Damn, You're Cute (Michael Clifford)

Chapter 79

Before you read, I'd like to apologize for how long it took me to update. I was having some writing trouble, plus my computer got a virus. Then my sports team started and it was all just very hectic. I'm so sorry to everyone who I made wait and hopefully you're still with me on this story :) <3

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The venue was larger than I expected, stretching a few hundred feet farther than I ever imagined. I was taken back by how spacious the garage was since it sat unnoticed on the street corner with a flickering orange sign out front. The venue had a high ceiling and a flat, gray floor that led to the raised platform where the boys would perform. Against the walls there were venders filling carts and tables with different products, giving the feel of a large coffee shop. It seemed as if the owner had gotten small businesses to set up around the stage to make some easy money.

Not many people were present, only a few men milling around as they dealt with wires for the microphones or the venders who were unpacking boxes. I assumed that when it got later in the day, more people would show up. It would be awful if I was the only one watching the band play in this big room.

Michael seemed in awe of the space as well. He didn't know that the garage would be so huge either. Hopefully, people would fill the space, giving the boys a crowd that they deserve. If I was popular enough, I could have texted people to come and watch, but my friends mainly consisted of the band itself.

"Michael!" I heard a voice call from the raised platform which sat against the far wall. A teenage boy placed a stool in front of one of the microphones before stepping down to meet us. "I'm glad you made it!"

"I wouldn't pass up an opportunity like this," Michael grinned, flashing his teeth at the boy. He was only a little taller than me, though much shorter than Michael with brown hair that swept across his forehead in messy, curled sections. One lock fell in his eyes, giving attention to his almost gray irises that were mellow as clouds instead of stormy and dark. He stood in front of us in a patterned, button down shirt and cargo shorts.

"Good, because you know my dad. He doesn't have just any band come and play. He's expecting a lot, but I told him how great you guys are," he said to Michael, unhelpfully raising the stress level immensely. I assumed that the boy's father owned the garage rental space. I watched as Michael arched his eyebrows, nodding quickly.

He nervously rubbed his palms together and looked around the room, now seeing a much more intimidating stage than he did before.

"Hopefully he'll like us," Michael tried not to frown. The boy only smiled, seeming to have no problem putting his faith in Michael's hands.

"Well, we're setting up the stage for you guys. It should be ready soon," he told us while attempting to sneak his first glance at me. His soft eyes flicked to my face rather indiscreetly before returning to Michael's. "I'd say you'll be able to go on in an hour or so."

Michael seemed to notice the boy's curious stare because he introduced us, slinging his arm over my shoulders. "Oh! Leah, this is Kyle. He set up the gig for us."

Kyle nodded at me with a shy, lifted corner of his mouth. I felt his gaze rest on my face, sweeping over my features quickly.

"Nice to meet you," I said sweetly instead of bowing my head in return. Kyle gave off a fun, extroverted vibe and he was all confidence around Michael, but the moment I was introduced, he sunk back in a reserved way.

"You too," he fumbled with one of his shirt buttons. "Have you ever been here before?"

"No, I haven't. But it looks amazing, I can't wait to see it when everyone's here," I told him excitedly. I could imagine the place with a lot of business, people having a good time together.