AllFreeNovel
Share Us
16
I can’t believe I just gawked at my cousin’s ass.
To be fair, it’s a fucking sexy ass. Still, my action is highly inappropriate.
Cassie noticed me watching. That’s why she popped up so swiftly. Hopefully, I haven’t weirded her out.
Grabbing my backpack from the front door, I step outside and jog over to the trees by the garage.
Water runs off the tarp as I uncover my bike behind the shrubs. I roll it out the gates and wait until reaching the street before starting it up.
Mom would flip if she found out I still have a motorcycle despite her demanding I get rid of it months ago. She’d undoubtedly feel hurt if she knew where I was riding to now.
I arrive in Torrington several minutes later and continue downtown. Reaching my destination, I swerve around the side of the industrial-like building, park the bike, and knock on the door.
Barry answers soon after. His eyes, the same shade as mine, are puffy from sleep.
“Reid…” He sniffles and opens the door further. “Come in.”
I catch the stench of alcohol and cigarettes as I step past him into the studio. It always amazes me how his place is the size of my bedroom, with a kitchenette, bed and dresser, couch, and a bathroom crammed into it.
Barry closes the door and hurries to grab a shirt and his guitar from the couch. “Sorry about the mess. I just got back.”
“Where’d you go this time?”
“Boston and Providence.” He runs his hand through his messy hair. “Look, Reid, I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t need it badly. It’s just that I’m not making much playing. I promise I’ll pay it back.”
Like he promised the other times.
Shifting my weight to one leg, I flush out an exasperated sigh and turn my head once. “No offense, Barry, but maybe it’s time to hang it up and find something else. You’re getting older. It didn’t take off for you while you were young, and it seems even harder now.”
My words seem to have struck a nerve because his entire body slumps, and he rubs the back of his neck while looking down.
Guilt gradually washes in, making me say in a kinder tone, “Sorry.”
“It’s all right.” He looks up again. “I appreciate that you still care, even though I failed you. Heck, I gave you away for money.”
My stomach tightens at the reminder. Removing my backpack, I take out the cash and reach it to him. “Twenty-five hundred. It’s the last time.”
“It is,” he agrees, accepting the stack of cash when I hand it over. “And I’ll definitely pay this back. It’s only for bills and rent.”
Not sure how he’ll repay the money when he’s barely making anything playing in a band.
I zip up the bag and put it on to leave.
“How’s your mom?” Barry asks with a soft tinge in his gruff voice.
“The same. Maintaining the legacy of her father while building one for me.”
A small smile tugs at his lips. “I’m forever grateful to Helena. She did a terrific job with you. Better than I could have done. I’m proud of you, kid.” He edges forward a tad, eyes glistening. “Yale, huh. Man, that’s awesome. I told the guys about you. You should check out a gig sometime. Watch your old man play.”
“I’ve seen you play many times,” I say with a nonchalant lift of my shoulders.
“Yeah, but that’s when you were little,” he rasps. “I’d appreciate it if you check it out now.”
Not giving him a definite answer, I back up and gesture to the door. “Hope things work out. I’ll see you, Barry.”
“Oh, wait. Are you busy? Can’t you stick around a bit?” He regards the messy studio and waves his hand. “Why don’t we grab something to eat in town. There’s a spot—”
