Page 75 of Fame & Rhythm

“They didn’t care about me. They just wanted to be close to you.”

Dad huffs softly. “Well, won’t they feel stupid when they realize how incredible you are? You’ll be more famous than me one day.”

I snort. “Doubtful. But thanks. I needed that.”

“Come on,” Mum says gently. “We should get back. People will be wondering where we are, and Ella might need a confidence boost, too.”

They fall into step on either side of me like bodyguards, and I can’t help but smile at how protective they are, even if it’s a little over the top.

“Hey… how did you know where I was?” I ask.

“Security cameras,” Dad says, pointing one out above us as we pass.

I glance up at it. “Well, I take back everything I’ve ever said about those. Big fan now. Big, huge, massive fan!” I giggle.

We step back into the green room to find Ella still at the fruit platter, which is almost completely wiped out.

I laugh as Mum pulls us both into a hug.

“And what’s this for?” Ella asks.

“Because I love my girls,” Mum says softly. “And if anything ever happened to either of you, it would break me. Just remember that.”

I press into her a little tighter.

“Okay… random, but sweet,” Ella says, then looks at me. “Where’d you disappear to?”

Mum shoots me a look, eyes wide— it is a ‘don’t say anything’ look.

“Just needed some air,” I reply, keeping it light. No way am I freaking Ella out before we go on stage.

“Well, I ate all the strawberries while Dad was gone. I’m starving.”

I glance over to Dad just as he pours a shot of Jack Daniel’s and downs it in one go.

Right. Definitely shaken.

He doesn’t drink hard liquor unless he really needs it, due to his past addiction issues.

Mum follows my gaze as Uncle Hux steps up beside him.

“Will he be okay?” I murmur.

“Yes, sweetheart. He’s rattled. But he will be fine as long as you’re okay.” She kisses the top of my head.

“Should I go talk to him?”

“No, I’ll handle it. Me and your Uncle Hux know how to calm him down.” She gives me a small smile. “Are you okay? Not too shaken to perform?”

“No fucking way am I missing that stage tonight.” I frown at her.

She raises a brow. “Language. You know your father hates that.”

“Then why does he love it when you swear?”

She actually blushes.

Oh no.