Free Famous (Famous #1) by Kahlen Aymes Page A

words, and the intricate strains of the notes he plucked and strummed on the guitar.
    Cade’s beautiful voice filled the room as everyone fell silent. The words of the song spoke to me, and it was clear why he chose it. It asked the question, “If you’re not the one, why do I love you so much? Not knowing the future, I wouldn’t change it.” My heart was screaming inside my chest, and I was certain I was visibly shaking.
    “My God, Brook,” Jen said, as I took a shaky breath. Clearly she knew he was singing to me, and probably so did most everyone else in the room.
    As he sang, I was sure he could read the pain in my face as my eyes glossed over. My hand clutched at my chest like it would help me breathe. I listened as if my life depended on it, unable to tear my eyes from Cade’s. Tears fell, and I didn’t care who saw them. My hand went to my heart to try to stop the pain. I couldn’t breathe; it hurt so badly.
    A small sob escaped me as I struggled not to break down. Jennifer put her arm around me and leaned her head against mine, as many eyes looked between Cade and me. It was clear to everyone in the room that he was singing just to me. For the first time, I didn’t care. My throat ached as I fought the pain.
    I closed my eyes as more tears fell from my lashes. I knew I was going to break down any second. Still, I was frozen in place.
    “If you’re not made for me, then why do I feel this way? Why do I feel this way?”As the song faded out, it was like time stopped and there was only Cade and I in the room. But it was Cade and I, and three hundred others.
    Stunned silence.
    Then the applause broke out, and I tried to join in, but I felt every pair of eyes on me.
    I have to get out of here , I thought. Now.
    That song said everything I knew we were both feeling. It told of Cade’s anguish over David and not being able to be with me, crying out the agony of our impending separation, and the loss of not being able to be together in a moment that was killing us both. I wanted to die. I wanted to go to him, but I couldn’t.
    I ripped my eyes away. “Jen,” I said as I turned to her. “I have to get out of here for a minute. I’m sorry,” I said softly.
    “I completely understand, Brook. Go.”
    As I hurried to the bathroom to collect myself, David came toward me with a pissed look plastered across his face. Jen stepped in to stop him, placing a hand on his arm. “David, Brook isn’t feeling well. Give her a minute,” she said sternly. I didn’t wait to see his reaction as I took off.
    I drew in several deep breaths to steady myself, went into one of the stalls, then sat down and put my head into my hands. Breathe , I thought. I just had to make it through a few more minutes. I tried to inhale, but it hurt.
    I blinked back the tears, and prayed to God for the strength I needed. Finally, I was able to go to the sink, splash some water on the back of my neck, and take a few deep breaths to steady myself. I knew I had to get back to the party before anyone noticed I was gone. Before David’s reaction got worse and he made a scene; if he hadn’t exploded already.
    As I made my way out of the bathroom, Cade was waiting in the hallway, leaning with his back against the opposite wall. He didn’t say anything, but as I walked past his hand brushed down my arm. When his fingers reached mine, I let mine close around his for a few seconds, letting him know I understood the message he sent with the song.
    My eyes met his for a brief second, and I knew I’d rather die than to see that pain on his beautiful face. He raked his hand through his dark gold hair, turned abruptly, and walked away. I stood frozen in place for a minute, finally making my way back into the crowd, and doing my best to appear normal when, in fact, I was shaken to the core.
    For the remainder of the night, I talked to everyone I needed to talk to, and made sure to tell Martin thank you for giving me the opportunity to work on the movie.