Page 41 of Movers and Shakers

“It’s a lot,” he muttered. “It’s always been a lot. But I think we’re finally done with him.”

“That’s a good thing, right?”

“It is.”

“How are your sister and brother doing?”

He let out a low groan, dragging his fingers over his face. “They’re fine. Probably. It really was a long night and I don’t know how much more I can think about this before I lose it. And you and I only have so much time together . . . I can’t let them take up that time too.”

“I don’t mind,” I insisted.

“No, I just can’t. I want to help you write, not sit here wasting time talking about shitty people doing shitty things.”

I paused. Should I continue pushing him? Would it even help if I did?

“Okay,” I said. “We don’t even have to work. We can just sit here.”

“I think I want to hear your voice. Whatever you’ve got.”

I hadn’t planned to sing, but if it would help him, I could do anything. “Then I’ll play you a song.”

He leaned back, his shoulders sinking in relief. “That isexactlywhat I need.”

Barry

When Lila performed, I forgot everything.

She played a slower version of one of her hits, the very first song that made me feel seen by her. She couldn’t have known how much this track meant to me, yet it felt like this lucky guess was balm for my soul.

I didn’t know how I’d ever go back to vinyl after seeing her sing live.

I thought tonight was going to be a wash. The plan was to put on my favorite Lila record and be alone, just like every time my family had hurt me.

But now I had her, and terrifyingly, I didn’t know if being alone was enough. She finished the song with a nervous look in my direction.

“Did that help?”

“Yeah,” I said. “It did.”

“Anything for my biggest fan.” She gave me a teasing smile that I wasalmostready to return. “Oh, I almost forgot, Juno wants you to have her number.”

“Why?”

“Because I spend so much time with you. She says you might need backup.”

I couldn’t imagine when I would ever need that because Lila couldn’t be seen with me, but I also knew that anything could happen. “Okay, I’ll put it in my phone.”

As I did, I scrolled past Dad’s number, and all of the night came rushing back.

“Is what happened still bothering you?” she asked.

“A little.”

“Do you want to write something?”

“I don’t think I have the focus.”

“It always helps me.” She paused as if in thought. “It doesn’t even have to be about your family. It can be about anything.”

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