“Willingly,” Adrienne added gently.
“Ah,” Jose said, “yes, I see that you do need my help.” He brushed his hands together. “Chiquita, you have come to the right place. I am your man for this very difficult task. It will be hard. Nick has always been a shy boy, but perhaps together, you and I, we will coax him from his shell, no?”
“Yes!” Adrienne said. She wanted to clap her hands.
“No!” Nick shook his head. “Look, I don’t want to be a rock star. There are a million dogs chasing after that bone. Speaking of dogs, where isViejos?”
Sadness washed over Jose’s face. “Gone to be with my beloved Martha.”
“Oh no, I’m sorry,” Nick said.
Jose braced his shoulders. “This is why I play your videos all day long. It’s to keep me company. Well, that and it’s also good for business. You really could be a rock star.”
Adrienne felt Nick tense, and she placed her hand on his arm. “Sweetie, you don’t have to be a rock star. Not that you aren’t terribly talented, but you aren’t cut out for a life on stage.”
“I’m glad you see that,” Nick said, sliding a reproachful glance at his uncle.
“But you don’t have to perform in front of a crowd,” Adrienne said. “In fact, I have a much better idea.”
“Whatever it is, I don’t like it,” Nick said.
“How can you know that?”
“Because I don’t like the look on your face.”
“She has a beautiful face!” Jose said.
“Thank you,” Adrienne said.
“Of course she does, but that doesn’t mean her ideas are as lovely!” Nick said.
“You haven’t even heard me out.”
Nick cocked one eyebrow, which Adrienne interpreted to mean, go ahead, I’m listening, but I will dislike everything you say.
“I did a little research last night.” Adrienne leaned in and raised her voice because she knew many of Jose’s friends sitting in the café were interested in what she had to say. “One music-business source estimates that acts can make fifteen hundred dollars per one million streams on YouTube via advertising. Top stars can make even more by signing up sponsors.”
“That’s a whole lot of streams for not a lot of money,” Nick said.
“But it’s passive income,” Adrienne argued. “You put it up and it works while you’re sleeping or surfing. Plus, look how many views your videos have garnered without you doing a thing!”
“She’s beautiful and brilliant!” Jose exclaimed. “How did Seb get so lucky?”
“Plus—” Adrienne began.
“Another one ?” Nick mumbled.
She nodded. “I really like this idea, and I think you will too.”
“Why would you think that?”
“Because this will be fun.”
“I like fun,” Nick said grudgingly.
“Then this is what we’ll do. We’ll travel to cool places in South America and you’ll sing—”
“Wait. No.” Nick stood, but Adrienne grabbed the back of his shirt as he turned away.
