Page 144 of Fame & Chaos

“Caleb, good, you’re finally here,” Colt says.

The second I reach him, I throw my arms around him in a tight hug without even thinking.

He laughs loudly while returning the man hug. “You’re in a suspiciously good mood,” he says. “What’s this for?”

Ella and Annie immediately start giggling behind him.

“Just feeling grateful,” I admit honestly. “This whole music thing exists because of you and Indi. Without you guys, none of this would be happening.”

At the mention of her name, Colt pauses. “Indi, huh?” he says thoughtfully. “I haven’t heard from or seen her in years. I wonder how she’s doing.”

Instantly, I remember her request.

‘Don’t tell your family yet.’

So I force my expression neutral and lie straight through my teeth. “When I saw her at the hospital, she looked good.”

“You should catch up with her properly sometime,” Colt says casually. “You two were always close. Invite her to a concert. You never know, she might throw her shirt at you or something.”

Heat instantly rushes into my face as my brain flashes straight back to this morning when Indi absolutely did throw her shirt at me.

Granted, she was getting naked at the time.

“Yeah… maybe,” I mutter awkwardly. “She’s pretty busy these days. Whole different life now. I doubt she cares much about me anymore.”

Colt studies me strangely, clearly confused by my sudden dismissal of her.

“Okay then,” he says slowly. “Anyway, we need rehearsal before tomorrow night’s gig.”

Right as he says it, my phone starts ringing.

Glancing at the screen, I see Sasha’s name pop up.

Damn! I completely forgot to send her that thank-you text.

I nod toward Colt before stepping out into the hallway and answering the call, “Hey, Sasha.”

“Hey, Caleb. You sound way happier than last time we talked.”

I smile despite myself because, honestly, thanks to her advice, I am. “I’m doing a lot better now. Seriously, thank you. I took your advice and went to see Indi. We sorted everything out, and we’re together now.” I lean against the hallway wall. “I meant to text you and thank you, but things got a little distracting.”

Silence crackles down the line.

“Sasha?”

“Yeah, I’m here.” Her voice sounds quieter now. “So you and Indi are officially back together?”

“Yeah. But we’re keeping it private for now, so please don’t mention anything.”

“Okay.”

Something about her tone suddenly feels… off.

“I was wondering…” she says hesitantly, “… if maybe I could see you again sometime?”

I frown instantly.

Seriously?