Free Totally Unrelated by Tom; Ryan Page B

things to deal with right now.”
    â€œYou don’t have to be such a jerk,” says Johnny. Shamus turns and shoots him a look that says shut up, but the tattooed guy just laughs.
    â€œYou’re right, dude. My apologies,” he says. “It comes naturally. Listen, you don’t have to worry about setup. You guys will plug into the sound system Vince is using. Just show up with your instruments when it’s time to go on, and we’ll take care of you.”
    â€œWhat about soundcheck?” asks Shamus.
    â€œThat should all be in your contract,” says the guy. “I don’t know anything about when you get a soundcheck. Don’t worry about it though. We do this every day, and we’re not gonna make the Family McClintock look bad.”
    â€œOkay,” says Shamus. “Thanks.”
    â€œMan,” says Johnny as we walk back to the bus. “What a bunch of meatheads.”
    â€œThey’re roadies,” I say. “I think they’re supposed to act that way.”
    â€œHe’s right,” says Shamus. “I should’ve just let Dad figure that stuff out.”
    Molly and Maura are standing with Gran and Kathy beside the bus, practically vibrating with excitement. They’re all dressed for the show, in matching tartan dresses, black tights and new dancing shoes.
    â€œYou guys look great,” says Shamus, and they giggle excitedly.
    â€œNo sign of Mom and Dad?” I ask Gran.
    â€œNot yet,” she says. “They’re dealing with the contract. I suppose that takes a while.”
    â€œThey’re probably getting a tech breakdown too,” says Shamus.
    â€œHey, check it out!” says Johnny. “There’s Vince Beach!”
    He’s pointing at the tour bus. Sure enough, the door is open and Vince Beach is standing on the bottom step, talking to his guards. The brown Stetson on his head casts a shadow over his aviator sunglasses. In his tight jeans and cowboy shirt, he looks every bit the country music star.
    â€œYou girls want to see if you can get his autograph?” I ask the twins.
    â€œYes!” they yell in unison, jumping up and down. Maura goes into the bus and comes back out with the American Saloon CD case.
    â€œYou sure that’s a good idea?” asks Gran.
    â€œWhat can it hurt?” I say. “How’s he going to say no to those two? Besides, we’re opening for the guy. That’s gotta mean something.”
    â€œI’ll come with you,” says Johnny.
    We walk over to the bus, and one of the guards turns around and puts his hand out to stop us. I look at Vince Beach, who is busy explaining something to the other guy and doesn’t pay us any attention.
    â€œWhat do you want?” asks the guard.
    â€œHi,” I say. “We’re one of the opening acts, and my sisters here were really hoping to get Mr. Beach’s autograph.”
    Without even glancing at us, Vince Beach turns and walks back up the steps into the bus.
    â€œTell them to line up after the show like everyone else,” he says over his shoulder before the door closes.
    Molly looks like she’s about to cry, and the guard softens a bit. “Don’t worry, honey,” he says. “Vince always needs time to concentrate before his shows. He’ll be around backstage when the show is over, and you’ll get to meet him then.”
    Johnny and I herd the twins back to the bus.
    â€œWhat’s the matter?” Kathy asks the girls when she sees their downcast faces.
    â€œVince Beach wasn’t very nice to us,” says Maura.
    â€œWhat do you mean?” asks Shamus. “What did he say?”
    â€œHe didn’t say anything,” says Johnny. “He wouldn’t even say hi to them.”
    â€œHis bodyguard said he needs to concentrate,” says Molly.
    â€œWhat kind of grown man needs to concentrate so hard that he can’t say hello to a couple of