Stretch out your wings

 

Oh, it was here. The after-school concert. Funny, how it hadn't been a thing for the longest while, due to the pandemic, but it was back and it was free and there would be fireworks. 

Naturally, Harley was glad to get everyone on the same page. Mercer and Cade would be in their group because after all, Rafe was in K.C.'s band. And she'd got Link and Izzy on board along with Brooklyn and Griffin. It was going to be a great night. Plus everyone brought food for the food pantry in need which was one more reason for the concert. 

"So you need to bring someone," Harley had suggested to Lily weeks ago at lunch when they generally talked. "Can't you think of anyone?"

She was mute on the subject, but Harley had noticed the new guy at the bakery. Oh, she knew Lily had her eye on him even if she wouldn't say it. "Come on, just get up the nerve, I bet he would go with you."

So it was a nice surprise when Lily brought him. Of course, Harley wanted to know who he was. He couldn't just be a baker.

His name was Boone and he'd finished his first semester at UNL but he was living here now. It wasn't long until he introduced his roommate Phil and Phil's girlfriend Lexi. It felt as if the herd was growing. 

"I think she looks happy with Boone," Harley told Brick who only sighed.

"Don't rush this, I think she just needs a friend." He didn't see it being a budding romance. True, Harley was beginning to think she was a terrible romantic. She nodded in agreement. No, she would definitely not be a matchmaker. Still, she liked to think this was Lily's first date with Boone, even if was a group date. Yes, it was a nice night to be with friends. She hoped this was a great start to summer.

Boone didn't know if this was the right thing to do, but he couldn't say NO when Lily invited him. After all, Rafe was playing at the concert and he wanted to be there to cheer Rafe on, if nothing else. 

"This is really good for him, you know," he told Lily. "Maybe this will inspire him."

"Inspire what?" She was so cold when it came to Rafe.

"I know he's got a lot of growing up to do," Boone shrugged. "But don't we all have a lot growing up to do?" He looked at her as if maybe she was too harsh on him. Still, he knew she didn't like talking about him, like possibly Rafe was the biggest mistake of her life.

"Yeah, maybe so." She was tight-lipped and he was certain he'd said too much. But maybe he hadn't said enough. The night wore on with plenty of bands to listen to. Lots of upbeat songs and of course, Rafe did his best to play the best riffs he could from the songs of the seventies. His friend really knew his epic guitar tunes.

"I think he's learned a lot from him," Boone nodded with a smile. Of course, Lily only crossed her arms as if it made her all the more angry.

"Now stop trying to think you only want bad things to happen to him," Boone finally told her that was no way to be about anyone. "You kind of remind me of my sister, you know."

"Your sister?" She winced a wrinkle of angst. 

"Oh, she hates everything. Is that the way you want to start your summer?" Boone knew he might be a little smart-mouthed. The set had come to an end and they stood for the fireworks to begin while they were in the football stands.

She sighed.

"You know, you have to let it go." He nodded as he hugged himself too as he waited for the sky to light up.

"Let what go?" She was testy. She wouldn't even look at him as he gazed at her out of the corner of his eye.

"Oh, you know, that you might have made a mistake. I mean, if you focus on the mistake so much... you might miss out on the good stuff." He told her.

She swelled a frown.

He smiled wondering what he'd have to do to make her laugh again.