Stardust Chords || Greta Van Fleet

Chapter 21: Cracks to the Heart

Jake's P.O.V

I anxiously followed the guys into the bar, the flashing lights already hurting my eyes, making me wish we had gone someplace more.. secluded. Especially considering my intentions. Ever since that first night I had gotten Jewel alone, all I wanted to do was end every night with her.

I quickly made my way towards the bar, wanting to make sure that I was the one getting her her drinks all night. It didn't seem like Noah was going to be making an appearance, so I knew that every second counted. The quicker I could make her realize that she enjoyed her time without him, the better.

"Two martinis please." I ordered, having one myself for a change, secretly wanting to see what she loved so much about them and hoping that her choice in significant others held no reflection to her taste in other things.

While I waited, I looked around until finally our eyes met and it was like something was set ablaze within me again, just like it always was when she looked at me. I managed an awkward smile, it escaping from my lips as she smiled back at me, giving me a small wave.

"Are we starting with shots?" Sam called out, waving everyone over as he made himself comfortable at the bar. I carefully carried our drinks over, placing them down before going over and joining the group as one by one the shots were poured and placed in front of us. I couldn't help but smile as Jewel didn't hesitate to grab one, quickly downing it in one fierce swig. I did the same, knowing how much easier it was to talk to her when I had a few in me.

It didn't take long for the bravery to kick in.

I carefully reached over for her, gently placing my hand on her shoulder. She turned around, smirking back at me. I leaned in close, trying my best to talk above the deafening music.
"No Noah tonight?" I asked, praying she'd give me some sort of indication that he had run off, never to be seen again, and then the two of us could live happily ever after.

But I was aware I became a little bit of a hopeless romantic when a I drank. Hence why I relied on it so much. Maybe one of these nights I would be right. She shook her head and my heart jumped, my smile growing.

I would take what I could get.

It didn't take long for the alcohol to make it's way through me, easing any anxieties that overcame me when it came to her, but not without the realization that I'd surely be paying for it tomorrow morning.

But it worked.

Little by little the group broke away, leaving the two of us together. Alone. Part of me wondered if the rest of the guys knew that was my intention the entire time. I'd have to thank them later.

We found our way to a secluded booth towards the back of the bar, where the shadows were darker, the music was quieter, the opportunities of anything happening between us growing that much stronger.

"So tell me.." I said, leaning in closer to her, hoping she'd ignore the fact that my words had started to slur, knowing that I still meant every one of them.
"What?" She asked, leaning her chin upon her hand, holding her stare on me. My smile grew, my face flushing red.
"What made you decide that you want to live on the road?" I asked. "I mean, it can get lonely-"
"Are you lonely?" She said, quick to cut me off. My heart dropped.

I was. And I had been. For a long time. But suddenly I was starting to feel a little less, the more time we spent together.

I eventually shrugged, to which she returned with a quiet giggle, shaking her head at me.
"What's so funny?" I asked. She sighed.
"Because you of all people shouldn't be lonely, Jake." I bit down on my lip, trying my best to contain my grin.