Once Zach and Emily leave, Jesse lets the song trail off. Mrs. Beckingham keeps playing, even though no one else is singing. Bryan watches Jesse stand a moment longer in the middle of the stage, then turn on his heel and head for the wings where only two book bags remain—Jesse’s and Bryan’s.
By the time Bryan’s hoisted himself to his feet, Jesse holds both bags in his hands. He waits just offstage as Bryan approaches, then hands over Bryan’s backpack. “Here you go.”
“Thanks.” Bryan takes the bag, slings it over his shoulder, and shoves his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “You know, you sounded really good out there.”
“I was just killing time,” Jesse says.
Bryan noticed. Now Emily is gone, Jesse seems almost eager to leave. Is he avoiding her? Bryan hopes so.
In this close s
