Wink

Jimmy arrives at Frank’s house on a bicycle, which inspires Ross to draw Jimmy as a “grizzly on a tricycle” (198). At school that day, Jimmy looks pained when he brings up playing with Ross, who wishes Denny hadn’t mentioned the idea. Sarah enters the classroom at that moment, and Ross envisions playing in front of her at the talent show. The image convinces him to agree to practice with Jimmy that evening.

The boys silently follow Frank and Denny to the basement, where they find a room fitted for band practice. Frank has Ross try the electric guitar for the first time. Before they begin, Denny insists they have the right lighting because, he suggests, “This could be a historic moment. Like Keith Richards and Mick Jagger in a studio for the first time together” (202). Ross interjects that Mick Jagger isn’t a drummer, to which Jimmy replies, “And Keith Richards wasn’t a little zit-faced dork!” (202). He goads Ross to show him how well he plays.

The jam session starts roughly because Jimmy is drumming too fast. After Frank and Denny offer guidance, everything clicks. The two boys make