Page 44 of Fame & Rhythm

I laugh, grateful for the shift.

Just like that, the heaviness lifts, and we fall back into familiar territory, teasing and talking crap about the self-important egomaniacs from the party.

And this?

This is how it’s supposed to be.

Chapter Nine

Annie

It’s Monday morning after the party from hell, and today I’m seeing Aston for the first time since the… incident.

I’m a little nervous, if I’m being honest. I have no idea how I’m supposed to act when I see him.

Do I hug him like normal?

Pretend nothing happened?

Or keep my distance completely?

After our phone call last night, I’m feeling a bit more settled. I know he won’t try anything again. Our friendship means too much to both of us for him to risk messing it up over catching feelings.

Even so… I can’t stop thinking about him.

Which is annoying.

And confusing.

And completely unhelpful.

I’m already sitting in the school room, waiting, while Ella chats to Mum about some dress she wants to buy online. I tune them out almost instantly. Shopping is painful enough without having to listen to it in detail.

The doorbell rings.

I stiffen.

It’ll be either Aston or Susan, and right now I’m not entirely sure which one I’d prefer.

My heart picks up as I watch the doorway, waiting.

Then I hear his voice.

Low and familiar.

And just like that, my whole body reacts. The tiny hairs on my arms lift, a soft tingle spreading through me as I push back from my desk and stand up without even thinking about it.

I tell myself to calm down.

I absolutely do not calm down.

I hover awkwardly, fidgeting, trying to act normal while every part of me is suddenly hyper-aware of the fact that he’s here. I can hear Ella laughing at something, but I ignore her. I must look ridiculous, standing here like I’m waiting for something important.

“Annie,” Ella says, amused. “You’ve got it bad.”

I frown at her. “What?”

But before she can answer, Aston walks through the door, and just like that, everything else disappears.