Stardust Chords || Greta Van Fleet

Chapter 15: For Us

As we finally returned inside, I felt Jake's hand on my arm, motioning back towards the bar.
"You want me to grab his drink?" He joked, peeking over at the booth. I shook my head, rolling my eyes.
"No, he doesn't need it. He'll be fine." He nodded, giggling to himself.
"How about you?" He asked. I held my stare on him, thinking of a few other things I wanted right now. But another drink would have to do.
"Sure." I said, flashing him a smile before heading back over to our table.

"I thought we were going to have to send out a search party!" Josh called out, waving me down. "What, did you guys smoke the whole pack? Maybe you guys should quit." I shook my head, playfully rolling my eyes as I slid back into the booth.
"We weren't gone that long." I laughed, now feeling my cheeks burn with embarrassment, having lost track of time myself, just like I always did when I was with him.

I then peeked back over towards the bar and my stomach dropped, my entire body going cold. I couldn't remember the last time I had felt like this, if I had ever to this extent before.

In just the time it took to get back to our booth, a girl had found her way over to Jake, now chatting him up, way too close for comfort. For me at least. Closer than I had ever been to him. And now there was a rage building inside me with every smile, every laugh, wondering what he could possibly be saying that was so funny.

Why was he making her laugh so much?

"Jewel.." I heard from behind me, his voice tired and slurred. But I just couldn't take my eyes off of the two of them, now feeling like I was about to snap the moment she placed her hand on his chest. He flashed her a toothy grin, carefully moving away as the bartender slide the drinks into his hands. He gave her a friendly nod before making his way back over to us. I quickly slid further into the booth, avoiding his eyes as I turned back to Noah who was now slumped over, leaning up against the wall.

"What?" I asked sternly. He flashed me a tired smile, reaching up, gently touching my cheek. I couldn't remember the last time he was affectionate with me, not sober at least. Not when he'd actually remember it.

"Did you get me my drink?" He asked. I shook my head, bringing my attention forward again.
"No, you can barely hold your head up. You're good." I said. He let out a deep sigh, followed by an annoyed groan. I knew what was about to happen.
"I'm fine, Jewel!" He said, his voice now getting louder. My cheeks burned red as I cringed, hating when he got like this.
"Clearly you're not fine, Noah." I said, angrier than I intended, but I just couldn't shake the pang of anger that still lingered.

"I think we're all good, actually." Josh chimed in, trying his best to ease the tension. I appreciated it, but I knew it was no use.
"Forget it, I'll just get my own." He snapped, motioning for me to get out. I glared back at him for a moment before turning back to Jake.
"Excuse me." I muttered, avoiding his eyes. I could sense the uncomfortableness that now filled the table, and all I wanted was to get back to our bus and hide away in our bunk.

Just like always, the perfect night was ruined in minutes.

"Sure." Jake said softly, sliding over and letting me out. Noah pushed past both of us, stumbling his way back up to the bar.
"Hey, um.. you okay?" Jake mumbled to me, leaning in close. My heart jumped at the feeling of his breath on my neck, but I quickly moved away, trying my best to hide my blushing face.
"Fine." I muttered, despite being anything but. He gave me a questioning look. And as if things couldn't get any worse..

"Hey, Jake!" I heard, the woman from the bar now making her way back over to him. I let out a deep sigh, turning away, but stayed within earshot, needing to know how far he was allowing this to go. And if it was far enough, then I guess we had shared our last cigarette together.