You were ecstatic. The crowd was cheering, calling your name, despite having already done an unplanned encore after Matt and Jamie had given you the okay from backstage.
"One more song! One more song!"
You were so overwhelmed, this was only the third show you'd played opening for the monkeys and you hadn't expected for anyone to like you so much, especially because you had been nervous about people accusing you of taking the spot as the support for a huge band like them from other upcoming artists, simply getting it because of your relationship with Alex. But ever since you'd met him, you had been trying to make a point of not getting any favours through him, and the tour management had chosen you, without the monkeys weighing in, which you were very proud of.
Of course, you were glad that you could come along, but you didn't want any favours, it was amazing to know that you were here because of your talent. But despite that, of course you were not popular with all of Alex's fans, some still simply disliking you for the sole reason of dating him. But here you were, all your worries seemingly for nothing as you looked out into the bright lights, hearing the cheers, the applause...
"Thank you, thank you so much!" You said as you saw one of the venue managers gesturing for you to come off stage as you had already overdone your set time.
You bowed and waved as you put down your guitar and headed off the stage, smiling when you were greeted by Nick holding Gracie who was also applauding you.
"Mum was great, wasn't she?" Nick laughed as Gracie held her arms out for you and he handed her over to you.
"Yes!" Gracie cheered. "Uncle Nick said everyone else thinks you were great too."
You laughed, kissing her cheek. "Thank you, angel" you said. "Did you have fun watching?"
She nodded, wrapping her arms around your neck.
"Awww, you're tired, aren't you?"
She quickly lifted her head from your shoulder, shaking her head with big eyes. "No, no, I want to see daddeh play!" She declared, turning her head.
"Yeah, where is daddy?" You asked, also looking around, walking a little further into the backstage area. "There he is!" You smiled when you saw him coming down the hallway and approaching you, spreading his arms out for Gracie.
"Daddyyy!" She squealed excitedly, shortly followed by a small yawn.
Alex chuckled. "Yeh sleepeh, duckeh?"
She shook her head sheepishly. "I want teh watch you sing, daddy" she said, cuddling him and kissing his cheek before looking at him questioningly for a moment. "Where's yehr beard?"
"I shaved it off, sweet pea" he chuckled.
"Why?" She asked with wide eyes.
"So I don't tickle yeh wif it aneh more" he laughed, brushing her hair back.
She laid her head down on his shoulder too and closed her eyes.
"Tomorrow yeh're sleepin' after mum's set's done, yeah bunneh?" He asked, nudging Gracie.
"Mmmm..." she mumbled.
"Al, yeh readeh?" Jamie called, the crowd beginning to chant.
"A-M, A-M, A-M!"
Alex carefully handed Gracie back to you and moved to kiss her forehead and quickly pecking your lips. "Yeh take her teh bed if she falls asleep, yeah?" He asked.
You nodded. "Yeah, of course. I'll be back at the hotel then, don't worry. Now get out there" you added with a chuckle, slapping his ass playfully.
