Lover/Leaver (Jake Kiszka)

Chapter 8: The Night Before Tour

Amelia stared at her reflection in the mirror, the events of the past week flashing through her mind. The rehearsals, the guitar duel with Jake, and the intense preparation for the tour had left her exhausted. Tonight, she was determined to relax and enjoy the moment before the whirlwind of the tour began.

Her phone buzzed on the counter, interrupting her thoughts. It was Lisa. "Hey, we're all meeting at The Groove tonight to celebrate. You in?"

Amelia smiled. "Absolutely. I could use a night out."

"Great! See you there at eight," Lisa replied.

Amelia hung up and began to get ready, choosing a sleek black dress that hugged her curves and accentuated her figure. She wanted to feel confident and forget about the pressure of the tour, even if just for one night.

When she arrived at The Groove, the bar was already buzzing with energy. She spotted her friends at a corner table, laughing and sipping drinks. Amelia joined them, her spirits lifting as she embraced her friends.

"Look who decided to show up!" Max teased, raising his glass.

"Wouldn't miss it," Amelia said grabbing a drink from the table.

As they chatted and laughed, the door swung open, and Greta Van Fleet walked in. Amelia's heart skipped a beat as she saw Jake leading the group. He exuded confidence, his swagger unmistakable. His eyes scanned the room before landing on Amelia, and a smirk curved his lips.

"Looks like the party just got more interesting," Jake announced, loud enough for their table to hear.

"Hey, rock stars!" Danny called out, raising his drink in a toast.

The two groups merged creating a lively and electric mix. Amelia found herself next to Sam, who was already deep in conversation with Lisa. Danny joined in, sharing tour storied and jokes, instantly putting everyone at ease.

Jake, however, made his way over to Amelia. "Having a good time?" he asked, his tone dripping with cockiness.

"Yeah," Amelia replied, trying to match his energy. "Just trying to enjoy the calm before the storm."

Jake chuckled. "You know, some people thrive in the storm. You sure you're ready for this tour?"

Amelia raised an eyebrow. "I guess we'll find out, won't we?"

The night wore on, and the drinks flowed freely. The bar's atmosphere grew more electric as the band members and friends let loose. Jake, always the center of attention, regaled everyone with stories of past tours, each tale more outrageous than the last.

Amelia couldn't help but admire his confidence, even if it bordered on arrogance. She was drawn to him, despite his cocky demeanor. As she watched him interact with everyone, she felt a strange mix of attraction and irritation.

At one point, Danny and Sam challenged Jake and Amelia to a game of pool. "Losers buy the next round," Danny declared, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"You're on," Jake said, grabbing a cue stick and handing one to Amelia. "Think you can keep up?"

Amelia smirked. "I can do more than just keep up."

The game was intense, filled with playful banter and competitive spirits. Amelia and Jake made a surprisingly good team, their chemistry evident in their seamless cooperation. As the game progressed, the tension between them grew palpable.

"Nice shot," Jake said, leaning close to Amelia after she sank in a difficult ball. His breath was warm against her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.