Chapter Four

Nico

N ico adjusted his grip on the steering wheel, the van’s engine humming beneath him. He had been driving for a long time. The sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows across the freeway. He glanced at Jace sitting beside him, his face etched with a familiar frown.

“You okay, man?” Nico asked, trying to sound casual.

Jace shrugged, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. “It’s just…I don’t know. I’m not really feeling this whole ‘band on the road’ thing.”

Nico understood. The idea of spending a weekend in Bakersfield, a small town where Jace had grown up that was miles away from their usual haunts, wasn’t exactly thrilling. But the gig was important, and they needed to keep their spirits up.

“Hey, look on the bright side,” Nico said. “We’ll get to spend time together, eat some good food, and maybe even discover a hidden gem or two.”

Jace didn’t seem convinced. “I just wish we could have a little more freedom. You know, do our own thing when we’re not playing. ”

Nico nodded. He knew what Jace meant. They were all used to their own routines, their own space. Being cooped up in a van together for days on end was a big change.

In the back seat, Sammie was busy applying makeup, his reflection shimmering in the rearview mirror. Mark was completely engrossed in his phone, his fingers flying across the screen.

The traffic was heavy, and the van crawled along at a snail’s pace. Nico reached for a soda, taking a long sip. Jace followed suit, and soon the van was filled with the sound of cans being opened and the rustling of snack bags.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in shades of orange and purple, Nico couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. This was a new adventure, a chance to step outside their comfort zone. And who knew? Maybe they’d all come out of it feeling a little closer.

As they finally broke free from the city traffic and hit the open road, Nico felt a sense of relief. The drive to Bakersfield would give them all some time to decompress, to prepare for the weekend ahead. He glanced over at Jace once more, hoping that the miles ahead would bring them closer, even if just a little.

The two in the back fell asleep, but Jace was awake and finally enjoying the drive. He wondered what was inside his head. He had to make sure Jace didn’t leave the hotel. They’d booked one room with two double beds. They’d done that before and had all decided they didn’t want to camp until they got to Black Rock City. It was going to be hot as hell there, but they would have to deal with it.

“I can’t wait to take a shower,” Jace said.

“What did you do to get dirty?”

“Nothing. I just need it. Since we’re stuck in the room tonight, are we going to have drinks? ”

“No, Jace. You need your energy level high and don’t you dare smoke. You can’t ruin your voice.”

“Damn, when did you become my babysitter?”

“I’ve been taking care of you since we met on the streets. You’re important to all of us. We’re family.”

“I left home to get away from a controlling father. Please don’t control me. Let me be me.”

“Jace, I want to spend some time with you after dinner. We need to have a talk like we used to.”

“I love our talks.”

Nico surprised them by taking them all out to dinner before they entered Bakersfield. They had one day off, then would play two nights in a row before they left for the big gig in Black Rock City.

Nico sat in the outdoor restaurant on Venice Beach, the salty breeze from the ocean ruffling his hair. The sun cast a golden glow over the waves that crashed gently against the shore. The restaurant was bustling with life, the sound of laughter blending with the distant calls of seagulls.

They had all ordered fish and chips, accompanied by fresh salads and cold beers. Nico had insisted on treating everyone, wanting to show his appreciation for the band’s hard work. As they ate, he watched his bandmates—Mark, with his bright red hair and ever-present grin, Sammie, wearing his favorite hot pink shorts and top and animatedly discussing a new keyboard riff, and Jace, the quietest of them all, lost in his own thoughts.

After the meal, Nico cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention. “Alright, guys, listen up,” he began. “Tomorrow, we practice at the club and then play there in the evening. It’s important we stay together, support each other. We’ve come a long way, and we need to keep that momentum going. ”

He glanced at Jace, knowing how tough things were for him. Bakersfield was Jace’s hometown, but his family had cut ties with him. Despite that, Jace had a lot of friends there, people who believed in him. Nico hoped that would be enough to keep him grounded.

“We need to stick together,” Nico continued, his voice firm. “No matter what. We’re a family, and families support each other.”

Mark and Sammie exchanged a knowing glance before nodding in agreement, their silent communication speaking volumes. They all knew the importance of unity, especially with the challenges they faced. But Jace remained silent, his eyes fixed on the table. Nico could sense his discomfort, the weight of his past and the strain of their current situation pressing down on him.

As the conversation continued, they all reaffirmed their commitment to the band and to each other. But Nico couldn’t shake the feeling that Jace was struggling more than he let on. He made a mental note to check in with him later, hoping to offer some support and understanding.

“Let’s walk the boardwalk for an hour, then we have to drive to Bakersfield.”

Nico stayed close to Jace while the other two stayed back a bit, giving them space to talk.

“Remember when you told me you wanted to be good enough to go to Black Rock City this year?”

“What are you getting at? I still want to be good on stage. We’re going to have tons of competition.”

“I know. If I thought you guys weren’t ready, especially you, we wouldn’t be going there.”

“I have people who want to see me after we play.”

“We can hang out there for an hour, but we’re staying together. No quick fucks with any ex. ”

“I hope you’re kidding.”

“Jace, look at me.”

He faced him with a grin.

“I’m serious. Don’t make me chase after you.”

“How do you do it?”

“What?”

“You don’t fuck anyone.”

“First of all, you don’t know what I do when you’re sleeping. Or maybe I’m waiting for someone I care about.”

“It must be nice to have a low sex drive.”

“Hey, you’re acting like a brat. I’m going to get my drumstick and make you regret saying that.”

“I didn’t mean it. You live with the three of us. You never jump on any of us.”

“And you know this how?”

“I guess I don’t.”

“Let’s go in here and look around,” Nico suggested. All of them followed inside a T-shirt shop.

“Let’s get matching California shirts.” Nico picked out navy blue shirts with rainbow writing and paid for them.

“We can wear them at Black Rock,” Sammie said.