Page 34 of Fame & Rhythm

I glare at him as he steps out, his grin entirely too pleased with himself.

I hesitate for a moment, wondering how long I could sit here before Dad realizes we’re home, but Caleb rounds the car and opens my door.

No escape.

I sigh and climb out slowly, still a little unsteady. “Okay… let’s just get this over with.”

We walk up to the front door, and Caleb rings the bell. A few seconds later, Mum pulls it open, relief washing over her face.

“Oh, thank God,” she breathes, immediately pulling me into a tight hug. “We were so worried about you, Annie. Caleb, where did you take her? And why do you look so pale? Are you okay, baby girl?”

“I’m okay, Mum, I promise,” I murmur as she fusses.

She ushers us inside while Caleb steps in behind me.

“I think we should wait for Colt before explaining,” Caleb says carefully.

Mum pauses, frowning slightly. “You’re being very cryptic, Caleb.” She leads us into the kitchen, where Dad stands at the counter making coffee. He turns as we enter, and the second his eyes land on me, the concern in his face hits like a punch to the chest.

“Jesus, Caleb,” he says, striding toward us. “Why the hell did you take her from her own party? And why does she look like she’s about to drop?”

His hand comes up to my forehead to check my temperature, his movements quick and agitated.

I glance at Caleb, my stomach twisting.

“I… uh…” he starts.

“Spit it out, Caleb.”

“I took her to the hospital.”

Mum gasps. “What? Why? Annie, are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I say quickly, pulling away from both of them and stepping closer to Caleb, needing the support.

“Annie,” Dad says, his voice hardening. “Tell us what’s going on. Now.”

I look at Caleb. He nods and squeezes my shoulder gently. So, I take a breath, staring down at the floor.

I can’t look at them.

“Annie!” Dad barks, and I flinch.

“I… w-went to the hospital because I was d-drunk,” I blurt out quickly, the words tumbling over each other.

Silence crashes down over the room.

I force myself to look up.

Mum is shaking her head, stunned.

Dad?

His nostrils flare, his face darkening rapidly as that familiar look settles in. The one that means he’s about to explode.

“Colt, take a breath,” Mum says softly.

He doesn’t.