Page 103 of Fame & Rhythm

I slip away from the wall, making a beeline for the music room before things get… too reconciliatory.

When I walk in, Aston’s already there. He’s got my notebook open, showing Caleb something, who’s listening intently with a grin.

Looks like he likes it.

My heart lifts.

Yes.

I can’t wait to hear us play it.

Chapter Twenty

Annie

Walking in, Aston looks up and smiles. “There she is, the girl who wrote the best song ever,” he says, and a smirk pulls at my lips.

“Well, it’s really the lyrics that make a song great, you know?” I reply, and he rolls his eyes.

“I think this song is going to be great, and I can’t wait to learn it. Hopefully we can perfect it in time for tomorrow night’s gig so we can include it in the music lineup,” Caleb says, and I smile.

Getting Caleb’s approval on a song means everything. It’s like Dad giving his stamp of approval. I walk over to Aston, and he smiles, wrapping his arm around my waist while Caleb grins at us both.

“So, is this thing happening with you two now?” he asks.

A small smile tugs at my lips while Aston nods. “Yep, we’re together, aren’t we?” he says, double-checking.

“We sure are.”

Dad walks in, and Aston immediately drops his arm from around me and takes a step back. Dad’s gaze flicks between us, his brows pulling together, but he doesn’t say anything. Curiosity gets the better of me, so I turn back to Aston, lean in, and press a gentle kiss to his lips.

A few gasps sound around us, but I slip my arm around Aston’s waist, lingering close before pulling back. My gaze lifts to Dad, holding it—waiting.

Everyone watches as his nostrils flare, but he still says nothing.

Aston is tense beside me, not quite holding me back, and I know exactly why. He’s terrified of Dad.

“Okay, right, well… if we’re all here, let’s get started,” Dad says.

A bright smile spreads across my face. Dad looks at me, then gives a small nod, the hint of a smile there. That’s enough.

Aston relaxes beside me and slips his arms around me again.

“Okay, not what I was expecting from you, Colt, but anyway… here’s a new song Annie and Aston were working on outside. Personally, I think it rocks. Can you tell me what you think?” Caleb says, handing Dad the notebook.

Dad glances at us before looking down at the page. “You did this?” he asks.

We both nod.

“You two make a good team,” Dad says.

A laugh escapes me, and Aston chuckles beside me, still looking slightly stunned.

Age 18

Things with Aston and the band are amazing. Dad has loosened the reins, and we’re able to cuddle and kiss when we want, though we’re careful not to overdo it in front of him. The rest of the band is thrilled for us. They all knew, just like everyone else, that we’d end up together eventually.

Aston’s still not allowed in my room alone with me, and I get it. Things between us are more serious now. What I feel for him runs deep, and I know he feels it too. We’ve been writing some incredible songs together, and I can hear and feel it in the lyrics.