Barb had always been a career woman. His ex-wife had always been more likely to rush out the door for a Vault-Tec banquet than come with him and Janey on a picnic. It was part of the reason their relationship had fallen apart. But this was a new low.

He'd left Janey with her for a weekend. Cooper had foolishly assumed she'd be free on a weekend, at least free enough to spend time with her daughter. But apparently her presence was absolutely needed on Sunday night. Instead of waiting at her house for Cooper to pick up Janey, she packed Janey's overnight bag and left her with an old friend from high school.

Said old friend was a singer in a small band, nothing insanely popular. So Janey was at the opera house that they used for evening practices.

Cooper was livid the whole car ride. His ex-wife had left their little girl at an opera house at eight pm, with a high school friend she hadn't even talked to in years. This friend and her band members could be crazy for all Barb knew! Or at the very least incapable of watching a young child for long.

The building was unlocked when he arrived. Janey's cowgirl-themed overnight bag was sitting on a theatre seat in the front row, a stuffed horse sitting with it and a full cup of juice. The band was packing up their instruments, the drummer and bass player already heading out the door. Cooper nodded politely but moved past before any of them stopped for autographs or photos, something they clearly wanted to ask for.

Barb's friend, lead singer, was still sitting on the stage. Janey was in her lap half-asleep.