Chapter Twenty-One

Jace

T he moment they arrived in Reno, they were greeted by a dazzling display of city lights, while the lively atmosphere of the bustling streets engulfed them. Nico had booked two rooms at the hotel, ensuring that he and Jace would have the privacy they desired, while also providing Sammie with the space he required.

Jace stepped into the hotel room, feeling the plush carpet as walked. The room exuded luxury, with modern art adorning the walls and elegant furnishings. Floor-to-ceiling windows provided a breathtaking view of the Reno skyline, the city lights twinkling like stars in the night. A large king-sized bed with crisp white linens occupied the center of the room, and a sleek glass table was set with a welcome basket of gourmet treats. Everything about the room screamed opulence and comfort. Of course, Nico had footed the bill. His money appeared to be never-ending, like a bottomless well that he could always dip into .

Nico collapsed onto the bed with a satisfied groan, clearly exhausted from the day’s drive. Jace ordered room service, opting for an indulgent spread of steaks, lobster tails, and a decadent chocolate dessert.

Once the food arrived, they settled in, the aroma of the meal filling the air. Jace served Nico in bed on a tray.

“Thanks, Jace. Come and eat beside me.”

Jace removed his shoes and socks and carried his tray to the bed. “This is the life,” he said. “Us in bed together.”

“You finally grew up, Jace. I remember when I first met you. You were just adorable, and you looked up to me.”

“I still do. Don’t you still think I’m adorable?”

“Very. I love you so much. Now, you’re very successful. I can’t believe how well you perform, even when things are not in your favor. You lose yourself in singing and dancing.”

“You don’t just like my cute ass. That means a lot to me.”

“Jace! You’re so silly sometimes. I love all of you. Do you like your dinner?”

“Yes. Love it. You’re so generous to all of us.”

“You three are my family.”

“I know.” Jace paused for a minute. “Alright,” Jace started, cutting into his steak. “We need to figure out how to get Mark back.”

Nico sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know. We can’t afford to lose him, especially with Black Rock City coming up. But he’s so stubborn. Once he’s made up his mind, it’s hard to change it.”

Jace nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. “Maybe we need to appeal to what he cares about most. Remind him of what the band means to him. It’s not just about us, it’s about the music we create together. ”

Nico looked thoughtful, chewing slowly. “He’s always been sensitive about feeling left out. Maybe we’ve unintentionally made him feel that way. We need to show him he’s an integral part of this band.”

“Agreed,” Jace said, feeling the weight of their discussion. “But we also need to be firm about his behavior. He can’t keep lashing out every time he feels insecure.”

Nico gave a small nod, a determined glint in his eye. “We’ll talk to him. Lay it all out. Hopefully, he’ll understand and come back.”

“I think Mark has the biggest problem with me. I need to meet him without you.”

“Only in a public place.”

“I’m going to call him.”

“Okay. You will tell me the place and time.”

“Yes, love.” Jace kissed Nico’s cheek and took his phone to the bathroom.

Jace took a deep breath as he stepped into the bathroom and closed the door. The quiet hum of the hotel room faded, leaving him alone with his thoughts. With a mix of determination and trepidation, he dialed Mark’s number.

After a few rings, Mark answered. “What do you want, Jace?”

Jace leaned against the sink, trying to steady his nerves. “Mark, I’m sorry. I’m really sorry you felt left out. You’re like the brother I never had, and I hate that we’re fighting like this.”

Mark’s sigh was heavy with frustration. “It’s not just about feeling left out, Jace. It’s about feeling like I don’t matter to the band anymore. You and Nico have this thing, and I’m just…there.”

“I get it,” Jace said softly. “I really do. But you matter to us more than you know. Nico, Sammie, and I miss you terribly. This band isn’t the same without you.”

There was a pause, and Jace could almost hear Mark wrestling with his emotions. “You don’t know how hard it’s been, watching you two and feeling like I’m on the outside.”

Jace swallowed hard, the weight of Mark’s words sinking in. “Mark, I will not pretend that everything’s perfect. We have our problems, and we fight like brothers sometimes. But that’s because we care about each other. We need you, especially now, with the big gig in Black Rock City coming up. No one can take your place.”

Mark’s voice softened, though the tension remained. “You really think I’m that important?”

“Absolutely,” Jace said firmly. “We can’t do this without you. Please, come back. We’re staying at the Renaissance in Reno. We’ll figure this out together.”

Mark hesitated, but Jace could sense the shift. “Alright. I’ll fly in tomorrow. But this doesn’t mean everything’s fixed.”

Jace felt a wave of relief wash over him. “I know. But it’s a start. Thanks, Mark.”

As Jace ended the call, he felt a glimmer of hope. They had a long way to go, but at least they were moving in the right direction. He stepped out of the bathroom, ready to face whatever came next, with Nico by his side.

“Get back over here,” Nico said.

Jace plugged in his phone to charge for the morning on the nightstand, then slipped into bed.

“Well?”

“He’s flying in tomorrow. I told him where we’re staying.”

“That’s good news.”

“Why does your face look like it’s bad news?”

“Why did you talk to him in the bathroom?”

“So I could think better. Why are you asking? ”

“I need to ask you something and I want the truth, regardless of the answer.”

“Sounds serious.”

“Did you and Mark ever have a thing?”

“What does that mean?”

“Did he ever fuck you?”

“Nico! I fucked around a lot, but not with Mark.”

“Are you sure?”

“Well, we kissed when we were both drunk and we slept in the same bed. But nothing happened.”

“Nothing happened because you both were too drunk to get it up, or for another reason?”

“Nothing happened because I don’t feel that way with him. He feels like a brother.”

“And what does he want from you?”

“He wants more singing time with me. That’s all he wants and to feel like he is needed.”

“And do you think he is jealous you’re with me and not him?”

“No, he feels like he’s lost me as a brother. We did a lot of shit together. And that’s why he feels like he is not needed anymore.”

“Then you can’t neglect him. Even though we’re together, spend time with him. As long as you keep your promises to me.”

“I’ll keep my promises.”

“Good. I guess my cousin will be disappointed.”

“We could still do one song together, and he can take over the drums.”

“I guess so.”

“Don’t you want to do a song with me?”

“Of course I do. Will that cause a problem with Mark?”

“I hope not. ”

With their strategy settled, they shifted gears and relaxed. Jace grabbed the remote, browsing through the movie options. They finally settled on a classic action film, letting the tension of the day melt away as they watched.

Jace felt a sense of calm wash over him. Despite the stress, being with Nico in this beautiful room made him believe they could overcome any obstacle—together. The night was theirs, and for now, that was enough.