Let Love In

The group weaved their way through the crowd in the small room towards the sound booth in the back half of the main floor, claiming their spot where there was still breathing room as the previous set wrapped up. As the lights came on and the crowd shifted, Riley grabbed Noah’s hand and took off into the crowd, pushing and weaving the two of them towards the front of the stage.

Riley hopped up to sit on the edge of the small stage and faced her friend. “So… Colin’s lookin’ good tonight…” She winked at Noah, causing her to blush and fight off a smile. Riley knew exactly what to say to tease Noah, and Noah rolled her eyes, biting her lip in response. As the guys weaved in and out to clear the stage before setting up, Riley took this opportunity to snap candid photos of the set up, venue, and her and Noah while they waited. The boys noticed her taking pictures and started making faces at the camera as they came and went, posing quickly when others weren’t looking, etc. as they zipped through set up. Eventually the lights dimmed and a smoke machine hidden in the far corner of the stage went off as they came bouncing on stage.

“What’s up everybody, how are you guys doing tonight?” Colin beamed into the mic as the crowd cheered in response. “We’re A Cursive Memory from right here. You ready to have a good time?” Riley caught their smiles perfectly on camera as they started playing Changes, and continued to snap photos of the guys and Noah throughout the set.

“This one’s called “Everything.” Sing along if you know it.” Colin smiled down at Noah and Riley in front of him as he turned away from the mic. Noah felt her cheeks grow hot as they played the first few bars, and Riley caught her candid smile on camera as they sang along to every word.

“You’re my E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G,” Colin sang into the mic, looking straight in Noah’s direction. Riley watched as Noah’s eyes grew wide and bit her lip slightly before recovering and continuing to sing along. As the opening bars of Perfect Company rang through the speakers, Noah’s breath caught in her throat when she thought Colin glanced down at her and Riley before closing his eyes to sing. The butterflies in her stomach had a field day as she tried not to over-think his glances.

The pair made their way back towards Sarah and Colin’s friends after the set ended, watching the headliner from back there. The show ended and everyone slowly filed out the door, the cool night air hitting them in the face as they made their way back to where they were previously congregated.

Noah watched as Colin and his band mates took pictures with various fans as Riley continued her conversation with one of Colin’s friends. Out of the corner of her eye, Riley noticed Noah staring off and easily followed her gaze to the guys.

“Excuse me, John, we’ll be right back.” She grabbed Noah’s arm, dragging her across the parking lot towards Colin. They waited behind a group of girls asking crazy questions and gushing about the set, talking all at once. Colin noticed the two had walked over and jokingly mouthed “SAVE ME!” to them before turning his attention back to the group of girls directly in front of him.

As the group died down, Colin walked over to Noah and Riley, hugging them both and asking if they enjoyed themselves. “Okay Colin, we have some very serious business to discuss with you.” Riley’s face was stern, and Colin’s eyebrow rose before she continued. “Noah and I need a turn to fangirl and get pictures with you to remember how great of a show this was!” Riley smiled and winked at Colin, laughing lightly.

“That sounds GREAT! Now I gotta think of the perfect face. Noah, get over here.” Colin laughed as he slung his arm around her neck, pulling her in close to him. Noah blushed and smiled, taking by surprised, but willingly obliged. The three took a series of shots, eventually pulling the rest of the band, Colin’s friends, and Sarah into the impromptu photo shoot.

“Alright everybody, you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.” One of the venue’s security walked over and politely informed the group that it was well after midnight.

Colin walked the three girls back to their car as everyone dispersed, giving Sarah a hug and a kiss on the cheek before waving goodbye as he headed back towards his friends. Noah tried to push the kiss out of her mind, not wanting a slight ping of jealousy to ruin an amazing night as they drove off heading back home.