Page 129 of Fame & Rhythm

“I’m sorry,” he says again.

Footsteps, then the door closes. And just like that… he’s gone.

The pull in my chest fades, leaving behind something hollow.

“Annie?” Mum says softly as she comes in. The bed dips beside me. “Honey?” She pulls the pillow away, and I sit up, collapsing into her arms.

“I don’t want to hurt him,” I whisper.

“Oh, sweetheart,” she murmurs, holding me close. “It’s going to be okay. He’ll be all right. We’re just worried about you.” She pulls back, brushing my hair from my face, wiping away my tears. “I know you’re confused. And hurting. That’s okay, you’re allowed to be. But tomorrow, you’ll have to face Aston. And the band. And if you can’t… that’s okay too. Just don’t make a decision you’ll regret while everything still feels this raw.”

I nod weakly.

“I’ll talk to him tomorrow,” I say. “But tonight… I want to wallow.”

A small smile touches her lips. “One night of wallowing, okay?”

She glances at Ella. “Did you order room service?” She shakes her head. “Well then,” Mum says, brightening slightly. “Ella, grab the menu. Let’s spend your father’s money.”

A laugh escapes me—my first in hours.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Annie

Last night, Mum kept me distracted, and we managed to have a decent time, well, as decent as it can be when it feels like you’ve just blown up your entire life.

I was okay. Not great, but okay.

But now, as we walk toward the jet and I remember I promised Aston I’d talk to him today, unease coils tightly in my chest. I can feel him nearby, like I always do, and even though every instinct is telling me to turn around and run, I force myself to keep moving.

Mum stays close beside me as we step onto the tarmac and climb the stairs to the private jet. Inside, Tamara greets us and hands Mum one of her pills to help calm her nerves. Mum hates flying, which is ironic considering how much she travels these days.

We move down into the cabin, and there he is.

Aston sits with Caleb and Chad.

Of course he does.

He looks up the second I step inside, and for a brief moment, his face softens, until it doesn’t. The smile fades, replaced by something heavier, something that makes my chest hurt. I bite my bottom lip and walk straight past him.

“You okay?” Mum murmurs beside me.

I nod, not trusting my voice enough to answer, then slide into my usual seat, and Ella moves in beside me by the window, like she always does. It’s been a while since we’ve been on Dad’s tour jet, the last time feels like forever ago, but being here again should feel exciting. It should feel like everything I’ve ever wanted.

“Taking off in twenty minutes,” Dad announces from the aisle. “Belfast tonight.”

I force a smile. “Can’t wait. It’s going to be a great show.”

He studies me for a moment, clearly not convinced. “Only if you’re up to it, Annie. Just be honest with me.”

“I’m fine,” I say, though my gaze drifts down the cabin without permission and straight to Aston. He’s not engaged in whatever Caleb and Chad are saying. His head is down, shoulders tense, like he’s somewhere else entirely.

Something twists deep inside me.

“I’m okay,” I repeat quietly. “But there’s something I need to do.”

They all follow my line of sight, and Mum’s expression softens instantly. “Do you want me to come with you?” she asks.