4. The Show Begins

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The next morning, I woke up with a sense of purpose. Today was the first real day of the tour—the first show, but also my first interview with the band. Determined to make it count, I spent extra time getting ready, choosing a sleek black dress that was professional yet stylish. I wanted to stand out, to show that I meant business.

With my notebook and recorder in my bag, I headed to the venue early. It was a massive arena, the kind of place that could hold thousands of fans, and just walking through the front doors gave me a thrill. I was allowed to look around before the band's soundcheck and the scheduled interview, so I took my time exploring the cavernous halls and backstage areas.

The venue was a labyrinth of corridors, dressing rooms, and equipment storage. As I wandered through the maze, I quickly realized I had no idea where I was going. Every turn seemed to lead me further away from where I needed to be. My confidence from earlier began to wane as frustration set in.

Just as I was about to double back and try to retrace my steps, I rounded a corner and nearly collided with someone. Stepping back, I looked up to see Alex Turner standing there, his expression a mix of surprise and annoyance.

"Lost, are we?" he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

I felt a flush of embarrassment and irritation. "I was just trying to find my way to the stage," I replied, attempting to keep my voice steady.

Alex sighed, looking at me as if I were a particularly slow child. "Well, you're going in the wrong direction. It's this way."

He turned on his heel and started walking, clearly expecting me to follow. I hesitated for a moment, my pride warring with my need for directions, but eventually I fell into step behind him.

As we walked, the silence between us was heavy with tension. Alex didn't bother to slow down or check if I was keeping up, and his attitude only fueled my frustration. When we finally reached the stage, he stopped and turned to face me.

"Try not to get lost again," he said curtly.

I bristled at his condescending tone. "Thanks for the help," I replied, my voice tight with sarcasm.

Alex gave me a once-over, his eyes lingering on my dress. For a moment, something flickered in his expression—was it amusement? Annoyance? I couldn't tell. But whatever it was, it disappeared as quickly as it had come, replaced by his usual aloofness.

"See you at the interview," he said before walking away, leaving me standing there seething.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside me. Alex Turner was infuriating, and his attitude only solidified my determination to do my job and do it well. I couldn't let his behavior throw me off.

The soundcheck was impressive, the band effortlessly filling the empty arena with their powerful sound. Watching them, I couldn't deny their talent, even if Alex's personality left much to be desired.

*

When the soundcheck ended, it was finally time for the interview. I positioned myself in a quiet corner backstage, setting up my recorder and reviewing my notes one last time. I had prepared a series of questions that I hoped would go beyond the typical interview fare, aiming to delve deeper into the band's creative process and personal dynamics.

The band members trickled in, each taking a seat around the small table. Alex arrived last, his expression unreadable. I squared my shoulders and began, determined to keep the conversation professional and engaging.

"Thank you all for taking the time to speak with me today," I started, offering a polite smile. "I'd like to dive right in and talk about the new album. Suck It and See has a very distinct sound compared to your previous work. Can you tell me about the creative process behind it?"

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