Falling Between the Notes (Nicholas Galitzine)

Chapter 56: Unwelcome Encounters

Jade's POV

The roar of the crowd still echoed in my ears as I rushed off the stage, handing my microphone to a crew member without breaking stride. My heart pounded, the anxiety from the moment I saw Harry in the crowd refusing to release its grip on me. My hands trembled as I pushed through the narrow backstage corridor, desperate to avoid lingering, desperate to leave before everything spiraled even further out of control.

Nick was waiting, just like I'd asked. His worried eyes found mine the second I stepped into view. The tension in his face was undeniable, and I hated that I was about to add more fuel to the fire.

"Hey, what's wrong?" His voice was soft but firm as he stepped closer, his hand brushing my arm.

I forced a small, shaky smile and shook my head. "I'm not feeling great," I lied, swallowing the lump in my throat. "I just... I want to get back to the bus and get on the road."

Nick's brow furrowed, his eyes scanning my face like he could read the truth beneath my words. "You're not sick," he said, his tone edged with doubt. "What's really going on, Jade?"

"I just don't feel good, okay?" I snapped, harsher than I meant. Guilt gnawed at me as his expression shifted, the hurt flickering in his eyes. But I didn't have time to explain—not now. I brushed past him, my feet moving faster, my escape plan crystallizing with each hurried step.

"Jade!" Leslie's voice cut through the chaos, sharp and commanding. I stopped mid-stride, clenching my fists as I turned to face her.

"What now?" I asked, my voice brittle.

"You need to change before you leave," she said, her clipboard tucked under her arm.

I groaned inwardly, my patience wearing thinner by the second. "I'll change on the bus," I said quickly, spinning back toward the exit.

"No, you won't," Leslie replied, her tone leaving no room for argument. "The team needs the costumes tonight. They have to be cleaned and prepped for Scotland."

I stopped in my tracks, turning to glare at her. "The show's not for two days," I argued. "It can wait."

"Not negotiable," she said flatly, her gaze as unyielding as her tone.

Frustration burned in my chest, but I knew I wasn't going to win this battle. I turned back toward Nick, who was now watching me with a mix of concern and suspicion. "Fine," I muttered. "I'll change."

As I stormed toward the dressing room, Nick was right behind me. I could feel his presence like a shadow, his footsteps quickening to match mine. "Jade," he said again, his voice lower, softer. "What's really going on?"

"Nothing!" I insisted, my voice cracking under the weight of the lie. "I told you, I just want to leave."

Pushing open the dressing room door, I grabbed my duffel bag from the floor and darted into the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind me. My breathing was shallow and quick as I leaned against the counter, gripping its edge like it was the only thing keeping me upright.

"Get it together," I whispered to myself, my voice trembling.

I fumbled with the zipper of my bag, pulling out a pair of black sweatpants and a hoodie. My fingers worked on autopilot as I peeled off the bodysuit, tossing it onto the counter. The reflection in the mirror didn't look like me—her eyes were wide with panic, her expression drawn and pale.

"What is he doing here again?" I muttered, my voice shaking. The image of Harry in the crowd flashed in my mind, the way he looked at me, calm and confident, like he knew exactly what he was doing. Did he know? Did he plan this? Did he think I wanted him there?