Page 40 of Busted String

“That’s kind of harsh.”

“I want peace in our band. If he thinks he’s too good for guitar and backup singing, then he has to go. We need our energy for practicing and creating. No time for this bullshit.”

They sat in silence to digest what was said. Next to him, Jace seemed content, his smile wide and genuine as they settled into the quiet of the night. Nico stole glances at him, marveling at how much he had changed. Jace had promised to keep his drinking in check, and it was clear he had honored that promise at the club this evening, barely finishing three drinks. There was a newfound clarity in his eyes, a confidence that Nico hadn’t seen before, and it filled him with warmth.

“Jace,” Nico started, his voice barely above a whisper. “I love you so much. Watching you grow into this incredible person has been…amazing.”

Jace turned to him, his expression softening. “You really think so?”

“Absolutely. I’ve seen you come so far. You’re not just the guy I fell for. You’re someone even better. It’s like you’ve discovered this whole new side of yourself,” Nico said, his heart swelling.

Jace chuckled, a hint of embarrassment in his laughter. “I’m just glad you waited for me to figure things out. I wasn’t ready before, and I get that now. But you were there, supporting me, even when I didn’t deserve it.”

Nico shook his head, feeling a rush of affection. “You always deserved it. I believed in you, even when you didn’t believe in yourself.”

Jace leaned closer, their shoulders touching, and Nico could feel the warmth radiating between them. “You were my anchor,” he whispered. “I’m really glad you stuck around.”

As they sat together, the sounds of the forest surrounded them—gentle rustling leaves, the occasional call of an owl, and the whisper of a breeze weaving through the branches. Nico felt a profound connection to this moment, to Jace, and to the world around them. It was as if the ancienttrees stood witness to their bond, reinforcing how much they had grown, both individually and together.

“Here’s to more adventures,” Jace said, raising an imaginary glass, and Nico laughed, echoing the sentiment.

“More adventures,” he agreed, feeling the weight of the world lift just a little more with every shared heartbeat.

Chapter Nineteen

Jace

Jace sat in the living room, hunched over his notebook, penning the lyrics to their next song. The house was peaceful, with the faint aroma of Sammie’s baking drifting in from the kitchen. Nico had left to meet his cousin, leaving Jace alone with his thoughts—and with Mark.

As he entered the room, Mark’s face revealed a restrained anger. Jace barely looked up, too absorbed in his writing. But he felt the tension in the air thicken. The silence was pressing down on him. The memory of the fight with Mark replayed in his mind, each harsh word echoing painfully. He had always known Mark was jealous, but it hadn’t seemed like a real threat until now. When Nico and he became a couple, Jace had hoped Mark would come around, that he would accept their relationship as just another part of their lives. But Mark’s jealousy had festered, turning into something darker and more destructive.

Jace clenched his fists, feeling the sting of Mark’s verbal barbs. It was more than just jealousy—it was resentment. Mark had taken every opportunity to belittle him in front of Nico, trying to make him look bad. Andwhen that didn’t work, he resorted to outright abuse. The constant tension wore on Jace, fraying his nerves and making him question everything.

He couldn’t shake the fear gnawing at his heart. What if Mark succeeded? What if he drove a wedge between him and Nico? Jace knew how much Nico valued the band’s unity. If Mark kept pushing, would Nico question their relationship, too? The thought made Jace’s stomach twist into knots.

He didn’t want to lose Nico. Not now, not ever. But the fear was there, a constant, nagging presence. He loved Nico with everything he had, but Mark’s relentless attacks made it hard to hold on to that love without feeling the strain. Jace knew they needed to fix this, to mend the rift before it tore them apart.

As Jace sat there, lost in his thoughts, he resolved to talk to Nico about it. They needed to confront this issue together as a couple. They couldn’t let Mark’s jealousy ruin what they had worked so hard to build. But for now, the fear lingered, a shadow over his heart.

“Got something to say?” Jace asked, his voice casual, but his senses alert.

Mark scoffed. “Yeah, I do. You and Nico. Always together, like you own this place.”

Jace straightened, feeling the jab. “What’s your problem, Mark?”

Mark took a step closer, his voice rising. “My problem? You’re my problem. You and Nico. You think you’re so special because you’re together. But what about the rest of us, huh? What about me?”

Jace stood up, his fists clenching. “This isn’t about you, Mark. This isabout the band. We’re all in this together.”

“Together?” Mark sneered. “It sure doesn’t feel like it. Feels like you’re leaving us behind. Leaving me behind.”

The argument escalated quickly. Words flew, harsh and cutting. Mark’s jealousy boiled over, and he lunged at Jace, fists swinging. Jace barely had time to react. They crashed into the coffee table, sending papers and pens flying. Jace’s red guitar, caught in the chaos, splintered under the weight of their struggle.

Fists landed, and pain flared. Jace tried to hold back, but Mark’s rage fueled his own. They grappled, each trying to gain the upper hand. The living room, once a sanctuary, turned into a battleground.

“Stop it!” Jace yelled, pushing Mark off him. “We’re supposed to be a team!”

Mark backed away, chest heaving, eyes wild with frustration. “Then act like it! Stop making everything about you and Nico!”

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