I’m shocked for a second before I throw my arms around her seat, almost choking her. “I… I can’t believe you agreed. I thought I’d have to convince you some more. Let me tell Chiara.”

I’ve just taken my cell phone out of my jacket when Mom says, “Ask her to get two more tickets.”

“Two more? Why?” My throat dries and my nose wrinkles as I prepare myself for the worst.

“Dad and I will join you.” She rests her hand on Dad’s arm as I slump back.

“No way. I’m not going with you and Dad.”

“Why not, tums? We’re rad.” Dad stretches the word out for far too long.

“You just called yourself rad. No one even uses that word anymore.”

“It doesn’t matter. If you want to attend this concert, we’ll all go. If not, we can enjoy a nice family dinner at home.”

My head aches as I imagine my parents at the concert. It would be a nightmare with my mom, who just said “attending a concert” as if we’re going to a science convention, and my dad, who is apparently too rad.

“Forget it. I don’t know what I was thinking.” I fold my arms over my chest.

This time when my phone vibrates, I feel the vibration in my chest.

Chiara: They’re selling out, Auttie.

Autumn: Get one for me.

Chiara: You better have permission. Santi will kill us if you don’t show up tomorrow.

* * *

“Holy shit! This is epic.” My heart pounds at the sight of the huge crowd as Santino parks the car. Even through the closed window, I can hear the screaming crowd, the rapping on drums, and the strumming of a guitar.

Chiara nods furiously next to me in the back seat.

Santino chuckles, turning to face us. “It’s good, but definitely not epic. From what I’ve heard, we’ve missed some of the best performances.”

I shake my head, too excited to care for his comments. “I don’t care. I’m stoked that I’m here tonight. Finally!”

“How are you here?” he asks carefully. “Your parents would prefer to keep you surrounded in cotton and bubble wrap. They act as if you’re more delicate than glass.”

His words hit hard. A knot of emotion forms in my throat. “I’m not a china doll.”

“Don’t be a jerk, Santi.” Chiara smacks her brother’s arm. “And don’t spoil our mood.”

Santino gives us a long look and then shakes his head. “Okay, then. Let’s go over some rules.”

“Rules?” I snort. “We’re free birds tonight. We’re not listening to any rules.”

But he goes off with his list nevertheless. “No leaving my side.” He raises a finger up in the air. “If we get separated, it’ll be almost impossible to find one another.”