Page 14 of Fame & Rhythm

Aston: Anytime, Lennox, you know that. I’m always here for u, no matter what. That’s what best friends do, right? BTW, I feel so badass for being up this late, the night before school. Maybe we should sneak out, go to a bar, and get wasted. Maybe to a strip club. Let’s go and be rebels. What do u say? A1 xo

I let out a loud laugh and then quickly cover my mouth with my hand, hoping I haven’t woken Ella next door, or worse, Mum or Dad. I hit reply.

Me: Let’s go all out and get tattoos and get high. I’ll hire u a prostitute, and I can learn to be a stripper, make a real night of it? Maybe I can even get pregnant if I try hard enough. Dad would love that. Bahahaha. Way better than getting homeschooled tomorrow. A2 xxxx

I hit send and giggle at our conversation. Those things are something neither of us would ever actually do. Well… maybe the tattoo part. We made a pact that on my eighteenth birthday, we’d get matching ones. My phone vibrates again.

Aston: Yeah, way better. But I guess I’m tired and it is a school night, so maybe we can raincheck for Friday? ;) A1 xo

I smile and hit reply.

Me: Piker! I was getting dressed up and was almost at ur place. Guess I’ll have to walk home and go to bed like a good little girl. lol A2 xxxx

I hit send.

Aston: Well, if I’d known u were almost at my house, I would’ve dropped everything. I would love to see you all dressed up. ;) A1 xo

I frown, my brow furrowing slightly.

Why would he say that?

I start typing.

Me: Why the hell would you say that? xxxx

I stare at it for a second… then backspace to start again.

Me: Well, I guess u’ll never know will u, u weirdo. A2 xxxx

Better. I hit send, then roll onto my back, resting my phone on my chest before I close my eyes. And then, out of nowhere, an image flashes in my mind.

Aston.

Earlier today.

The way he lifted his shirt.

The way his muscles moved…

I swallow, something strange flickering low in my stomach, spreading before I can stop it.

My legs feel heavy.

My chest tight.

What the hell was that?

I have no idea why my body reacts to Aston like this.

It doesn’t happen with anyone else. It never has. But with him… it’s always been there in some way—that strange pull, like I’m tied to him in a way I don’t fully understand.

Maybe it’s because we’re so close.

Or maybe it’s something else.

The thought makes my stomach twist, and I shift under the covers, trying to ignore the lingering warmth still humming through me. Being a teenager is confusing enough without my body suddenly deciding to react to things I don’t understand.

And for the first time, I don’t want to ask Mum about it.