Page 13 of Fame & Rhythm

“The only thing I worry about is the fans… and the paparazzi. You’ll need to keep your cool around them. You don’t want to end up in headlines because of an outburst.”

I nod slowly. I know exactly what Mum means. It happens all the time, celebrities losing it, getting caught on camera, and suddenly that’s all anyone talks about.

And honestly?

I can see myself doing exactly that.

“Yeah… I’ll need to work on that,” I admit. “But I’ll have Aston and Ella with me. They’re pretty good at keeping me grounded.”

Mum tries to hide a smirk. “So… Aston, huh?” she says, her tone a little too knowing.

I frown. “What about him?”

“Nothing,” she replies lightly. “Just checking if there’s any news.”

I narrow my eyes. “Why are you being weird?”

“I’m not being weird,” she says, smiling as she stands. “Just making sure you’re still good friends.” She gestures for me to lie down, then pulls the covers up under my chin.

“We’ll always be best friends, Mum.”

“You know, sweetheart… if you ever want to talk about boys, you can talk to me.”

I blink at her. “What are you on about? Are you high?”

“Annie,” she says, trying not to laugh. “Don’t joke about drugs, especially with your father in the house.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay,” she says, softening again. “I’m just saying… if you ever start liking someone as more than a friend, and it confuses you, you can come to me.”

I raise an eyebrow. “You’re being weird again.”

She sighs, smiling. “All right, maybe a little. Just… know I’m here. We can talk about anything.”

“That makes more sense,” I say. “Thanks, Mum. And… I am really sorry about today.”

She winces slightly, then nods. “So am I. Sleep well, sweetheart. And tidy this room a bit before Susan comes for school tomorrow, okay?”

I roll my eyes. “Yes, Mum.”

She chuckles as she heads for the door. “I love you, Annie Bear.”

I groan softly. “Love you too. Goodnight.”

“Sweet dreams.” She flicks the light off and closes the door behind her.

“Weirdo,” I mumble with a quiet laugh as I shift under the covers.

My phone vibrates on the bedside table, so I grab it and swipe the screen, smiling when I see Aston’s name.

Aston: Hey Lennox, hope I’m not waking u. Just wanted to know if ur doing ok? I know today was rough for u, but I’m here for u… always. A1 xo

I smile at his use of our message nicknames. He’s A1, and I’m A2. We fought for ages because I thought I should be A1, but he said he’s older, so he gets those bragging rights. Needless to say, I didn’t talk to him for about an hour, but I let him win because I will always cave when it comes to Aston. I hit reply.

Me: Hey, I’m still up just climbed into bed. Had a chat with Mum and we’re all good now. Thanks for being there for me today. I can always count on u to bring me back down off my high horse. A2 xxxx

I hit send, snuggle into the bed covers, and bring my phone screen in line with my face to wait for his reply. My phone vibrates, and I swipe the screen.