Page 185 of Fame & Rhythm

I smile as Anna drops into the seat beside Mum, pulling her into a side hug, while Sia starts organizing her boys at the front of the jet.

“That was a nice surprise,” I whisper to Aston.

“Yeah, Mum and Dad were talking about it yesterday,” he says. “They figured it was a bit much for your mum to handle us all alone, even if we are technically adults.”

I huff a quiet laugh. “Technically.”

“You know what they’re like,” he adds. “Overprotective as hell.”

I nod. I definitely know.

We move over to sit with Ella, Aston taking the seat across from me, just as Caleb comes sprinting onto the jet.

“Sorry I’m late… but I’m here, don’t panic,” he says, slightly out of breath.

We all laugh.

I hadn’t even realized Caleb was missing.

It feels strange being on this plane without Dad, but I know he’ll join us soon enough.

Rob steps on last, and Tamara closes the door behind him.

Moments later, we’re taxiing out.

On our way to our first show as the headline act.

***

Performing with Aston at my back again, on stage, where we belong, was the biggest rush I’ve ever felt… second only to when he’s inside me.

Nothing compares to that.

The music surged through me, bright and alive, flooding my veins. Every note from my guitar felt lighter, happier, and no longer weighed down by everything that had been hanging over me for the past two years. Even playing “I Knew You Were Always Mine” didn’t hurt anymore.

Now, it fills me with something else entirely.

Hope.

Love.

The kind that feels like it might burst out of my chest if I don’t hold onto it. Being in love is… incredible. And if I regret anything, it’s that I held myself back from it for so long.

Staked were on fire tonight. The crowd fed off our energy, and we gave it right back. Caleb was buzzing, completely in his element. Ella, too. She played like she’d finally let go of whatever was holding her back.

Less nerves.

More confidence.

More her.

We’re finally coming together as a band, and tonight proved it. We sounded tighter than we ever have, and I know this tour is going to change everything for us.

We’re now in the VIP section of a club for our after-party, and everyone’s riding the high. I’m tucked into a booth with Aston, Ella, and Danger. I still think he’s a bit of a douche, but there’s no denying he’s into Ella, and she’s definitely into him.

Mum headed back to the hotel, trusting us to handle our first after-party like adults.

If Dad were here, though? He’d be sitting right beside me.