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He steps closer, squinting at Cassie. “Who’s this?”
“My cousin.”
“Oh, I remember you,” he says, bobbing.
She looks at me.
I furrow my brows, asking Barry, “What do you mean? How do you know Cassie?”
“Um, I saw you with Helena at the park. I was driving by. You were nine at the time.” He rubs the back of his neck. “I stopped and tried to talk to you, but Helena wouldn’t let me. She said you were doing well. That I shouldn’t disturb the progress, so I left. But I remember seeing you and her on the swings.” He nods at Cassie.
I flip through the memories until I remember the cool Fall day. We’d just gotten out of school, and I asked Mom to stop at the playground.
“Well, it’s nice to meet you.” Cassie politely shakes his hand.
“You too.” Barry bounces his gaze between us, then steadies on me. “Uh, I’m glad you stopped by.”
Shoving my hands into my pockets, I look down while rocking back on my heels. “Didn’t have any plans so….”
He hums. “Well, you should know I’m hanging it up. I started a job hunt.”
That makes me lift my head. “You’re leaving the band?”
“Yeah. Like you said, I’m getting older, and I have nothing to show all these years. So it’s the best choice. Time for a fresh start.” He follows that with a short laugh.
“What are you going to do?”
“A warehouse worker or something like that,” he says.
I consider it for a second. “You know, I could ask my mom—”
“Don’t,” he stops me. “Helena would be upset if she found out we’re communicating, remember?”
“Right.”
He runs his hand over his hair, seeming nervous about something. “Um, how about coming by for dinner this week?”
I shift in place and look at Cassie. She’s watching me quietly.
Setting my eyes back on Barry, I nod and tell him, “Okay.”
A lengthy air leaves him. “Thanks, Reid. I appreciate you giving me a chance.”
“Just don’t blow it.”
“I won’t,” he swears, but I’ve heard that before.
Two band members exit the bar, lighting up cigarettes.
Barry slants and looks back at me. He seems like he wants to join them. It is his final night of playing, so it’s understandable.
“I’ll see you next week then,” I say.
He smiles at me. “Great. See you.” He glances at Cassie and waves. “It was nice meeting you.”
“You too.” She waves to him.
We wait for him to walk over to the men before continuing to the car.
Cassie touches my arm after we get in. “Okay?”
“Yeah.” I look out the window, watching Barry smoke and laugh with his friends. “Hopefully, he remains consistent this time.”
She lightly brushes my jaw but doesn’t kiss me, probably to avoid Barry seeing us.
I glance at him once more, then take off for home.
