Page 3 of Higher Notes

Snipe: Deuce mentioned in passing he was due for a vacation. Maybe we could give him a break. Chaotic got anything on the schedule that would warrant a guard or two to assist with?

Light. Bulb.

Me: Actually, Josh and I are doing an acoustic set Friday night at his boyfriend’s bar. Stoli and Joey are supposed to be there, too.

Could this work? Did I want it to work? Shit, even the mere thought had my heart racing.

Ahhh!Fuck my overanalytical brain. I got why it worked that way having spent my entire life fighting for everything and trusting nothing and no one but my mom. But damn. Did I go for it and hope it didn’t implode and risk ruining Chaotic’s future, or take the easy road and back off before hearts were involved?

Hook-ups were so much easier and less messy.

But when had I ever done anything that was just for me?

That answer came easily—never.

Sikes: Let us make a call and get the ball rolling.

Snipe: Fizzbo?

Wait, weren’t they in the same place?

Sikes: First Deuce.

Fizzbo intimidated the shit out of me, and I didn’t even work for him.

Me: I don’t want to cause any problems.

Snipe: Deep breath, Jason. Remember, we invited you in, not the other way around.

Sikes: And it was after we discussed it at length. Snipe and I keep nothing from each other. We want this and we want to do this. It’s a win-win for all.

Me: If you’re sure…

Snipe: We are.

Sikes: Definitely. We’ll be in touch tomorrow. For now, get some shut eye.

That felt like a direct order.

Me: Sir, yes, sir!

Sikes: I don’t know if you’re into spanking but you sure are asking for one.

Snipe: Jesus, do not head down that road with Sikes. It’s an endless loop…

I heard one growl while the other groaned in their deep timbres inside my head.Hmm, I wonder if I could mimic them in a song…

Me: I’ll remember that. Goodnight.

Sikes: Night.

Snipe: Night.

Well, there was no turning back now. Time to ride it out and see where it led.

“What are you still doing up?” Mom came in not long after the interesting chat session ended. My mind was still overanalyzing every word of it.

“Meh, just got a lot going on and my brain won’t shut off. How was work?”

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