Page 58 of Fame & Rhythm

Final.

He turns and walks off without saying a word, and it is like all the air is ripped from my lungs.

And just like that…

I know.

He’s the one pulling away now.

I’ve pushed too far.

I’ve messed this up.

And somehow, in what should be the happiest moment of my life…

Is now clearly the worst.

Because this might be the end of us.

The end of Annie and Aston.

Chapter Eleven

Annie

After Rob leaves, our parents head to the living room to talk about their upcoming tour. My band and I drift back into the music room, buzzing, talking over each other as the excitement sinks in.

Aston sits as far away from me as possible.

Caleb is on one side of me, Ella on the other, as we sit in a circle on the floor.

“So this is going to be huge for us, I just know it!” Caleb says.

“Fuck yeah, as long as I get to wear my socks, I’m happy,” Chad adds, and we all laugh. He’s so obsessed with his damn filthy socks.

“So when do you think we’ll hear about time in the recording studio and making changes to our songs to make them radio-worthy?” Aston asks. His voice is soft, and he still won’t look at me. He’s been quiet for the last hour and is totally avoiding me.

Not that I blame him. I pushed him away, and that’s gotta hurt.

“Not sure, but we have to play it cool. I know how exciting this is, but we don’t want to come across as kids. Well, I won’t, but you guys might,” Caleb jabs.

I roll my eyes. “Caleb, just because you’re years older doesn’t mean we’re going to act like idiots. Yeah, we might show it more than you, but that’s not a bad thing, right?”

He chuckles. “No, but sometimes when things don’t go your way, Annie, you get worked up. In this industry, things won’t always go our way. We need to keep it together, especially in public—”

“Are you saying this to the whole band or just me?” I cut in.

“To everyone. But especially you.”

I fold my arms. “Fine. I know how to behave. Why do you think I left tonight after we played? I didn’t want to make a scene when things got a bit much.” The words slip out before I can stop them.

I glance at Aston.

He swallows hard, staring at his hands.

Dammit.

“Well, I’m glad you didn’t go off in front of Rob, but instead of leaving, you should’ve taken a breath and pushed through. That could’ve blown it for us. That, and your little solo stunt. You’re lucky you’re damn good at what you do, Annie. It threw me when you kept going, and I doubt I’m not the only one,” Caleb says.