Page 32 of Secondhand Smoke
“Is that . . .” Paulie trailed off, his eyes narrowing at Janelle like he was trying to get a good look at her.
“No duh.” Dennis nodded slowly.
“How is . . .”
“I dunno.”
Barrett decided that if he was going to step in, now would be the best time.
“Uh, guys. You know Janelle from school, right?” He gestured at her, catching her eyes to give her an apologetic look. “Janelle, these are my friends: Toni, Dennis, and Paulie.”
She still smiled, though it grew strained the longer they all stared at her. But she was too nice to call them out for their poor manners. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“What the fuck?” Paulie looked between Barrett and Janelle. “What the fuck is happening?”
Toni caught Barrett’s eye, grinning knowingly.
Barrett looked away and prayed that none of them would say what he was sure they were thinking.
Toni was the first to approach Janelle and stretch out his hand. “We’ve met before.”
She looked relieved that someone wasn’t staring at her like she was an alien and took Toni’s hand. “Yes, at the music store. Sorry I didn’t introduce myself before.”
“No, no. No need for that. I feel like we’re already friends.” He grinned.
Barrett groaned.
“Why are you guys alone together?” Paulie asked, his mouth hanging open.
Janelle was kind enough to answer with a smile. “Barrett is showing me how to play guitar.”
Paulie frowned, like her answer only confused him more, then shot Barrett a look.
Barrett looked away.
“Why the hell doessheget to play your guitar?” Dennis asked, shaking his head and glaring at the instrument she still held. “You never even let me touch it.”
Janelle’s eyes went wide, and she stared down at Sandra. Her solid grip on the neck of the guitar loosened like she’d been caught committing a crime.
Barrett was about ready to strangle every single one of his friends. “Becauseyoualways break your strings. How could I possibly trust you with her?” Barrett snapped, making Dennis grumble under his breath. “Now you guys should leave. Janelle and I are busy.”
“Oh, come on,” Toni said, lifting the six-pack in his hand. Once they saw him do that, Dennis and Paulie did the same with the assortment of alcohol and mixers they’d brought as well. “We’re here to have some fun. I’m sure Janelle wouldn’t mind a break. Isn’t that right, Janelle?”
Janelle blinked and shifted in her seat.
Barrett couldn’t stand seeing her uncomfortable, so he felt the need to save her. “No, you can’t—”
“Sure.” Janelle’s response stopped him in place. She smiled, genuinely. “I could use a drink.”
“Hell yeah.” Toni grinned and patted Barrett on the shoulder. “See? Lighten up, dude. Let’s have a party.”
Barrett groaned and watched his friends take over his living room, spreading their contributions on the table and opening cans without question. Dennis walked to the record player and put on a Metallica album. Paulie continued to stare at Janelle like she was a ghost.
It wasn’t the party Barrett was worried about. It was what his friends might spill to Janelle once they were drunk. The last thing he needed was for her to find out another one of his secrets.
* * *
“It’s tequila and coke, a family recipe.” Toni handed another cup to Janelle, grinning proudly. “You ever had it?”
