I feel bad for writing her off as a groupie. Quinn’s following the tour all summer and working with the label to promote it.
Not that there’s anything wrong with being a groupie. I can see the appeal of hanging around this scene. I’m just not a fan of women trying to get with Jace.
I smile at Quinn, relieved to have a friend. “Your article yesterday about Garrett was so good.”
“Thanks. I still can’t believe I got a chance to interview him.”
When Wayward Sons get to the end of their set, they sing “Red Light,” the crowd favorite. It’s so catchy and upbeat.
She’s a red light
A full stop on a country road
She’s a switchback
With curves you wanna take nice and slow
I’m busy singing the lyrics with the crowd when it hits me. This song is about Marlowe.
I ignore the clawing sensation in my chest. There’s no point in feeling jealous because you can never compete with a ghost from the past. I get the impression she was Jace’s first love. That’s why it hurt so bad. Hayden did a number on me too.
But it piques my curiosity. Has Marlowe written songs about Jace?
I dutifully call Edmond on my way back to the bus. He helps me get the stroller up the steps and wishes me a good night. Layla and I eat a late dinner before I clean her up and get her in bed.
And then I give in to the urge to snoop. I get out my phone and plug in “Marlowe and the Dusty Roses” into the search bar. Her social media pops up, and I click on the link.
Her feed is full of clips from this festival, so I start watching them.
And wish I hadn’t.
Not only is she beautiful, but the woman can sing. She has a raspy voice and great command. After about five videos, I feel like I’m venturing into stalker territory.
That’s when I click on a video for her song “Caravan.”
“This is for the one who got away. We all have those, don’t we?” The crowd screams as the melody kicks in and Marlowe sings about being in love and getting scared because she felt too much.
When I close my eyes, he’s by my side
When I close my eyes, I cannot hide
From what we shared before I ran
Back on that mystical caravan
When I get to the end, I replay it and try to parse her words. Is the mystical caravan what she felt with Jace, or did she leave him to get back on the mystical caravan?
I need therapy.It’s just a song, Aurora.
I should stop there. But do I? Of course not.
Instead of minding my own business, I head to her Instagram where I find photos from last night.
Of Jace and Marlowe, side by side, looking like a couple, and mugging for the camera.
I click off my phone and toss it on the bed, annoyed at myself.
But my brain won’t shut off. I keep thinking about hypotheticals. Like, what if I wasn’t on this tour? Would Jace and Marlowe rekindle their relationship? Would he want to date her again? Am I keeping him from his one true love?