Chapter 50

“Hey!” Adam cries out, indignant. He wants to rub his shoulder but doesn’t. That would show weakness. “Where do you think you’re going? We have to practice here, in case you don’t remember.”

“Fuck you,” Trace says.

The words sting like a slap in the face and Adam staggers back from them. Trace has never been this pissed at him, ever,not in all the years they’ve known each other. Adam can think of half a dozen things he’s done to provoke his friend in the past and sure, Trace has been angry before, but this…thisis different. He didn’t think Trace cared so much for Janie. He just thought she was something convenient. “Trace,” he tries. “Come on, man. I didn’t know.”

Trace laughs, a bitter sound. Adam hurries after him. If he walks out, there goes the band.It’s the only thing he’s thinking right now. “Look, can’t we…”