Lover/Leaver (Jake Kiszka)

Chapter 12: Rapids and Revelations

Amelia woke up to the soft morning light streaming through the hotel room window. She stretched, savoring the comfort of the bed, a stark contrast to the bus. A smile tugged at her lips as she remembered the previous night's conversations.                                                                                     
"Morning, sunshine," Jess said from the other bed, her voice tinged with amusement. Amelia turned to her friend, who had arrived early that morning.

"Hey, Jess. Good to see you. How was the journey?"

Jess shrugged. "Long, but worth it to catch up with you all. So, spill the beans. What's going on with you and Jake? You two seemed pretty cozy yesterday."

Amelia sighed, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Oh, you know, just sorting some things out. We had a good talk."                                                                                               
Jess raised an eyebrow, smirking. "A 'good talk,' huh? That's code for something juicy. Details, please."

Amelia laughed. "It's nothing like that. We just cleared the air. He's actually really sweet when he wants to be."

"Sweet?" Jess echoed, feigning shock. "Are we talking about the same Jake? Tall, brooding, guitar-playing Jake?"

"Yes, that one," Amelia said, rolling her eyes. "And believe it or not, he can be nice."

Jess grinned. "Well, I'm glad you two are getting along. Just remember, I have a shovel and an alibi if he messes with you."

Amelia laughed. "Thanks for the offer, but I think I'll be fine."

After a quick breakfast, the band and crew gathered in the hotel lobby, ready for a day of adventure. Jake, Josh, Sam, and Danny from Greta Van Fleet were chatting animatedly, while The Echoes – Lisa, Max, and Eddie – mingled with them. The plan for the day was to go water tubing, and the excitement was palpable.

"Alright, everyone!" Josh announced, clapping his hands. "Let's get going. We've got a river to conquer!"

Amelia found herself paired with Jake; their tubes tied together. She shot him a mock glare. "Did you plan this, Jake?"

He smirked, adjusting his life jacket. "Why, Mills, would I ever do such a thing?"

"Just try to keep up," she retorted, her tone playful.

As they set off down the river, the cool water splashing around them, Amelia couldn't help but enjoy the thrill of the ride. The scenery was beautiful, the laughter of her friends echoing around them. Jake paddled beside her, his competitive spirit evident.

"You're slowing us down" he teased, his eyes glinting with mischief.

"Am not," she shot back, splashing him with water. "You're just too busy showing off."

He laughed, shaking the water from his hair. "Maybe, but you're not doing so bad yourself."

Ahead of them, Lisa and Max were jokingly bickering, while Eddie and Josh tried to navigate their own tubes through the rapids. Sam and Danny were effortlessly maneuvering their tubes, clearly experienced in the water.

"Nice swimsuit," Jake commented, his eyes twinkling with mischief. Amelia felt a blush rise to her cheeks.

"Thanks, Jake. Focus on the river, not my swimsuit." He laughed. "Can't help it. You're distracting."

Suddenly, Amelia's tube got stuck on a rock. She tried to paddle her way out but found herself wedged firmly.

"Great," she muttered. "Now what?" Jake grinned, already climbing out of his tube. "Don't worry, I've got you."