“Same thing at my house,” Connor said. “Endless state tests and college admissions coming up soon. My dad thinks I’m something I’m not. I don’t intend to be trapped in some dead-end job with no vacay just for a paycheck. Fuck that.”

“What are you going to do?” I asked curiously.

“Nothing. Live. Figure things out. I always thought working on a yacht or cruise ship would be cool. Heard it was good money.”

Freda cackled. “You want to travel and go on vacation, not be the hired help.”

“Whatever.”

I turned to David. “How about you? Are you close with your parents?”

David stared back at me for a while, no expression on his face. “What kid is close to their parent?” he mocked.

“David’s dad was a famous musician,” Freda said. “He doesn’t want David to follow in his footsteps. He was on the road most of the time and his wife died a while ago, so he felt guilty and now tries to save his son from the same type of future. All hail drugs, sex, and rock and roll.”

David shot her an annoyed look. “Thanks for sharing my life story.”

Freda grinned. “Welcome.”

Now all those framed records on the wall made sense. “Are you a musician?”

For one moment, something glinted in his brown eyes, an emotion I couldn’t name. “I play guitar,” he said reluctantly. “Write some songs. No big deal.”

“Bullshit,” Connor said. “You’re talented, dude. Been telling you that a long time.”

David shrugged. “Nowhere to play in this town. Once I save enough money, I’m out of here.”

“That’s our plan for the summer,” Freda said. “Connor’s got an RV from his dad, so we’re gonna hit the road. Check out some artsy towns or maybe even the city. David will play at some clubs, and maybe I’ll do some poetry readings.”

“You write?” I asked in surprise. She looked more like the rocker type.

“Yep, been writing since I was young. Just nobody interesting enough to share my shit with.”

Connor snorted. “We’re right here. Are you trying to insult us?”

She rolled her eyes. “You two don’t count.” Suddenly, she swung her head around and pointed at me. “Hey, why don’t you come with us? Then I won’t be stuck alone with two stinky men in an RV.”

My eyes widened in surprise. I barely knew them, yet they were inviting me on a summer road trip. Trying to act cool before the guys rejected me, I shrugged. “Thanks, but I’m sure it’d be too many people.”

David narrowed his gaze. “There’s enough room. If you want to come.”

“I don’t mind,” Connor said. “The more the merrier.”