come we got free tickets. According to Guy they’re on the brink of making it big. Just about to sign a recording contract.
“Do you want me to pick you up?” I don’t think so. He means well, but really.
“No thanks, Dad. Guy will bring me home.”
“Well, make sure he doesn’t drink. And if he does phone and I’ll come and get you.”
“Dad. This is Guy we’re talking about. He won’t drink and drive. Anyway, no-one will be drinking they’re really strict at McGinty’s and always check ids.”
“Good.” He returns his gaze to the paper. “Have fun. And don’t be too late.” He suddenly looks up again. “Does your Mom know where you’re going?”
What is it with the twenty questions? I thought we’d moved on from that. I’m only going out with my friends. And I’m going to behave myself. Surely he realizes I’m different now?
“I told her yesterday.” My tone is decidedly sullen and a frown flies across his face. Uh oh. I think I might have overstepped the mark. He’s normally fairly placid, leaves most things for Mom to deal with. Every now and then, though—
“Suzanne.” Told you. He never calls me Suzanne unless he’s getting cross. “I hardly think asking whether your mother knows what you are doing warrants that sort of tone. We’re only concerned about you. Is that such a problem?”
“No. Of course not. I’m sorry Dad.” I go over and give him a hug, which usually does the trick. “Mom’s okay about it. She knows what I’m doing and who I’m with. Don’t worry.” I kiss him on the cheek then walk back toward the door.
“Try telling your mother that,” he mutters, more to himself than me, I think.
Whatever, I can’t hang around or Guy will get cross. He hates bad timekeeping with a passion. I slam the front door behind me and race down the drive. Well, not race exactly as I’m wearing a pair of black heels that are totally crippling me. Not sure how I’m going to dance. I suppose I could always take them off.
***
“Hey,” I say to Lori when we get into McGinty’s.
She’s managed to grab one of the big tables at the back, which is great as it means we have a fab view of the whole place. I slide along the bench and sit next to her.
“Hi,” she says. “Don’t look now but guess who’s at the bar.” My head swings around before I have time to check it. George. I wonder if I can do something tonight?
“Suzy,” Lori shouts—so loudly I spin back in double quick time. “I said don’t look. He’ll know we’re talking about him now.”
“Don’t worry. He didn’t see me. And why would he know? It’s not like he suspects we’re up to anything.” Yet.
“Drink, girls?” Guy asks on his return from chatting with the band’s manager. “Mark will get them for us.”
“Beer for me please,” I say. “Lori?”
“Same. No, make that lemonade. I said I’d share the driving to Mom’s friend’s house tomorrow morning. Mom will freak if she smells beer on me when I get in, and give me one of her you-shouldn’t-be drinking-lectures ending with alcohol-stays-in-the-system-for-over-twelve-hours. Even if I do have only one.” And I thought sometimes I had it bad.
“Have a Vodka-ice. Vodka is smell proof.”
“Is it? I didn’t know.” She pauses a moment. “No. I better not.”
I glance away from Lori and scan the place. McGinty’s is so cool. It’s part of a chain of restaurant bars. This one reminds me of the one Maddie and I used to go to in Dallas, only it’s smaller. But they have the same muted lighting and décor. There’s a small stage at the side near the back door where the band is setting up. Four guys who look decidedly ordinary. Can’t say there’s a hot one amongst them.
“What do you think of the band?” I ask Lori, nodding toward the stage. “Have you seen them before?”
“They’re okay. They played at Guy’s birthday party last year.”
“That would be so amazing once they’re famous to say they played at your house.” I am suitably impressed. If I’m still going with Guy maybe they’ll play at my eighteenth. Hey, maybe Guy will let me use his house for the party.
“If they become famous.” Lori laughs. “Guy’s told you about the recording contract, I take it?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“They’ve been on the verge of signing one for two years. I think it’s wishful thinking on Guy’s part. He was probably trying to impress you.” Well it worked.