Page 226 of Fame & Chaos

“Okay guys,” I call out loudly. “Huddle up.”

Annie immediately moves toward us while Ella lingers, watching Danger finish the final song with Recoil. He’s working the crowd hard, full rockstar swagger and arrogance, and judging by the way Chad folds his arms and scowls beside me, he definitely notices Ella watching.

Annie notices, too, apparently because she sighs dramatically before grabbing Ella by the wrist and physically dragging her over toward us.

“Right,” Aston says while we all form a circle together for the very first show of our first world tour. “Let’s do this properly.”

Chapter Forty

Caleb

Electric energy courses through my veins. The adrenaline from stepping out onto the Wembley stage and performing in front of that crowd is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in my entire life.

The music flows through me as the lyrics and rhythm fuse with every part of my body, igniting something deep in my chest that makes me feel more alive than ever. If this is what people mean when they talk about being high on life, then I never want to come down from it.

Everything feels right.

My band is playing flawlessly, the crowd is insane, and we’re kicking off our first world tour surrounded by our family. For the first time all day, after leaving Indi behind this morning, I finally feel settled. Like maybe this tour is actually going to work out okay after all.

We come offstage buzzing and immediately get swarmed by proud parents.

“Great job, son,” Dad says while pulling me into a hug. “You were incredible.”

“Thanks, Dad.” I grin. “Now you’ve gotta get out there and show everyone how it’s really done.”

The crowd roars so loudly behind us that I can barely hear myself speak. Dad laughs while Colt walks over and slaps me hard on the shoulder.

“Your stage presence is seriously good, Caleb,” Colt says. “You worked that crowd perfectly.” I blink at him, slightly surprised by the praise. “Seriously,” he continues. “You’d never know this was your first stadium show of this size. You should be proud of yourself.”

“Thanks, Colt. That means a lot.”

He winks before heading over toward Dee while Dad joins Johnny near the side-stage entrance, getting ready for 12GAUGE-Slayed’s set.

I immediately pull my cell out.

I know Indi’s still working and probably won’t answer, but I need to tell her how insane that felt. I head toward the Staked green room, typing as I walk.

Me: OMG Indi. That was the most amazing thing I’ve ever done. I can’t believe the rush I just felt. I hope, six months from now, on the final show, it still feels this good. Hope work’s behaving itself. xo

I hit send while walking into the green room and immediately collapse onto the ridiculously expensive white sofa. Chad’s talking to Ella in the corner, making her laugh while Aston and Annie are nowhere to be seen. Probably off somewhere making out like horny teenagers.

My cell vibrates almost immediately.

Indi: I’m so happy you had a good time. I wish I could’ve seen it. I bet you were amazing. And trust me, you’ll never get sick of music. It’s literally in your bloodstream. Work is boring, thankfully. No one’s dying tonight, so I can sneak off more. Are you all going to some crazy rockstar after-party now?

I laugh out loud while typing back.

Me: Honestly? Doesn’t look like it. Dad just went onstage, and everyone’s weirdly tame. I’m currently in the green room, drinking tea and mentally preparing to knit a nana blanket. Hardcore rockstar stuff. lol

I send it and shake my head, laughing to myself.

Most tours are apparently filled with drugs, groupies, scandals, and hotel destruction. Meanwhile, this one will probably have us all tucked into bed by midnight with warm milk.

My cell buzzes again.

Indi: You guys are giving rock and roll a terrible reputation, you know that? ;)

I grin and quickly type back.