Stardust Chords || Greta Van Fleet

Chapter 6: The Perfect Setup

Jake's P.O.V

I couldn't believe it was the first show of the tour and we were already late.

Looking around, I saw the old backstage clock, holding on for dear life as its lights barely glowed a taunting "9:10." We should have started ten minutes ago but instead they had us in an interview that wasn't going anywhere. I swear if I had to listen to one more person compare us to another band...

I quickly made my way backstage now seeing that the rest of the guys were already there, set up and ready to go as if I couldn't feel any worse.

"Sorry. Here." I quickly said, avoiding Jewel's eyes as I made my way past, grabbing my guitar, and positioning it into place. I always tried to make a good first impression when we were working with a new team and I already felt like I was blowing it, especially after how much effort she put into making sure my setup was just the way I liked it. I leaned into it closely, trying my best to tune it only to realize that it was already perfectly tuned.

No one else had ever cared that much before.

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

I kept my eyes down, trying my best to stay focused. The first show was always the worst. You never knew how it was going to go, if everything you worked for for the past few months was going to come together exactly how you envisioned it, if the team you had behind you was able to make it come to life.

We took our spots, peeking over at each other as we took in the roaring of the crowd from behind the curtain. The reveal was Josh's idea, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't appreciate the dramatics too. Growing up, you always dreamt of moments like this when you played the little bars; now we were living it.

And I was going to soak in every minute of it.

Then the curtain fell, and every nerve within me washed away with the raging riptide of the boisterous screaming. I was suddenly aware of my face hurting from smiling so big. This was the kind of crowd you dreamed of, and now they were here for us.

I held up my guitar, giving one last pan out to the audience until out of the corner of my eye, I saw Josh shoot me the look, giving me a reassuring nod, and I knew it was time.

And the rest of the night was a blur.
A beautiful, flame-filled blur.

I don't wanna lose this time,
I just wanna let it pass.

Everything was going perfectly as I did another look out to the audience when something caught my eye in the wings. Or rather.. someone. Jewel turned back to face us as whats-his-name stormed off backstage. I was relieved that it was her who had taken over my setup; it only took a few seconds to realize that this guy didn't know what he was doing, now making me wonder how he even got this job.

But when she turned back to face me, I felt the nerves take over again, nerves I hadn't felt in years, and hoped I would never feel again. Suddenly it was like I was under a microscope, my every move being scrutinized and judged.

Then, she smiled. And it was like my whole body was ignited. What was happening? We would have to make a note to turn down the fire in the next show.
I quickly shook the thought, turning back towards the crowd, and continued to play.

As the set eventually drew to a close, the crowd erupted into another boisterous wave of cheering and applause. I took one last mental note of the crowd, doing my best to remember each and every one of their faces, knowing I'd be dreaming of them tonight when I crammed myself back into that tiny bunk on our tour bus once again.

One by one we took our bows and made our way backstage where finally I could breathe again. Until I saw Jewel.
"That was awesome!" She yelled. Sam didn't hesitate to reach out, grabbing her hand and giving it a tight squeeze. I ignored the quick pang I felt in my stomach.
"And this was one of the smaller nights!" He exclaimed. Josh shook his head, giving her a subtle grin.

"Don't listen to him, this is insane for a first night. But it was an amazing show." He said, and he couldn't be more right. That was a once-in-a-lifetime show, and we would be so lucky if we ever experienced a crowd like that ever again. Jewel then moved on, taking his hand in celebration.
"Either way, keep 'em coming, we'll be ready." She said, flashing him a smile. There was that pang again. He nodded, his smile growing.

And then something came over me as I quickly leaned in, grabbing her hand and pulling her in closer, now talking into her ear.
"My setup was perfect, thanks for not letting him touch it." I laughed, smirking back at her as I moved away. She smiled back at me and it felt like I was back out onstage surrounded by the flames again.
"No problem." She mouthed back. I quickly looked around, looking for any trace of what's his name before letting out a deep sigh.

"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 nodded, my smile growing, thankful for times like these when he could ease the tension. I prayed it wasn't too obvious, but even if it was, that was something he and I could talk about later.

She looked around at all of us, making me wonder if she was just trying to think of a way out of it. I felt my face get hot again. I should've known better. We worked together, it's not like we were friends, she was good to us because that was her job.

"Y-yeah, yeah that sounds fun, where do you guys-"
"Where are we going?" I then heard, an arm suddenly reaching around her shoulder and pulling her up against him. Another sharp pang of jealousy radiated throughout my body, my face dropping, but I was quick to force a smile.

"Just out for drinks." I said nonchalantly. "But.. if you're not up for it-"
"No, that sounds fun. We'll meet you out there." He said. It took everything in me to keep my eyes from rolling out of my head.
"Great." I muttered, peeking back over at Jewel before heading backstage. The rest of the guys were quick to follow, the sounds of their footsteps eager to catch up with me as I made my way down the hall.

"So, not a fan of the boyfriend?" Josh asked, playfully nudging me as we got back to the dressing rooms, shutting the door behind us. I shrugged, avoiding his eyes.
"I didn't say that."
"You didn't have to." He laughed. I felt my face get hot. Was it obvious?
"I'm sure he's fine." I said simply, now taking off my jacket and hanging it back up.

"You invited her to go out for drinks." He said. I nodded, keeping my eyes down.
"Mhm." I muttered. "I was just being nice."
"You're never nice." He laughed. I couldn't help but smile, smirking back over at him.
"I'm always nice."
"Sure." He sighed, playfully rolling his eyes. "But I haven't seen it in a long time."
"Shut up." I said, now changing out of my dress pants. He nodded, giggling to himself again.

"Do you want to talk about it?" He asked. I bit down on my lip, shaking my head.
"There's nothing to talk about." I said simply. I heard him giggle again.
"Whatever you say, Jake." He sang, finishing up and making his way back out into the hallway. I hesitated for a moment before zipping up my suitcase and going over to the vanity where I could see my undeniably blushing face in the mirror.

It was just hot out there.
We'd fix the fire for the next show.