Falling Between the Notes (Nicholas Galitzine)

Chapter 51: Past Meets Present

Jade's pov.

-One Week Later-

The sound of raindrops tapping against the window of my hotel room in Manchester mirrored the thoughts swirling in my head. I had a few hours before tonight's show, and instead of focusing on the setlist or vocal warm-ups, my mind was somewhere else entirely—halfway across the world in New York with Nick and somewhere in the past with Harry.

The tour had been incredible so far. Every night, the crowds were loud, the energy infectious, and the rush of being on stage never got old. But there was always this quiet moment afterward, when the applause died down and the adrenaline faded, where I felt the absence of Nick like a missing chord in a song.

I was so proud of him. The second audition was huge—a callback for a movie that could solidify everything he'd been working toward. We talked every day, his excitement pouring through the screen during our FaceTimes. But as much as I supported him, as much as I wanted him to succeed, I couldn't silence the nagging voice in the back of my mind.

The last time we were apart like this—me on tour, him filming a movie—it didn't end well. He'd been in Paris, and I'd been so wrapped up in my own career that I didn't notice the cracks forming. Then Jenna happened.

I shook my head, trying to push the memory away. We'd moved past it. He'd done everything he could to earn back my trust, and I'd chosen to forgive him. But the distance still scared me. It brought out insecurities I thought I'd buried, fears I didn't want to face.

And then there was Harry.

The thought of him alone made my stomach twist in knots, equal parts warmth and guilt. I hadn't spoken to him in so long, but being here in England—so close to where he is from—brought it all back. His laugh, his kindness, the way he made me feel seen even when I didn't realize I needed it.

For the past three days, he'd been on my mind constantly, and as much as I hated to admit it, I wanted to see him. To hug him. To hear his voice.

But why?

I had Nick. I loved Nick. So why was I thinking about Harry now, of all times? Was it just the memories, the nostalgia of being back here? Or was it something deeper, something I was too afraid to name?

I grabbed my phone, opening WhatsApp and creating a group chat. If there was anyone who could help me untangle this mess in my head, it was Ari and Sel.

I named the chat Crisis Hotline and added them both. Almost instantly, a text from Ari popped up.

Ari: What's the drama, babe? I'm in a meeting, but spill it. Sel, you here?

Sel: Here! What's up, love? You okay?

My fingers hovered over the keyboard. How was I supposed to explain this without sounding like a total mess?

Me: Okay, don't freak out, but I've been thinking about Harry.

Ari's reply came in immediately.

Ari: 👀👀👀 Say more.

Sel: Oh, girl. I'm already pouring tea for this.

I sighed, then started typing.

Me: It's just... being back here, in England, it's brought back all these memories. And I don't know why, but I keep thinking about him. Like, I want to see him. And hug him. And it's confusing as hell because I love Nick, but...

Ari: But Harry was a thing, too. A big thing, if I remember right.

Sel: And let's not forget how sweet he was to you. It makes sense you're feeling this way. Nostalgia is a bitch.