Page 181 of Fame & Chaos

Suddenly pushing off the bed, I stalk toward my wardrobe and yank out my workout gear.

Time to punish myself another way.

The Next Day

The drive to Oxfordshire feels ten times longer than it normally does, mostly because I’m so exhausted I’m struggling to focus on the bloody road.

Something is seriously wrong with me.

If this is what being lovesick feels like, then honestly, it can fuck right off.

Dinner last night never happened, and breakfast this morning wasn’t even an option. My stomach’s been in knots ever since I threw up after my workout because I overdid it. Every muscle in my body aches, and instead of burning off some of this tension, the exercise somehow made everything worse. I feel like I’m physically falling apart.

And to top it all off, we’ve got a show tonight.

I need to pull myself together.

Need to find that edge again—that fire.

I’m the lead singer—the frontman.

I can’t spend the whole day skulking around in sunglasses, barely talking because I don’t have the energy to fake being okay.

Although for the first half of the morning, that’s exactly what’s happening.

Pulling up outside the manor, I hit the remote clipped to my visor and wait while the gates slowly swing open. Driving through feels strangely comforting. This place has always felt safe to me, even when everything else in my life has gone to shit. Parking beside Chad’s car, I climb out and immediately pull my jacket tighter around myself. The chill in the air cuts right through me, making me shiver. I don’t bother locking the car before heading for the front door.

A few moments after ringing the bell, the door swings open, and Dee appears looking way too cheerful for this time of morning. “Morning, sweetheart,” she chirps brightly.

The forced smile I give her feels painful.

Stepping up to walk inside, I barely make it through the doorway before she frowns and places a hand flat against my chest, stopping me.

“Caleb.” Her voice softens instantly. “I saw what happened. You’re obviously not okay.”

Before I can protest, she reaches up and slides my sunglasses off my face, resting them on top of my head.

The brightness hits me hard, making me squint.

Dee winces the second she sees my eyes properly. “Oh, Caleb… have you been drinking?”

I shake my head quickly. “No, nothing like that, I promise. Just smashed out a workout last night and pushed too hard.”

Her eyes narrow knowingly. “Did you make yourself sick?”

There’s no point lying to Dee. This woman sees through absolutely everything.

So I nod once.

She exhales sadly before stepping forward and wrapping her arms around me. “Oh, sweetheart.” The hug nearly breaks me. “I know how much you love her,” she murmurs while holding me tightly. “And I know there’s obviously more to this story than what’s online. But no matter what’s happened, Colt and I are always here for you.” My throat tightens painfully. “No matter how messy things started between us, you’re family,” she continues softly. “And we love you.”

Tears sting behind my eyes again, but somehow I manage to keep them there while wrapping my arms around her in return. “Thanks, Dee,” I mumble thickly. “I appreciate it.”

She pulls back, keeping her hands on my arms while studying me carefully. “You haven’t eaten, have you?” A weak laugh escapes me. “And don’t lie,” she warns immediately. “I’m a mother. I can spot bullshit a mile away.” Smiling faintly, I shake my head. “Right then…” She loops her arm through mine. “We’re fixing that immediately. You need food and an industrial-strength black coffee before you go anywhere near that music room. Those kids are on some sugar-fuelled rampage today, and honestly, it’s contagious.”

A proper laugh slips out this time, small but genuine. Walking with her toward the kitchen, I shake my head. “You always know how to look after me.”

Dee cuddles lightly into my side as we walk. “Caleb…” she says quietly, “… you were the son I almost had and the nephew I always wanted. You’re family to me. I love you, and I’ll do anything to protect you or see you happy.”