Page 77 of Fame & Rhythm

Interesting.

If I didn’t know better, I’d think he liked her, even after calling her a bitch earlier. But then again, Chad’s impossible to read half the time.

“All right, huddle up,” Caleb calls as the parents step back.

“Good luck, guys. We’re proud of you,” Dad says.

I keep quiet about the record labels being out there. No way am I stressing everyone out, especially Ella, who looks seconds away from throwing up.

We form a circle, arms wrapping around each other like always.

Except…

Aston isn’t beside me.

He’s opposite me.

And the absence of him at my side feels wrong.

“Focus out there,” Caleb says. “Don’t think about the crowd. Yeah, it’s big, but play like we do at the manor, and everything will be all Isle of Wight.”

We laugh.

“Did you just use Cockney slang?” Ella asks.

He grins. “Maybe.”

“All right, hands in,” Caleb says.

We all stack our hands together, grinning as we get ready to say our mantra.

The music flows for all to hear.

You cannot help but stop and cheer.

The walls will tremble, shudder, and break,

’Cause no one can handle the sound of Staked.

One, two, three… Staked!

We shout, the energy surging between us.

“Okay, you’re up!” someone calls.

Ella, Aston, and I grab our guitars and strap them on. My pulse is racing, adrenaline flooding every inch of me. Nervous, but more excited than I’ve ever been in my life.

Then…

A sharp tingle runs over my skin.

“Annie.”

I turn. Aston is right behind me.

I glance over. Dad’s distracted, talking to Rob.

Ella casually drifts away, giving us space.