Page 143 of Fame & Chaos

Jesus Christ.

That sounded lame as fuck.

I don’t even care.

If that makes me some pathetic lovesick idiot, then so be it. I’d scream it from rooftops if she’d let me. But I understand why she wants us to be private for now, so I’ll keep my mouth shut. I sing loudly along with the radio during the hour-and-a-half drive to Colt and Dee’s manor, drumming my fingers on the steering wheel while adrenaline and happiness buzz through my veins. I can’t wait to rehearse with the kids.

Well, no, they aren’t really kids anymore. Most of them are teenagers now, and Aston’s technically an adult, but because they’re seven or eight years younger than me, I’ll probably always think of them that way.

As I hit the remote for the front gates, I notice Chad’s car already parked in the driveway.

Of course, I’m the last one here.

Typical.

Chuckling to myself, I park the car and grab my cell from the console before quickly firing off a text.

Me: Miss you already. xoxo

The message sends, and I shake my head at how easy this whole relationship thing feels with Indi. It’s effortless and natural.

My cell buzzes almost instantly before I’ve even climbed out of the car.

Indi: I miss you too. I can’t wait to see you again. Have a good practice. I have to start work now, but I’ll message on my break. I love you. <3 xo

A ridiculous smile spreads across my face as I type back.

Me: Okay, have a good shift. Save lives and stuff. lol. Love you more. xo

Smirking at myself like a complete idiot, I shove my cell phone into my pocket and climb out of the car.

I can’t stop smiling.

It’s actually embarrassing.

Walking up to the front door, I knock once before Aston answers with Annie practically hanging off his arm, and I raise an eyebrow.

“So Colt’s okay with the public displays of affection now?” I ask dryly.

Aston’s eyes widen in immediate panic while Annie bursts out laughing.

“Dad’s… well, Dad,” she says with a grin. “He still hates it. But Mum gave him a very thorough lecture about letting us live our own lives together, so now he tolerates us.” She looks up at Aston smugly. “Right, babe?”

Aston glances at me like he’s fighting for his life. “Yeah,” he mutters carefully while giving Annie a placating smile.

I snort to myself.

Poor bastard.

He clearly wants Annie more than oxygen itself, but being affectionate with her around Colter Slade probably feels like willingly stepping into traffic. And now Annie knows she’s got Colt cornered about it, she’s absolutely going to milk the situation for all it’s worth.

“Good luck, mate,” I mutter, slapping Aston on the back as I walk inside.

We head down toward the music room, where everyone’s already gathered.

“Hey, Caleb!” Chad calls while pulling one earbud aside and waving a drumstick at me.

“Hey, dude.” He grins before shoving the earbud back into his ear and returning to whatever he’s listening to.