Page 77 of Fame & Chaos

“That’s what I like to hear,” Rob says with a grin. “Right, I’d better head home. Looks like I’ve got a lot more work coming my way now.”

“Thanks again, Rob,” Colt says. “I’ll walk you out.”

The second they leave the room, absolute chaos erupts. We’re cheering, jumping around, hugging each other while all the parents laugh at us from the doorway. I’m seven years older than Annie, but right now you’d never know it because I’m acting just as crazy as she is.

I’m so fucking high on adrenaline and excitement that I didn’t even know it was possible to feel this good. Every bit of sadness and frustration weighing me down over the last few days has been completely washed away.

I’m here with my family.

My band.

And we’re about to make something of ourselves.

I know it.

And for the first time since seeing Indi again, I genuinely feel happy.

Eventually, the parents leave us alone in the music room so we can celebrate properly, but I already know how I’m going to keep celebrating once I get home.

I just need to decide which one of my speed-dial girls is coming over tonight.

Chapter Thirteen

Caleb

After spending most of the night shagging Lisa, girl number two on my speed dial, I’m completely wrecked by the time I drive up to the manor the next morning.

I really wish Colt and Dee lived closer to London, but I get why they bought this place. The manor is fucking gorgeous. Big, dramatic, expensive-looking… very rock star. Honestly, I’d love to live here myself one day.

As I pull up near the gates, I spot Aston walking toward them. He only lives about five minutes away, so he usually walks over for rehearsals. He waves at me with a grin so bright it’s almost blinding.

Well… someone’s in a good mood.

I wave back, then drive through the gates and park. Climbing out of the car, I wait for Aston to catch up, which doesn’t take long.

“Morning,” he says casually while trying, and failing, to wipe the stupid smile off his face.

“Oh no.” I laugh. “Hang on a fucking second. What’s with the schoolboy grin, Mr. Soulding?”

He tries to suppress the smile again, but completely fails. “Well… Annie and me…”

“Yeah?” I prompt impatiently. “Spit it out.”

“We kinda kissed.”

My eyes widen before I grin and smack him on the back. “It’s about fucking time!”

“Tell me about it,” he groans happily. “She’s been so hot and cold lately. I never knew what she wanted from me. Then last night she left the music room upset and went upstairs, so I followed her to make sure she was okay.”

I clutch my chest dramatically. “Aren’t you just a soft little teddy bear?” I tease in a fake baby voice.

“Shut up, dickhead.” He laughs, punching me lightly in the arm. “If you’d seen her face, you would’ve checked on her too.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “There’s more to this story, isn’t there?”

He instantly looks uncomfortable. “Maybe.”

“Oh my God,” I say. “Did she reject you after the kiss?”