Chapter 7

Adam shrugs him off like an annoying insect. “I said stop it or I’ll break those fucking sticks in half.”

“I won’t let you,” Trace taunts. “Come on, Adam. Lighten up. It’s the Lot,for Christ’s sake. We’re playing the Lot.Doesn’t that—”

“Just leave me alone!” Adam glares at his friend until Trace drops his gaze. Turning away, he crosses his arms harder in front of his chest and mutters under his breath, “Jesus.”

Out on the stage, Da Bomb is almost ready. As if he heard Adam’s outburst, Frankie glances toward the wings and winks. Adam’s hands curl into fists as he resists the urge to flip off the asshole in lieu of wishing him luck.

Trace taps the top of Adam’s head with his drumstick, just once but hard enough to sting. When Adam whirls around, Trace laughs and runs off. “Hey, is that Janie calling me?”