Page 126 of Fame & Rhythm

I do know what I’m throwing away.

A year with Aston.

One perfect year.

“It’ll work out,” I say quietly. “I just… didn’t handle this well.”

They all give me small, uncertain smiles.

“Well,” Dad says, clapping his hands lightly. “Let’s get you home, yeah?”

I nod.

“I’ll check with Indi about discharge,” Caleb says, heading out.

I want my own bed.

But we’re on tour.

Which means the hotel.

I’m sharing with Ella at the Hyatt, one of Granddad’s places. Apparently, where Mum and Dad first met.

“Do you want me to stay with you tonight?” Mum asks.

I shake my head. “No, I’ll be okay. Ella’s with me, and you’re right next door.”

“Are you sure?”

She needs this more than I do.

“Actually… maybe a girls’ night would be nice. Just us.”

Her face softens immediately. “All right. I’ll stay with you.”

She glances at Dad. “You okay?”

He smiles, surprising me. “Yeah, baby. You look after our girl. I’ll hang with Hux and Caleb… guys’ night.”

Caleb reappears with Indi. “Guys’ night?”

Dad nods. “You in?”

“Yeah, sounds good,” Caleb says.

I catch Indi’s expression falter for just a second before she masks it. “Your vitals are stable now,” she says, addressing me. “You can head back, but take it easy. You’re under a lot of stress, and we don’t want another episode.”

I nod. “Thanks, Indi.”

She smiles warmly. “Good to see you again, Mr. and Mrs. Slade.”

Mum laughs softly. “Call me Dee, not Mrs. Slade.”

Dad grins. “We’ve known you since you were seven… we’re past formalities. Colt, please.”

Indi smiles, a little more genuinely this time. “It’s really nice being around you all again.”

“You should come for dinner when the tour wraps,” Mum says. “We’d love that.”