***COMPLETED*** Around the World and Back [A Patty Walters Story]

Chapter 12: "I thought you loved me."

July 5, 2018
Bonner Springs, Kansas

Luke came to take my spot at merch a little early than usual, so I decided to go catch State Champs' set before I went to go meet up with Patty.

I'd always been a fan of them, "Around the World and Back," "All You Are is History," "If I'm Lucky," and "Perfect Score" were among the songs that I had on repeat when Josh and I were going through a lot right before the break up.

But "Living Proof" had just dropped a few weeks ago, and "Mine is Gold" and "Dead and Gone" were two songs that really spoke to me and made me emotional.

I passed Champs' tent on the way to the stage, and Derek was sitting there talking with their merch person after meeting some fans, so I decided to go say hello.

"Hi, Derek," I waved with a smile as he stood up to walk over to me. "I have a little free time before I go meet up with Patty, so I thought I'd come to catch your set today."

"Avery!" He grinned, giving me an awkward side hug, his hand resting on my hip for a second before pulling away. "That's awesome. I don't think I've seen you at a set yet this year," he said as he poked my shoulder. "You're slacking."

I laughed as I slowly pulled away from his hug, not wanting to be rude, but I just didn't want anyone who wasn't Patty putting his hands on my hips.

"I've tried to catch it a few times!" I said in defense as I laughed, pushing my sunglasses on top of my head. "I just couldn't get away from merch, or I wasn't feeling well. But I'm going to today."

He finished the rest of his Coors Light and tossed it in the trash can behind the tent before turning back around.

"I'm about to head over to the stage now, we can go together," he said as he slipped his phone in his pocket. "Let's go."

"Oh, no, it's okay," I said as I walked next to him. "I was just gonna watch from the back of the pit. I have to go meet Patty after-"

"Avery, it's fine," he laughed as he tugged my arm, pulling me along. "You'll have plenty of time to go meet your boooooyfriend," he sang with a chuckle.

I sighed quietly, letting him pull me along to the Journey's Left Foot stage. He pulled me around to the back, and I felt weird being at a stage other than OWLY.FM, but Derek assured me over and over that it was fine.

"Don't worry," he laughed as he put his ear monitor in his ear before placing his hand on my shoulder. "You're not in the way. I promise."

I was really uncomfortable with how he kept touching me, but I ignored it because I really didn't like causing scenes.

The boys went on stage, and I stayed off to the side with their manager, watching and singing along with everyone else.

"I love this song!" I smiled as I pulled out my phone, opening Instagram to put it on my story. You probably could hear my awful singing to "Dead and Gone," but I didn't care.

They played a few more - "Mine is Gold," "All You Are is History," "Crystal Ball," "Cut Through the Static," and "Secrets."

I was having so much fun, and taking a few video clips on my phone to watch for later, that I didn't even notice Derek had been looking at me the whole time.

"He likes you," their manager teased as he nudged me. "You should go out with him."

"Uh, no," I laughed uncomfortably, sticking my phone in my pocket and walking back down the ramp as they were finishing their set. "I have a boyfriend, thank you."

I looked up and noticed that the OWLY.FM stage was across from the Journey's Left Foot and was relieved that I wouldn't miss the boys' set.

Derek was the last one to come off the stage after thanking the crowd for coming out. After he ran down the ramp, he came over to me and smiled.