Page 138 of Movers and Shakers

“Idon’thave another chance like this. Guys, it’s fine.”

But my mind was spinning. Hecouldhave another chance. He could step in as my rhythm guitarist while we practiced. He would fit.

Barry didn’t want the fame and he wouldn’t have to leave full time.

The idea was perfect. I knew Malia and Justice’s process of holding auditions and dealing with the legalities of a contract would have us stopped for far too long. There had been talk of having Jason come back for practice, but his mom had taken a turn for the worse, so he couldn’t.

I just needed to convince him of my idea, which would be hard, considering how much he loved the bar.

I thought I would have more time to come up with a valid argument, but Barry rounded the corner.

“O-oh,” I said, rubbing the back of my neck. “I thought you were working.”

“I didn’t hear the door up the stairs shut. Did you hear all of that?”

“Sorry. I figured it was about Lila, so it waskindof okay.”

“It was, but you don’t need to worry. They don’t know anything.”

“I wasn’t worried about that. I trust you. It’s just . . . youdohave another chance, you know.”

“For songwriting?”

“For . . . something in music. My tour needs a guitarist.”

He immediately shook his head. “I can’t—‍”

“Not full time. I know you can’t leave things here and I won’t ask that of you. But you can help us practice while we look for someone. Maybe only for a few weeks.”

He considered it for a long, hopeful moment, but then shook his head again. “I can’t leave. I’m sorry, but I can’t.”

“But your employees just said they can handle the bar. What does it hurt to ask? It’s not for forever. I won’t pressure you if you truly don’t want to do it—‍”

“Idowant to do it.”

“Then bring it up with them. What’s the harm in trusting your team and letting them take care of you for once?”

His lips pressed together and then he let out a long sigh. “I’ll ask. I can’t promise anything.”

“That’s enough,” I said, smiling. “Thank you, Barry.”

“Go upstairs. I’m going to make sure they’re really okay.”

“I’ll talk to Juno about tomorrow.”

I called her after Barry shut the door behind him. She answered on the fifth ring, which was late for her.

“Hey, what do you need?”

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” I began.

“Not at this very second.”

“Did it go well with the flight attendant?”

“Very. Now, what’s up?”

“I’m going to meet some people in Nashville tomorrow and it might be good to have my bodyguard there.”

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