Page 205 of Fame & Rhythm

And Mum definitely can’t.

Dad exhales, then leans forward, his expression serious. “We found out how Loretta tracked Annie down.”

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Annie

Once Aston is up to speed on everything, he asks if he can take me out to dinner to help me unwind. Just the two of us. Something quiet and romantic. A night away from everything that’s happened.

Mum thinks it’s a great idea. She says I need the distraction, and honestly, she’s right. She also wants to spend time with Ella and make sure she’s okay after everything today.

So I pack an overnight bag, and Aston drives me to his place first so we can quickly see his parents. We chat for a bit, keep things light, then he grabs his own bag, and we head into the city for the night.

Security is meeting us at Granddaddy’s hotel and will escort us wherever we’re going. Aston refuses to tell me where we’re headed, but I don’t mind.

I like surprises.

Well… good ones.

I finish pulling my purple silk dress over my head, smoothing it down my body, then sit on the edge of the bed to slide on my black pumps.

“Are you wearing heels for me, baby?” Aston asks as he walks out of the en-suite, looking unfairly good and smelling even better.

“Yep,” I reply, slipping on the other shoe. “I figured I’d make an effort. Combat boots don’t exactly match this dress.”

He smirks as he crosses the room, taking my hand and pulling me to my feet until I’m flush against him. “You look stunning, Lennox,” he murmurs, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Thank you, kind sir,” I tease.

“Well, m’lady, your carriage awaits.”

I grin as we head out together. Security is already waiting downstairs, two large, suited men who look like they could take down a building if needed. Even I feel a little intimidated.

“Hey, guys,” Aston greets them casually as they escort us to the car Granddaddy organized.

We manage to get in without any paparazzi or evil minions spotting us, which instantly helps me relax.

The door shuts, and the guards slide into the front seats.

“So, where are we going?” I ask.

Aston smirks. “That new restaurant you’ve been dying to try.”

My eyes widen. “The one owned by that chef we watch late at night?”

“The very one.”

I practically bounce in my seat. “Oh my God, I can’t wait!”

He leans in, brushing a kiss to my cheek. “Only the best for my girl.”

The car pulls up, and there are a few paparazzi outside, so we stop briefly for photographs before heading inside. The restaurant is even more stunning in person. The place is packed, filled with soft lighting, expensive décor, and a handful of familiar faces. And for the first time all day, I feel like I can breathe.

We’re shown to our table, and Aston pulls out my chair before taking his seat opposite me.

“You really are amazing for bringing me here,” I say, smiling.

“I’d do anything to see that smile,” he replies. “Especially after today.”