11. That Guy
ELEVEN
THAT GUY
L ily
The band buzzes with excitement as we cruise toward tonight’s venue. After spending the morning writing music together, the guys are in high spirits, the creative energy from earlier still lingering in the air. Jax is chatting with Dylan about a new riff they’ve been working on, while Enzo jokes with Marcus, who’s laughing as he strums his guitar. The mood is light, and the tension that sometimes hangs around is nowhere to be found today.
When we pull up to the venue, the bus doors open to the usual scene of organized chaos. Roadies and crew members are hard at work, setting up the stage, adjusting lights, and arranging equipment. The distant hum of the crowd outside is already audible, their excitement building as they wait for the show to start. This is my third show with the guys, but it already feels like my new normal. I try not to let my thoughts linger on Dylan’s words from last night. It isn’t anything I can worry about right now.
“Alright, let’s get to work,” Jax says with a grin, leading the way off the bus. He’s clearly in his element, exuding that easy confidence that comes naturally to him. “This is gonna be a good one.”
“Hell yeah, let’s make it a night to remember,” Dylan chimes in, practically bouncing on his toes.
The band slips into their usual routine, each of them focused on getting ready for the show. I lean against the wall, watching and letting it happen, knowing there isn’t need for me to step in for a few minutes. I watch as Jax takes charge, coordinating with the crew, and Marcus and Enzo check their instruments. Dylan’s already behind his drum kit, tapping out a rhythm as he chats with one of the techs.
I hang back in the wings, watching the organized chaos unfold. I’ve been on the road with them long enough to get used to the pace, but there’s still something thrilling about being part of it all. The way everything comes together—the lights, the sound, the anticipation—it’s a kind of magic that never gets old.
As I’m standing there, one of the crew members—a guy whose name I can’t quite remember—sidles up next to me. He’s tall, with sandy hair and a friendly smile that seems just a bit too eager.
“Hey, Lily, you’re looking pretty relaxed. Not nervous about tonight?” he asks, leaning in a little too close for comfort.
I smile politely, not really picking up on his vibe. “Not nervous, just excited. The guys are in a good place today. I think it’s gonna show on stage.”
He nods, still smiling. “Yeah, they’ve been killing it lately. But you know, it’s not just about them. You’re a big part of this too, keeping everything running smoothly. They’re lucky to have you around.”
“Thanks,” I say, a little distracted as I watch Jax going through his vocal warm-ups. “Just doing my job.”
The guy doesn’t seem to notice that I’m not really engaged in the conversation. He leans in a bit closer. “You know, if you ever need a break from all this, I could show you around some of the local spots after the show. It’d be fun.”
“Oh, that’s nice of you,” I reply, still not moving my gaze away from the guys on stage. “But I’ll probably be pretty wiped out after the show. Rain check?”
He chuckles, not pushing it any further. “Sure thing, Lily. Just let me know.”
The guys are all in their places now, getting ready for soundcheck. I barely notice the crew member walking away, as Jax’s voice fills the empty arena, strong and clear. He belts out the lyrics to their first song and I am enthralled. Marcus’s guitar work is as sharp as ever, each note precise and full of emotion, that drags me into the spell of the band even further. Enzo’s bass provides that steady foundation, while Dylan’s drumming drives the whole thing forward with infectious energy.
They’re not just a band—they’re a unit, each piece fitting together perfectly to create something bigger than themselves. It’s a privilege to be part of it, even if I’m just on the sidelines making sure everything runs smoothly.
The soundcheck wraps up, and the guys exchange satisfied grins, clearly pleased with how everything’s coming together. Jax turns to me as they head off stage, his expression softening. “How’s it sounding from your side, Lily?”
“Perfect,” I reply, smiling. “You guys are gonna blow them away tonight.”
Backstage, the atmosphere is light and relaxed. It’s clear that the time spent writing and playing together has only brought them closer, and I can feel the excitement building for what’s to come.
“Lily,” Marcus calls out, catching my attention. “You ready to see us rock this place?”
“Absolutely,” I reply, grinning. “I can’t wait.”
The band gathers in a circle. Their attention switching from each other to me as they complete their pre-stage ritual. “Electric Wounds!” they shout in unison, their voices echoing off the walls.
The walk to the stage is quick, and I tuck back into the wings to watch. The stage lights dim, and the roar of the crowd grows louder, filling the space with a palpable energy. Every show, every audience is different and yet exactly the same. Thousands upon thousands of people crowd in, waiting, screaming, crying, all to see Electric Wounds play.
The anticipation is electric as the guys take their positions and I feed off the energy of the people standing below, feeling the spike of adrenaline in my veins as I wait for the song to start. The first chords of the opening song blast out, and the lights explode into life, illuminating the stage in a dazzling display. The crowd is on their feet, their voices merging with the bands in a powerful symphony.
As the set progresses, I catch myself swaying to the music, lost in the moment. The guys are completely in sync, feeding off each other’s energy. They’re not just playing music—they’re living it, and it’s contagious. The connection between the band and their fans is undeniable, but it’s something different to experience it from the side of the stage. I watch on in awe of the guys as they guide the crowd through each song they play and every emotion they are feeling.
When Jax steps up to the mic during a quieter moment, his voice drops to a softer tone. “This next song is for all of you,” he says, his green eyes scanning the crowd. “Thanks for being here with us tonight.”
The crowd erupts into cheers, and the band launches into a heartfelt ballad. Jax’s voice is full of emotion, raw and vulnerable, while Marcus’s guitar gently weaves through the melody. Enzo’s bass provides a steady heartbeat, and Dylan’s drumming adds a subtle rhythm that ties it all together.
As the song builds to its climax, the crowd sways, lighters and phones lighting up the darkened venue. It’s a moment of pure connection, a reminder of the power of music to bring people together.
The final notes ring out, and the arena erupts into applause. The band moves towards the center of the stage, soaking in the cheers with wide smiles on their faces and raising their guitar, drumsticks, or mic in acknowledgement. They walk off together and head in my direction.
They stop just a few feet away, exchanging high-fives. “Great job, everyone,” Jax says, pride in his voice. “We killed it.”
Enzo strolls over, a knowing smirk on his face. “So, Lily, what was that all about earlier with that crew guy?”
I blink, caught off guard. “What do you mean?”
Enzo chuckles, shaking his head. “You seriously didn’t notice? The dude was totally hitting on you.”
“How could you tell?” I blurt out. Enzo was on stage when that crew member came to talk with me. It was definitely a friendly co-worker situation, not… whatever Enzo was trying to make it out to be. Maybe this is his way of playing some sort of prank. He is completely unreadable, and I have no idea what his motivations are.
Enzo simply shrugs. “I can tell.”
I laugh, shrugging it off. “Whatever you say Enzo.”
Enzo gives me a playful nudge. “You’re allowed to have a little fun while you’re here.”
“Noted,” I say, as the meaning of his words sinks in. My gaze flits to Jax momentarily, before I force it back and tamp down whatever feelings are trying to bubble up. “But I think I’ll leave the flirting to you guys.”
With a wink, Enzo heads off to join the others, leaving me to coordinate a few last minute items with the crew. I can’t help my thoughts from returning to the idea of having “fun” while I’m on tour, but I know in my head it is a very bad idea, even if the rest of me isn’t on the same page.