Page 90 of Fame & Rhythm

Dad seems to have quietly dropped his no-touch-Aston rule too. He definitely saw us holding hands under the table. He frowned, but then Mum gave him a look, and that was the end of it. Honestly, if anyone can change his mind, it’s her. She has this way of flipping things so he thinks it was his idea all along. I don’t know how she does it, but after nearly twenty years together, I guess she’s had practice.

By the time we’re driving back to Oxfordshire, I’m exhausted.

It’s been a long day, and an emotional one. But also… the best day of my life.

Ella’s already asleep beside me, and Mum and Dad are talking quietly up front about Dad’s tour next year. They're even talking about us possibly joining them, maybe playing a support act.

I don’t let myself get too carried away with that idea just yet.

One step at a time.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I pull it out and smile when I see Aston’s name.

Aston: U make my world spin in a completely new direction, and I luv the dizziness I feel around u. A1 xo P.S. Ur boobs r amazing!

A laugh escapes me before I can stop it, and I quickly cover my mouth so I don’t wake Ella.

But his words…

They make me blush.

I’ve known him my entire life, and yet somehow everything feels different now. How my body’s always reacted to him—the tingles, the way my skin prickles when he’s near. I just never understood what it meant.

Now I do.

This isn’t normal.

This is something more.

And for the first time, I’m letting myself feel it as I type out a reply.

Me: I luv the feeling u give me 2. I never knew whatever we were doing could feel so… good! All I know is that I want more, and I hope u do 2. A2 xxxx P.S. My boob’s r amazing, hey!

I giggle internally as I hit send, watching the screen for his reply, and it doesn’t take long.

Aston: I definitely want more Annie. I want so much more with u! And it will come with time. This is new to both of us, and I want to do it right. A1 xo

My chest tightens in the best possible way. He always knows exactly what to say. I hold the phone to my chest for a moment before typing again.

Me: Well, so far ur doing it perfectly. I just hope tmro we can find some alone time. There’s a song in my head I can’t get out, and I want u 2 help me with it. A2 xxxx

Aston: Sounds perfect to me Lennox. I’ll be at your place by ten, and we’ll find a way 2 slip out somewhere. Your dad can’t keep us apart forever :) A1 xo

I glance up at the back of Dad’s head, wondering if that’s actually true.

What is his problem, anyway?

Aston’s been nothing but respectful. If he’d wanted to rush things, he could have tonight.

But he didn’t.

He stopped.

That has to count for something.

I type another message.

Me: Ur right, we’ll find some time to slip out to the willow tree tmro. It’s far enough away that we can talk about the song and cuddle while doing it. If you want to, that is? A2 xxxx