallway fills with kids.

A minute later, Mila bursts through the door. I open my arms. “Hi, sis!”

“Hayden!” My little sister runs and gives me one of her amazing hugs.

“It’s great to see you.” I disengage and sit on a chair. “How was school today?”

“Oh, you know. We learned about addition and subtraction by using apples.” She holds a Granny Smith up. “I got the right answer about ten minus nine.”

“Looks like you got to keep your answer.”

She rubs the apple on her shirt. “Sure did!”