Page 6 of Busted String

“Jace, want some pancakes?”

“Yes. I had a terrible night.”

“We heard. You okay now?”

“After I eat, I will be.”

Jace sat at the kitchen table, the smell of pancakes filling the air as Sammie worked his magic at the stove. His stomach growled in anticipation. Just then, Nico walked in, wearing tight jeans and a T-shirt that clung to his muscles. Jace couldn’t help but take a moment to admire him.

“Hey, how are you doing?” Nico asked, his voice soft and concerned.

Jace smiled. “I’m better, thanks.”

Nico nodded. “Good to hear. Listen, you both need to be ready to go in an hour. Mark and I are going to pick up the instruments.”

“Thanks, Nico. I really appreciate you helping me out last night.”

Nico shrugged, a playful grin spreading across his face. “Anything for you, Jace. Just make sure you’re ready to rock.”

Jace chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through him that had nothing to do with the pancakes. “You got it.”

When Nico and Mark left to pick up the instruments, Sammie put the pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream on his plate, then he got them both a cup of coffee.

“Thanks, Sammie.”

“This happened to you last year when we played in Bakersfield.”

“My family still lives there. I’m so afraid of them showing up at the club and causing shit.”

“Nico told us we’re not to let you go anywhere without us. He doesn’t want you walking around Bakersfield.”

“He didn’t tell me that.”

“Don’t sweat it, babe. He will take care of you like he did last night.” In a burst of happiness, Sammie danced in place, his every movement radiating joy to Jace spending the night in Nico’s bed.

“Sammie! Nothing happened.”

After they finished eating, Jace grumbled as he rinsed a plate, the warm water feeling oddly comforting against his tired skin. The last thing he wanted was to be cooped up with the band for two days in his hometown. He already dreaded going back to his hometown in Bakersfield, the awkward small talk, and the constant prying eyes.

“Hey, guys, come into the living room,” Nico called out, his voice carrying over the clatter of dishes. They shuffled into the room, their faces a mix of curiosity and confusion.

“Listen,” Nico began, his tone serious. “Jace isn’t going anywhere without all three of us. We’re sticking together, no exceptions. No partying, no wandering off. We have two days in Bakersfield, and we need to take care of each other.”

Jace’s heart sank. He’d hoped to slip away, maybe catch up with an old friend or two without the band’s watchful eyes. “Come on, Nico,” he protested. “I’m not a kid anymore. I can handle myself.”

Sammie and Mark exchanged a glance. “It’s not about you not being able to handle yourself, Jace,” Sammie said gently. “It’s about keeping you safe. We know what kind of people your family are.”

Jace felt a pang of guilt. He knew they were only trying to protect him, but it still stung. He’d always been the independent one, the one who didn’t need anyone’s help.

“Fine,” he muttered, defeated. “But I’m not going to be happy about it.”

Nico nodded. “I understand. But this is for the best. And after Bakersfield, we have a very important gig in Black Rock City.”

The mention of Black Rock City perked him up. He’d always wanted to go to Burning Man. Maybe this trip to Bakersfield wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Chapter Four

Nico

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