Page 150 of Fame & Chaos

She rolls her eyes dramatically. “Whatever. Why are you in such a good mood anyway?”

I instantly smirk and mime zipping my lips shut.

Her eyes widen. “Oh… my… God…” She gasps loudly. “You’re seeing someone!”

“No, I’m not,” I say way too quickly.

Aston immediately smirks.

Caught.

“You totally are,” Annie whispers excitedly while leaning closer. “Who is it?”

“No one.”

“So it’s Indi.”

I freeze. “What?”

How the fuck did she guess that so fast?

Annie grins triumphantly. “You said in the hospital that Indi was ‘no one,’ which means she’s definitely someone.”

“Shit, Annie,” I mutter, dragging my hand through my hair.

“I knew it!” she practically screeches.

I immediately duck lower. “Annie, shut the hell up,” I hiss quietly. “She doesn’t want anyone knowing yet.”

Both Annie and Aston stare at me in confusion.

“What? Why?” Annie asks.

Leaning closer, I lower my voice further. “It’s complicated. Her past is really rough, and neither of us wants tabloids dragging everything back up for her. We’re taking things slow, okay? You absolutely cannot tell anyone. Not your parents. Not Ella. Nobody.” I point between them seriously. “Promise me. Indi will murder me if she finds out, you know.”

Annie studies me carefully before frowning. “Is little pixie ashamed of you?”

“No,” I answer immediately. “Nothing like that. I promise. One day I’ll explain everything properly, just… not tonight.”

She finally nods. “Well, lucky I like her anyway.” Her smile softens warmly. “I’m really happy for you, cuz.” She throws her arms around my neck and hugs me tightly.

Laughing softly, I hug her back while Aston watches us with a grin.

“Yeah, it’s good seeing you happy for once, mate,” Aston says. “Honestly, I’m stoked for you.”

Annie immediately starts swaying me back and forth dramatically.

I laugh loudly. “What the hell are you doing, you lunatic?”

“Happy dancing,” she says proudly. “I’m happy dancing because I’m so damn happy for you.”

After another few ridiculous seconds, I finally pry myself free while Aston shakes his head, laughing.

“Mate,” I say to him. “You really wanna date her?”

Annie scoffs loudly and slaps my shoulder. “Excuse me? You love me.”

I tilt my head skeptically.