Page 163 of Fame & Rhythm

There are photographs of me out there, half-naked, out of it, for all the world to see.

The guy who took them is an absolute asshole… but that doesn’t change the fact I put myself in that position.

I’m in the music room now, waiting.

A ‘crisis meeting,’ Dad called it.

Everyone’s coming, including Rob.

Ella and Dad sit at the desk while I take the couch, my hands clasped tightly in my lap as I try not to think about the inevitable, or the fact that Aston has probably seen them.

Mum walks in with Caleb and Chad.

Chad doesn’t look at me any differently, which somehow makes it worse. Caleb, though, gives me a small nod, a flicker of sympathy in his eyes.

“Hey, guys,” Dad says.

They nod back.

“Hey, Annie,” Caleb says, crossing the room and sitting beside me. He wraps an arm around my shoulders, pulling me into a quick side hug.

The gesture almost undoes me.

“I’m okay,” I mutter. “Just feel like a complete idiot.”

He lets out a quiet laugh. “Yeah, not your best moment. But I know you didn’t mean for any of this to happen. And I know you wouldn’t have wanted those pictures out there.” His tone softens. “I’m sorry this has happened to you.”

“Thanks,” I say, swallowing hard. “I just wish I’d never gone out. I was stupid.”

“You’re not stupid, Annie,” he says. “You just made a bad call. Big difference. And I’m guessing you’ve learned from it?”

I nod quickly. “Yeah. Definitely. I’m never drinking again.”

He raises a brow. “Or taking anything else?”

“That goes without saying. I’m done with all of it.”

“Good.” He nudges my shoulder. “And next time you’re in trouble, call me. Anytime.”

“I know. I think I was trying to… before I passed out.” I shudder, the memory twisting in my gut. “That’s probably when he took the photos.”

Caleb’s jaw tightens. “Well, hopefully there isn’t a next time. But remember, you’ve got people. You don’t have to handle things on your own.”

“Thanks, cuz. I love you.”

“Love you too.”

Dad clears his throat. “We’re just waiting on Aston and Rob. Then we’ll figure out how we’re handling this.”

Caleb nods, dropping his arm from my shoulders. “How bad do you think this is going to get?” he asks.

Dad doesn’t hesitate. “It could be serious. Drugs, plus a photo scandal? That’s not something people forget quickly.” His gaze flicks to me. “I just hope Annie understands the position she’s put all of you in.”

I exhale slowly. “I know, Dad. You don’t need to keep going on about it.”

That sets him off.

“I do need to go on about it, Annie,” he snaps, standing abruptly. “This attitude is exactly what got you into this mess. I don’t know why your bandmates are so calm about it. It could destroy everything we’ve worked for.”