Page 71 of Fame & Rhythm

“You’re in a great mood,” I say as he pulls back, grinning.

“Today’s a good day, Annie. And tonight? It’s going to be insane. I can’t fucking wait.”

“All right, guys, let’s get this sound check underway,” Rob calls.

The parents move offstage toward the front, and we take our usual positions. I glance over at Ella and give her a reassuring smile. She returns it, looking a little steadier now, which eases my nerves for her.

The hairs on my arms lift. I know Aston is behind me.

I don’t turn.

Instead, I focus straight ahead, on Dad, who’s grinning like this is the proudest moment of his life. And even if he’s got issues with Aston right now, I know he’s proud of him too.

“Okay, Staked, sound check. Let’s go,” Rob says.

“Mic check, one, two,” Caleb calls.

Energy surges through me, lifting me into a place I’ve never been before, and I love it.

“Mic two,” Rob prompts.

I step up and repeat Caleb’s words. My voice echoes through the massive venue, and I shiver slightly at how clear, how almost angelic, it sounds. Not exactly the gritty rock vibe I was expecting.

“Guitars,” Rob calls.

Ella and I exchange a look before launching into the solo from “Don’t Mess with the Best.” The sound check rolls on, ending with a full run-through of one song. By the end, everything is dialed in and sounding incredible. The energy in the room is electric, and I want to hold onto it for as long as I can.

We head offstage, still buzzing, passing the first band—Peripheral. A group of guys in their twenties, all with long hair, tattoos, and a heavy grunge vibe. Definitely harder than us, but their matching outfits are doing them no favors.

They ignore us at first, until one of them spots Dad. “Holy fuck! You’re Colter Slade!” the skinniest one blurts.

Dad stops, smiling easily. “Yeah, that’s me. My kids are the last act tonight.”

“Far out. I knew Staked were playing, but no one’s heard anything from you guys yet. Are you in the band?” he asks, turning to me.

I nod, offering my hand. “Annie Slade. Lead guitar and backing vocals. Nice to meet you.”

He grins like he’s just won the lottery, shaking my hand before looking back at Dad like he might actually pass out.

“Guy. Nice to meet you, too, Annie, and you, too, Colter fucking Slade,” he says, practically drooling over Dad’s name.

I bite back a laugh.

“Guy?” Dad repeats.

“Yeah… unfortunately,” he says with a shrug. “Blame my parents.”

I like him instantly. Beneath the bad makeup and oily hair, he seems decent enough.

“Well, Guy, nice to meet you. Stick around and watch Annie play—”

“Oh, for sure! Will you be there to hear us?” he cuts in eagerly.

I roll my eyes. He’s definitely chasing Dad’s approval.

“Yeah, I’ll listen in,” Dad says. “Play your best.”

“Will do. Thanks again. This is honestly the best day of my life.”