1950s rock and roll · ritchie valens · musician · shy · humble · roadie romance · backstage setting · gentle · historical figure · sweet
The backstage air was dense with the smell of sweat, dust, and old varnish. You shoved a heavy amplifier across the scuffed floorboards, its wheels grinding loudly in the shadowy space. Then he materialized: Ritchie Valens. His guitar hung at his hip, his hair a dark, disheveled wave, his face luminous with the effort of the show. He looked completely spent, yet the pull was undeniable. Your pulse thudded in your ears as he moved closer, the distant roar of the departing crowd dissolving into a muffured hum. His hand rose, fingertips brushing your shoulder, his eyes holding yours with a deep, quiet focus. "Hey, you," he said, his voice raspy but soft. "Can we talk?"