Page 72 of Fame & Rhythm

“Guy!” one of his bandmates shouts.

“Coming!” He turns back to us, wide-eyed. “Best. Day. Ever.” Then he disappears up the stairs.

“What took you so long?” someone yells at him.

“That was Colter fucking Slade, man! Didn’t you see him?”

I snort. “Even famous people fangirl.”

Dad glances at me. “Fangirl?”

“Yeah. You know, when people lose their minds over celebrities. That was him just now. Did you not see the drooling?”

He grimaces. “Well, now I feel dirty.”

I laugh. “Is that what it’ll be like for me?” I ask. “People drooling when they meet me?”

Dad wraps an arm around my shoulders. “If anyone drools over you, I’ll knock them out. But they can fangirl all they like. And they will. You and Staked are going to be huge. And it starts tonight, baby girl.”

My smile fades just a little. “I only want one guy to drool over me,” I mutter. “And because of you, he won’t even look at me.”

“What?” Dad asks, frowning.

“Nothing.” I shake it off quickly. “Not now. I want to stay focused. I’m going to make you proud tonight, Dad.” I bounce on my toes, letting out a small, excited squeal.

He studies me for a second, like he knows there’s more to it, but then his expression softens into a smile. “You already have, Annie.”

Chapter Fourteen

Annie

We spend the time before our set watching Peripheral. Despite their look, they’re actually really good, and Dad’s already talking about approaching Guy after the show to see if they’d be interested in a collaboration, which would be huge for them. Anyone who works with 12GAUGE-Slayed is taken seriously, so Dad must be impressed.

Dad’s off talking to Rob and Hux, while Mum and Anna fuss over Ella, trying to make her even more beautiful. Not that she needs it—Ella’s stunning, and the crowd’s going to love her.

Across the room, Aston sits alone, scribbling in a notebook.

As much as I want to go over and demand answers about today, I hold back. He’s writing. And I know how much I hate being interrupted when I’m working on a song. He’s only just started writing, though, which makes me curious. I can’t wait to hear what he comes up with.

Peripheral finishes their set, and the crowd erupts. There’s a short break before Red Velvet goes on. I haven’t met them, but apparently their lead singer, Amber, is… difficult. Chad ran into her earlier and said she’s young and thinks she owns the world, which is saying something, because Chad never says a bad word about anyone.

The crowd noise swells, echoing through the venue. I’ve heard it before at Dad’s shows, but this time, it’s for us.

My excitement twists into nerves.

And all I can think about is Aston.

I don’t know how we’re supposed to go on stage like this. He’s been avoiding me all day. Even during rehearsal, he wouldn’t come near me. And now… now I don’t know what to expect.

It’s throwing me off more than I want to admit.

I need air.

Slipping out when no one’s paying attention, I make my way down the hallway until I find a fire exit. It’s late April—cool, clear, perfect, exactly what I need.

I push the door open and step outside into the night.

Three girls are loitering nearby, and they spot me immediately.