Page 5 of Fame & Rhythm

I meant what I said.

And I hate that I did.

Chapter Two

Annie

Moving as fast as I can without breaking into a run, I leave the hallway and head straight for the kitchen. The sliding door is already open by the time I reach it, and I step outside, knowing exactly where I’m going.

My safe place.

The only place on this massive property where I can breathe.

I cross the manicured lawn, the summer air warm against my skin, and spot the two Yorkiepoos racing toward me.

Queen Sassypants and King Snagglepuss.

Yeah… the names are questionable. Ella and I were six when we chose them, which explains a lot. They were meant to live up to Princess Sophia, our first dog, and somehow, in our minds, those names made perfect sense, but it all got lost in translation.

“C’mon, Sassy. Snaggie,” I call, and they fall into step beside me as I head toward the lake and the willow tree.

My place.

The one spot where I can think without everything closing in.

I scuff my boots along the freshly cut grass, the rhythm helping to burn off the last of my anger. I shouldn’t have said what I did. I know that. But the moment it starts, it’s like I can’t stop myself. The words just come out sharp, cutting, and aimed at the people I care about most.

I hate that about myself.

Ella always says Dad and I are too similar, that’s why we clash. I don’t get how that’s even possible. Nothing is tying us together like that. No shared blood. No shared DNA. We are adopted, so it’s not possible.

And yet… she might be right.

I drop down beneath the willow tree, leaning back against the thick trunk as a breeze cools my skin. The dogs climb straight into my lap, their weight grounding me as I close my eyes and try to steady myself.

Tears burn behind my eyelids.

Anger.

Regret.

Probably both.

One slips free, trailing down my cheek before I can stop it.

I wipe it away, forcing myself to breathe, to think of something, anything, that isn’t what just happened.

Aston.

The thought of him settles something inside me, and just like that, I feel it, that quiet awareness that he’s close. I don’t even need to open my eyes to know he’s here.

“That was quite a show you put on in there, Lennox.”

I open my eyes, and the tears come harder this time. He drops down beside me, his arm sliding around my shoulders, pulling me in without hesitation.

“Are they all talking about me?” I ask.

He huffs a quiet laugh, leaning his head lightly against mine. “Do you want the truth, or something that’ll make you feel better?”