Chapter Thirty-Two
Annie
The date with Aston was nothing short of perfect. Even though every part of me wanted to take things further, he kept his promise to Dad, and we didn’t make love under the willow tree… though we came close.
It was nice to be with him again and get reacquainted. After the three courses were served, the waitress left, and it was just us. We stayed out under the stars for hours, talking, laughing, soaking each other in. If it hadn’t been so cold, we probably would have stayed out there all night.
But eventually, the early morning chill crept in, and we headed inside around four a.m. With the house quiet, we made our way to the living room. Aston didn’t feel comfortable sleeping in my bed with Dad home, so we curled up on the couch instead and fell asleep wrapped around each other.
It was the perfect end to a perfect night.
The next morning, everyone tried to be quiet as they came downstairs, not wanting to wake us. But I was already awake. Aston was snoring softly, and instead of moving, I just stayed tucked into him until he stirred.
We spent most of the day in the music room. He played me songs he’d written while we were apart, songs he never brought to the band because he didn’t want me to hear how lost he’d been.
Hearing them… it hurt a little. Knowing we’d both felt the same way and still stayed apart for so long.
I shared one of mine too.
I sang it to Aston, my voice steady even though the words weren’t.
I felt I was never good enough to be with you.
I gave up my best friend, my lover, because I thought I couldn’t be enough.
How could you love me when the ones who gave me life didn’t?
I was broken, and you couldn’t see,
It wasn’t you. It was me.
You’ve moved on, and you’re happy now,
But I can’t stand seeing your eyes light up for anyone but me.
I blew it, and you’re gone.
A stranger in a room I once called home.
I was broken, and you couldn’t see,
It wasn’t you. It was me.
I wanted to give up. What was the point?
I lost my friend, my lover, the only one who truly knew me.
I was broken, and you couldn’t see,
It wasn’t you. It was me.
You’re the one who completes me, loves me, but undoes me.
Your heart belongs with mine, entwined for all time.
But it was never you. It was always me.
It was always me, and now your heart’s been set free.
It was never you. It was always me.
When I finished, Aston pulled me into him, holding me tight. Being apart from him feels like such a waste now. We both felt it, and still let it go on for so long. I know I made mistakes, but I’m grateful we have found our way back.
We’ve barely been apart since. For the past week, Aston’s stayed over every night, on the couch, of course. Dad’s very firm about that.
Honestly, it’s a bit much. I’m twenty. But Aston doesn’t push it. He just smiles and says, ‘Our time will come.’
He even came with Mum and me to see Dr. Ludwick. She explained everything to him, and it helped. It helped him understand, and it helped me feel less… scattered. Having him there made it all feel a little easier to carry.
Rehearsals have been full-on all week. The tour’s been fast-tracked, and Rob’s moving quickly to keep the momentum going. Dad tried to track down who leaked the photographs. I did remember his name, Trent, but that’s as far as it went. No address, no details.
And honestly… what would it change now?
The damage is done.
The photos are out there.
Chasing Trent won’t undo any of it.
Tonight, though, Mum and Dad are heading to a charity gala, Mum’s making a speech, Dad is the guest of honor, and 12GAUGE-Slayed is performing. All the adults are going, which means the rest of us are staying here.
Every member of Staked, except Caleb, is crashing at ours.
Apparently, it’s to ‘hang out.’
Realistically? It’s to keep an eye on me.
Dad still doesn’t fully trust that I won’t do something stupid. He thinks if everyone’s here, I won’t feel the need to go looking for trouble.
I keep telling him those days are behind me. I have Aston now. I don’t need anything or anyone else.
Mum gets it. She tells me to ignore him. But I can’t really blame him either. It’s only been a week and a half since everything happened.
Still… the house is buzzing. Everyone’s here, laughing, talking, music drifting through the halls.
It’s almost five, and Mum and Dad are getting ready to leave.
“Mum, you look beautiful,” I say as she adjusts her hair in the mirror.
“Oh, thank you, sweetheart. I needed that. I’m so nervous about the speech.”
“You’ll be amazing. Just look at Dad when you’re talking, pretend it’s just him. It’ll feel easier.”
She smiles at me. “You’re very wise sometimes, you know that?”
I grin. “Don’t let it get around.”
Her expression softens. “Just… try to behave tonight. I know you’re all adults, but be sensible. Don’t give your father a reason to worry.”
“I will, honestly. We’ll hang out, watch movies, and eat too much pizza. Nothing dramatic, I promise.”
“I know,” she says gently. “Just don’t forget to spend time with everyone, not just Aston.”
“Okay.”
She hesitates, then lowers her voice slightly. “And if you do end up… not in the lounge with everyone, just be safe. Okay?”
Heat floods my cheeks. “Mum.”
“No, I mean it. I’d prefer you stayed out there with the others, but I’m not na?ve. Just… be careful. Use protection.”
I swallow, nodding. “Okay. I promise.” She exhales, glancing around the room.
“Now, don’t tell your father I’m talking to you about this.
He’d want me to forbid it, but like I said, I’m a realist. And honestly, when do you ever not do something just because we tell you not to? ” she asks with a soft chuckle.
I huff a quiet laugh. “Fair point. And… I know I haven’t always listened, but I am now. Loud and clear.”
“Good. Just be safe,” she says again.
“Mum, I’ve got it. We’ll use protection if anything happens,” I reply, and her eyes widen slightly as a blush creeps up her cheeks.
“Wow, Annie. I wasn’t expecting you to be quite so direct,” she says, laughing.
I smile. “I’m an adult now. I think it’s better if we just say what we mean instead of dancing around it.”
She blinks a few times, her eyes misting.
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you sound so grown-up before.
I’m proud of you, sweetheart. I really am.
This past week… you’ve come so far. And taking Aston to see Dr. Ludwick was a good decision.
It’s like a weight lifted for both of you.
” Her voice softens. “I feel like I have my Annie back.” A tear slips down her cheek.
“Oh, Mum, don’t cry. You’ll ruin your makeup.”
She lets out a breathy laugh and wipes her face, turning back to the mirror. “You’re right. I love you, Annie. I’m so proud to call you my daughter.”
My throat tightens. “I love you too, Mum.”
“Now go… have a great night. I promise I’ll behave.”
Dad walks in, smiling. “You ready to go, baby?”
I grin at the term ‘baby.’ They’re still so in love, and it’s kind of perfect.
“Sure am, Rock God,” Mum says, glancing back at me with a wink.
We head toward the front door as the rest of the 12GAUGE-Slayed crew and their partners gather.
“Have fun, guys,” I say, and they all smile, especially Anna, Aston’s mum, who looks more than happy to see me back where I belong.
“Chad, keep an eye on Carter and Carlton. They think they know everything,” Sia calls out.
The twins poke their heads out from the lounge room and shake their heads in perfect sync.
“Mum, we do know everything,” Carlton says, and everyone laughs.
“Exactly what I’m afraid of,” Sia mutters, making Dingo chuckle.
“Relax. They’ll be fine with the older kids,” Dingo says, then looks at me. “You’ll keep them in line, won’t you, Annie?”
“Of course. We’ll put them to work… dishes, cleanup. Teach them early,” I reply, deadpan.
Sia freezes slightly, and Mum laughs. “She’s joking.”
“Well… mostly,” I add with a grin, and that earns another round of laughter.
“Look after everyone, okay?” Sia says, still a little hesitant.
“I will. Don’t worry.”
I get it, though. She’s always been protective. After everything she went through to have her kids, it makes sense.
“All right, go on,” I say, waving them out. “Your stretch Hummer’s waiting. You all look amazing.”
They head out, still chatting and laughing.
Mum lingers, pulling me into one last hug. “I love you, Annie. And remember—”
“Be safe. I know,” I say gently. “Go enjoy yourself.”
She smiles, nods, and finally heads out.
I call the dogs back inside and close the door behind me.
Aston crosses the room and pulls me into his arms. “They all get off okay?”
“Yeah, they’re gone.”
“Good,” he murmurs, a grin tugging at his lips. “Now I can kiss you all night without worrying about your dad murdering me.”
I raise an eyebrow. “He wouldn’t actually do that… would he?”
Aston chuckles softly. “No, he’s harmless. I just respect him. But now…” His grip tightens slightly. “Now I plan to take full advantage.” He dips me back and kisses me, slow and deep. I laugh softly against his lips before kissing him back as he pulls me upright again.
“I love you,” I whisper.
“I could hear that all day and never get sick of it,” he says.
“Same.”
I swat his chest. “Say it.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“Say it, or I’m not kissing you again tonight.”
He smirks. “Well, in that case… I love you, Annie Slade. I love you more than Edward loves Bella, more than Christian loves Ana, more than Harry loves Sally—”
“Okay, okay, I get it,” I laugh. “Now kiss me again before I change my mind.”
He grins and leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my lips before taking my hand and leading me back into the now very full living room.
We’ve been in the living room for hours, watching endless horror movies and demolishing an embarrassing amount of pizza. I’m curled up on the couch with Aston, tucked into his side while he holds me close.
Everyone’s glued to the screen as the axe murderer chases down the obligatory blonde, but my attention drifts. Suddenly, I’m craving something sweet.
I gently move Aston’s hands from around me and stand.
“You okay?” he murmurs.