I Adore You // Braeden Lemasters

Chapter 6: Sidelines

A nervous excitement trickled down her spine. Natalie had managed to make her way toward the front of the crowd near the stage, with Aubrey close behind.

The venue was a little more concert-like than the club show she went to about a month ago. There were maybe a hundred people in the crowd. When the band came out on stage the crowd began to surge with anticipation. Natalie felt her heart rise a little at the sight of Braeden, who had been her savior just a few nights before.

Again, she felt everything around her disappear as she watched Braeden play his guitar above her. He was full of smoothness and charisma. She felt lucky to call him her friend. After the show, Natalie and Aubrey lingered out front of the venue. Natalie hoped she'd get to see Braeden, but wasn't sure she'd get the chance since there were so many people swarming around. Her phone buzzed in her pocket.

"Hey are you here?" It was from Braeden.

"Yes, I'm out front." She said.

"Come around back!"

Natalie and Aubrey eyed each other. It was a cool night, even for LA. They went to the back of the building. Braeden was with his bandmates, loading up their gear.

"Hey," he said with a smile, looking over to see her. "How are you?"

"Doing alright. You played a great show, guys." She said, Aubrey agreeing.

The three guys thanked her. "This is Cole our drummer," Braeden said putting a hand on Cole's shoulder. "And this is Dylan," he said. "Guys, this is Natalie. She's from just outside of Warren."

"It's really nice to meet you guys," Natalie blushed a little.

"Same here," Dylan said. "Wow, so did you come here all the way from Ohio, or?"

"No, I go to CSU." She said. "Northridge campus."

Dylan nodded and it was a little quiet for a brief moment.

"Oh," Natalie said to Braeden, removing the jacket she wore. "I still have your jacket, you can have it back now."

Dylan and Cole eyed each other, then looked to Braeden. Natalie wore a cropped Strokes t shirt and a torn pair of jeans.

"You know what? It's kinda chilly tonight. Why don't you hang on to it for now."

Natalie furrowed her eyebrows but slung the jacket back on. "Okay, but when will I give it back?" She asked.

"I'm sure I'll see you again." He said with a grin.

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Later that Night

"Hey! We're having a party next weekend! You and your friend should come!"

"Just send me a date and a time and we should be there!"

Aubrey knocked on Natalie's door and then let herself in.

"Did you have a good time?" She asked.

"Yeah," Natalie smiled. "A great time."

"So... What is going on with you and Braeden?"

"What do you mean?" Natalie asked confused.

"I mean, I think he likes you."

Natalie laughed. But Aubrey kept a straight face.

"Why would he like me?"

"You mean why wouldn't he. You're an awesome girl, Nat."

"But like.... Girls flock to them. What am I? I'm just another girl, really."

"He gave you his number on the plane. He came to your rescue the other night. He let you keep his jacket-"

"He lent me his jacket." Natalie corrected her.

"He likes you. He just asked to see you after his show. He wanted to see you!" She chuckled.

"He's just really nice." Natalie sighed. "He just invited me to a party. He invited both of us, actually."

"Wait, really? Well, that's awesome, isn't it?"

Natalie shrugged.

"Why don't you seem excited?" Aubrey pried.

"I don't know. I guess I'm just still hurt from Mikey, maybe? I'm not even sure."

"Well don't overthink it. He seems like a super sweet guy."