Noted.
Chapter Nine
Damien
The thrill I got from performing in front of a crowd was indescribable. A unique high that was beyond words. Standing on stage, as the energy from the crowd mirrored mine, all our voices blended in a beautiful harmony. In that brief time, we were all the same. Nothing else mattered besides our shared passion for music.
Music tied us all together.
Those were the moments I lived for.
Our gig was earlier than normal today, so we had time to decompress after our set. The headliner tonight was The Evil Princes, and I was genuinely enjoying their music.
I hated to admit that at this point, most of the venues started to look the same. We’d been doing this for eight years now and played in a lot of places.
Even here, they had the same dim lighting, stage area, and limited seating. We’d set up our merchandise table along the wall across from the bar. Right now, most of the patrons were in front of the stage, moving to the music while the guys and I took a minute to relax.
I was sitting on the black foldable table next to our merch, sipping a beer, when my phone vibrated in my pocket.
I pulled it out, reading Jade’s name on my screen. She and I had been texting off and on for a while now. She initiated most of the conversation, but it didn’t bother me. I enjoyed her tenacity and positive outlook on life.
Jade
Hey, sorry to bother you. I know how crazy things get at your shows. But Cadence is asking if she can have your number.
I wanted to ask if it was okay before I gave it to her.
Hmm. Interesting. So Cadence wanted to talk.
Yeah, that’s fine.
Okay. Cool.
How’s the show going tonight?
Good. We just finished up not too long ago. Just hanging out now.
Nice. I’m going out tonight with some friends. But I’d rather stay in.
I’m still tired from last night.
For a moment, I felt guilty. She’d hung out with the guys late last night because her ride had helped us. Not only that, but I’d been in no hurry to return and say goodbye. Too preoccupied with something else.
Someoneelse…
Ah. Sounds fun, though.
It’s too bad you guys weren’t playing closer tonight, or I would have made the trip.
Hopefully, you’ll be back soon!
Guilt weighed on me. Jade only wanted to come out and support us, but I was glad she couldn’t make it. If she’d come, Cadence would have too I’m sure, and being around her was maddening.
There was something about watching Cadence interact with everyone, knowing I couldn’t let my guard down and be myself around her. Seeing her with Colton was particularly aggravating. The two of them had some sort of thing. He was comfortable enough to touch her, pull her close, and talk to her.
They’d developed their own friendship, while I did nothing but push her away.
A conundrum for sure.
