Wait, I Recognize You!

Chapter 15

As Billie made her way off the stage, the echoes of the crowd's cheers still vibrating in her ears, a flood of emotions washed over her. The adrenaline of the performance was slowly giving way to a quieter, more intimate feeling—one that had been building all night as she locked eyes with Daphne in the crowd. As much as she loved the thrill of performing for thousands, there was a part of Billie that yearned for something more personal in this moment, something that only Daphne could provide.

Backstage was a whirlwind of activity—crew members hustling to pack up equipment, bandmates exchanging high-fives, and managers talking logistics. But for Billie, all of it was just noise, a blur in the background of her thoughts. She felt the coolness of the air conditioning against her skin, a stark contrast to the warmth and energy of the stage, and it brought her back to the present. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out her phone, her fingers hovering over the screen for just a moment before she started typing.

**Billie:** *Hey. Can you come backstage?*

She stared at the message for a moment before hitting send. It was simple, but there was so much unsaid in those few words. She hoped Daphne would understand—that this wasn't just about wanting to see her after the show, but about needing to be near her, to share in the aftermath of the night's emotional highs.

The seconds ticked by slowly as Billie waited for a reply, her heart pounding in her chest. The sounds of the crew and the lingering cheers from the arena faded into the background as she focused on the screen, willing a response to appear. Then, with a soft buzz, her phone lit up.

**Daphne:** *Of course. I'm on my way.*

A small, relieved smile spread across Billie's face as she read the message. She quickly texted back to let Daphne know where to go, then slipped her phone back into her pocket. The nerves she had felt moments before were still there, but now they were mixed with a warm anticipation, a sense of excitement at the thought of seeing Daphne up close after the emotional intensity of the concert.

Billie moved through the backstage corridors, her feet carrying her almost on autopilot to the quiet room she had reserved for moments like this—when she needed a break from the chaos, a space to breathe and reflect. The room was dimly lit, with a few comfortable chairs, a small table, and a mirror on one wall. It was a stark contrast to the noise and energy just outside, a peaceful retreat where she could be alone with her thoughts—or with someone she cared about.

She didn't have to wait long. The door opened softly, and Billie turned to see Daphne step inside. The moment their eyes met, the noise and chaos of the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in the quiet, intimate space.

"Hey," Billie said softly, her voice barely above a whisper as she crossed the room to meet Daphne.

"Hey," Daphne replied, her eyes searching Billie's face as if trying to gauge her emotions. "You were incredible out there."

Billie smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile that reached her eyes. "Thanks. But all I could think about was you."

The admission hung in the air between them, the weight of Billie's words filling the room with a new kind of tension—one that was charged with unspoken emotions and the connection they had shared throughout the night. Billie reached out, gently taking Daphne's hand in hers, the simple touch sending a shiver down her spine.

"I couldn't stop looking at you," Billie continued, her voice soft and full of meaning. "I was up there singing my heart out, but all I wanted was to be down here with you."

Daphne's eyes softened, and she squeezed Billie's hand. "I'm here now," she said, her voice equally soft, but carrying a warmth that Billie had come to rely on.