Thru Fade Away - (Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam)X OFC)

2.

"Why are you so flustered?" Jeff Ament, the bass guitarist for Green River asked Stone, while backstage at The Paramount Theater.

Stone was pacing backwards and forwards in their dressing room, while everyone else got ready for the show.

"Huh?" Stone, said looking at his friend.

"Man, you been smoking something?" Jeff laughed.

"Oh, uh no, it's nothing." Stone replied, not really wanting to explain.

Jeff raised his brows, unconvinced of this response.

"It's a girl ain't it...the brunette from last week? She was fine as hell."

Stone smirked, laughing a little and shook his head. He stopped and faced the bassist.

"I'm just getting rid of the pre-show nerves...why do you care?"

Jeff put his hand on one of Stone's shoulders, his face showing confusion.

"Pre-show what? We've been performing for years man, I highly doubt you have those. Come on, what is it?"

Stone took a deep breath, a smile flashing across his face as he looked down. He knew if Jeff saw him with a wide smile, he would assume it's because he got laid, and although Stone was never devoid of admirers, that wasn't the case.

"I invited a friend of mine here tonight, VIP. She was my best pal in high school and I bumped into her for the first time in a while today. She's not here yet so I hope she can make it before the show begins." Stone admitted. "Happy now, Ament?" 

A smile appeared on Jeff's face as he nodded.

"You have a thing for her don't ya?"

Stone seemed awkward at this response and would trip over his words. He knew his feelings for Faye, but he didn't want Jeff knowing and spreading it around like a bad case of herpes.

"What? No! She's just a really good friend. She's a female and she's my friend but not like that...I mean I care for her....a lot but not in the way you're thinking."

Jeff laughed. "Want a Shovel so you can dig deeper?"

A knock came from the door, most of the band apart from Stone, thinking it was groupies. 

One of the roadies, Jim, opened the door to a petite blonde, whose smile was unmistakable.

"Hey pretty lady...what's your name?" Jeff asked, trying his best to attract the attention of the woman.

"This is Faye." Stone smiled, staring straight at her. 

"OH...That's Faye..." Jeff smirked. "Yeah you totally have a thing."

Stone shook his head and took a deep breath after his friends remark.

"I hope you don't mind, security told me it was this room. I hope I'm not interrupting anything." Faye says politely.

"No...of course not! I'm glad you're here." Stone says, walking towards her.

Wolf whistles were made by the rest of the band while Stone rolled his eyes.

"Wanna get a drink?" he asked, trying to go somewhere his band mates didn't embarrass him.

"Sure! Aren't you due on stage soon?" Faye asks.

"We got 10 minutes." Stone replies.

"Okay! It's nice meeting you all!" Faye waved before leaving with Stone.

"Thanks for saving me." Stone smiled as the pair walked beside each other in the hallway. "They are so intrusive sometimes."

Faye giggled. "It's all good! I'm kinda used to bands...well since..."