Falling Between the Notes (Nicholas Galitzine Fanfic)

Chapter 44: The Holiday Fest Concert

Jade's POV

The backstage area at Madison Square Garden was a whirlwind of activity. Makeup artists and hairstylists buzzed around me, adding the final touches to my look. My heart was racing, my stomach twisting with the familiar pre-show nerves that came before every big performance, but tonight felt different. This wasn't just any concert; it was Madison Square Garden—full to capacity, thousands of faces waiting to see me. And to make it even better, Nick was here, standing just outside the dressing area, waiting to wish me luck.

The hairstylist fluffed the loose waves cascading over my shoulders, while the makeup artist added a final swipe of gloss to my lips. I felt like I was glowing, my skin shimmering under the lights as I took in my reflection. The red sparkly dress hugged me in all the right places, the heart-shaped cutout glinting with rhinestones that caught the light. The festive red gloves with the white fur trim added a playful holiday touch, making me feel like the ultimate Christmas vixen.

"Alright, Jade, you're ready," the makeup artist said, stepping back with a satisfied smile.

Just as she finished, Nick slipped into the dressing room, his eyes lighting up as he took in my look. He crossed the room in a few quick strides, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me close. "You look stunning," he murmured, his voice low and warm, sending a thrill down my spine.

I tilted my head up, meeting his gaze. "You're just saying that because you want something later," I teased, but my heart was pounding at the intensity in his eyes.

Nick grinned, leaning down to brush his lips against mine, a gentle kiss that sent a shiver through me. "Maybe," he whispered, his voice full of playful mischief. "But I mean it, too."

Before he stepped back, his hand slipped down, giving my butt a light, playful slap. I giggled, feeling a blush rise in my cheeks as he winked, his dark eyes twinkling with that familiar, teasing heat. "Go knock 'em dead out there, superstar. And remember—once you're off that stage, you're all mine."

My cheeks flushed, the anticipation thrumming through my veins as he backed out of the room, leaving me to compose myself. His words lingered, filling me with a thrill that matched the buzz of the crowd just outside. I took a deep breath, my pulse racing with a mixture of excitement and something else—a need that simmered under the surface, a promise of what was to come later.

The crew led me to the platform that would lift me onto the stage, and as I took my position, I could hear the deafening cheers of the crowd. My heart pounded in my chest, the roar of the audience vibrating through me, grounding me as the platform began to rise, carrying me up toward the blinding lights.

As I emerged onto the stage, the screams reached a fever pitch, and the energy from the crowd washed over me, dissolving my nerves in an instant. I was here, in the spotlight, and it was time to give them everything I had.

The opening notes of "All I Want for Christmas Is You" filled the air, and I gripped the microphone, smiling as I felt the music take over. The crowd was on their feet, singing along from the first line, and I let their voices mingle with mine, creating this incredible, powerful sound that filled every corner of the arena.

I moved across the stage, my hips swaying in time with the music, my heels clicking against the floor as I worked the crowd. They were fully with me, their energy building with every beat. As I hit the chorus, my backup dancers joined me, moving in perfect synchronization, their movements sharp and fluid, adding a layer of magic to the performance.

The lights danced around us, flickering in shades of red and green, casting a festive glow over the entire arena. The crowd's hands were up, waving and clapping along, their faces alight with joy and excitement. I could feel the heat from the lights, the music, and the collective energy of thousands of people, and it was exhilarating.