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“The sophomore slump,” he said, nodding his agreement. “I always figured that once an artist fails, they stop giving a shit completely and that’s when they really get good. Although I can think of a few exceptions to that second album rule.”

“Doolittleby the Pixies,” she suggested.

“Yes! God… That blows our theory out of the water.Nevermindis another one.”

“Nirvana,” Silvia said with a nod. “Instant classic. We obviously don’t know what we’re talking about.”

“I’m used to that,” the guy said with a rueful grin. He looked her over, which gave her a strange sort of thrill. “I don’t suppose you know a friend of mine? He’s been coming in here a lot lately.”

“Omar?” she asked instantly, the pieces clicking into place. “Are you… wait, don’t tell me. Andrew?”

“Anthony,” he corrected. “And you’re Smilvia, right?”

“Smilvia?” she repeated incredulously.

He smirked. “You didn’t get my name right, and I didn’t want to seem like a creeper by knowing everything about you.”

“Including where I work.”

“Hey now, I’ve been coming in here for years!”

“Me too,” she admitted. “Usually just to trade stuff in for store credit. Now that I have a better idea of the values, Lester was always way too generous with what he gave me.”

“I got that impression too,” Anthony said. “He doesn’t do that for everyone?”

She shook her head. “I think he has a soft spot for the younger music lovers.”

“Hmm.” Anthony narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “Is Lester a molester?”

Silvia shook her head. “Nothing like that. He’s a great boss. Very sweet.”

“Sweet?” Anthony asked, shrugging when she nodded. “Huh. I bet it’s fun to work here.”

“I keep myself entertained. Like right now, I’m doing this thing where I’m listening to all the Beatles’ albums. In chronological order, of course.”

“Naturally,” he said, a smile pulling at his pink lips.

“Once I’ve done that, I plan on listening to Lennon’s solo albums, followed by Paul McCartney and Wings. George Harrison will come next, and if I’m still feeling brave, all of Ringo Starr’s stuff.”

“Is that the sort of music you’re into?”

“Not at all. I just like being able to listen to anything I want. For free.”

Anthony pivoted slowly, as if taking in the store for the first time. “That’s amazing,” he breathed. When he turned to face her again, his eyes were wide. “Like reallyreallycool! I don’t suppose Lester is hiring?”

Silvia shook her head with a smile. “Afraid not, but I’m willing to share. What do you want to listen to? Choose something you’d never let yourself buy.”

Anthony was clearly overwhelmed by choice, but not for long. “There’s this song about a birdhouse by a band called They Might Be Giants.”

“I know exactly the album you mean. I’ve been meaning to check them out too.” She nodded toward the counter. “Grab a stool and we’ll listen to it together.”

They grinned at each other before walking in separate directions, Silvia puzzled by the rush of blood to her heart. He was a complete stranger, and yet, she liked him already.

— — —

Anthony was lying on his bed while wearing earbuds, his eyes closed so he could focus on music that often skewed too new wave for his tastes before it would swing reassuringly toward a darker sound. He already knew that he’d be picking up Information Society’s second album, when he could find it. The electronic soundtrack vibrating in his ears was accompanied by the mixed emotions he felt inside.

He’d waited until the end of the week before going to Right Round Records to scope out Silvia, painfully aware that Ricky’s warning was already coming true. Omar went to visit her every day after school. Even if he had plans with Anthony, he’d stop by the store first to say hello, and to kiss her, which Anthony always had to hear about afterwards. He was relieved when a dentist appointment made this impossible for Omar and realized it might be his only chance to go to the record store alone. Anthony had wanted to see who she really was, without the inevitable politeness that accompanied a formal introduction. He hadn’t planned on talking to her. And now…