Page 108 of Fame & Rhythm

“Danger. I wonder what his real name is. I bet it’s something mysterious and sexy,” she says dreamily.

I exhale, shaking my head. “Elle’s Bells… you’ve got it bad.”

She frowns. “What do you mean?”

I give her a look. “I mean, you’re already halfway gone over a guy you met five minutes ago.”

She gasps and shakes her head, pulling away from me before slapping my shoulder. “Don’t say that! What if someone heard you?” she hisses, her face turning bright red as she folds her arms over her chest.

“It’s fine, Ella. No one can hear us over the band,” I say, grinning. “But I’m right, aren’t I?”

“Annie. I’m seventeen. I’m a respectable young woman and I would never—”

I raise a brow, smirking. “Never what?”

She huffs, clearly flustered. “You know exactly what I mean.”

I laugh and shake my head. “Relax, I’m teasing.”

She narrows her eyes at me, still flushed. “You’re unbelievable.”

“Hey, I’m just saying… maybe don’t get swept up in someone like him. That’s all.”

“So seriously… you and Aston…” she trails off, glancing around before lowering her voice. “You know…”

“What?” I tease.

She groans. “You’re the worst. You know what I mean.”

I laugh softly, pulling her into a quick hug. “We’re together, Ella. We’ve figured things out as we’ve gone along, like everyone does. But that’s not the point.” I pull back and look at her. “Just don’t rush into anything with someone like him, okay?”

She rolls her eyes, though there’s a hint of thoughtfulness there now. “He’s probably too old for me anyway. And can you imagine Dad’s reaction to a tattooed, bad-boy rocker like Danger from Recoil? If it took him a year to warm up to Aston, he’ll lose his mind over Danger.”

“Exactly. So maybe stop obsessing and go for someone safe. Like Chad.”

“Chad Everly? Our drummer?” She laughs.

“Yeah, why not?”

We both glance over at him as he stares at a blank television screen, fussing with his hair and somehow making it messier.

“Umm… because he’s basically my brother. And also… he’s Chad. Just… no. That would be like dating Aston,” she says, wrinkling her nose. “No offense.”

I laugh. “Fair enough.”

“Okay guys, huddle up,” Caleb calls out.

I glance at Ella, who sneaks one last look at Danger on stage. I swear she sighs before I shake my head and grab her hand, pulling her into the group. Aston wraps his arms around me as we form a circle.

Caleb gives his usual speech, and we all listen as the energy builds between us.

Hands in, mantra said, adrenaline kicking in.

We break as Recoil comes off stage, and our dads head down the hall to watch us.

I catch Danger winking at Ella.

She giggles.