Page 89 of Fame & Chaos

And God, the way he sang it…

Like I was still everything to him.

A horrible ache twists through my chest because, despite everything, despite all the years apart and everything I witnessed that day at school… I still love him, too.

But can I trust him?

No.

Not after what happened all those years ago.

Not after seeing him kissing another girl after telling me he loved me.

Not after hearing him tell Annie at the hospital that I was “No one.” Yes, I overheard that when I left the room, and it hurt.

And definitely not after watching women throw themselves at him tonight while he soaked up the attention like he was born for it.

His career is only just beginning, and already women are screaming for him, fainting over him, and throwing clothes at him.

How am I supposed to survive that life?

I can’t.

The realization hits me hard enough that I start backing away from the crowd.

I need to leave.

Right now.

Because if I stay here any longer, I’m going to fall for Caleb McCormack-Slade all over again, and I don’t think I’d survive him breaking my heart a second time.

He’s going to become a star.

Women will throw themselves at him constantly, and eventually, he’ll give in to it because that’s the life he’s choosing—the life he was born for. And I can’t live wondering every night whether I’m enough for someone the entire world wants a piece of.

So maybe this is where I walk away… again.

Before I lose myself in him completely.

Before he forgets all about Indica Malone.

Because deep down, I know it’s only a matter of time before he does.

Chapter Fifteen

Caleb

Once we have finished the set, I practically fly off the stage and down the stairs, riding the biggest high of my entire fucking life. My body feels weightless, like I’m floating instead of walking.

The first people I spot are Mum and Dad waiting near the bottom of the stairs, both grinning so hard it makes my chest tighten. I rush straight toward Dad, and he immediately wraps his arms around me, gripping me tightly enough to nearly crack my ribs.

“I’m so proud of you, son,” he says before kissing my cheek.

I laugh and wipe at my face dramatically. “What’s with the kiss?”

Mum snorts while pulling me into her own hug. “Oh gross, you’re all sweaty,” she complains while hugging me anyway.

Dad laughs loudly beside us.