Page 3 of Introvert

I hoped so anyway.

She better be.

If I got back in the car with my parents, it would feel kinda like failure. AndI refused to give up.I really did want this.

Dad jumped in then as if he could sense my need for encouragement."I'm sure she will too. And if she's not, you already know that one guy, right?"

"Ryker," I said with a smile. "Yeah, he's cool."

Mom sniffed. "Ryker sounds likehe rides a motorcycle and enjoys breaking hearts."

"Actually, Hayden's the one with the bike."

"Hmph."

"And Santino's the playboy of the group," I added. "Elliot's lead singer, and he's a nerd. Like me. Or at least, that's what I read online."

"Stay far away fromthat Santino," Dad said. Hisvoice was so serious I struggled not to laugh. "You hear me, Ror?"

"I don't think that'll be a problem."

"Try to avoid all of them," Mom added.

"Might be kinda hard," I mumbled, "considering the tour and everything."

"Just trust me.Musiciansare the worst. They only want one thing."

"To hit the perfect note?" I said brightly.

"They want to hit something," Mom muttered.

Luckily Dad stepped in.

"Annnd we're going now," he said. "Your mom and I saidour piece.We love you, Ror."

"Bye, Dad," I said, waving as I saw their car finally,finally, exit the lot.

"Wait," Mom hissed—and my finger paused above the end call button, thinking she was talking to me. But then she said, "What if she needs us?"

"Then we're just a phone call away," Dad said.

"But what if one of those guys tries something?"

"Then HERS will have one less band member."

There was a pause, then Mom's voice came through deeper than before, "You know, I love it when you get all protective."

"Oh yeah?"

"It's so sexy."

"You're sexy," Dad purred back, and I wanted to bleach my ears.

"Still here," I said before it could get any worse. "Please, pleasestop."

"Aurora," Mom said with a laugh, "didn't realize you were there."

"Obviously."

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