Page 141 of Fame & Rhythm

“It’s a party, Annie. Everyone is.”

We head to the bar. Heaters hum around us, taking the edge off the cold, and the music pulses softly through the space.

Thirty minutes pass.

One champagne turns into two.

Ella sneaks one too. Mum notices, but Dad is too busy greeting guests to care.

For once… I let myself relax.

Then Anna and Johnny walk in, and without even thinking, I start searching for him.

I can’t see him.

Ella notices and hands me another drink. “Here. This’ll help.” I take it, even though I shouldn’t be mixing it with the meds.

But I’ve been doing it for months anyway, so what’s one more night going to hurt?

Then I see him.

Aston.

And my breath catches instantly.

He looks… unreal. Jeans, button-down shirt, leather jacket, and the effortless confidence that makes it hard not to stare. My heart kicks hard against my ribs, butterflies flaring to life like they always do when I see him.

God, he’s beautiful.

I wet my lips, unable to look away. Then I see her.

Amber.

Her arm is hooked through his, as if she belongs there. I’ve never seen them together like this before, not outside concerts, not like this. Her red hair spills down her bare back, glowing under the lights, her face lit up in a way that makes me feel… small.

So damn small.

Tiny.

Less than.

I take another sip of champagne as Ella’s arm tightens around my shoulders.

Amber slides her hand into Aston’s, and they look at each other.

My heart starts to pound.

Harder.

Faster.

I feel sick.

He smiles at her, the same way he used to smile at me.

She leans in, and he doesn’t pull away.

My eyes widen as her lips meet his…