Page 104 of Fame & Rhythm

It’s been nearly a year since we first got together, and in that time, everything has exploded. The band has grown faster than any of us expected. We recorded an album while Caleb was recovering from a car accident, since he couldn’t perform on stage for a while. Dad suggested we use the time to focus on recording, and his label signed us within hours of hearing it.

Our album “The New Era” went on sale and hit platinum within days of release.

We’ve been doing so many live shows that Susan now travels with us to keep our education on track. Balancing schoolwork with the band isn’t easy, but it’s part of the deal, so we make it work.

Ella is so much more confident now, or at least she gives that impression, but she still stress-eats. She’s lucky she has a fast metabolism because she never gains a thing.

Dad’s band, 12GAUGE-Slayed, is heading out on tour soon, and we’re going as the backing band. Our first real tour. It’s with our parents, which helps because they’ll show us the ropes and keep us grounded. Everyone’s excited, and with May just around the corner, the UK weather is still manageable.

Last month, I turned eighteen. In four months, Aston will be nineteen.

We’ve been trying to take things slow, really slow, and it’s been almost torturous at times. Time alone is rare, unless we sneak away to the willow tree when everyone’s around.

For our first anniversary, he took me there. Our spot. He brought a homemade picnic, I’m pretty sure Mum helped, but it didn’t matter. It was perfect. Candles, the lake, the moonlight… it felt like something out of a dream.

We might be young, but what we have feels real. Steady. Like something worth holding onto. Even with the fans who throw themselves at Aston during gigs, there’s never been a moment of doubt. When he talks to them, his attention always drifts back to me. I see it every time.

My moods have settled a lot, and Dad and I are getting along better than ever.

Everything feels… right.

And honestly, I don’t know what I did to deserve this kind of happiness.

Today marks the first live show of the 12GAUGE-Slayed world tour, with Staked as the backup band. Dad decided to bring on two support acts to extend the concert, and the second band is new, and one he’s been raving about. He loves their sound, so he asked them to join the tour.

We haven’t met them yet, but from what I’ve heard, they’re incredible. The band is called Recoil, and they’re opening the show before we go on, with 12GAUGE-Slayed headlining after us.

The shows have completely sold out, and even though we’re not the headlining act, it still feels surreal. This is our first tour, six months of performing around the world. Doing this with Dad and the band, the people I love most—it means everything. The only downside is leaving the dogs behind, but Uncle Joseph and Uncle Danny are taking care of Sassy and Snaggy, so at least I know they’re in good hands.

We arrive at Wembley Stadium, and the energy in the air is electric.

Aston walks over in the green room and wraps his arms around me while the others chat nearby. “Tonight is going to be amazing, Lennox. Rocking it out with you by my side at Wembley. I can’t think of anything better than that.”

A smile spreads across my face as I loop my arms around his neck and press a soft kiss to his lips. “I still can’t believe it. I mean, Wembley fucking Stadium? It doesn’t get much bigger than that, right?”

“Well… maybe Madison Square Garden,” he says with a grin. “But other than that, nope. We’re gonna kill it tonight, baby.”

I nod just as Ella walks over.

“Have you guys met the members of Recoil yet?” she asks, and Aston releases me.

I shake my head. “Nope. You?”

“No, but I can’t wait. We’re stuck with them for six months, so I’m hoping they’re decent,” she says.

A quiet huff leaves me. “Don’t get your hopes up. Bands picked up by 12GAUGE-Slayed tend to get a bit full of themselves.”

“Who’s full of themselves?” a deep American voice cuts in.

We all turn.

He’s tall, with short, dark curls and tattoos covering his arms. Early twenties, maybe. Attractive in that dangerous, rough-around-the-edges way. But it’s the way he’s looking at Ella that immediately sets me on edge.

“And you are?” I ask.

Aston’s arm slides around my waist, pulling me closer.

“Danger,” he says, extending his hand straight to Ella. His gaze never leaves her.