Chapter Eighteen

Nico

N ico leaned back in the van’s worn seat, excitement bubbling up inside him. Tonight was going to be a blast. He listened as Mark and Sammie chatted about their plans for the night at the club. Jace sat beside him, tapping out a rhythm on his knee. Nico leaned over and kissed Jace on the cheek.

“Hey, Nico. Can’t wait to check this place out,” Mark said. “Heard the music is top-notch.”

Sammie nodded. “Yeah, and the vibe is supposed to be amazing. We need a night to just let loose.”

Nico grinned, feeling the energy of his bandmates. “It’s going to be epic. Let’s just enjoy ourselves and forget about everything else for a while.”

They piled out of the van and made their way into the club. As soon as they stepped inside, they were hit by a wave of sound—a pulsating beat that vibrated through the floor and into their bones. The lights flickered in time with the music, casting a kaleidoscope of colors over the crowd .

Nico took it all in, the thrum of the bass, the laughter, and the sense of freedom that filled the space. He turned to Jace, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Wanna dance?”

Jace chuckled and nodded. “Yes.”

They made their way to the dance floor, losing themselves in the music. Nico felt the beat guide his movements, each step in sync with Jace. They danced for what felt like hours, wrapped in the moment’s euphoria. At one point, a man approached Nico, asking to dance. Nico politely declined, not wanting to break the connection he had with Jace.

Nico looked at Jace, a smile playing on his lips. He watched as Jace’s face lit up under the soft glow of the bar’s lights. After dancing to what felt like a hundred songs, they finally escaped the pulsating crowd to a quiet corner of the club. “I’m really enjoying this. Just being here with you.”

Jace nodded, his face glowing with happiness. “Me too. It’s been a while since I’ve felt this relaxed.”

The hum of laughter and music faded into a comfortable backdrop as Nico ordered a couple of beers, feeling a warmth spread through him. They were finally together as a couple, and it felt right.

“So, where do you want to go on our next vacation?” Jace asked, leaning back in his chair, a playful glint in his eye.

Nico grinned. “I was thinking somewhere tropical. Maybe Hawaii?”

Jace’s face broke into a broad smile. “Hawaii sounds perfect! Just us, the beach, and nothing but time to relax. I want some serious beach time with you.”

Nico could easily picture it—the two of them lounging under palm trees, the sound of waves crashing in the background, nothing to worry about except which cocktail to try next. “I can already see us sipping drinks on the beach,” he said, his excitement bubbling over. “What’s your ideal beach day? ”

“Definitely sleeping in, then grabbing breakfast and heading straight to the shore. I want to build sandcastles and swim until we’re too tired to move,” Jace replied, his eyes shining. “Then, maybe a sunset hike? I’ve heard the views are incredible.”

Nico nodded enthusiastically, picturing their adventure. “That sounds amazing. And I’ll bring my camera to capture every moment.”

Just then, an old friend of Jace’s approached the table, his confident stride catching Nico’s attention. Jace’s expression shifted slightly, but he maintained his smile. “Hey, Randy! What’s up?” Jace greeted him.

Randy’s gaze flicked between them with his eyebrows raised. “I didn’t know you were up here. Are you free when the club closes?”

Nico felt a tension prick at the edges of the conversation. Jace straightened, his demeanor shifting to something protective. “No, I’m not,” he said. “This is Nico, my boyfriend.”

Nico watched as Jace’s words hung in the air, a declaration of their bond. The guy’s expression changed, surprised, but Jace continued, “We don’t share.” The old Jace would have met the guy in a stall in the bathroom. Finally, he was maturing and leaving behind his wild selfish ways just as he said he was. It reaffirmed the wait for Jace was worth it. At an earlier time, this would not have ended well. He knew Jace was perfect for him, but he was much younger than Nico. Patience would go a long way and had all these years.

Nico held his breath, a mixture of pride and affection swelling inside him. He could see Jace’s confidence in standing his ground, and it made his heart race. The other guy nodded slowly, a hint of disappointment crossing his features before he offered a tight smile. “Nice to meet you, Nico,” he said, before turning and walking away.

“Wow, that was intense,” Nico said, once they were alone again .

Jace laughed lightly, shaking off the encounter. “Yeah, but I meant what I said. I’m all in with you, Nico. I made my promises to you.”

Nico smiled, feeling lighter than ever. “And I’m all in with you.”

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.”

“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 ancient trees 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.