Stardust Chords || Greta Van Fleet

Chapter 5: Cohesive Masterpiece

Later That Night

I anxiously waited backstage as the roaring of the crowd began to grow louder and louder. We were already a few minutes past showtime, making me wonder if they were the type of guys who made a habit of being late.

That would be hard to get used to.

Eventually, I felt a tap on my shoulder, to which I turned around to be greeted with a wide grin from Josh, who quickly scurried past me to get to his place in the wings.
"Sorry, sorry, sorry.." He giggled. I couldn't help but smile, shaking my head.
"Is this a habit or a one-time thing?" I asked. He shrugged, smirking back at me. I nodded.
"Got it."

"It's okay, we're ready to go." Sam added, following behind Josh, grabbing his bass and lifting it over his head. He adjusted his strap before flashing me a big smile.
"You know, our old manager-"
"We're not gonna make her chase us around." Danny laughed. "Sorry about that. Won't happen again." I nodded, now looking around for Jake.
"Don't worry, he's coming." Josh smirked, winking at me.

"Alright, it's just when we run late we risk the venue-"
"Sorry. Here." Jake said, quickly making his way past me, grabbing his guitar. He was flustered, keeping his eyes down as he leaned in close, trying his best to listen as he tuned, though I knew there was no way he could hear anything over the crowd.

"Okay, let's have a good show!" Josh shouted, grabbing Jake by the shoulders and shaking him until he eventually forced out a smile.
"There he is, now let's go!"

I watched them all make their way out onto the stage, getting into position as the music began to play. Peeking out through the wings, I could see the girls from this morning, tightly gripping the barricade, the excitement in their eyes, growing as the music got louder, the lights began to flash, the entire arena erupting into applause until the curtain finally fell and it was like nothing I had ever seen before.

They stood there, taking it all in, beaming from ear to ear as they panned the crowd, as if trying their best to look each and every one of them in the eye. It was beautiful, seeing them actually live in the moment rather than treat it like just another day at the office. I had worked with bands like that, where this was merely a job to them, but you could see it in their eyes, this was their dream and it came true every night.

I guess I could overlook them being late once or twice.

And then Jake held up his guitar, fingers in place as if taunting the audience. They chanted and screamed, and when he had finally heard enough, the music began. The beating of the drums pulsating through my body, the guitar's electric waves carrying through the air, and then Josh began to sing.

I've been handed a quite demanding and
Hardly standing, lie to tell
Life is sorted and never thwarted, it's
Just supported by being well.

They were incredible; my eyes dancing across the stage, unable to focus on any one of them for too long without fear of missing something else. It was like they were all putting on their own show, all the while part of a cohesive masterpiece. They were made for each other.

They were art in themselves.

"Show offs." I heard from behind me. I turned around to see Noah standing there, arms crossed and stone-faced as he watched them, no doubt the raging jealousy coursing through his veins. I could sense it from a mile away.

"Is it showing off or are they just that good?" I asked, giggling to myself. I then felt his stare on me, his eyes like daggers.
"Look at him, you're telling me that's just part of the show?" He said, motioning back out towards the stage. I turned back around to see Jake now playing the guitar behind his head, having never missed a beat.

I couldn't say it wasn't impressive.

"Are you saying you can't do that?" I asked, knowing damn well he couldn't. Noah was lucky if he could play and sing at the same time. He shot me another look.
"Anyone could do that." He muttered. "It's not that impressive." I nodded, bringing my attention back to the stage.

I don't know what had come over me, but there was just something different about tonight; the energy was different. It was.. uplifting and inspiring and.. beautiful. I didn't have room for any of Noah's negativity, not when I was now surrounded by all of this.

It didn't take more than another song to force Noah backstage again, I'm sure pretending like he had something much more important to attend to. I was relieved to get to watch the rest of the set alone.

My eyes jumped around again, watching carefully as Josh made his way down to the crowd, greeting as many of them as he could manage, now handing out roses from the shoulders of one of their security guards. It was adorable how much they enjoyed interacting with the crowd, making them feel like they were just as much a part of the show.

And I think to the guys, they truly were.

Then slowly but surely, my gaze made its way back, watching intently as Jake effortlessly glided around the stage; he was just.. so captivating. The way his fingers deftly danced across the strings, his intense concentration, the subtle expressions that accompanied each and every note. It was like he was lost in his own little world, one that we were all just lucky to catch a glimpse of. The way he adjusted his guitar strap between songs, the quick smiles he shared with his brothers, the quiet intensity in his eyes when he soloed..

I quickly shook the thought, feeling my face start to get hot. I'd have to make a note to turn down the fire in the next show. I tightly crossed my arms, trying my best to shield myself from the intense warmth that was now spreading through me.

As the set eventually drew to a close, the crowd erupted into another boisterous wave of applause. I managed a professional smile, clapping along at a job well done. If they played like this every night, this would be one of my easiest jobs yet.

I watched as one by one they took their bows, their eyes scanning the crowd once again until they finally made their way back into the wings with one final wave farewell.

"That was awesome!" I yelled over the continuous cheering. I couldn't tell you the last time we had a crowd like this, still wanting more despite their two encores. Sam held out his hand, grabbing mine and giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"And this was one of the smaller nights!" He beamed. I couldn't even imagine. It got crazier than this? Josh shook his head, flashing me a tired grin.

"Don't listen to him, this is insane for a first night. But it was an amazing show." I nodded, taking his hand as he followed behind Sam, giving it a tight celebratory embrace.
"Either way, keep 'em coming, we'll be ready." I assured him. He nodded, his smile growing.

And then finally, Jake made his way back, grabbing my hand and pulling me in closer, talking into my ear.
"My setup was perfect, thanks for not letting him touch it." He laughed, smirking at me as he moved away. I felt my face get hot again, returning an acknowledging grin.
"No problem." I mouthed back. He did a quick look around, no doubt scanning for any sight of Noah, and instantly relaxed when he realized he was nowhere to be found.

"So, um.. I don't know if this is allowed or not, but.. um.. well, after the show we like to go out for drinks and-"
"Oh! Yeah you should definitely come out with us!" Josh yelled. "You're one of us now. You have to come out." I couldn't help but smile, peeking around at them all, searching for any sense of reluctance. I knew how it was, the bands always skeptical to hang out with "upper management," but they seemed genuine enough.

And it was just a few drinks right?

"Y-yeah, yeah that sounds fun, where do you guys-"
"Where are we going?" I heard from behind me, an arm suddenly reaching around my shoulder and pulling me up against him. My stomach dropped. I instantly saw Jake's face drop, but was quick to recover with a subtle smile.

"Just out for drinks, but.. if you're not up for it-"
"No, that sounds fun. We'll meet you out there." Noah said, in his usual fake tone. I knew the last thing he wanted to do was spend any more time with these guys than he had to. Why was he doing this now?

"Great." Jake said, peeking over at me before following the rest of the guys through the wings.