Page 34 of Last Call at the Local

“It’s a cat video, Raine. How can it not be great?”

I watch him watching the video, more nervous than I should be, because he’s right, it’s just a cat video, but I really, really want him to like it anyway.

“Award-winning,” he says once he’s finished it. Before I can ask what he really thinks, he holds up my phone. “Your turn.”

“For what?” I say.

“For a video, of course!”

“I don’t think so...”

“Aw, c’mon now. Shouldn’t the people know who’s behind all the cat videos?”

“I can’t get out of this, can I?”

Jack grins.

“Fine. Fine.” I glare at him, then tug on my boots and get to my feet. “Where do you want me?”

“You’re perfect right there.” He stands and steps back a few feet, then holds up the phone and says, “Action!”

I stare at him awkwardly for a moment, unsure of what to do. Jack peers at me from over the phone.

“I’m not sure what to say.”

“This is Raine Hart,” Jack says. “Traveling musician, disco enthusiast, and our intrepid entertainment coordinator.” As he talks, I pose like a model at a photoshoot. “She comes to us all the way from the US. Maybe if we’re lucky, she’ll play some of her music for us before she leaves. What do you think, Raine?”

“I think I still don’t have any instruments,” I say.

“You have a tambourine.”

I roll my eyes. “Oh yes, come on down for Tambourine Tuesdays here at the Local!” As soon as I say it, I catch Jack’s eye. The look on his face makes me wonder if he’s thinking the same thing I am.

“Actually, that could be sort of fun,” I say, at the same time Jack says, “That’s not a bad idea.”

“Not me standing there playing tambourine for everyone,” I say. “But what if we had a weekly jam session? People could bring whatever they have and just make music together. What do you think?”

“I think we should do it.”

“Really?” The idea of playing music again, even if it’s justfollowing along to others with a tambourine, has me so excited I start dancing in place.

Jack smiles. “Can’t hurt, can it? Might as well try it and see what happens.”

“Oh, this will be fun. I’m going to go grab my tambourine.” I spin on my heel, but Jack laughs and calls out after me.

“Your phone, Raine Hart!”

I spin back around to face him. “I was just letting you hold on to it for me.”

I hold out my hand for my phone, but Jack doesn’t give it to me.

“You’ve only got three percent battery left. How’s that possible? It’s hardly past noon. Do you not charge your phone at night?”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Maybesomeof us don’t feel the need to adhere to strict phone charging schedules. I’m spontaneous. I’m fun. I live on theedge.”

“I had no idea you were so dangerous. I’m a bit intimidated.”

I narrow my eyes at Jack, but when he grins at me, a smile forces its way onto my face. “Oh, you should talk, Jack Dunne.”

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