Page 145 of Fame & Rhythm

By the time I reach the tree, the cold has settled deep into my bones again. I drop into my usual spot, pulling my arms around myself, but it does nothing to stop the chill. The thin fabric of my dress isn’t helping either.

My tears aren’t as violent this time, but they don’t stop.

We’ve been strangers for twenty-one months, and it still feels like I’ve lost something I’ll never get back. I sniff and glance toward the party, catching movement across the grass. Someone’s coming this way.

Quickly, I wipe my face, dragging in a steadying breath, trying to hide the evidence, while blinking hard to clear my vision.

At first, I think it’s Dad.

Then I see the shaggy hair, the leather jacket.

And my breath catches.

Aston.

And he’s alone.

I try to pull myself together as he approaches, but it’s useless.

“Are you crying?” he asks, stopping in front of me.

“What’s it to you?” I shoot back, the words coming out sharper than I intend.

He throws his hands up, frustration flashing across his face. “Jesus, Annie… when are you going to let this go? I didn’t mean to take advantage of you that night. You’ve treated me like shit ever since, and I don’t know how to fix it.”

I blink at him, thrown. “You didn’t take advantage of me. If anything, I took advantage of you. And then I panicked.”

“Why?”

I shrug, hating how small I sound. “Because you were my best friend, and I was scared. I thought… I thought maybe you didn’t mean what you said.”

His jaw tightens. “So you regret it?”

“No,” I say immediately. “Not for a second. But it doesn’t matter now, does it? You’ve got a girlfriend.”

“What the fuck, Annie?” he snaps, and I flinch. I’ve never heard him raise his voice at me before. He drags a hand through his hair and turns away, pacing a step. “I told you I loved you. I meant it. And you shut me out for nearly two years. Now you’re upset because I’ve moved on?”

“I know I messed u-up,” I say, my voice cracking as I step closer. “Seeing you with her just… made it real. And I—” I swallow hard. “I love you too.”

The words hang between us, heavy and far too late.

He turns back to me, and for a second we’re so close I can feel the heat of him, that same pull that’s always been there.

But he shakes his head, stepping back like he needs the distance.

His breathing is uneven, rough, like he’s holding something in. “It’s too late, Annie,” he says quietly. “You acted like I didn’t exist. I waited… and then I stopped waiting.” He swallows, his voice tightening. “I’m sorry. You took too long.”

It lands like a sickening blow.

The tears come before I can stop them, sliding down my cheeks as I stand there, unable to move. His back is to me again, and I can’t see his face.

He sniffs.

I reach for him, desperate, but before I can touch him, he walks away.

“Aston?” I call.

He hesitates… just for a second, then he keeps going, and he doesn’t turn around.