Page 48 of Fame & Rhythm

“Things are weird between you two now, huh?” he murmurs, leaning in slightly.

I nod, exhaling. “I don’t know how to act around him.”

He drapes an arm around my shoulders and pulls me in. “Well, as long as you can fake your way through rehearsals and performances, I’ll be happy. Think you can manage that?”

I nod. “Yeah. I’ve got this.”

“Okay, everyone, listen up! Can I get your attention for a minute?” Dad calls, his voice cutting through the room.

Caleb gives the side of my head a quick kiss before heading to his mic.

“So… obviously there’s a reason everyone’s here tonight,” Dad says, glancing around the room. “And what I haven’t told you…” I feel my stomach tighten, “… is that Rob Luxley will be here in about ten minutes to listen to you guys perform.”

Silence.

Then…

“What?” Ella and I shriek at the same time.

The guys stand there, stunned.

Rob Luxley.

Dad’s agent.

The man who could change everything for us.

“I think you’re all ready for this,” Dad continues proudly. “He’s heard us talking about the band nonstop, and he wants to see your potential for himself.”

“Oh my God, Dad. Are you fucking serious?” I ask, my voice coming out louder than intended.

“Very serious, and don’t swear, Annie,” he replies. “But don’t get ahead of yourselves. Your sound is different. More modern. He might not connect with it. And that’s okay. Rejection is part of this industry.”

I barely hear the rest, rushing forward to hug him.

I don’t want to ride on 12GAUGE-Slayed’s reputation, but if this helps us get heard, I’ll take it.

“Ten minutes?” Ella panics, looking down at her outfit.

“Eight now,” Dad says with a grin.

“I’m not dressed for this!” She huffs, smoothing down her dress, while I glance down at my joggers and shrug.

“You’ve met Rob a million times,” Dad says. “You don’t need to impress him with how you look. It’s your music that matters.” Then the doorbell rings. “Well… that’s him,” Dad says, heading out.

Ella groans and runs her hands through her hair.

I glance at Aston, who’s smiling. Then he catches me looking, and his smile falters, slipping into something more uncertain. I bite my bottom lip and give him a small, tentative smile. He exhales, then returns it.

And just like that, something shifts between us.

Not fixed.

But… manageable.

We both know what this means. Whatever’s going on between us has to be put aside—for the band.

“Holy shit, Dad,” Caleb mutters. “Why didn’t you warn me?”