Page 52 of Fame & Rhythm

I love this song. It’s bold, loud, unapologetic—everything we are. And somewhere in the back of my mind, I know this is Dad’s favorite too.

As Caleb starts singing, my thoughts flick to the solo coming up halfway through. I’ve been playing around with an idea, something bigger, something more dramatic.

And now… I want to try it.

This is our shot.

If I’m going to do it, it has to be now.

The section builds, and Aston leans into my back again, steady and grounding. That tiny bit of contact is all it takes.

Decision made.

When the solo hits, I step forward, breaking away from him, and start strong. I glance back at Caleb, and his expression shifts—surprise, then concern.

I smile and give him a small nod.

Trust me.

Then I push it further.

I extend the solo, digging deeper, pulling out everything I’ve got. The sound grows bigger, sharper, more alive, and I close my eyes, letting it take over completely. Every note hits harder than the last, the music pouring out of me in a way it never has before.

This is better.

This is what the song needed.

I can feel it.

I keep one ear on the band, making sure they’re still with me, but I’m lost in it now, riding the wave of sound as it builds and builds.

This is it.

This is the moment.

I open my eyes… and the room hits me all at once.

Caleb isn’t smiling anymore.

Ella looks tense.

Chad’s concentrating too hard.

Dad looks furious.

My stomach drops.

I glance at Aston.

He’s still smiling, but he tilts his head slightly, a subtle signal.

Enough.

Come back.

I hesitate for half a beat, then pull the solo back in, stepping into place just as the band snaps into the chorus.

We recover.