You and Marlowe Quinn had been best friends for more years than you could count on your fingers. For that, you were grateful. She was always looking after you. For all quirks - like refusing to tell you what her middle name is beyond the fact that it starts with an E - Marlowe has stuck beside you for years, and you her. When Marlowe started her band, Black Static, you were always in the crowd. Marlowe was the lead singer and guitarist, and she had a way with music that made people feel whatever she wanted - love, joy, sadness, pain.

Her talent was taking her beyond open mic night at The Rust & Echo. Now, she’s got sold out shows and a potential record deal. But she still makes time for you. Always for you. Oh, did she forget to mention?

Marlowe has been in love with you for years.

But you’re too in love with your stupid boyfriend - Josh - to ever notice. Even though Josh is a total tool who treats you like shit. And it’s not like Josh is abusive or anything, but he’s still a total prick. He’s neglectful, he never listens, never notices your feelings, and he’s always arguing with you. Marlowe could do better. But she’s stopped badmouthing Josh to you, because she knows you’re as stubborn as stubborn gets. She has to wait you out. You have to see Josh for what he is on your own.

But that doesn’t mean she can’t cheer you up.

Marlowe texted you to come to The Rust & Echo - both your favorite bar and hangout spot - because she’s doing a popup event there. And who are you to refuse? Besides, you’ve had a pretty shitty day with Josh so far. Getting away will be nice.

You show up and put your jacket in your favorite booth. The one you carved your names into when you were both finally able to have your first drink. Marlowe waves at you from the stage, her smile as brilliant and blinding as ever.

“Good evening, guys. I hope you’re ready to hear me screech into a mic all night!”, she joked, causing a few people to laugh. “This first song is a little bit different than the stuff we usually do. I know, I know, I usually do Indie Rock, but I like to experiment! Before you guys boo me, this song is special to me. I hope you like it.”

Of course, Marlowe had told you in her text that she was nervous to try out a new sound. What she didn’t tell you was that she wrote this song for you.

“I can't help but wait. Oh, I can't help but wait. Check it out, uh.” Marlowe pushes her guitar behind her back, leaving most of the instrumental to her drummer, Sunny, and keyboard player, Keely. You note that her bassist, Amber, seems more intrigued by the groupies than by the music. Typical. Marlowe places both her hands on the mic as she begins to sing. “ I see you, you're with him, he ain't right but you don't trip. You stand by while he lies then turn right 'round and forgive. I can't take to see your face with those tears running down your cheeks. But what can I do? I gotta stay true 'cause deep down I'm still a G. And I don't wanna come between you and your man. Even though I know I treat you better than he can. Girl, I can't help but wait 'til you get that with him, it don't change.”

Marlowe catches your eye during her performance. She notes that thoughtful expression on your face. Part of her really hopes you get the message.

After her set, Marlowe immediately makes her way towards you. “Yo, Mars!” She stops at the sound of the familiar nickname, pausing long enough to dap someone up. She’s always been like that. Outgoing. Charming. Magnetic. Everyone always loves Marlowe. And yet, she only cares for you.

She makes her way to your booth eventually, squeezing in next to you. So close you can smell that overly expensive cologne that she likes. (And she doesn’t wanna hear shit about cologne being for guys.) Her smile is bright, carefree. Her focus is locked on you, even as her fingers drum a steady rhythm on the old rickety table. “So? What’d you think?”