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Nick smashes the cymbals, Benjy makes the bass cry, and I…well, I must turn the ladies on because three pairs of underwear land on ued Cherry in front of them They still think they have a chance

The bar owner, Ti his hands “Awesoray ZZTop beards that hangs down to his chest His face always has that alcohol flush but even if he’s drunk, he’s still smart as hell, knows the music business in and out, and has launchedus a year ago and while we haven’t had ional success, we’re a hit with the locals, which h school seniors, I don’t think we can ask for iant wad of cash out of his pocket and thuh a few bills He peels them off and hands them to Cherry

“Make sure they don’t spend it all at once,” he tells irl

“I won’t, Uncle Tim” He’s not really her uncle, but in the past year, he’s taken a liking to her and she’s confided some in him

“I put a little extra in there for you since I know your shit-for-brain parents aren’t taking care of you The only good thing they’ve done in their lives is stop after having you”

“Um, thanks” She ducks her head and kind of tries to hide behind me in embarrassment

“You taking good care of her, boy?” He directs this at me

“You know it”

“Good Good I wouldn’t want to bust the chops ofstar, would I now?”

“You would not,” I agree One blow froood week

“All right You et out of here before the cops haul you away”

“That’d require runts He flips the guitar case latches closed and swings the black shell over his back

“Respect your elders!” Tim shouts as he walks out of the backroom

I hustle over and help Nick tear down the drum kit We shove it all in the bed of Nick’s truck Nick hops over the driver’s side while Benjy holds his seat down so Cherry and I can climb in the back