Page 49 of Fame & Rhythm

“Because you would’ve freaked out,” Hux says with a smirk.

Caleb nods, and for the first time, I see real nerves on his face.

This matters to him.

A lot.

Dad walks back in with Rob right behind him, and even though I’ve known Rob my entire life, I straighten up automatically, standing a little taller.

“Hey, guys,” Rob says easily. “Has Colt told you why I’m here?”

We all nod.

“He has,” Caleb answers smoothly. “Mr. Luxley.”

Rob chuckles. “Relax. Call me Rob. Just think of me as a friend sitting in on rehearsal. I want you to play how you usually would. Don’t overthink why I’m here. Just play, then afterward we’ll talk.” We all nod again. “Okay, I’m just going to step outside and make a quick call, then I’ll come back in, and you guys can start. Sound good?” He leaves, and the weight of what’s about to happen crashes down on me.

This could change everything.

Caleb claps his hands. “Okay guys, group huddle.” We all gather, arms around each other. “This could literally be it for us,” he says. “So whatever nerves you’ve got, whatever bullshit is happening outside this room, leave it there because this is huge. If we nail this, we could have an album on shelves in a few months. So bring it. Everything you’ve got.”

We all nod, grinning now.

“Chad, I want your bass kicks harder tonight. Make those drums hit like a fucking heartbeat.”

“Got it.”

“Annie and Ella, you already know your parts, so trust yourselves and just let it rip. Ella, if you lose your place without the music sheets, fake it and keep moving, okay?”

“I’ll do my best,” Ella says nervously. “I’ve been practicing without the sheets for weeks now, so hopefully I’ll be okay.”

I can hear the nerves shaking her voice.

“You will be.”

Then I look over at Aston and smirk. “Fat beats tonight, yeah?”

“Hell yeah,” he replies.

“And you, Caleb,” I say, looking at him, “… sing like you’re singing to Indi.”

He swallows, then nods. “Yeah… good call, Annie.”

I smirk. Knew it.

“We good? Everyone remember the song order?” he asks. We all nod. “Then let’s do this.”

“Don’t worry, cuz,” I say, gripping my guitar. “We will totally rock this shit.”

They all laugh, and just like that… we’re ready.

“Yeah, we will. We’re gonna rock his socks off!” Chad says, and we all laugh because Chad is weird and will only play the drums in his favorite crusty, holey old socks, with no shoes on. It’s one of his things. For some reason, he swears he plays better that way, and honestly, maybe he does. I can’t explain it, but whatever works is fine by me, as long as those disgusting things stay far away from me. They stink.

“Okay, guys, hands in,” Caleb says, and we all throw our right hands into the middle. It’s our thing, the little ritual we do before we play, the one that always gets us fired up.

The music flows for all to hear.

You cannot help but stop and cheer.