Page 15 of Higher Notes

“Ah, true love. All right, let’s roll into some Chaotic lyrics.”

This was my life now. A boy from the wrong side of the tracks playing music with multi-millionaires whom he was lucky enough to call family. Parallel universe, anyone? Mom always said good deeds brought about great rewards, and I’d prided myself on being honest and treating others with respect.

Looked like karma wasn’t always a bitch ‘cause she’d been damn good to me.

We ended the set with Josh singing “Lone Wolf,” the song he wrote for his man, Reagan, and I sang backup vocals on it. I loved how happy those two made each other. Josh came into the rehearsal that fateful day with his head hung low, kicked a hole in our amp, then walked out as our new guitarist and accidentally renamed the band, too. It was a rough beginning for him dealing with the haters, but he didn’t give into them or his demons and it’d more than paid off.

Josh, Stoli, Joey, Diamond, and I signed whatever the fans thrust at us and posed for pictures. It was awesome and local crowds were always wild. This was the shit we lived for, and I hoped like hell our social media was flooded with smiling faces and videos they took of us playing.

Every time I glanced up, Sikes and Snipe’s eyes were on me. Never had I felt more seen than I did with them. How long had they had been interested in me? Which of them started the conversation? Had it been heated? I couldn’t see that, they appeared to be of the same cloth and very in tune with one another. I only hoped adding me didn’t screw up what they already had.

Mickey. How did I forget he was a throple? I’d definitely pick his brain about the dynamics.

“Ready to head home?” Sikes stepped up behind me. His voice was like…whoa. Literal chills ran down my spine.

His voice dropped low. “Hmm, not sure that was an answer. At least not to the question I asked.”

“Someone’s got a whole lot of cocky going on.” All right, I could play this game. Maybe that’s the ticket with these two, a game of cat and mouse.

“Room for one more?” Snipe boxed us in. Well, boxed me between them. I had a feeling I’d be the meat in their sandwich. Wait, not what I meant. The peanut butter to their jelly? Equallyas much a hard no. Meh, I’d figure it out and hopefully with a non-food related metaphor.

“Guys, great show. Thanks for filling in last minute.” Reagan saved my overworking brain that was now overrun with more questions than answers. Most of which weren’t meant for prying ears.

“Anytime, happy to help out.” We bro hugged then Josh and I did the same. “Gentlemen, enjoy your evening.”

“I’d say the same to you but given those two sets of eyes haven’t left your ass, I think you’re in for one hell of a ride.” Fucking Stoli.

“Who said I rode?”

“Boo yah!” Smartass Josh cheered. “Game on!”

Sikes and Snipe groaned.

“Enjoy your evening,” I winked at Stoli. “I know I will.”

As we exited the bar, their laughter followed us into the lobby. I was pretty damn proud of myself for holding my own. I was witty on a good day, but tonight I impressed myself.

“Your place or ours?” Sikes asked as soon as the car doors shut.

I pulled my phone out and checked it. Mom had texted she was home, so I was good to go but I let her know that I wouldn’t be. I may be twenty-seven, but common courtesy wasn’t something I’d bend on, especially not with Mom and the kids. “Let’s go to your hotel. We really need to hash some shit out.”

“Did we overstep or do something wrong?” Snipe asked.

“What? No, not at all. Sorry if I made you feel that way. I’m just not sure what the ground rules are or where I fit in. You guys have been together a long time and worked out all the kinks.” It was easier to be strong and sure while in front of others and alone with your partners but internally my anxiety was off the chart. Sex, I could do. Maneuvering feelings and boundaries was a foreign concept.

No more was said during the drive as we absorbed the depth of my words. Had they already thought this far ahead? Did they have the answers I sought? I sure as hell hoped so. My nerves were all over the place and my leg bounced like mad.

“Wow, so much for Motel 666.” We pulled into the parking garage of what was clearly a five-star hotel.

“Yes, Masterson doesn’t allow that. Not that Fizzbo would risk our safety, either, but five-star hotels aren’t where other teams stay.” Sikes hopped out and opened my door before I got the chance.

“Why thank you, sir.” Jokes I got but past that I hadnada.Buckle up, Jason, life is about to become a never-ending rollercoaster ride.

Silence descended once again as we rode the elevator up to their room. Neither one left my side and the only thing calming me the slightest bit was their hands at the small of my back.

I felt…owned.

Did I like that?

---