Falling Between the Notes (Nicholas Galitzine)

Chapter 50: Short N' Sweet (Pt. 2)

Jade's pov.

The stage lights pulsed, casting a sea of colors over the massive crowd. The energy in the arena was electric, the kind of buzz that made every nerve in my body hum. I gripped the microphone, taking a step forward as the first beats of the next song echoed through the space.

"Dublin, how's it going?!" I shouted, my voice ringing out above the music.

The roar of the crowd was deafening, an exhilarating wave of sound that washed over me. Thousands of voices screamed in unison, their energy feeding into mine and creating a loop of adrenaline that had me grinning from ear to ear. This was what I lived for—this connection, this rush.

As the cheers began to subside, I took a moment to soak it all in, the dazzling lights reflecting off the shimmering outfit I wore. My feet moved instinctively to the beat, but my thoughts drifted, just for a second, to the journey that had brought me back here.

The holidays were over. My peaceful, snow-draped escape with Nick in Telluride already felt like a distant dream. Now, I was on the European leg of the tour—fourteen shows in iconic cities across the continent, starting with Dublin. The 3Arena was packed to capacity tonight, and I could feel the weight of it. This was just the beginning of another chapter, one I'd been craving and dreading all at once.

But Nick wasn't here.

The thought brought a brief pang to my chest, one I quickly buried under the exhilaration of the moment. He couldn't make it to the first few shows. An incredible opportunity had come up—a chance to audition for a major role in a film that could change everything for him. The auditions were in New York, and we both knew he couldn't pass it up. He'd encouraged me, as always, and promised to join me later in the tour. Still, his absence felt like a missing piece of the puzzle.

I pushed the thought aside as the band launched into the intro of the next song. My dancers moved into position behind me, and I felt my body take over, sliding seamlessly into the routine we'd practiced countless times. 

Oh, I leave quite an impression
Five feet to be exact
You're wonderin' why half his clothes went missin'
My body's where they're at...

The crowd erupted, their hands in the air as the rhythm drove them into a frenzy. My dancers appeared behind me, their movements sharp and seductive, perfectly matching the song's disco-infused vibe. I moved with them, our synchronized steps amplifying the song's bold attitude.

I couldn't help but grin as I hit the chorus, the cheeky lyrics rolling off my tongue with playful confidence.

I heard you're back together, and if that's true
You'll just have to taste me when he's kissin' you...

The lights exploded in a kaleidoscope of colors, casting the arena in vibrant hues as the audience sang along with every word. This wasn't just a performance—it was a celebration of empowerment, and Dublin was here for every second of it.

As the song ended, I stood at center stage, my chest heaving as the cheers washed over me. "Dublin," I called into the mic, my voice playful and teasing. "You're incredible. But we're just getting started."

The intro to Good Graces began, its bouncy beat immediately setting the crowd into motion. I stepped back into the choreography, my movements light and playful, perfectly reflecting the song's sassy tone.

Boy, it's not that complicated
You should stay in my good graces
Or I'll switch it up like that...

I twirled, my dress catching the light as I pointed out toward the crowd, their faces alight with joy. The dancers flanked me, their moves effortless yet sharp, adding layers to the performance. I could feel the connection with the audience deepening as the infectious chorus hit, their voices rising in unison.