Page 39 of Busted String

They sat in comfortable silence, watching the crowd. Soon, Mark and Sammie joined them, their faces flushed with excitement.

Mark clapped Nico on the back. “This was a great idea, man. We needed this.”

Sammie grinned, raising his glass. “To us, and nights like these.”

Nico raised his own glass in a silent toast, feeling a sense of contentment settle over him.

“Hey, Jace, what did Randy want?”

“Just to say hi.”

“I thought Randy was your secret jealous lover.”

“That was a long time ago.”

“So that guy was your lover?” Nico asked.

“Was is the operative word. And, Mark, there was no need for you to bring up shit.”

“I don’t know how Nico missed it. He was all over you when you played in Long Beach, and you didn’t come home either.”

“Sh…Don’t shit about Jace,” Sammie said to Mark.

“Jace has a big enough head already. Now he’s with Nico, he’ll get special treatment.” Mark slurred his words.

“Mark, how much did you drink tonight?” Nico asked.

“None of your fucking business.”

“Shut the fuck up, Mark,” Jace said. “Don’t disrespect Nico. You worthless piece of shit.”

Nico’s grip tightened around Jace as he pulled him closer and whispered in his ear, “Stop. Don’t encourage him. He’s drunk.”

Mark got up and walked over to Jace. “You’re a spoiled brat. Everyone is wrapped around your ass. So sick of the preferential treatment,” Mark shouted.

Nico got up and stopped Mark from lunging at Jace. “It’s time to go before we get kicked out.” He grabbed Mark and forced him to walk out to the parking lot, Jace and Sammie following behind them. They waited until Nico shoved Mark into the van, then Jace sat up front, and Sammie went in the back.

The entire trip, Mark swore at Jace, then at Nico.

“Jace, sit on the porch and wait for me. I’m going to get Mark to bed,” Nico said.

He and Sammie helped Mark to his room.

“You need to stay in here until you sober up.” Nico said as he helped Mark undress. “Sammie, go down and bring up two bottles of water for Mark.”

When Nico finally managed to get Mark into his bed, Sammie brought the water and set them on the night table.

“Thanks, Sammie. I’m going out front.”

Nico raced down the stairs and grabbed two bottles of water for him and Jace. He made his way to the front porch, handed Jace a bottle of water, and sat beside him.

“I guess he had too much to drink,” Jace said.

“Yes. You used to act like that. I hope he gets over this and deals with our relationship. I don’t know why he thinks I favor you.”

“Mark wants to be the lead singer. He’s good, but not as good as I am.”

“Either he gets over it or finds another band.”

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