Page 47 of Ashton

“They better be next, or I’m headed back outside.”

“Fuck you, it’s my turn, asshole.”

I watch as the red velvet curtains slowly open, and I lose my breath.

My little grim looks like a little vixen sitting on stage. Jinx looks so elegant sitting in a strapless black ball gown.I’m jealous of her cello sitting between her legs, and when she moves her left leg, it becomes visible from under her dress. One wrong move, and the crowd will see more than they should.

I watch Maddox move his stool beside her and position his guitar on his lap. He looks nervous yet excited to be up there with her. I haven’t heard him play much, and never together. The slight tilt of her head and a wink, and I know she’s trying to calm him down.

The first swipe of her bow, and I’m already carried away, but when Maddox starts playing. Wow. They make the perfect team. Ashton places his hand on my shoulder, giving it a light squeeze.

“Amazing, aren’t they, brother?” he asks, memorized by them.

I can’t take my eyes off them either. “They are. I’m proud of Maddox.”

“He deserves it, but what if he doesn’t get picked? What if Jinx gets picked? What do you think will happen?”

I watch Jinx sway along to the music, knowing deep down what she would do if she were picked. She would sacrifice her winning for Maddox to get him out of this place. That’s the thing about Jinx; she always places everyone before herself. It’s annoying in some ways. Jinx deserves to get out, too; it has been her dream for years. That’s all she talked about was getting out of this shitty place.

“The way that Von acts, it’s hard to say. I wish Prescott would do something about all the shit professors at this school.”

They both stand and take a bow. Ashton and I stand, giving them the loudest applause.

“Let’s get backstage and get our girl.”

Backstage isn’t what I was expecting—as in, there is no backstage. Small dressing rooms line the side of the back of the concert hall, and it’s busy with people moving instruments. When we reach the doorway, I spot a cascade of jet-black hair turning into the last room.

Maddox is on his knees, hugging Jinx tight around the waist. Her fingers work through his hair, along his jaw, lightly touching his scar.

“You did it. You showed them how remarkable you are, Maddox, and nobody stopped you. I’m so proud of you.”

Her eyes met his, and a smile ran across her lips. He pulls her down fast, making her laugh.

“Thank you, Jinx.” His kiss was featherlight. “I owe you so much.” Giving her one last kiss, he stands her back up.

“She’s right, you know. Fuck what anybody says. You owned that stage tonight,” I tell Maddox, walking into the small room.

“Yeah, M. That shit was wicked. Who knew some kid without a dream could pull that off,” Ashton said, laughing, pulling Maddox in a tight grip. “I’m so proud of you, brother.”

“I can’tbelieve I did that. I thought for sure I was gonna barf.”

Jinx shook her head, smiling. “I told you, picture everyone naked.”

Fuck, I hope not. Although he’d already seen me naked, half that crowd were old ladies. That wouldn’t work so well.

“When do you know if you won or not?” I shake those thoughts out of my head.

Jinx rolls her eyes. “Monday, even though I’m sure I know who won, so it doesn’t matter. All that matters is we had a good time.”

“The view from where we were was perfection, but if you opened your legs anymore, the row in front of us would’ve been walking away happy, little swan.”

My phone buzzes. It’s probably Mother finally getting a hold of us, which reminds me.

“Where’s your dad? He never sat with us.”

“I don’t know. I’ve been trying to get a hold of him all night. It’s not like him to miss a concert.” She moves to her bag, digging out her phone.

Witch: I’m sorry about tonight

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