Page 84 of Fame & Rhythm

I nod, exhaling. “I get it. And don’t worry, I’m not going near that shit again.”

Not tonight.

“Good. And if you feel uncomfortable, find me. Or your mum. Or anyone you trust. And don’t go outside either. There’ll be more fans out there now.”

I nod again, even though mingling is the last thing I want right now.

“The only person I want to talk to, you won’t let me near,” I mutter.

Dad raises a brow. “Well, if I hadn’t caught you making out in your bedroom—”

“Oh, for God’s sake—”

“Watch your mouth.”

“You’re forcing us apart, and I don’t even know why,” I snap. “It’s not like he’s going to hurt me.”

Dad scoffs. “He’s a young rock star. That alone is enough.”

I stare at him. “You’re determined to keep us apart.”

“You’re too young to be worrying about boys,” he fires back. “And if your focus on Aston ruins your career, you’ll only have yourself to blame.”

I roll my eyes, frustration bubbling over. “You don’t care about me. You want us to be successful so you can take the credit.”

He exhales sharply. “Annie… I want this because you want it. Music is part of you. Don’t throw that away over a crush.” I shake my head. He’s not listening. Not really. “Now go mingle. Meet people. This is part of the job.”

“I don’t want to mingle. I’d rather be at home.”

“Well, that’s not how this works,” he says firmly. “If you want this life, you have to put yourself out there. On stage and off it.”

I sigh. “Fine. I’ll behave.”

“And stay away from Aston,” he adds, holding up a hand when I go to argue. “Non-negotiable.”

Fucking perfect.

“Colt, can we grab a photo?” someone calls out.

Dad glances at me. “Only if my daughter’s in it.”

We pose for a couple of shots.

“Thanks, and you were incredible tonight, Annie,” the photographer says before he leaves.

I blink, surprised. “Thanks,” I call after him.

Dad nudges me. “See? People already know who you are.” Then he sends me off.

Alone.

“Be sociable, Annie,” he says.

I take a breath and head to the bar.

“An orange juice, please.”

“Coming right up.”