Page 132 of Becoming Us
“I literally have no words. That was our best set,” Brice said, practically bouncing with excitement.
“For sure, for sure. People were going wild out there,” Jaden added.
Atty sat on one of the stools, and I slid onto his thigh, grinning as he rested his chin on my shoulder.
“The sheer number of groupies you’ve managed to amass in one night should be illegal, Noah,” Jaden said.
“Are you hitting on him again? Atticus is right there,” Brice teased.
“Don’t tell me you didn’t notice.”
“There were some very loud, enthusiastic compliments being thrown your way,” Ezra added, as Jaden shot Brice a smug look.
“See? They’ll be devastated once they find out you’re practically hitched,” Jaden said with a bark of laughter.
Atty’s arms tightened around my waist, his grip quietly possessive.
Then Paxton stepped in. His eyes were just a little too wide.
“Spill,” Brice said.
“They want us to play at Neon House next weekend,” Paxton blurted.
Holy shit.
The guys had been playing at La Cueva for months—it was their regular spot. But Neon House? That was where they booked touring acts and big local names. They’d never played there before.
“You’re joking,” Jaden said.
“Swear it on my fucking life. Their social media manager uploaded a couple of clips, and they’re blowing up. He asked if he could announce it tonight, and I said yes. I know I should’ve checked first, but?—”
“Yes!” we all said in unison.
Paxton’s gaze landed on mine. “We found our sound,” he said, quieter this time.
“This is a big deal, right?” Ezra asked.
Paxton turned to him and nodded. “It’s a big deal. Scouts go there. I’ve heard they’ve signed people after gigs.”
His excitement was contagious. He’d gone from wise older brother to wide-eyed kid in seconds.
Scouts.
Holy crap, Dad. You wouldn’t believe this shit.
I clutched my medallion, fingers tugging at it, leg bouncing with the rhythm of my racing pulse.
“Okay, two things,” Brice said, standing. “First, we need to fix our social media because, right now? We suck.”
Lexie’s hand shot up. “Oh! I’ll help,” she offered, her hazel eyes settling on Atty and me. “And I’m starting with a clip of you two.”
“And second, we absolutely have to celebrate. We fucking made it,” Jaden declared, breaking into laughter again.
He threw his arms around Paxton, who laughed with him. Brice joined in, tackling them both and nearly sending them toppling.
“Noah, get in here!” Jaden called.
My stomach coiled as Atty loosened his grip, and I made my way toward them. They parted and smushed me in the middle, almost suffocating me. Brice mistimed his jump, and we crashed to the floor—limbs everywhere, elbows jabbing, knees colliding with things they shouldn’t.
