Page 68 of Fame & Rhythm

Of course.

I let go of her hand, pull out my phone, and open her message.

Ella: Why is Aston avoiding you? Is that what’s bothering you?

I nod, and she frowns, so I type back.

Me: I don’t know what I’ve done wrong. He really seemed to want me last night, and today he can’t even look at me, and when he does he looks away as soon as I see him… :(

Ella’s expression softens, then types.

Ella: I saw him looking at you a lot today. I think he wants to be near you but is scared. To be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if Dad has something to do with it. I’m sure there is a perfectly good reason for him avoiding you. Trust me when I say he was looking at you. The times I saw him doing it, he looked upset like he wanted to go to you, but he was restraining himself. There’s more to the story Annie, trust me!

I lower my phone and bite my bottom lip. “I hope you’re right,” I whisper.

She leans over and pulls me into a hug, squeezing tight, and it helps a little.

We arrive at the venue, a massive place that apparently holds up to ten thousand people. When word got out that Staked, the kids of 12GAUGE-Slayed, were performing, ticket sales went wild. Rob said we’re close to capacity.

Ten thousand.

It sounds huge, but Dad’s played stadiums of over a hundred thousand—something to aim for.

Excitement builds as we climb out of the car and head over to Dingo’s van to unload our gear. We’re last on tonight, which means we’ve got a few hours to kill.

Maybe I can find a moment to talk to Aston.

Or maybe I should wait until after the show.

Because if he tells me he doesn’t want anything to do with me, I don’t think I’ll recover in time to perform.

Ella loops her arm through mine, practically bouncing. Her energy lifts my mood a little.

“I can’t wait for sound check. Our first-ever sound check, Annie. Can you believe it?”

I laugh as she drags me along. “Slow down, Ella, I can’t run in these boots.”

“Annie, I’m in heels. I think I win.”

I roll my eyes as we follow Mum down the corridor into a large green room. “Holy shit… this is getting real,” I whisper.

“I know!” Ella squeals, tightening her grip on my arm.

Inside, plush sofas line the walls. There’s a small kitchen area, a fridge, and a counter covered in platters of fruit, cheese, and snacks that instantly catch my attention.

“Oh my God, food!” I say, dragging Ella toward them.

We laugh as I reach for a piece of creamy cheese, only for Dad to slap it straight out of my hand.

“Ouch! Dad, what the hell?”

“No dairy before a performance, Annie. Weren’t you listening this morning?” he says, already moving the platter into the fridge.

“No. I tuned out. Why can’t I have dairy?”

“Because it affects your vocal cords,” Ella answers.

Dad smiles at her, resting a hand on her shoulder. “Nice to know someone was listening.”