Page 7 of Hollow Heart

I lean across the counter, grabbing it as Bobby flops down onto the couch.

In the glow of the television, he looks older than sixteen, and in a way, I guess he is.

Where his academics are concerned, anyway. He’s always been a smart kid, but I attribute that to Marci.

I was terrible in school when I did go, and it was a miracle I graduated.

“Hello?”

There’s a rumble in the background before Lou breathes out, “Hey. You, uh... I know it’s late, but I was wondering if you’d be able to meet up to chat?”

I glance at the clock on the microwave. It reads eight pm.

“You mean, like, now?” I ask, watching Bobby.

He’s glued to his phone and hasn’t said a word since dinner. I know something’s bothering him, and I’ve told him time and time again, he can talk to me, but I worry if I keep pushing, it’ll do more harm than good.

“Yeah, you know, just some drinks to discuss your audition.”

My blood runs cold, knowing that this is probably the do or die moment, and I need to go, but... it’s a school night, and I feel weird leaving Bobby alone, even if he is capable of taking care of himself for a few hours.

“You there, McKay?” Lou asks, and I realize I’ve gone silent.

“Hey Bobby, are you, uh... you okay hanging out for a bit?”

He grunts and nods. “Yeah, sure. Whatever.”

I sigh, wondering if he even hears me.

“I’ll just be an hour or so, you sure?”

Bobby waves me off as he goes back to his phone.

“I’ll be fine, Dad.”

I let out an unsteady breath as I respond to Lou.

“I mean, I guess. It’s a school night, though, so I can’t be outtoo late,”I say under my breath.

Not that I don’t trust my kid, but I’m usually in bed by eleven.

“Great. Does Jezebel’s work for you?” he asks, and I can’t help but crack a smile.

Lou’s really pulling on my nostalgia strings, here. Jez’s was always a favorite haunt before we signed with the record company. We used to play there damn near every weekend, but I haven’t been to the place in years.

“Yeah, sure. I’m heading out now. I should be there in about a half hour.”

CHAPTER 4

Felix

The crowd roarsbehind me as I down my drink, slamming it on the bar.

“Damn, Felix!” Jinger says.

I hadn’t planned on running into my pop-star label acquaintance when I’d decided to venture out, but I supposed she was as good as anyone to drink with.

Drinking alone sucks.

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