Half Wild, Half Yours

Backstage Pass

The Velvet Antler buzzed with anticipation as Ellie and I clinked our shot glasses together, the tequila burning a warm trail down my throat. We laughed, the bass from the live band vibrating through the floor beneath our boots.

Suddenly, familiar faces emerged from the crowd. Teddy, Thomas, and Brody approached us, their smiles as infectious as ever.

“Hey, ladies,” Teddy greeted, his eyes locking with mine.

“You guys want to see backstage?” Brody offered, gesturing toward the side of the stage.

Ellie and I exchanged excited glances. “Absolutely!” 

Thomas threw his arm around Ellie, leading the way, while Teddy reached for my hand, his touch sending a jolt of electricity up my arm. We navigated through a narrow hallway, the muffled sounds of the crowd fading behind us.

Backstage was a stark contrast to the lively bar. The dimly lit space was a maze of cables, equipment cases, and worn-out furniture. A single couch sat against the wall, its fabric faded from years of use. Posters of past performances adorned the walls, and a mini-fridge hummed softly in the corner.

I felt a wave of nervousness wash over me. To steady myself, I took a hit from my vape pen, the familiar taste calming my nerves. I offered it to the group, and one by one, they each took a drag, the tension easing as we settled into the space.

We chatted about the show, the conversation flowing effortlessly. Brody shared a funny mishap from their last gig, and we all burst into laughter. Teddy leaned in closer, his knee brushing against mine.

“You look amazing tonight,” he said, his voice low.

I felt my cheeks flush. “Thanks. You look amazing yourself”

He smiled, his eyes twinkling. “Maybe we should make this a regular thing.”

I laughed, the tension between us palpable. “Maybe we should.”

As the time wore on, the backstage area became our little haven, a place where the music faded, and connections deepened.

⸻

As the final chords of the previous band’s set echoed through The Velvet Antler, the crowd’s applause signaled the end of their performance. The stage crew swiftly moved in, preparing for No Name’s upcoming set.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out, “Blue!” Turning, I saw Rob approaching, his face lighting up with recognition.

“Hey, Rob! How the heck are ya?” I exclaimed, embracing him in a quick hug.

“Better now that I’ve run into you,” he replied with a grin. “What are the odds?”

We shared a brief exchange, reminiscing about our time in California. “Remember those surf lessons?” he chuckled. 

I laughed, “I never quite got the hang of it, did I?”

Rob looked at me with a warm smile. “You were perfect out there, regardless.”

Just then, I remembered Teddy. Turning, I gestured towards him. “Rob, this is Teddy. Teddy, meet Rob. We met in California during my surfing phase.”

Rob extended his hand, “Nice to meet you, Teddy.”

Teddy offered a polite nod, “Likewise.” His tone was cordial, but I sensed a hint of discomfort.

Rob continued, “I saw your i********: post and figured you’d be here tonight. What a coincidence!”

“Small world,” I replied, feeling the tension in the air.

Teddy glanced towards the stage, then back at me. “I should go help the guys set up,” he said, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on my cheek before walking away. The unexpected gesture left me momentarily stunned.

As he disappeared into the bustling backstage, I turned back to Rob, trying to shake off the lingering surprise.

Rob smiled, “I’ll catch up with you later,” and followed his bandmates out.

Ellie appeared beside me, raising an eyebrow. “Well, that was awkward for Teddy.”

I shrugged, “Maybe, but Rob’s just an acquaintance. I’ve met a lot of people during my travels.” 

Ellie smirked, “Teddy better step up his game if he wants to keep you.”

I snorted, “Oh, stop.”

We moved to the side of the stage, admiring the guys as they set up. The anticipation in the air was palpable.

Back at the bar, four shots and two mixed drinks later, we were feeling amazing. The curtains opened, and I saw Teddy scanning the crowd. Feeling confident, I grabbed Ellie’s hand, and we pushed our way to the front of the stage.

The band opened with the original song from the first time Ellie and I saw them perform, followed by some covers. Throughout the set, Teddy and I kept locking eyes.

Ellie leaned over, shouting, “Teddy is totally eye-f*****g you!”

I laughed, jumping up and down with the crowd, cheering along with the other girls. In that moment, I didn’t feel jealous; Teddy only had eyes for me.

After the sixth song, Teddy stepped up to the mic. “We’re going to perform one last song. Are you familiar with Chappell Roan?”

The crowd, including Ellie and me, cheered.

Teddy continued, “I’d like to bring a surprise guest on stage. Blue, come on up!”

Ellie looked at me, her mouth and eyes wide open. I shook my head, mouthing “no” to Teddy.

He started chanting, “Blue! Blue! Blue!” and the crowd joined in.

Closing my eyes, I raised my arms toward the stage. Security came from the side, each grabbing an arm and hauling me up.

I looked at Teddy, eyes wide, conveying, “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

He clapped, “Give it up for Blue!”

Someone from the side stage handed me a shot, which I downed, feeling the liquid courage. Gripping the mic stand, I greeted the crowd, “Hi, everyone.” They chuckled, and I added, “This is unexpected. Teddy will pay for this later.”

The band started playing, and I recognized the opening of “Good Luck, Babe!” 

I began singing:

“It’s fine, it’s cool

You can say that we are nothin’, but you know the truth

And guess I’m the fool” 

Taking the mic off the stand, I raised one hand in the air:

“With her arms out like an angel through the car sunroof”

I heard Ellie shout, “YAS b***h!” Her encouragement bolstered my confidence as I continued singing.

Teddy approached, singing into the mic with me. I held the mic between us, our eyes locked. Breaking away, I continued my solo.

As the final notes of “Good Luck, Babe!” faded into the charged atmosphere of The Velvet Antler, the crowd erupted into applause. Teddy set down his guitar and strode toward me, his eyes alight with exhilaration. Without hesitation, I wrapped my arms around his neck, and he lifted me off the ground. Instinctively, I wrapped my legs around his waist, laughing as he spun me around. The audience’s cheers intensified, creating a symphony of approval that echoed through the venue.

Gently, Teddy set me down, his hands lingering at my waist. I took a moment to absorb the energy of the crowd, their faces beaming with excitement. With a deep breath, I stepped forward, offering a full bow to the audience, my hair cascading forward as I bent at the waist. Straightening up, I waved, a broad smile on my face, before turning to exit the stage. As I stepped into the wings, the adrenaline coursing through me began to settle, replaced by a warm glow of accomplishment and joy.

Backstage, the ambient noise of the venue buzzed in the background as I took a moment to collect myself. The experience of performing, the connection with the crowd, and the unexpected invitation from Teddy all swirled in my mind, creating a tapestry of unforgettable memories. I knew this night would be etched in my heart forever.