You're the One - Part 1 || Greta Van Fleet

Chapter 122: Until It Mattered

I could already start to feel my drink as we made our way through backstage and out the back doors towards the buses.
"What do you think they're talking about?" I asked, trailing behind Josh and Danny. I saw Danny shoot Josh a look, and then peek back at me.
"Probably nothing." He said simply. "I'm sure they'll be out in a minute." Josh nodded, keeping his eyes down. I felt my cheeks burn. I could tell they knew something. But I let it go.

"Hey!" Joe called out from their bus, making his way down the steps. "Great first show!"
"Hell yeah!" Danny called out. "Better get used to that."
"Oh, don't worry, we're ready for that every night." I then felt my cheeks burn as Charlotte made her way out of the bus, flashing them all smiles, her face dropping when she got to me.

"You guys were awesome!" She said, turning to Josh. He smiled, rolling his eyes.
"Yeah, yeah, we weren't too bad." He giggled to himself. I saw Charlotte subtly look around, I assumed looking for Jake.

"Good show." I said to her, forcing a smile. She turned back to face me, smiling back.
"Thanks." She said simply, staring me down. I held my stare on her.
"Maybe you can take photos of us sometime. The ones you take of the boys are so cute." I felt my cheeks burn with anger. The boys? Like she knew them so well.
"Sorry, I only work for them." I said, faking a laugh, rolling my eyes. She forced a smile, finally turning back to face Danny and Josh. I could feel my heart beating faster as I looked back at the venue.

What was taking them so long?

"So I hear you guys really know how to party." Kyle chimed in, hoping down the steps of their bus.
"Oh, we always celebrate on the first night." Josh said, peeking over at Danny.
"Awesome, so where are we headed?"
"There's a bar down the road if everyones ready to go." Danny said, motioning in the opposite direction. I bit down on my lip, peeking back over at the venue.

Still no sight of them.

"I.. I think I'm just gonna wait-"
"It's okay, they'll meet up with us once they get out." Josh said, giving me a gentle smile.
"It's just, I.. I think Jake just wanted to-"
"There's plenty of time for you two to be alone later. We always go out after the first show, remember?" He said, his smile growing. I felt my cheeks burn as I smirked back at him, shaking my head.
"I remember." I laughed. He motioned towards the rest of the group who had already started making their way down the sidewalk. I looked back towards the venue one more time.

"Fine." I sighed, following him close.

Josh and I trailed far enough behind where once we reached the bar, everyone else had already made their way inside. He reached forward, grabbing the door, giving me a gentle smile as he motioned inside.

Looking around, I could see Danny at the bar surrounded by Joe, Kyle, and Charlotte.
"I'm more of a table guy." Josh said, gently nudging me towards the other side of the bar. I nodded, following him close.
"Me too."

I grabbed one of the chairs that faced the door, sliding off Jake's jacket and placing it on the back. Josh didn't hesitate to wave down one of the waitresses, ordering us each two drinks.
"Two?" I laughed, propping my arm up on the table, leaning my chin on my hand. I stared back at him with a smile. His smile grew as he did the same, mimicking me.
"You gotta catch up." He laughed. "The night is still young." I shook my head, rolling my eyes.
"I'll be just fine." I said, peeking back over at the door.
"He'll be here, don't worry." Josh said softly, now leaning back in his chair, crossing his arms.
"Do you know what they're talking about?" I asked, turning back to face him. He shrugged.
"I have an idea." He said.

But I already knew.. he wasn't going to tell me.

Shortly after, the waitress brought over our drinks. I could see her eyes locked on Josh as she placed his down in front of him.
"Thank you." He said cheerfully, reaching out for one, keeping his eyes down. I looked up at her, flashing her a smile as she nodded, walking away. I reached out for my drink, taking a sip as I waited for her to walk out of earshot.