The Rock Show

“I’m overthinking this, aren’t I?” Victoria glanced over at Vinny and Danny after her long ramble on Lisa inviting the band to SWS’ barbeque.

Vinny shrugged as Danny, who was also helping the merch tent today, said, “Well …” He eventually trailed off, not knowing what to say as he shrugged also. The two boys were leaning against the small table in the back of the tent that held boxes and boxes of merchandise, sipping on their beers as the hot sun shined down on them.

“It’s just …” She turned and went back to folding a t-shirt. “I’m just suspicious. After everything that happened two years ago―”

“Yeah, we don’t need another play-by-play of that.” Vinny put up a hand to stop her.

“But you get why I’m a little freaked?” She spun back to them. “I mean, fucking hell, the smile she gave me was something out of a horror flick.”

Danny waved away the problem with his hand. “Don’t worry about it. She’s just trying to scare you.”

“Yeah,” Vinny agreed, patting the girl’s shoulders. “Just don’t freak and go find your shaggy haired boyfriend. Their set should be done in a couple minutes.”

Victoria sighed. “He’s not my―”

“Which one?” Danny snickered.

Vinny and Victoria looked at Danny confusingly. “What you mean, Mr. Kurily?” Vinny asked with an eyebrow raised.

“What? Isn’t it obvious?” He started to laugh as he turned back to the small group of girls starting to form around the tent. “Never mind. You guys will understand sometime.”

---

“That was awesome, guys!” Rian shouted as they walked away from the Kia stage.

Zack nodded in agreement. “Didn’t know Indiana could be so gnarly.”

The boys started walking together around the venue to get to their tent, ready for the meet and greet. Alex decided it was time to tell his good friends his big recognition he made days ago. He smiled and breathed out a sigh of relief as he rubbed a towel over his sweaty face.

“Hey, guys, before we get to the tent, you got a minute?” He asked, making them all turn to face him.

“What’s up?” Jack asked for the three of them waiting to hear what their friend had to say.

Alex just smiled excitedly. “Okay, so, over the past couple of days, I’ve had a big realization.”

Jack gestured for him to continue. “And …?”

“I’ve decided on something.”

“Dude, just spit it out!” Rian shook his friend’s shoulder.

“Okay, okay!” He grinned big. “I’m finally going to tell Victoria I still love her.”

Rian and Zack just lifted their eyebrows in surprise, while Jack was left by his lonesome in his own little world. The guitarist could just feel the jealousy boiling in his stomach as he clenched his fists. Sure, he trusted Alex to be loyal to her again, but if Jack were being honest, would it be so bad if he had her to himself?

Zack was the first to speak up. “But I thought she said―”

“Yeah, I know she said she didn’t want to ‘mix work with play,’ but I can’t hide it anymore. I care about her too much and I’m done with all the playful flirting. I want more.” He bit his lip in excitement. “I’m going to tell her at the barbeque in a few days.”

“Well, I’m happy for you, bro.” Rian smiled his usual bright smile while shaking Alex’s shoulders. “It’s about time you got back with our little merch chickie.”

Everyone went on with congratulating Alex on his new decision as they walked back to the tent, even as Jack walked with them, clenching and unclenching his fists in the process.

---

A hand smacked down on the table in front of ATL’s merch tent. “I’ll have one Stella and it better be on the house.”

Victoria didn’t even need to turn at the voice as she bent down and grabbed a Stella. “Hey, Mike,” she smiled, spinning around and throwing him the beer.

The tattooed man only smiled back as he cracked open the Stella. “Thank you very much.” He tipped the bottle in the air in appreciation. “Just don’t tell the venue’s security.”

“You’re secret is safe with me.” She laughed. “You better get out of here. The band should be here in a few and I don’t want you to die from the crowd of fans.”

He shrugged. “I’ve been through much worse, Tori.”

She chuckled. “So what are you doing here? I’m guessing you came just for the free beer and not to talk with little ol’ me?”

“Actually, the latter.” He sipped the alcohol. “I was surprised to hear you’re going to the barbeque in a couple days.”

She became confused for a minute and then looked down, back to the unfolded shirt in front of her. “You found out about the thing that happened …”

“Yeah, that thing.” He pointed at her reply. “Rian is very talkative.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m going to kill him.”

“Actually, I don’t think Dawson is the main guy you want to kill in your group of friends.”

“Mike, I’m a natural blonde. You’re going to have to give me a better explanation than that.”

“I just …” He shrugged, taking a large gulp from the beer. “I have my suspicions.”

“About …?”

“You and Alex …” He trailed off, not sure if he should continue. “ … And Jack …”

She raised a brow. “What about me and Alex and Jack?”

“It’s just …” He sighed and Victoria shoved his shoulder for him to continue. “I think they both got a thing for you right now.”

“Alex and I always flirt―it’s just a joke ―but Jack?” She laughed softly as she folded a sleeve from the shirt laying on the table. “I think you’re mistaken, my friend.”

“I got a knack for knowing this kind of shit, Tori.”

She heard the swarm of fans close to the tent, signaling that the band was near. “You should get out of here.” She nodded and patted his shoulder, walking with him away from the tent.

“Just think about what I said.” He looked at her then, his small brown eyes burning into hers.

“Okay.” She hit his cheek a couple times. “Thinking … thinking … done. Now, bye, Mike.” She chuckled, pushing his skinny body away from ATL’s tent.

And no matter how many times she told herself he was wrong, Mike’s theory still hung in her mind for days to come.

Notes

I love Mike<3
Love all you guys<3 *hugs*
Subscibe/ comment/ rate! :)
Rock on \m/ :D