Page 182 of Movers and Shakers

My stomach dropped. She was getting nervous.

“I’m Barry.” He held out his hand. “I’m sure you’ve heard about me.”

“A little.”

“And this is my brother and sister, Tom and Ruth.”

“W-what are you in town for?”

“Oh, just a concert,” Ruth said. “Kind of like everyone else is.”

“Lila fans?”

“Very much so,” Ruth said, and her eyes looked over at me for one second. It was an innocent move, but Mom picked up on it. A frown came onto her face, the same kind as when I’d told her my plans to pursue music in the first place.

I was in trouble.

“Why don’t we sit and eat?” Tom asked. “I know Ruth is starving.”

“‘Fucking starving’ was the phrase she used,” Barry added, a smile going over to his siblings. I wished I could join in, but I was receiving a death glare from Mom.

“We have a table,” I said.

“Oh, yes. Where is it?”

“In the back.”

Ruth nearly beelined for the table and Tom followed. Mom’s grip on my arm tightened as they walked off.

“Everything okay?” Barry asked.

“You go ahead. I need to talk to Mom.”

“Okay. Let me know if you need me.”

Mom waited until he was gone before she spoke.

“Ruthlookslike she knows.”

I shook my head. I didn’t want to lie, but Mom wouldn’t take it well if she knew the full truth. “Come on, Mom. You came all this way. Let’s not let one look ruin it.”

Her lips pursed. “I thought today was forus.”

“It is, but I knew they were coming weeks ago, and I really like these people. Can’t we all get to know each other?”

“It’s like you don’t know me at all.” She shook her head. “I’m going back to the house.”

“Wait—‍”

“I don’t want to hear it. If you can’t value me coming all this way, then I won’t put myself through the misery.”

She took out her phone and called for a cab, saying nothing else. I opened my mouth to tell her to stay, but she walked away.

A hand gently grazed my shoulder and I turned to see Barry.

“So, everything isnotokay,” he said softly.

“No,” I muttered. “Mom’s mad that I invited you guys.”

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