Totally Unrelated by Tom; Ryan Page A

crazy.”
    â€œCrazy awesome,” says Bert. “We’re gonna be rock stars!”
    Sandy walks away down the sidewalk, turning to wave at us one last time.
    â€œYou gonna make a move on her or what?” Bert asks.
    â€œI dunno,” I say.
    â€œWell, you’re an idiot if you don’t,” he says. “I’m pretty sure she likes you.”
    â€œReally?”
    â€œWell, she doesn’t like me,” he says. “And the only explanation for that is that she’s already into someone else. Judging from the way she looks at you when we’re playing, I’d say it’s a safe bet.”
    I wonder what I’m supposed to do, or say, to find out if he’s right. All I know is that it probably makes sense to wait and see what happens at the talent show.
    â€œMan,” says Bert. “I’d kill to be able to play guitar as good as you. Chicks love a guitar player. Stupid drums.”
    * * *
    Since the first year we started performing, the Family McClintock has put on a show in the park during Deep Cove Days. We usually get a decent crowd, but this year the park is jam-packed.
    â€œThis is nuts,” Shamus says to me as we’re setting up the sound system on the makeshift plywood stage. “I can’t believe how many people are here!”
    â€œI know,” I say. “You think they’re really here just to see us?”
    â€œNeil!” my father calls from behind the stage, where he and Mom are working out a set list.
    I jump off the stage and walk over to them. “What’s up?”
    â€œYour mother and I have been talking,” he says. “We both agree that you deserve some credit for all the extra practice you’ve been putting in.”
    â€œIt hasn’t gone unnoticed, Neil,” Mom says. “You’ve been playing better than ever these past few weeks.”
    â€œCool,” I say. “Thanks.”
    â€œQuestion for you,” says Dad. “Remember when you showed me that little riff you worked out for ‘Off to the Dance’? You think you can still play it?”
    â€œFor sure,” I say.
    â€œOkay, good,” he says. “I’ll fill everyone in before we go onstage, but it should be pretty straightforward. We’re just going to add four bars near the beginning, after Shamus comes in, and then you do your thing, and then Mom will come in the way she always does. Sound good?”
    â€œTotally,” I say. “Thanks.”
    Mom reaches out and pulls me in for a hug. “You’re a big part of this team, Neil,” she says. “You’ve definitely earned some spotlight of your own.”
    Before we go on, we huddle backstage and Dad quickly runs through the set list, taking a minute to explain the changes to “Off to the Dance.” Then we climb onstage in the usual order. Mom and Dad go on first, followed by the twins, then Shamus and Kathy and finally me and Johnny. We all grab our instruments and take our places as the crowd gives us an enthusiastic welcome, full of hoots and hollers. Dad steps up to the mic.
    â€œWelcome home!” he yells. Everyone cheers in response. “This is always our favorite concert of the year, and it’s a great honor and a lot of fun to help kick off Deep Cove Days. So we hope you enjoy the show, and if you feel like dancing, you’re in the right place!”
    Things go off without a hitch. We start with “Off to the Dance,” and when it’s time for my new part, I step to the front of the stage and give it everything I’ve got, riffing and picking as quickly and energetically as I can. It’s over in seconds, but when I’m finished and take a couple of steps back, the crowd cheers and claps for me. I’m used to hearing the crowd break out in applause when the twins dance, or Kathy sings, or Shamus, Johnny, Mom and Dad do their solos, but it’s the first time I’ve heard applause