Page 224 of Fame & Rhythm

“Like hell we can’t!” Mum snaps.

I look up at her, really look this time. Her face is flushed, her breathing uneven, her whole body tight with anger. She’s not just upset… she’s furious.

“I agree with Dee,” Aston says, his tone calmer but no less firm. “Something about this doesn’t sit right. When the cameras came out, she wasn’t even surprised, Lennox. She knew they were there.” My stomach twists. “I know she’s your biological mother,” he continues. “But maybe she’s only here now because of what you have… fame, money, status. Maybe she sees an opportunity.” He pauses, then adds, more quietly, “And I noticed something else… her eyes. That glazed look. I don’t think she’s as sober as she says she is.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, my voice tightening.

Dad exhales slowly. “I think Aston’s right. The last couple of times I’ve seen her, there were signs. Dilated pupils, slight tremor in her hands. You probably didn’t notice it, but I did.”

I shake my head, refusing to let it land. “No… no, that’s not right. I didn’t see any of that.”

“You should have told me, Colt,” Mum says, running a hand through her hair.

“I didn’t want to make things worse,” he replies.

“So that’s it?” I look around at all of them. “You all think the same thing? That she’s using again? That she sold me out to the paparazzi for attention or money?” Even Ella, quiet in the corner, gives a small, reluctant nod.

A sharp laugh escapes me, hollow and disbelieving. “Wow. What about innocent until proven guilty? What about believing that maybe she just… wants me?” I push back from the table and stand. “What if she actually loves me?”

“Lennox,” Aston says gently, stepping closer. “The signs are there. She’s a user and an abuser, and I don’t want you getting hurt because of it. I can already see where this could lead, and I won’t watch you spiral again. You deserve better than that. You deserve someone who can actually give you what you need, and someone like Loretta—”

I tense, cutting him off with a glare. “Someone like Loretta?” My voice sharpens. “What does that mean? Because she’s trash?”

“That’s not what I—”

“Well, I’m half made from her,” I fire back. “So if she’s trash, what does that make me?” My chest tightens, but I don’t stop. “And if you think people like her aren’t worth anything, then maybe you should rethink being with someone who is half of that.”

“That’s not what I meant, Annie, and you know it.”

“Whatever.” I shake my head, heat rising fast. “If Loretta isn’t good enough for you, maybe I’m not either.”

“Annie—”

I don’t wait.

I storm out of the kitchen before he can finish.

“Annie!” Aston calls after me.

“Let her go,” Dad says. “She needs a minute. It’s been a big day.”

I barely hear the rest as I push into the living room, my thoughts colliding. I know what it looks like. I know every sign is pointing to the same conclusion. But she is my birth mother. If anyone should give her the benefit of the doubt, it should be me… right?

My hand moves before I can second-guess it. I pull my phone from my pocket and dial her number.

It rings twice.

“Annie?” she answers, her voice soft, almost cautious.

“Yeah. It’s me.” I hesitate for half a second, then force the question out. “Did you know they’d be there?”

“No. Of course not, honey.”

I swallow. “Then why did you talk to them? I didn’t want this public.” Silence stretches between us. “Loretta?” I press.

She exhales slowly. “Is that because you’re ashamed of me?”

My brows pull together. Maybe she’s just as unsure about all this as I am.