Chapter Twenty-One

Ash

T his is my happy place. Being up here reminds me why I love playing. The crowd's energy is infectious as they sing and dance along to the songs I play. Marie, keeping her promise, sits to my left, accompanied by Dan. About half an hour ago, I caught sight of Jim's arrival. I gave him a nod, but Jace was nowhere to be seen. I'd hoped that he would come and share this special moment with me, but something has been off with Jace lately. Our talks are rarer and I'm lucky if I even get a text once in a while. I have no idea what's going on, but I try not to let the absence of my best friend put a damper on tonight.

In the crowd, there's one person who stands out—a blond guy who keeps looking at Gage like he's a piece of meat. Gage and I are not in a relationship, and he has the freedom to see other people. However, I thought we were making progress, taking small steps to get to know one another, and the level of intimacy was growing steadily between us. Maybe I misinterpreted the situation. It's not like I have much experience in liking someone, especially a guy. Could be I'm mistaking his flirty nature and friendliness for romantic interest.

I play ‘ I Want More ' by KALEO. The people in front of me are dancing and singing, and it seems like everyone is having a great time. As I sing the line ‘ I want more, more ', I steal a quick glance at Gage, our eyes meeting for a moment. I'm not sure he has a clue what I'm asking for, but I definitely want him to know I intentionally looked at him just now.

The crowd erupts in applause as I finish the song, and I bow gracefully before grabbing the microphone to announce my impending return. I hop off the stage, feeling the rush of adrenaline still coursing through my veins, and make a beeline for the bar. Gage is already there, his smile welcoming me. He raises the sidebar to let me through. My drink is placed in my hand, and I down it in one swift motion, feeling the liquid energize me. As he leans in close, his voice barely a whisper, he murmurs, "You're incredible, Ash." My name on his lips stirs something in me I've been hoping for all night.

I've been waiting for that ‘ aha ' moment where everything just clicks, and I know my feelings are real. And now, with Gage right here, the excitement from the night and my realization that I'm attracted to a guy has me spinning out of control. But I'm not afraid, no. I'm exhilarated .

My lightbulbs are beaming brightly. With a deep breath, I finally decide that now is the moment to confess my feelings to him. Right as I'm about to say something, I notice the blond guy across the bar, who can't seem to take his eyes off Gage's backside. I find myself clenching my fists. I direct my gaze toward Gage and ask, "Do you know who that is?"

He briefly glances at the guy before returning his attention to me. "We had a one-time hookup months ago, but he hasn't caught on yet that I'm not interested."

"You might want to tell him again. He's looking at you like you're his next meal." I'm being childish, I know. I can't control what Gage does or who he used to date. But it doesn't stop me from being jealous.

Gage gently pulls my chin away from where I'm throwing daggers at the guy, positioning himself in front of me so it's just the two of us with our gazes locked.

"Let me reiterate, so there's absolutely no doubt: I have no interest in him. He holds zero significance in my life."

His voice carries a deep sincerity that puts me at ease. While he hasn't made his intentions clear, I can take some reassurance from knowing that he isn't pursuing the other guy, either.

"Okay." I let out a sigh. "I trust you."

"Good."

"I was wondering if you'd like to come with me to meet Jim?"

He breaks out in a smile. "Of course, I'll just get Max to cover for me."

As I patiently wait for him, I feel my heartbeat slow down, and my mind starts clearing. I decide not to pay any more attention to the guy trying to get served. Instead, I watch as Gage comes back over to me, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Come on then, sweet cheeks, let's go," he says teasingly. With his hands on my waist, he expertly leads us through the lively crowd, exchanging greetings with familiar faces along the way. He holds onto me tightly, never once releasing his grip.

When Jim catches sight of me, he quickly sets down his beer and eagerly welcomes me with open arms. "I'm so glad you came," I croak, my voice filled with genuine relief and happiness.

"There's no way I would miss it, not for anything in the world." When he wraps his arms around me, it feels like finding my way back home. "Happy birthday, my boy."

As tears prickle in my eyes, the ache of missing him becomes painfully clear. I didn't realize just how much until now. Mom pops into my mind again, and I can't help wondering if she's okay. But I dismiss her just as quickly, not wanting thoughts of her spoiling my night.

I look at him and ask, "Where's Jace?" His face immediately reflects disappointment. "I don't know for sure, but I bet he'll show up soon. I'm sure he wouldn't miss your birthday."

Jace's behavior is definitely a cause for concern, which is clear by the worry on Jim's face.

With his smile back, he looks at me and says, "Seems like we both have new people in our lives." I remember Gage behind me and turn my attention toward him. With my arm outstretched, I motion for him to come closer, and he obliges by encircling me with his arm. "Jim, this is Gage, my roommate. This bar is his as well. Gage, meet Jim. He's like a father to me." Jim's face beams with a warm smile as he reaches out to shake Gage's hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Gage. I must admit, this place of yours is absolutely splendid. And it's clear that you've been taking good care of my Ashley. I appreciate it."

"Nice to meet you too," Gage replies, his eyes lighting up. "Trust me, the pleasure is all mine."

I feel a warm flush spread across my cheeks in response to his words. Then, an older lady joins Jim and carefully places a tray filled with drinks on the table.

"Ash, I'd like you to meet Silvia," he says, his voice filled with pride as he introduces his partner to me. Silvia's knee-length black dress hugs her curves perfectly, adding a touch of sophistication to her look. Her long, wavy hair cascades down her shoulders, framing her friendly face.

As I extend my hands toward her, she quickly wraps her arms around me, pulling me close in a heartfelt hug. "Hello, Ash. Jim has told me countless stories about you. It's wonderful to finally meet his other son."

Even though I've moved away from Perry, it's nice to hear that Jim still brings me up in conversation—as well as the fact that he's claiming me as his kin.

"Likewise. It's great to meet you. This is Gage, my, um… friend." Friend feels like a crappy term to use to introduce someone you would like to be more with, but that's all we are for now, just friends.

Silvia gives Gage a hug, too. She's got this amazing aura of kindness, and it's obvious that Jim adores her. With a light touch, she taps Jim's arm, capturing his attention as she quietly shares a message in his ear.

He looks back at me, digs into his pocket, and pulls out a box. "Here, Ash," he says with a smile, extending it toward me. "Happy birthday, son."

In his hands, he holds a black box. I accept it eagerly and open it. I'm met with the sight of a striking leather bracelet, personalized with my name. "I thought it would go well with your style," he tells me proudly, his deep voice tinged with emotion.

I carefully remove it from the box and flip it over, discovering that it's also engraved on the back.

Happy 21st birthday to my son, Ash. Love Always, Jim

I launch myself at him, overwhelmed with gratitude. "Thank you so much for this. I absolutely love it, and I'll treasure it forever." Stepping back, I hastily brush away the tears that have escaped, desperately trying to compose myself before asking him to put it on me.

Picking up the tray, Silvia proposes, "Let's make a toast." There are five shot glasses on the tray, showing that she has probably brought one for Jace, who still hasn't shown up. Each of us takes one.

"This is my first legal drink," I tell them.

"It's a special moment," Jim says, his eyes lighting up. "And I'm glad I get to share it with you."

Raising his glass, he toasts, "Here's to a happy birthday celebration for both of you."

We all clink our glasses together and quickly swallow down the liquid. The sensation lingers in my throat, a burning warmth that spreads through my body. Just then, Jace appears with a scowl on his face, clearly upset.

"Jace, you made it." Moving closer to him, I wrap my arms around him in a hug. Initially, he feels stiff, but soon he loosens up, returning the embrace with a tight squeeze.

I laugh and release him, my voice filled with disbelief. "You're really here?" I ask.

"Yeah, sorry I didn't get back to you. I've been... busy." Spotting Gage, he narrows his eyes in suspicion and demands, "Who's that?"

My attention is drawn to Gage, who is deep in conversation with Jim and Silvia. "That's Gage. Come say hi."

"No thanks, I'm here to hang out with you, not some old dude," he bites out, his words like a slap in the face.

"Hey," I say. "What's up your ass?"

He glances at the table, spotting the shot glass, and without hesitation, he picks it up. "Is this meant for me?" he spits. Before anyone can reply, he quickly gulps it down and forcefully slams the glass back on the table.

"Happy birthday, Ash! I'm headed to the bar."

Without another word, he turns on his heel, walking away. I'm taken aback, but my initial shock quickly gives way to disappointment. And anger.

I walk over to Jim. "What's the deal with him?"

"I'm sorry you had to witness him like that. I thought he'd be on his best behavior for you. He's been like this since a few weeks after you left. He's not saying a word to me. But he's getting worse by the day." Jim looks genuinely sorry, and the concern for Jace is evident in his voice.

"I'll see if I can talk to him."

"Just wait till tomorrow. Don't let it ruin your night," Jim says.

Jace comes back with a tray of shots and hands me one. "Here you go, birthday boy. Drink up." He's wearing dark jeans and a matching shirt. His hair has gotten longer, and I can see the faint darkness from the rings under his eyes.

"Gotta play again, can't drink too much," I murmur.

"C'mon Ash. Live a little! My best friend is turning twenty-one. We gotta celebrate that!"

There seems to be a subtle implication when he says ‘best friend,' but I opt to ignore it for now. "Cheers!" he declares as we swiftly consume the shots. The second drink goes down smoother than the first, but now I can feel the effects spreading through my body from the first one.

Gage's warm hand rests gently on my lower back as I lean into him.

I can feel Jace's intense stare as he narrows his eyes at me. His unpredictable mood tonight is like a roller coaster, leaving me feeling unsettled.

"C'mon, let's grab you a water and get you back on stage," Gage says. "It was nice meeting everyone, but I need to get back to work."

"I'll catch up with you all once I'm finished," I tell them.

"We'll be here," Jim smiles.

There's a possibility Jace won't be around when I'm finished, but I can't let that distract me. This night is important to me, and I won't let his sour mood taint it.