Page 83 of Fame & Chaos

I hesitate because I really don’t want to hang up.

“Bye, sweet Indi.”

And I stay listening to the line until she disconnects first.

Chapter Forteen

Caleb

We’re at the venue for tonight’s gig, and I swear I couldn’t be more excited if I tried.

Indi is coming.

And tonight I’m performing in front of ten thousand people.

Ten. Thousand.

For our very first live performance, that’s fucking insane. The thought alone sends adrenaline ripping through my veins hard enough to make my hands shake.

I messaged Indi earlier to let her know I probably wouldn’t get the chance to see her before we went on stage, but promised I’d find her afterward no matter what. She seemed okay with that, which, honestly, still shocks the hell out of me, considering two days ago I thought she never wanted to see me again.

We’re all setting up for soundcheck when I practically jog over to Annie, grinning like an idiot. I feel lighter than I have in years. “Holy shit, Annie,” I laugh excitedly. “Can you believe this?”

“Nah,” she says, looking around the massive stage area in awe. “This feels completely surreal.”

“You can say that again.” I shake my head while looking out across the empty venue seats that’ll soon be packed with screaming people. “I’ve waited my whole life for this. I’m so glad you’re part of it with me. Love you, cuz.” I pull her into a tight hug, and she laughs while hugging me back before we both realize her guitar is jammed awkwardly between us.

“Ow, okay, maybe hugging with instruments attached isn’t ideal.” Annie laughs as we pull apart.

I grin at her while holding her at arm’s length.

“You’re in a ridiculously good mood today.”

“Well, yeah,” I reply with a laugh. “Today’s fucking amazing, Annie. Tonight’s gonna be unreal.”

“Okay, guys,” Rob calls out from the side of the stage. “Let’s get this soundcheck underway.”

The parents head offstage toward the mosh pit area while we all move into our usual positions.

Me center stage.

Annie and Aston on my right.

Ella on my left.

Exactly how it should be.

Thankfully, everyone seems in a better mood today, even Annie and Aston. They’re still awkward around each other, but at least they’re not glaring daggers anymore.

Soundcheck goes perfectly. Every amp level is spot-on, every mic sounds clean, and by the end of it, I feel even more pumped than before.

Afterward, we head backstage so the first band of the night, Peripheral, can start setting up. I head straight to the green room and pull out my phone to message Indi. The crowd’s already pouring inside, so hopefully she’s arrived too.

Me: Hey, Indi, I’m backstage in the green room. Are you here yet?

I hit send and start bouncing my leg anxiously while waiting for a reply.

Please don’t change your mind.