I say to Dad, “The only reason I play is because of you, to please you.” I pause, finding it hard to believe the words are coming out of me. “Only now, Dad, I really don’t care if I please you or not.”

“That’s it,” he yells, his face red with anger. “I’m out of here. This is a family of goddamn quitters. You and your brother quit everything you try. Quit, quit, quit. Well, I’ll tell you something. You’re both on your way to Loserville real fast.”

“And what about you?” I bite back. “You proud of your life? I mean, what do you really do, Dad? Hey, I’m sorry you got laid off or whatever, but maybe in a way that’s a good thing, because Mom’s right, after working inside that factory all day, all you do is come home and smoke and drink in front of the TV all night.”

“Stop it, Zach,” Mom says. “That’s enough.”

“I’m leaving,” Dad says.

He turns and walks toward the front door.

“Divorce,” I yell.

Dad stops, turns.

“That’s what’s gonna happen, isn’t it?” I ask. “You two will get a divorce, like everybody else around here.” I turn to leave. Walking past Dad I say, “By the way, Coach Horton’s not the man everybody thinks he is. You’ll know that soon enough.”

I walk to work with my head down.

————

I’m rolling a cart into the back room when Huey comes in and tells me about Brenda, saying she called to let him know she was finally quitting, not even giving him the standard two weeks’ notice. My heart skips a few beats, but I continue working because I still don’t feel comfortable speaking with Huey about anything. As for Brenda, I’m actually happy she’s left this depressing place. I mean, I hope I see her again and all that, but I sure as hell hope it’s somewhere other than inside this party store. I guess she never did tell Huey about me stealing the case. She saved my job, and I’m totally in debt to her for that.

Anyway, because of Brenda’s sudden decision to ditch this joint, Huey ends up taking her shift, something he handles by drinking beer for the next six hours. He darts off for a final piss just before the ten o’clock rush, so I take the opportunity to sneak behind the counter and steal another pint of Jack Daniels and a pack of Marlboros. Then I march over to the magazine racks and stare at the small selection of condoms. I grab a three-pack in a small orange box and stuff it into my front pocket. Not because I think I’ll need them any time soon, but just because I figure Tank will think it’s cool the next time I see him.

Shortly after eleven I walk home slowly, not wanting to deal with Mom and Dad’s fighting.