Page 56 of Fame & Rhythm

The room goes completely still.

“I’m going to sign you.”

For a second…

No one moves.

No one breathes.

And then everything explodes.

Ella and I both jump to our feet, squealing as we bounce around like idiots. The rest of the band joins in, high-fiving and cheering while the room fills with laughter.

“We’re going start with a small promotional campaign,” Rob says over the noise. “We’ll work on refining your demo so we can turn it into a full album for release. After that, we can start talking about a tour of England… if your parents agree. Well, except for you, Caleb. I think you’re past parental permission.”

Everyone laughs.

“God, I hope so,” Caleb replies, grinning as Rob pats him on the shoulder.

“Leave the logistics to me,” Rob says. “I’ll organize everything with Colt and Hux, and we’ll figure out how to get this moving properly. This could be the start of something massive for all of you. You’re young, talented, and you’ve got real chemistry together. The biggest thing now is making sure you can handle the pressure that comes with this lifestyle. That’s why we’ll start small and build from there.” He points at us all. “I’ll be in touch soon.” Then he holds his hand out to Caleb.

“Thank you so much, Rob,” Caleb says, stepping forward. “We won’t let you down. Right, guys?”

“No fucking way,” I say instantly. “We’re all in. One hundred percent.”

Ella, Chad, and Aston all nod in agreement.

“That’s what I like to hear,” Rob says. “Right, I’d better head home. Looks like I’ve got a lot more work coming my way now.”

“Thanks, Rob,” Dad says. “I’ll walk you out.”

They leave the room, and the second the door shuts behind them… it’s chaos.

We erupt, everyone’s talking at once, laughing, celebrating, the energy bouncing off the walls. It’s everything we’ve ever wanted, everything we’ve worked for.

Aston comes straight toward me, his face lit up, pure happiness written all over him. He wraps his arms around me without hesitation.

And for a split second… I let myself feel it.

Then reality crashes in, and I stiffen and push against his chest, breaking the hug.

Can’t he see?

Now more than ever, the band has to come first.

“Lennox, I’m just trying to be a friend,” he says, hurt flashing across his face. “What’s wrong with a simple hug?”

Before I can answer, Mum steps in, wrapping her arms around me and turning me slightly away from him. “I’m so proud of you, honey. You and Ella,” she says. I hug her tightly, maybe a little too tightly. She probably thinks it’s excitement.

It’s not.

I feel… lost.

Part of me wants to run after Aston, grab him, and tell him how much he means to me. But the other part—louder, stronger—keeps reminding me what this means.

The band.

Our future.