Tethered (Book Two of The Invisible String Series)

Pre-Show Jitters

Y/N POV

"Y/N, can I get a final soundcheck on your mic, please? James fixed the feedback issue earlier and I just want to make sure we're up and running smoothly before tonight's show."

With a nod I stand as still as I can while one of the sound guys hooks me up to my mic. There's only just a few hours before the show starts and my pre-show nerves are starting to kick in, so I'm a little antsy and have to keep apologizing to the poor soul that's trying to ensure I don't get electrocuted during the show.

Despite having done this a thousand and one times, playing for large crowds always makes me a bit nervous. I don't think I'll ever be able to break myself free from the jitters. Plus I'm due for a video chat back home before I go on tonight and I'm just itching to see my girls, making me more antsy than I need to be for the poor tech guy.

I know I've only been gone a few days, and that I just spoke to them last night, but I already miss them like crazy. It's hell being away from them, like I'm walking around without a piece of my soul. I'm also hoping that seeing and speaking to them will help to calm my nerves a bit.

When I'm successfully hooked up and I'm given the all clear from the booth, I go through the usual motions of walking around the stage and speaking random things into my mic, listening for any issues or cuts in the audio. Thankfully everything seems to be working correctly this time around and soon enough I'm free to go do as I please until show time in just a few hours, so I scurry backstage and into my dressing room, grabbing my computer along the way to the very comfortable couch that I'd found was an excellent place to nap these past couple of days. 

It doesn't take very long for the video call to go through, and I automatically find myself smiling brightly as Olivia's face appears on the screen. "It's about damn time!"

I chuckle to myself. "Well hello to you, too. I'm doing great, thanks for asking."

The teenager rolls her eyes, but I manage to see the small smile that she cracks just as the background changes, making me realize that I'm being carried around the house by said teenager. "I think you missed your true calling, Mama. You should have been a comedian."

I let out a snort at that comment and let myself relax back into the couch after placing the laptop on the small coffee table in front of me.

"Thanks. I always knew I was hilarious. How was school?"

"Eh. Boring as usual. I think we're supposed to be going on some end-of-the-year trip next week, though."

"Sounds exciting. I used to love school trips. It was a great way to make out with girls outside of school."

Liv laughs just as she moves to plop down onto the living room couch, and as another familiar face scoots into frame. "'Sup, loser?"

"Why are you in my house, Scar?"

The blonde gives me a glare, her mouth dropping open slightly for that signature Scarlett Johansson dramatics we all know and love. For some odd reason. "We haven't spoken in three days and that's how you greet your best friend?"

"You literally just called me a loser. Also I texted you this morning."

Scar not-so-subtly flips me the bird, which only causes me to laugh loudly. Just like with Lizzie and Olivia, I've missed my best friend more than I can imagine. And it sucks knowing that the wedding planning is going on without me and that I can only offer my opinion here and there, despite being the maid of honor. "Whatever. I'm here to watch the livestream of your show, like the supportive best friend that I am. AND I've been keeping an eye on your child and fiancée so– you're welcome."