If these sheets were the states and you were miles away, I'd fold them end over end to bring you closer to me, because I don't sleep at all without you pressed up against me...

Alex's voice had matured a lot since she'd last heard it, but it was still beautiful, just a little deeper and more raspy. Olivia watched them intently, they looked so incredibly happy as everybody cheered them on, she felt so at home in that moment. But something about the lyrics threw her off a little, they hit her a little harder than they probably should have, but she couldn't help but feel like she had played a part in the writing process; like maybe she had been in Alex's head as he scribbled the words down. Was she just being self-centered and crazy? Tons of things had happened in their lives in the past few years which she has no idea about, she couldn't just assume a random song was written about her, that was crazy.

The boys continued their quick little set, playing Jasey Rae which was a song Olivia knew very well, in fact she found herself mouthing along without even thinking about it. Then they finished off with a cover of some Taylor Swift song which the crowd belted along with them enthusiastically. The whole experience was so fun to watch, until Olivia's phone began to ring. She decided to just let it ring, figuring it was probably Samuel still trying to get her to spill the beans.

The boys joined her back at the table once the announcer welcomed some slam poetry kid to the stage. They were significantly more sweaty than before and slightly out of breath, but each of them sported an undeniable grin. “You guys are just as awesome as I remember,” Olivia gushed, taking a sip of her drink.

Jack pulled her into him and pecked her forehead, “Okay, time for Jacky-Boy to get drunk,” he deadpanned before heading to the bar. Rian mumbled something about joining him and followed suit.

“Glad to know you're still our number one fan,” Alex joked, his eyes soft. Zack laughed at that.

“Remember when we played at that farmers market and we got kicked out because Jack kept using people's produce as props,” Zack recollected, the group laughed at the ridiculous memory.

“God, we really were desperate for any gig available, weren't we? Who the fuck plays at a farmers market?” Alex shook his head in fake embarrassment, causing more laughter.

“Baltimore's very own All Time Low,” Olivia answered, mimicking the dramatic, deep voice of the announcer. More laughter.

The atmosphere was so warm and happy when Rian and Jack returned, Rian was carrying a glass of water for Zack and a bottle of beer for himself, whilst Jack carried two beer bottles in one hand and handed a glass of Coke over to Alex with the other.

“Don't you have work tomorrow?” Alex asked, his question directed at Rian, taking a sip of his Coke.

“Yeah, but fuck it,” he chuckled, raising his bottle before taking a swig.

“Oh, where do you work?” Olivia butted in, interested. Up to now she'd been shocked at the paths her former best friends had taken and she imagined Rian would be no exception.

“I'm a chef at this nice place down town, it's called Caruso's, it's really good, you should come some time,” Rian smiled, taking another sip.

“Woah, no way,” Olivia responded, shocked once again. She'd only ever known the boys as musicians and trying to place them in other scenarios was so hard for her to do. Except Jack, Jack was perfect for his job.

“Yeah, it's real good and he never charges us full price,” Alex joked, nudging Olivia, winking at Rian who rolled his eyes, “Because, trust me,” he looked to Olivia, “it's way over priced.”

“Shut up man,” Rian retorted, causing the taller boy to laugh.

“So, Zack, what do you do?” Olivia continued, enjoying getting to know them all over again.

“Oh, I work at Dulaney with Alex, I'm a gym teacher,” he answered. Olivia wasn't as shocked by that revelation.

“Duh, she wasn't expecting you to teach anything else,” Jack mocked and the group laughed. “By the way,” he began, turning to look at Olivia, “good job dressing 'casual',” he laughed, air quotes around 'casual'.

“What?!” Olivia exclaimed, “What are you talking about? This is super casual,” she looked down, examining her outfit.

“Yeah, okay,” Rian chuckled, “Huge handbag, Chanel earrings, huge diamond engagement ring,” they laughed.

“Whatever, this place is nice anyway, you made out I was going to get mugged on my way out,” Olivia turned back to Jack, the rest of the group looking at him quizzically.

“Honestly I just wanted to see if you actually could dress down, you were wearing sunglasses when I saw you! In December!” he said dramatically, everybody laughing about it.

Then Olivia remembered her phone had rung earlier, so she pulled it out to have a check who it was. She had two texts and two missed calls. One text was from Samuel and it read:
You bitch, you better tell me everything tomorrow!!
The second text was from Derek, as were both missed calls, and it read:
Call me when you get this message, I have great news! - D

She shook her head. Who signs texts messages in 2016? She slipped her phone back into her bag and continued on with her night; laughing and talking away, learning new things and reminiscing old things.

Notes