Comeback (Sequel to 'Before the Storm')

Chapter 26: Concerts & TMIs

Joe's POV

The roar of the crowd was deafening as I belted out the final notes. Sweat dripped down my face, my shirt clinging to my back, but the adrenaline coursing through my veins made me feel invincible.

She was here, just as she had been all night, watching from the pit in the crowd. Our eyes met, and I felt a jolt of electricity as Ally gave me a small, secret smile.

Throughout the show, I had found myself stealing glances at her between songs, during Kevin's guitar solos, even mid-lyric.

As we took our final bow, Kevin tossed his pick into the crowd, and I practically sprinted offstage.

Backstage, the air was thick with the post-show energy, people running around, packing up equipment, and crew members hustling between conversations.

I spotted Ally talking to one of the sound techs, laughing.

I watched her for a moment, the way her hair fell across her face, the way her smile lit up the space around her.

"Hey," I said, sidling up to her, my voice hoarse from the performance, "Enjoy the show?"

“Always do. Though I think the lead singer was a bit distracted tonight. Kept looking off to the pit for some reason.”

I felt a flush creep up my neck.

"Can you blame him? The view was pretty spectacular.”

Ally rolled her eyes, but her smile widened.

“Smooth talker. You need to cool down after all that, rock star?”

She held out a bottle of water, teasing me with a grin.

“Thanks,” I said, taking it with a smile, “But I can think of better ways to cool down.”

Ally’s eyebrow quirked up, her mischievous glint dancing in the dim backstage light.

“Oh yeah? Care to elaborate on that?”

Before I could respond, Kevin’s voice cut through the moment.

“What are you two doing here? Let’s hit the dressing room for some drinks.”

I groaned, reluctantly stepping back as I shot Ally a wink.

“This conversation isn’t over.”

She laughed, giving me a playful shove toward the dressing room, the sound of her laughter lingering behind me as I followed Kevin.

---

Ally's POV

The post-concert buzz filled the dressing room as they all began to wind down.

Still riding the high from the show, Joe peeled off his sweat-soaked shirt and reached for a clean one.

I was perched on the arm of a sofa, trying to keep my gaze from lingering too long on his bare torso as he stretched, my thoughts drifting for a moment.

"Ally, have you seen my blue shirt?" Joe’s voice brought me back to reality.

He glanced around the room, not noticing the suspicious look Dani and Nick exchanged.

I quickly scanned the area, picking it up from the chair across the room.

“Here,” I said, walking over to him.

I handed him the shirt, my fingers brushing his arm as I did so.

Dani’s and Nick’s eyes were on us instantly. Both had narrowed their gazes, though they were doing their best to hide their curiosity.