Stardust Chords || Greta Van Fleet

Chapter 17: Happy

The backstage area buzzed with frantic energy as I moved swiftly among the tangled cords and hastily stacked equipment. Each step echoed with anticipation, the thrum of bass and the occasional riff of a guitar snuck through the walls, teasing what was to come. I truly relished in these moments; being behind the scenes, knowing that, soon, the crowd would be electrified by the same music I adored.

"Hey Jewel.." I then heard from behind me. I turned to see Josh peeking in from the hallway, flashing a timid grin.
"Hey, everything okay?" I asked, now realizing that Josh had never really asked me for anything. Typically the singer was always the most demanding. I guess they were all filled with surprises.

"Oh, y-yeah, yeah.. I'm fine, I just.. well.." He stuttered, eventually motioning for me to come to him. I quickly made my way over, leaning in close.
"What's going on?" I whispered, picking up on his need for discretion. He let out a deep sigh, avoiding my eyes.

"I was just wondering if.. I look okay." He muttered. I couldn't help but smile, smirking back at him.
"Of course you look okay." I assured him. "You look great. Why?" He shrugged, now bringing his attention to Avery who stood just down the hall, gathered around the rest of the sound guys. My smile grew.

"Ah.." I nodded. He rolled his eyes, trying his best to contain his embarrassed grin.
"Yeah, so.. I look fine?"
"I told you, you look great." He nodded.
"Thanks."
"Have you talked to him yet?" I pried, loving the idea of another romance on tour. Noah and I were far from romantic, so it would be nice for there to be something worth getting excited about again. He shook his head, keeping his eyes on him

"No, that's what this would be." He said, letting out a deep sigh. I could tell he was nervous, which was a huge change from the guy I saw on stage the other night. It was amazing how easily people could turn it on when they performed, but then once they got off stage..

"Well, I don't see why he wouldn't like you." I said softly, looking around to make sure our conversation was still just between us. The last him and I talked, he had mentioned the rest of the guys weren't exactly in the loop in the same way that I was, and I wanted to keep it that way for him.

Until he was ready.

"I just don't want to make anything weird." He muttered. "You know, if that's not something he's into."
"Well, he'd be crazy not to like you." I assured him. He smile grew.
"Thanks, Jewel." He sighed, holding his stare on Avery, all the while his feet stayed cemented to the floor. He was stalling.

"So what about you?" He asked.
"What about me?"
"How are you and.. Noah?" I felt my cheeks burn, remembering our interactions at the bar, wishing that I could forget.
"We're fine." I said simply, avoiding his eyes.
"You know, you can talk to me too, Jewel." He said softly, giving me a gentle smile as I brought my attention back to him. It was contagious. I hesitated for a moment, wondering just how far our discretion went.

"I guess things could be better." I finally said. "But.. that's just how things go, right? When you're together for so long, you just get.. comfortable." He nodded, staying quiet for a moment.
"I'm sure you get comfortable, but.." He trailed off.
"What?"
"But you should still be happy." My stomach dropped.
"I.. I am happy." I said, more so trying to convince myself. He held his stare on me.

"Can I tell you something?" He eventually asked. I nodded.
"And.. I don't want to overstep or anything. We're friends, and.. I just.. well, I'd want someone to tell me."
"What is it?" I asked, feeling my heart beat faster. He let out a deep sigh, avoiding my eyes as he ran his fingers through his hair.