Falling Between the Notes (Nicholas Galitzine Fanfic)

Chapter 18: Tangled Lines and Blurred Boundaries

Jade's pov.

The afterparty was in full swing, lights pulsing to the beat of the music, a steady hum of laughter and conversation swirling around me. I sipped my drink, the celebratory energy in the air making it hard to keep the smile off my face. The first show had been a success—a massive, exhilarating rush of adrenaline that had left me buzzing. Harry and I had nailed every performance, and the crowd's roar still echoed in my ears.

But there was a part of me that couldn't shake the nagging thought in the back of my mind—Nick. The day had been long and emotional, but throughout it all, I hadn't heard from him much. Just a few texts, none of them acknowledging how big this night was for me. A simple "good morning" was all I got. No good luck message. Nothing about the show. Just silence.

It stung more than I wanted to admit.

I scrolled through my phone, checking my messages again, half hoping to see something from him. But instead, my phone buzzed in my hand, and a new message popped up on the screen.

Nick: "What's this picture of you and Harry hugging?"

My stomach twisted, the warmth from the celebration fading into something colder. That was what he wanted to talk about? Not the show, not how I felt about this massive night—just a picture of Harry hugging me? I felt my blood simmer, the frustration bubbling up before I could stop it.

Seriously? I thought, gritting my teeth. This was the first thing he had to say after a monumental night in my career?

I stared at the screen, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. My heart raced, not from excitement this time, but from irritation. I couldn't help myself as I fired back, the words spilling out of me before I could even think.

Me: "Are you serious right now? My first show and you don't text me to wish me luck, but you can ask about a picture? Especially when you were spotted with some girl, and I didn't say a word."

I bit my lip, waiting for his reply, the seconds dragging out longer than they should have. Part of me wanted to let it go, but the other part—the part that felt ignored—was too riled up to stay silent. He'd been spotted with some girl, and I'd chosen to stay quiet, trusting him. But if he wanted to pick a fight over a harmless hug, then fine. Two could play this game.

Nick's response was slower this time.

Nick: "That's not the same. The girl in the picture was just someone from set. It wasn't like that."

Just someone from set? I scoffed at his weak response, my irritation mounting. He was dodging the question, and we both knew it. If he wanted to act like that, fine. But I wasn't about to let this fight ruin my night.

I took a deep breath, forcing the tension out of my body as best as I could. I couldn't deal with this right now. Not when the party was still in full swing, and I had more important things to focus on.

Me: "I'm not doing this right now. Enjoy the rest of your night."

I tossed my phone into my bag, not bothering to wait for his next response. I wasn't going to waste any more of my energy on this. Not tonight.

I spotted Harry across the room, chatting and laughing with some of our crew. He caught my eye, his smile widening as he beckoned me over. I made my way through the crowd, letting the familiar comfort of his presence wash over me.

"Hey," he said, handing me another drink. "You alright? You disappeared there for a second."

I forced a smile, trying to shake off the tension that still clung to me. "Just... dealing with some stuff."