Page 223 of Fame & Chaos

I turn to face her one last time, and she reaches up, brushing her fingers through my hair.

“I’m gonna miss this,” she whispers.

“It’ll probably be longer by the time I get back.”

She smiles faintly. “Good. Gives me more to grab onto.” Her hand slides down to rest over my chest.

“You live right here now,” I murmur.

Another tear slips down her cheek, and I wipe it away before kissing her one final time.

Saying goodbye fucking sucks.

Eventually, she leans around me and opens the front door.

“You really do have to go now.”

I nod slowly, memorizing her face standing there in front of me.

“I’ll see you soon.”

“You better.”

I smile faintly before rubbing my thumb slowly across my bottom lip.

Her expression softens instantly.

“I love you,” she whispers.

“I love you, always.” Then I lean down, kiss her forehead, and finally force myself to walk out the door.

The second I step outside, cold emptiness slams straight into my chest. Like something vital just got ripped out of me. I turn back once more, and she gives me the saddest little smile before quietly closing the door.

I stand there on the front step staring at it for several seconds, fighting every instinct screaming at me to go back inside and hold her again.

Then I hear it…

Indi’s sobbing behind the door.

And the sound tears through me so hard it steals the breath from my lungs.

My eyes fill instantly, and before I can stop it, tears slide down my face. I wipe at them roughly, realizing I haven’t even called the taxi yet because I’ve been too busy trying not to collapse emotionally.

I take a shaky breath and force myself to move.

Because if I stand here any longer, I’m going to turn around and never leave at all.

***

I’ve met the guys from the other backing band, Recoil. They seem decent enough so far. Their lead singer, Danger, definitely has that typical frontman energy, though. Cocky as hell, he knows he’s attractive, and carries himself like the room should naturally revolve around him.

But annoyingly? He’s actually talented enough to back it up.

We spent a little while talking music earlier, and I’ll admit the guy has some genuinely solid ideas. Recoil’s sound is strong too. Not Staked or 12GAUGE-Slayed-level, obviously, but definitely far above average.

The problem is… he spent most of the rehearsal openly flirting with Ella.

And Chad noticed.