Page 91 of Fame & Chaos

Maybe she didn’t hear her cell phone over the crowd. I grab mine and call her instead. As it rings, excitement builds inside me all over again. I want to hear what she thought. About the songs, about the band, but mostly about “Saving Grace.”

Her opinion matters more to me than anyone else’s.

The phone keeps ringing.

And ringing.

Then the call cuts off unanswered.

I frown slightly.

Maybe she still can’t hear it.

I wait another ten minutes before sending another message.

Still nothing.

Now unease starts crawling into my stomach.

Maybe she went to the bathroom or something.

Dee mentions Annie and Ella have gone to shower before the after-party starts, and honestly, that sounds like a great idea. I head down to the showers with Aston and wash off all the sweat from the show. No way do I want to hug Indi while smelling like a swamp creature.

Though admittedly, I wouldn’t mind covering her in some different bodily fluids later.

Jesus Christ, Caleb.

I laugh quietly to myself while drying off and getting dressed again. Freshened up, I head toward the after-party while trying Indi’s number again.

Still no answer.

Okay. Now I’m worried.

I send another text telling her where the party is and letting her know Mum and Dad would love to see her too. But once again… nothing.

A knot forms tightly in my chest as I walk into the party room and head straight for the bar. Sliding onto a stool, I rest my elbows on the polished mahogany surface and drag my hands down my face.

How the fuck did tonight go from the highest moment of my life to feeling this shit in barely an hour?

Something’s wrong.

I can feel it.

“Can I get you a drink?” the bartender asks.

“Yeah. Lite beer, thanks.” I pull my cell out again and stare at the screen.

No messages.

No missed calls.

Nothing.

My pulse starts pounding harder.

What if she hated the show?

What if “Saving Grace” freaked her out?