Page 73 of Fame & Rhythm

“Oh my God, were you in there with the bands?” one of them asks, rushing over.

I smirk and nod, wrapping my arms around myself against the chill.

“Is it amazing in there? We tried to get tickets, but they sold out so fast,” another says.

“It’s pretty cool,” I reply. “Why are you out here?”

One of them keeps staring at me strangely, and I ignore her.

“We’re trying to get someone to sneak us in. We heard 12GAUGE-Slayed are here with their kids, and we really want to meet Colter Slade—”

“And Huxley,” another adds quickly.

I grin. They clearly don’t recognize me. Or maybe they just don’t expect me to be out here alone.

Might as well have a little fun. “Oh yeah, they’re all inside. Colt, Hux, Johnny, Dingo… I heard their kids’ band is supposed to be amazing.”

“I bet. With parents like that, they’d have to be. People are saying there are record labels in the crowd tonight, waiting to sign Staked.”

My eyes widen. “Seriously?”

She nods.

“I know who you are!” the third girl suddenly shrieks.

I blink. “What?”

“You’re Colter’s daughter. I saw you on the poster—”

“What? Really?” the others jump in, crowding closer.

Oh shit! My stomach drops.

“No, I think you’ve got me confused with—”

“No! The hair… you’re Annie Slade!” she screams.

Double shit!

They all start jumping and squealing.

“Oh my God, can I touch you?” one blurts, grabbing my arm before I can move.

I yank back, frowning. “Hey…”

“I touched Annie Slade. That means I basically touched Colt. I am never washing my hand again,” she gushes.

Right. Definitely unhinged.

“Okay, I’m going back inside,” I say, turning for the door, but she grabs my arm again, yanking me back.

“Take us with you. We’ll tell everyone about Staked. We’ll make you huge by Monday.”

I stare at her. “Let go of me.”

Another girl joins in, hands on my arms. Goddammit! Then suddenly they’re all over me, grabbing, pulling, tugging at my clothes.

“Annie, take us in!”