Chapter Six

Nico

N ico woke up to an empty bed. The outside lights filtered through the curtains. He rubbed his eyes and noticed Jace’s phone charging on the nightstand. Curiosity got the better of him, and he glanced at the screen, seeing messages about a meet-up with high school friends at Bailey’s Bar, just a short walk from their hotel. Nico had specifically told Jace to get a good night’s sleep to be ready for their weekend gig. As the drummer and the band’s manager, Nico knew how crucial it was for everyone to be in top form.

Determined to bring Jace back, Nico quickly dressed and headed to Bailey’s Bar. The place was a cozy, dimly lit establishment with wooden beams, vintage posters, and a jukebox playing classic rock tunes. The bar was bustling with patrons, laughter, and the clinking of glasses.

Nico spotted Jace at a corner table, surrounded by his old friends. Jace was clearly drunk, his speech slurred, and his gestures exaggerated. Nico’s heart sank as he approached the table. He had hoped Jace would take his advice seriously and seeing him drunk and careless was a bitter disappointment.

“Jace, what are you doing here?” Nico asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Jace looked up, his eyes glassy. “Nico! Hey, meet my friends! We’re having a blast!” he slurred, raising his beer mug. It was clear they had intended to stay until closing, as the table was scattered with empty glasses and half-empty pitchers.

The fact that Jace had dismissed his concerns turned Nico’s frustration into anger. He felt a deep sense of responsibility for the band, and Jace’s behavior was a personal betrayal. The weight of their upcoming gig at Black Rock City and the effort they had all put into their music pressed heavily on his shoulders.

Nico frowned. “I told you to get some rest. We have a gig this weekend and the next, remember?”

Jace waved his hand dismissively. “Relax, Nico. It’s just two nights in the same place. I can handle it.”

As the argument escalated, Nico’s anger became tinged with worry. He loved Jace, not just as a bandmate, and more than a friend. The thought of Jace jeopardizing their hard work and his own well-being was distressing.

Nico’s patience was wearing thin. “No, you can’t. You’re drunk, and we need you to be at your best. Let’s go.”

Jace’s friends exchanged awkward glances as the tension rose. “Nico, you’re always so fucking serious. Lighten up!” Jace laughed, but it sounded hollow.

Nico leaned in, using his low but firm voice. “I’m serious because I care about this band and about you. We’ve worked too hard to let one night ruin everything. Now, get up. We’re leaving.” One girl had her arms hooked onto Jace as if she had planned to spend the night with him. Nico didn’t know who she was, and he didn’t know if Jace knew who she was. Clearly, she had wanted more with Jace. What was he going to do about her? Jace said he was flirtatious with girls, but nothing ever happened. Nico wasn’t so sure of that, and this was one reason he was reluctant to start anything with Jace; not to mention his father’s death threat if he engaged in a long-term relationship with a man. He really needed to rein in Jace for his own good and maybe eventually they could become a couple, but he was too unstable right now. As much as he wanted to fuck Jace, he couldn’t risk the band. Every day, Nico struggled with his desire for Jace, while having to witness him engaging in reckless one-night stands.

Jace’s expression shifted from defiance to compliance. He stood up unsteadily, mumbling apologies to his friends. Nico guided him out of the bar, feeling a mix of frustration, relief, and sadness.

He was relieved that Jace was coming with him, but sad that it had come to this confrontation. Nico’s heart ached, hoping Jace would understand the importance of their commitment and the bond they shared as a band, and much more.

They had a lot riding on this gig, and Nico needed everyone to be on the same page.

As Nico and Jace left Bailey’s Bar, the cool night air hit them, a stark contrast to the warm, noisy atmosphere they had just left behind. Nico kept a firm grip on Jace’s arm, guiding him back to the hotel. The streets were quiet, and the only sounds were their footsteps and the distant hum of traffic.

Nico’s mind raced with thoughts about the band and their upcoming gig. He knew they couldn’t afford any slip-ups, and Jace’s behavior tonight had been a wake-up call. He glanced at Jace, who was stumbling slightly, but seemed more subdued now .

“Jace, you need to understand how important this is,” Nico said, his voice softer now, but still firm. “We’ve all worked so hard to get here. We can’t let anything or anyone mess this up.”

Jace nodded, his eyes downcast. “I know, Nico. I’m sorry. I just got carried away seeing everyone again.”

Nico sighed, his frustration easing a bit. “I get it. But we have to stay focused. We’re a team, and we need to support each other.”

By the time they reached the hotel, Jace seemed more sober and reflective. Nico helped him to their room and as he turned to move to his side of the bed, Jace grabbed his arm.

“Thanks, Nico. I’ll do better. I promise,” Jace said.

Nico nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I know you will. Let’s get some rest. We’ve got a big weekend ahead.” He waited for Jace, who still stood beside the bed.

“What’s wrong, Jace?”

“I need to take these clothes off.”

“Okay, take them off.”

“I can’t.” He sat down at the foot of the bed and started crying.

Mark and Sammie sat up in bed, both heartbroken by Jace’s tears, but they remained silent. When Nico was around, they rarely interfered in their conversations. Nico moved next to Jace.

“I’m going to take them off, then your ass goes to bed without a peep.”

Jace nodded.

“You two go back to sleep!” Nico ordered.

Sammie and Mark settled back down in bed, their heads sinking into the soft pillows. Nico hoped they drifted back to sleep quickly. Sammie got very grumpy when he didn’t have enough sleep. Contending with a hungover Jace would be more than enough to deal with in the morning .

Nico removed Jace’s shoes and socks. He discarded Jace’s T-shirt, letting it fall to the floor, and swiftly unzipped his jeans, sliding them down to his ankles. Since Jace didn’t budge, Nico took it upon himself to remove them. He carefully eased Jace under the covers. Once Jace was tucked in, Nico undressed and slipped into bed beside him. He scooped Jace into his arms.

“Night, Jace. Things will work out.”

“I hope so. I’m such a fuckup.”

“Naw, you just wanted to see your friends. We can visit here again when there’s time.”

“Okay.” With a sigh, Jace closed his eyes, surrendering to the much-needed sleep. An overpowering smell of beer emanated from him.

Nico knew they still had challenges ahead, but he was confident they could face them together as a band. With Mark on his side, he could do it, but sometimes Sammie was too sympathetic to Jace. The difference was Sammie could influence Jace’s way of thinking with his sweetness. Nico was grateful for all the love Sammie showered on each of them.