Chapter Twenty-Two

Ash

W ith a buzz from the alcohol, I'm feeling pleasantly relaxed, and the last hour of the set goes by in a flash. Joy radiates from every corner as people dance and enjoy themselves, their laughter mingling with the lively music. I can't help but notice Jim and Silvia happily swaying together on the dance floor. I just wrapped up playing ‘ A Bar Song ' by Shaboozey. Max asked me to sing a song for Jaxon, leaving the decision up to me. When the moment comes, I eagerly grab the microphone, knowing I have the perfect song in mind.

"Hey there, everyone. I hope you're all having a great time tonight." I grin at their cheers. "I'd like to dedicate this next song to two guys who have become like family to me. Max and Jaxon, this next one is for you." Some folks whistle while others clap and cheer. "Where are you guys?"

"We're here!" Max's voice booms, filled with excitement, as he drags Jaxon onto the dance floor.

"Grab a partner or a friend and join us for this next song. It's called ‘ Perfect for Me ' by Bradley Marshall."

In front of the stage, Max and Jaxon hold each other in a loving embrace, dancing gracefully to the slow music, soon joined by others. As I shift my gaze toward Gage, who is busy serving, he suddenly looks up and flashes me a warm smile. He blows me a kiss, making my head go dizzy in a good way, and I can't help but return his smile. Inside, a flurry of thoughts and emotions are urging me to pursue something with him. Eventually, you have to confront your true desires and decide what kind of life you truly want to lead. It may have taken me until today to realize I want him, but now that I do, I'm determined to discover if I've only been treated to the playful side of him or if he shares the same feelings I have brimming inside me.

I don't want the playfulness to stop. Just the opposite. I want to secure it in my life. I long for the guy who makes me watch Gay Bachelor and has a way of making me laugh and feel valued and important.

Scanning the crowd, my gaze lands on Jace, whose face is twisted in a scowl as he glares at Gage. What's his issue?

Gage is now busy collecting glasses, but the blond guy is relentless in his pursuit, constantly pestering him. I watch as he reaches out and touches something that I consider mine. Perhaps it's the alcohol that's making me feel bold—or foolish—but I'm gonna mix things up with my next song, dedicated to Mr. Pink Tips, hoping he catches on.

My fingers strum the chords of ‘ He's Mine ' by Mahalia. With each note, my focus intensifies on the guy who needs to back off. Gage's gaze meets mine as I sing.

"You don't need to worry, he's mine

Oh, you're mad? That's fine, but just know that he's mine"

With a smirk and a wink, he sets my heart racing in my chest. Do I dare assume that he would even want someone like me? Someone who's younger than him? Someone who has absolutely no experience when it comes to being with a guy? I'm just barely an adult who plays cover songs and doesn't have his shit together. Who would want that?

After finishing the song, I bring the microphone back to my lips and speak once more. "So, it's just about time for me to wrap up for the night."

The sound of a few boos reaches my ears, and I can't help but chuckle. "We appreciate your company tonight for the reopening of Liquid Hope. Your support truly makes this town a great community. Let's all give another round of applause to Gage." I motion him over, and as everyone continues to clap, he places the stack of glasses he's holding on a table and comes to stand next to me. He takes the mic, and his words are filled with genuine appreciation as he thanks everyone and expresses his gratitude for the incredible support from every person in the audience. "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Jaxon and Maxwell for their incredible support and help, and for being such amazing friends."

Behind the bar, Jax takes a bow and Max's voice booms over the noise: "I'm not gonna kiss you!" There's laughter all around.

"Good, I don't know where you've been! Enjoy the rest of your night!"

He carefully reattaches the microphone, ensuring his hand remains positioned over it. With a smile, he turns to me and plants a soft, affectionate kiss on my cheek. "Thank you for the song." As he effortlessly hops down and picks up the glasses, I find myself too stunned to move—Gage just kissed me. On the cheek, but it was Gage's lips on my body. My head is dizzy again and my heart is flipping.

I end the evening by performing ‘ Grand Theft Autumn ' by Fall Out Boy. With a grateful bow and words of appreciation, I carefully pack my guitar into its case before making my way toward Jace. I sit next to him and it's clear he's had several drinks, considering the number of empty glasses on the table. His eyes narrow in my direction, and I can practically feel the waves of anger emanating from him. Before I have time to ask him what's wrong, Jaxon places a blue drink in front of me with a smile. "Compliments of the barman." He shoots me a playful wink before striding away.

I grab the glass and raise it to acknowledge Gage, who smiles.

"What's the deal with that?" Jace asks, clearly pissed.

"The deal with what?" I ask.

"Him." He nods toward Gage. "The drink, the looks, the touching."

"Nothing's up with him. He's my friend, and he's been good to me."

"Friend, yeah right," he scoffs, rolling his eyes. "He's clearly trying to be more than just your landlord." There's a bitter edge to his voice I'm not used to hearing.

"What's wrong with you? It seems like you've been sucking on a lemon ever since you arrived. Look, man, if you don't wanna be here, then just leave." As much as I've missed Jace, I've just about had it with his sour mood. Something is clearly wrong, but if he has no intention of being upfront with me about it, then I'd rather that he just leave.

"Whatever," he shrugs, his mouth twisted in an angry frown.

"Excuse me? What's your problem? Seriously, you roll up here late, you don't reply to my messages. There's clearly some kind of tension between you and your dad. All you've done is bitch about Gage. You're like... totally different, Jace. And I, for one, don't appreciate this side of you."

He doesn't reply. It's like he doesn't even care. He finishes his drink, then casually moves the empty glass aside and eagerly reaches for a new one. "Let's raise a glass to you," he slurs, as he pushes another drink in my direction.

"I have this one already." I point to the drink from Gage.

What's with him and the drinking? We only ever have a beer or two if we're camping out, but now he's knocking them back like they're water.

"Ash, it's your birthday, and I came all this way just to see you. Let's have a few drinks and catch up."

Whatever he's dealing with, it's clear that he doesn't want to confide in me right now, and that feeling of exclusion is painful. We're supposed to be best friends, but he's shutting me out. But it's true; he did come all this way, and now that he's here, I realize just how much I've missed him.

"Fine, but just one more."

He hands me a shot and we down it together. "Ugh, that's disgusting. What was it?"

" Fireball ," he says, laughing while drinking another. "So, fill me in on what you've been up to."