Page 33 of Higher Notes

“Or through his dick.”

Jason and that one-track mind of his.

“Does your mind only work on orgasm mode?” Sikes shook his head. “I like to cook and I’m excited to have more than one person to cook for. No offense, Snipe.”

“None taken.”

“I think we need to get Mom out to the house. I know nothing about appliances or finishes and I’m not sure she does, either. We gave her that task, but I have a feeling she’d appreciate allour help. But I’ll be honest, none of that is up my alley.” Jason was honest if anything.

“I’m not even sure what I do or don’t like. We’ve never really had any hobbies. Sikes and I meal prep on Sundays when we’re home and freeze them for the week. When we’re gone we try to eat as healthy as possible and thanks to Masterson hiring Ely and Jordan to handle the catering when we’re on the road, we’ve been able to maintain that for the most part.”

“We really did hit the management company lottery. Back in the early Playing With Fire days, we’d heard horror stories from other bands about companies who’d signed them then ran off with their money.”

“Like what happened to Josh?”

“He isn’t here to defend himself and I hate talking behind anyone’s back but yeah. Granted, he fucked up big time, but Nicholas Shane totally fucked him and his son over.”

We’d been briefed on the highlights of what had happened then heard Maiden and Social’s sides during the near band brawl at Rocktoberfest last year. Josh was a pretty solid guy and he’d more than paid his dues, and he was one hell of a fucking guitarist. Anyone who took on Ryder Hampton and got a well done at the end of playing his beloved song from the man himself deserved a second chance.

“He’s someone I consider a friend and I’m glad we gave him a chance. Playing With Fire wasn’t going anywhere. Our old guitarist was in and out of rehab. Everyone but Marley was working multiple jobs, and it was hard to practice let alone set up gigs.” Jason quieted and I thought that was the end of his story. “Even though the show Diamond and Easton came to was a total dumpster fire, we’d at least been seen and as dangerous as it was to add Josh, it ended up being the best thing for us. My life, our life as a band changed that day and it’s only been uphill since then.”

Chapter Ten

Jason

“Hey, Mom,” I called out as we entered the apartment. Fuck, I couldn’t wait to get us out of this place.

“Jase, what’s up? Oh, hello, Wyatt and Hayden. Everything okay?”

“Afternoon, Dana,” Sikes replied, and Snipe waved.

“Yeah, but we’re flying out to Vegas in the morning to pack up their apartment and move them up here.”

“Where is everyone gonna sleep?” She glanced around. Nicole had already commandeered Sikes, taking him by the hand and led him over to a tea party she had set up. More photo ops. Nothing beat the picture of a muscled behemoth with a tiny teacup in his hand.

“Mickey, he’s the bassist for Social Sinners, offered us space at his McMansion until the house is done.”

“Wow, all these big important friends you have now. Your world has finally come together, Jase. I’m so proud of you.”

It never got old hearing that from her. Making my mom proud was always at the top of my list and a driving force to always put my best foot forward. “Our world, Mom.” My eyes wandered from Sikes to Snipe, and an overwhelming feeling rocked my core. “The world for our family has finally come together. But I think your friend Wyatt over there might want to assist you in picking out kitchen stuff.”

“Mynew friend, Wyatt,” Nicole protested. “He’s my BFF.”

Mom shook her head. “That girl is gonna take the world by storm.”

“That she is.” Nicole was a no BS kind of kid, and I loved that about her.

“I, um,” Mom nervously twisted the hem of her top. “I gave my notice to the cleaning company.”

“Yes!” I drew her in for a hug. “I promise, it’ll all be okay.”

“I trust you, Jase. I’m just…”

“Mom,” I whispered. “Check the balance in our shared account.” We each had our own bank accounts then another that was where rent and utilities went. “I put enough money in there for whatever you and the kids need. Plus, remember I told you I already paid the rent. We’re fine.”

Mom nodded but I knew she’d still worry. “When will you guys be back?”

“Should be by the end of the week, wouldn’t you agree, Sikes?” Snipe asked him.

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