Do Me a Favour - Alex Turner

10. Polaroids

After what felt like an eternity, someone finally arrived with a jerrycan of gas. The bus roared back to life, and we were back on the road. The tension that had built up during our unscheduled stop started to dissipate, replaced by a sense of relief.

I took my seat and watched the scenery blur past the window, the signs for Detroit appearing more frequently. The closer we got to the city, the more my anticipation grew. Despite the ups and downs, I was excited to see what the next leg of the tour would bring.

The rest of the band seemed to share my sentiment. Nick, Matt, and Jamie chatted animatedly about the upcoming show, their spirits lifted now that we were back on track. Even Alex seemed slightly less moody, though he still kept to himself.

I tried to focus on the excitement of arriving in Detroit, pushing thoughts of Alex to the back of my mind. Soon, the towering buildings of the city came into view, and the bus wound its way through the streets toward our hotel.

"We're almost there," Nick said, glancing over at me with a grin. "Ready for Detroit?"

"Definitely," I replied, managing a smile. "It'll be good to get off this bus and stretch my legs."

After navigating through the city's traffic, the bus finally pulled up in front of our hotel. We all piled out, grabbing our bags and heading inside. The lobby was bustling with activity, and I felt a renewed sense of energy as I checked in and got my room key.

Once I was settled in my room, I took a moment to freshen up and change into something more comfortable. The room was nice, much more spacious than I had expected, and I appreciated the small luxuries after the cramped bus ride.

I headed back downstairs, meeting up with the band in the lobby. We had a few hours before soundcheck, and everyone seemed eager to explore the city a bit.

"Let's grab some food," Matt suggested, his stomach growling audibly. "I'm starving."

We all agreed, and soon we were wandering through the streets of Detroit, looking for a good spot to eat. The city was vibrant and full of life, and I found myself getting caught up in the atmosphere.

As we settled into a cozy diner, the conversation flowed easily. It was nice to relax and enjoy each other's company without the stress of travel hanging over us. I laughed along with Nick's jokes and listened to Jamie and Matt's stories, feeling more at ease than I had in days.

Alex, however, remained a mystery. He participated in the conversation but seemed distant, his thoughts elsewhere. I couldn't help but steal glances at him, wondering what was going on in his mind.

After lunch, we made our way to the venue for the soundcheck. The space was massive, and I could already imagine it filled with fans, the energy palpable.

The band took the stage, and I found a spot off to the side to watch. As they started to play, I was once again struck by their talent and stage presence. Alex transformed when he performed, his usual guarded demeanor melting away to reveal a passionate and magnetic performer.

He caught my eye a few times during the soundcheck, his gaze lingering for a moment before he looked away. There was something in his eyes, a depth that hinted at more than what he let on. It was infuriating and intriguing all at once.

When the soundcheck ended, we had a few hours before the show. The band scattered to do their own things, and I took the opportunity to explore the venue. I wandered through the backstage area, getting a feel for the place and mentally preparing for the evening ahead.

As I made my way back to the main area, I ran into Alex. He was leaning against the wall, lost in thought. I hesitated for a moment, then decided to approach him.