Across The Stars

Chapter 10.

"I'm not going." I tell Mia.

"Oh, come on Annie. You haven't been in so long! Besides, your dad is nominated for best actor. He'd be disappointed if you didn't go."

"I don't know Mia..." I say with a sigh.

The Oscars were this Sunday, and I don't remember the last time I went with my parents. This year, my dad was nominated for his role in some drama he did about a man trying to overcome addiction. Even though my relationship with my parents was improving, things still felt awkward. I knew it was the right thing to do however.

"It's such short notice." I add. "Flying out to Los Angeles. I'm supposed to be recording this weekend."

"Stop making excuses." Mia says before blowing a bubble with her gum. She pops it, causing me to jump, before continuing to chomp on it. "Maybe your new boo thang will want to go with you."

"He's not my boo thang." I roll my eyes at her.

She lifts a stack of records from behind the counter. "Sure."

"He's not!"

"Whatever you say." Mia says in an antagonizing voice.

"Okay, I'm leaving." I tell her.

"Off to suck face?"

"Goodbye Mia."

"Use protection!" She calls after me.

***

Austin was seated at the piano when I walk into the studio.

Ever since our... moment in the limo after the concert, things were different between us. And not a good different.

I could barely look him in the eyes without blushing like crazy.

He knew it too. I could tell by his sultry James Dean smirk that he was onto me.

I still wasn't completely over Toby, hating myself more and more for hurting him. I was pained by the fact that I had already been making out with another guy not even a week after we broke up.

Why did it have to be Austin, someone I saw every single day.

Why couldn't it be some random guy in a club, who I would never see again in my life.

"Hello to you too." Austin says, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I glance over at him, and of course he has his signature grin plastered on his face.

"Hi." I choke.

"Did you miss me or something?" He asks.

I roll my eyes. "No, I came here to record."

"I've got the studio to myself for today. Sorry." Austin laughs.

"Of course." I groan.

Often times I found it hard being signed to the same label as Austin, but he's been in this industry longer than I have, so it made sense that they prioritized him.

"Hey, what're you doing this weekend?" He asks suddenly.

"Recording, why?" I ask, more defensively than intended.

"I'm performing at The Oscars. Want to be my date?"

My face falls into a frown. "What part of I'm recording did you not understand?"

"I'll tell Lowery you're coming with me."

I ponder this for a moment but shake my head. "I just don't think it's my kind of scene."