Page 67 of Fame & Rhythm

I can’t risk it.

“Yes, seriously. So today I’m going to coach you on performing live. I know you’ll be fine, but it’s different playing to a real crowd instead of your family.”

“We can handle it,” I say. I know we can. We’ve all been around crowds—this will be easy.

Dad launches into a long talk about stage presence, working the crowd, living in the moment… and I tune out before he’s even halfway through. My attention drifts straight back to Aston.

We’re sitting in a loose horseshoe, and he’s two spots away, close enough to see, but not close enough. Not anymore. He looks intense, focused… closed off. I can’t tell if he’s concentrating or if something’s wrong.

If it’s me.

If it’s everything.

I just want a minute alone with him. Just enough to figure out what’s going on behind that guarded expression.

But I don’t get it.

Even when we break and start practicing, he keeps his distance. We always lean into each other when we play. Always. But every time I shift back, silently inviting him closer, he stays where he is, with his head down, fingers moving over his bass like I’m not even there.

We still sound amazing.

But I don’t feel it.

Not like I usually do.

Dad doesn’t leave the room all day. Not once. And every time I step out, he follows.

I get it. He’s making sure Aston and I don’t end up alone.

But he doesn’t need to worry.

Aston’s already doing a great job of that by himself.

He hasn’t said a single word to me. Not even hello. And the longer it goes on, the more this heavy feeling settles in my chest.

Like whatever we had last night…

Is already over.

Chapter Thirteen

Annie

The rest of the day is spent rehearsing in awkward tension. Dad watches me like a hawk, and if he wants me performing at my best tonight, he needs to loosen the reins a little, because right now I am stressed. Being near Aston all day while he barely acknowledges me is setting my nerves on edge, and not in a good way.

The other parents arrive, and before long, we’re loading up and heading into London for our first gig. Thankfully, they all know what they’re doing, helping us pack everything into Dingo’s van before we set off.

I’m nervous. Excited. But the excitement is dulled by whatever’s going on with Aston. I did catch him looking at me once or twice today, but the second he realized, he looked away.

I don’t know what’s going on with him, and that unsettles me more than anything.

I let out a slow breath as Dad drives along the highway.

“That’s a big sigh. You okay?” Ella asks quietly from beside me in the back seat.

I shrug, blinking back the threat of tears.

She studies me, then takes my hand and squeezes. Reaching into her pocket, she pulls out her phone. A second later, mine vibrates, and I glance at her, with a small smile tugging at my lips.