Stardust Chords || Greta Van Fleet

Chapter 14: Linger

Jake's P.O.V

We followed closely behind as Jewel and Noah led us into the bar, shaking off what we could of the rain that had started just as we pulled up. I looked around, wondering what the odds would be of me and Jewel getting some more time alone tonight, if I could just shake off her boyfriend.

"Alright, what are we all drinking?" Josh called out, looking around at everyone, but not before quickly shooting me a wide-eyed look, motioning towards Jewel. I instantly felt my face get hot in embarrassment, but I knew what he was implying.

As hard as he tried, he was the worst when it came to being subtle.

"Don't worry, I'll get ours." Noah said smugly, heading towards the bar. Even his voice got under my skin. I quickly waved him off, not wanting to waste any opportunities to be that much closer to Jewel.

"Oh, no it's okay, I got it." I said, stepping forward and waving Noah off. I leaned in close to her.
"Martini?" I asked. She nodded, flashing me an adorable grin.
"Y-yeah. Thanks." She said. I nodded, my smile growing as I followed Josh to the bar.

"How was that?" Josh whispered, peeking back at Jewel.
"Yeah, that was fine." I laughed, rolling my eyes. "Maybe be a little less obvious next time."
"Oh, I was fine. You should be thinking of these things yourself. You're the one who likes her."
"Shut up." I muttered, unable to contain my now flustered grin.

I don't know what it was I was feeling. We barely knew each other, not nearly enough to like her, but there was no doubt that whenever she was around I couldn't think straight. Suddenly nothing else mattered that didn't revolve around her opinion of me. And I hated it. But the second she flashed me that alluring smile, I knew I'd do whatever it took to make sure it never went away; that if she was going to stare at anyone, it was going to be me.

I just had to make sure I gave her something to stare at.

We didn't have to wait long before they slid the drinks in front of us and we made our way back over to them. She watched me the entire time. It took everything in me to not stumble and send the drinks flying everywhere.

I quickly handed Noah his usual Jack and Coke before carefully handing Jewel her martini.
"Thank you." She mouthed back to me over the music. I nodded before following the guys over to a booth on the other side of the bar.

"You guys go on the other side." I muttered to Josh, motioning towards one of booths in the back. He nodded, keeping his eyes forward. Maybe he could be subtle when it matters.

The table was covered in candles, leaving us all in their romantic glow; the perfect setting for a first date. If only my brothers weren't here. And her boyfriend. I'd have to make do with what I had.

The night faded into a blur of small talk, minor details filling the air that I mentally wrote down as to remember everything about her that I could. All I wanted was to know more, because the more I knew, the less crazy I'd appear feeling this way about a total stranger.

"So, when's the wedding?" Sam eventually asked. My entire body went cold. Josh's face instantly dropped, quickly shooting me a look before bringing his attention back to Jewel, forcing a smile.
"Great question." Noah chimed in, tossing back the rest of his drink. Every time he spoke I felt a pang of anger in my stomach. Jewel looked up at him confused, as if this was the first she was hearing of it too.
"Is it?" She asked. He nodded, staring back down at her with dazed eyes.
"I mean, we aren't getting any younger, are we?" He asked, leaning in closer to her. My stomach dropped. I quickly turned away before he did anything else I wouldn't want to see.