Page 131 of Starstruck
“Audrey and Brennan changed the lives of so many people, mine included. For as long as I can remember, they were my biggest inspirations. And now, their youngest daughter is.”
A blush rises in my cheeks as a chorus ofawwws breaks outin the crowd.
Baxter chuckles. “It’s funny how life works out. I wish Audrey and Brennan were still around, but I likely never would’ve met Lennon if they were.”
He exhales deeply, letting the anticipation build before he finally says, “That’s why I’m dedicating my new album,Rockstars Never Die, which drops tonight, to them.”
I gasp, my hand coming up to my chest as a sob racks through me and the crowd erupts with cheers.
I can’t believe him.
“Did you know he was going to do that?” Dylan asks, his brows furrowed as Emma wipes the tears from her eyes.
I vaguely notice Paige wrapping her arms around Trevor in my periphery, but I’m unable to tear my eyes from Baxter. The man in question holds my stare as I shake my head in disbelief, tears streaming down my face.
“I had no idea.”
Baxter reaches down beside him to pick up his bottle of water and then raises it in the air. The crowd mirrors him, raising their own drinks. His eyes find mine again, and though I can barely see him through the blur of tears in my eyes, I know he’s smiling at me.
“So here’s to Thorned Roses, who I owe just about everything to.” He takes a sip of his water as Colt begins strumming chords on his guitar. “This is for you.”
[60 ]
US AGAINST THE WORLD
BAXTER
“ALL OR NOTHING” BY THEORY OF A DEADMAN
In the quiet of the night, under plumes of smoke,
The city chants your name, the world evoked
The words you have shared which remain in the sky,
Because in the heart of the music,
Rock stars never die.
I drag out the final line, basking in the cheers from below as the album’s title track fades out.
“Thank you, Toronto!” I shout into the mic, eager to finish the concert. “Don’t forget to streamRockstars Never Die, dropping tonight at midnight!”
All I hear are the echoes of the crowd as I turn to run offstage, Levi and Colt following me. I don’t stop for anyone, immediately heading straight to my dressing room where I know Lennon will be waiting for me. I saw her leave the VIP section midway through that last song, and I had to fight not to rush my way through it, impatient to get back here and see her.
I open the door to find her standing at the vanity. Her eyes meet mine in our reflection before she turns around to face me.
“Hi, Lover Boy.”
I cross the room in long strides to get to her, the door slamming shut behind me. I pull her into my arms, wrapping them tight around her. She does the same as I press my lips to the top of her head.
“Hi, Trouble.”
She pulls away slightly, her face tear-streaked, but she’s smiling. I brush my thumb over her cheek to wipe a tear away, and she closes her eyes briefly, leaning into my palm.
Her long lashes frame her honey-coloured eyes as she looks at me.
“You dedicated your album to my parents.”
