Across The Stars

Chapter 14.

A month later...

Since Austin and I's duet was released, my life has changed drastically. I've gone from working my ass off in a run-down music store to becoming a signed artist and having my first song out.

I was starting to get recognized more and more when I would go out. I had people coming up and asking me for autographs, pictures, you name it.

I could only hope that I'd be able to release my own single now that I've gotten a pretty good reaction from listeners. However, Lowery keeps making excuses and I'm getting fed up.

Austin said he would talk to him for me, even though things had shifted between us. Ever since the record release party, I've been battling with myself more than ever over my feelings for Austin.

I think it's safe to say that Toby and I weren't getting back together, as badly as it hurt. I haven't seen or heard anything of him since we broke up, and neither has my family.

For all I know, he flew back to San Diego to get as far away from me as possible.

Beau's words kept replaying over and over again. Whatever your heart tells you to do.

If I'm honest, I'm not sure what the hell my heart is telling me to do. One minute, its pulling me towards Toby, then the next minute its uncontrollable when I'm around Austin.

Perhaps I just need to keep telling myself that it's over with Toby so I can finally let myself give in and be with Austin.

He told me he was in love with me. Perhaps I could fall in love with him too.

I already knew there was something between us, I just need to let myself see that.

I move the tea kettle off of the stove before checking my phone. I see Austin's name on the screen and a small smile spreads across my lips.

Dinner tonight? His text reads.

If I was really going to do this, it was probably best that I spent more time with him. How could I love someone if I barely knew them?

Sure! I reply. When and where?

I'll pick you up at seven. He responds.

I look at the time at the top of my screen, my eyes widening. It was already five o'clock.

I scramble around my apartment, the one thing in my life, as well as my car, that I had decided to keep the same. I couldn't stand the thought of living in some luxurious penthouse above New York City. As nice as it sounds, I'd take comfort over class any day.

This place had become my home.

I decide on a black lace bralette that rested just above my naval, black high waisted bell bottom trousers, and a pair of black heels. I curl my dark hair, noticing that my blond roots were starting to show again. Once my makeup is done, I tie a black choker around my neck and position my rocket bracelet perfectly on my wrist.

I hadn't really seen my parents as much as I had been lately, and I could only hope that they'd understand.

Everything was just going so great in my life, and I've been extremely busy.

I make a mental note to call after my date and head out of my apartment.

Mia is nowhere to be seen when I come down, but I soon find her standing by the front of the store, pulling one of the record cases in front of the door.

"What are you doing?" I gasp, quickly moving towards her.

Ever since the duet was released, The Music Inn's business had skyrocketed. People were in and out from open to close looking for Austin and I's music. It felt weird being bombarded at first but knowing that I was helping Astrid made me happy to sign anything that I was asked to.