Page 170 of Fame & Rhythm

Mum was ecstatic when she got home from visiting Uncle Joseph and Danny. The second she saw Aston and me curled up together in the corner, she screamed. Actually screamed. She was over the moon, just like Dad. She said she’d been waiting for me to come to my senses, hoping Aston would be there to catch me when I fell, and, apparently, I fell straight back into his arms.

And honestly… it feels right.

But today, Aston decided we needed a proper date. Even though we were together for a year, we never really did much beyond movies in the living room. We were younger then. Now he wants to wine and dine me like he always meant to.

I’m in my room getting ready, pulling on a beautiful black lace dress with long sleeves and a low back. I can’t wear a bra with it, but it’s got enough support that I don’t need one anyway. If Aston’s making an effort, I will too. I slide on a pair of black pumps from under my bed, wobbling slightly as I adjust. It’s a big change from my usual bare feet or combat boots, but I’ll manage.

Probably.

Aston will help me if I fall.

I head downstairs to find Mum and Ella waiting.

“Wow, Annie, you look beautiful,” Mum says.

I roll my eyes automatically. “No, I don’t, but thanks.”

“No, really,” Ella adds. “You actually look amazing.”

I hesitate, then smile. “Thank you, guys.”

Mum hands me a small bag. “New phone. I picked it up today and programmed everything in.”

I grin and hug her. “Thank you. I’ve been dying without it.”

“Aston’s in the kitchen with your father. He looks so grown-up. I can’t believe how much you’ve both changed,” Mum says.

I smirk. “Getting sentimental on me?”

“Just happy,” she replies softly. “Even if something awful had to happen to get you here.” She wipes at a tear, but doesn’t quite hide it.

Ella and I both laugh as I pull Mum into another hug. “Thanks for everything. I mean it.”

“Let’s get you to your man,” she says.

We head into the kitchen, and the second I see Aston, I stop.

Black button-down. Jeans. Effortless.

He looks… unreal.

When he turns and smiles at me, it hits me straight in the chest. My breath catches, my balance goes, and I stumble.

Aston moves instantly, catching me before I hit the floor. “I got you,” he murmurs.

I laugh softly. “I think I literally just fell for you.”

He smirks. “I fell for you a long time ago.”

I lean in and kiss him, soft and quick.

“Okay, don’t do that in front of me. It freaks me out,” Dad says, chuckling.

I glance over, surprised to find him actually smiling.

“C’mon, Miss Slade,” Aston says, taking my hand. “Let me take you out on a date.”

“Sounds perfect.”