Page 267 of Fame & Chaos

One Month Later

Annie’s photo scandal broke just over four weeks ago, and tomorrow we leave for a five-month headline tour.

If I’m honest, I’m terrified.

Not of the tour.

Of Sasha.

Dad had someone speak to her again, reminding her of the agreement they’d made after Germany. Apparently, she’s adamant she’s staying away from me—and from Staked—for good.

I hope she means it because I couldn’t go through that again, and neither could Indi.

Tonight, though, none of that matters.

Tonight is about us.

Aston is still the only person who knows we’re back together. I made him swear he’d keep it to himself, and I trust him enough to believe he has. Whether Annie knows now they’re together again, I honestly don’t know.

Personally, I am amazed we have managed to pull it off for this long.

Indi was able to get tonight off work, and I’ve planned one last evening together before I leave.

A fire crackles in the living room, rose petals are scattered across a thick rug in front of the hearth, candles flicker softly around the room, chocolates sit beside a bottle of wine chilling in a bucket, and dinner is almost ready.

Just me.

Just her.

One last night before five long months apart.

I’m going to miss her more than words can say, but we’ve done this before. We’ve survived tours, late-night phone calls, and countless hours on FaceTime.

This time feels different.

This time we trust each other.

She’s gone to pick up a few groceries while I finish setting everything up.

I step back and admire the room.

It isn’t extravagant.

But it is us.

The front door clicks open, and I hurry into the hallway just as Indi walks in carrying two shopping bags. Before she has a chance to say hello, I take them from her.

She laughs. “What are you doing?”

“Close your eyes.”

She raises an eyebrow. “What?”

“Just trust me.”

Still laughing, she closes them. “There. Happy?”

“Very.” I carry the shopping into the kitchen, then return to her. “Stay right there.” I slip an arm around her waist and gently guide her toward the living room.