Page 29 of Higher Notes

Who knew our happy go lucky little horn dog would need constant reassurance?

“Jason, we love you and we want to build a life with you. None of this is a burden to us. If anything, you’ve brightened our world and gave us the family we never thought we’d have.”

“What Sikes said,” Snipe added.

“I love you guys, too, this is just all so surreal, ya know?”

“Yeah, we do. But think of it this way, we have the best of both worlds with half the commitment.” Jason and Sikes laughed. “Kids but not actually our kids so when we need a break we take one.”

“You get mad props for that one, Sikes. Thank you both for seeing me when I hadn’t really seen myself.”

When the caretaker needed caretaking. That was one of many areas Snipe and I would excel at. Anything to keep that beautiful smile on Jason’s handsome face.

Chapter Nine

Snipe

“Sorry to cut into your morning, gentlemen,” Easton apologized as soon as he opened the door. “Please, head to the kitchen. Breakfast is waiting.”

“Easton, you’re nothing short of amazing. I hope that husband of yours realizes what he has.” Jason’s words teased a grunting Diamond. “I’m just razzin’ ya, big D.”

Diamond gripped his crotch. “I’ll give you big D.”

“Keep that anaconda caged, the internet has seen enough of your junk, as have River and I.” Easton and River had spent countless hours forcing websites to cease and desist with the naked shots of Diamond they had. Damn guy had a problem keeping his clothes on. I get it, you’re well-endowed, but shouldn’t that be saved for your man?

Unfazed by all that, Diamond put Jason in a headlock and dragged him toward the kitchen. Sikes and I followed behind.Jason was in no danger, plus boys would be boys and all that jazz. These bands loved each other fiercely and would protect one another with their lives. They’d more than proven that in the form of stepping up when one of their chosen Masterson brothers needed a helping hand.

“Morning, Jason.” River was already here, laptop in front of him. “Sikes, Snipe, welcome to the Pacific Northwest.”

“Thanks.”

“Do they always answer in stereo?” River asked the familiar question we’d heard so many times I lost count.

“They do,” Jason smiled. “I quite enjoy it.”

Smart-ass was sassin’ for a red assin’.

“Ah, the newest triad in the Masterson family is present and accounted for.” Fuck. Word got around fast if Mickey already heard. Guess it was a good thing we weren’t hiding.

“Gentlemen, please fix your plates. I cook but I don’t serve.” Easton grabbed a plate and fixed his own. “We woke Marley and Nigel, so they’ll be here in about an hour. Josh was helping Reagan out at the bar. As soon as he finishes up he’ll be up. Gives us a chance to catch up.”

Were we in trouble? Sikes and I glanced at each other and Jason froze, mid-scrambled egg scoop.

“Did we do something wrong?” Glad Jason asked, wasn’t sure if it was our place to.

“Absolutely not. With the tour upcoming and all the changes going on, I thought it would be good to touch base and get a feel for how you’re each handling it.”

I didn’t know what it was about Easton. He had this way of grilling you without it coming across as grilling. Sneaky yet affective.

Were we supposed to go first or Jason?

Jason wiped his mouth and took a sip of coffee. “It’s a lot all at once, but it’s good.”

Our audience, Easton, Diamond, River, and Mickey, quietly waited for a response. Guess this was a little taste of how they felt onstage with all the attention on them.

“It’ll all work out.” Sikes was not one to mince words.

“Where are you guys crashing while the house gets built?” It made sense Diamond would ask that given he was in on the whole house hunt situation from the start.

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