Page 57 of Unfinished Noise

Nathan looked like he’d been wrung out and hung up to dry. Spencer looked like he needed a bed, a gallon of water, and twelve hours of silence.

Jamie couldn’t imagine any of them wanting to do anything tomorrow except sleep away the day. And honestly? He hoped Spencer would sleep right next to him.

He lifted his soda in a half‑salute as they reached him. “You guys look like you got hit by a tour bus.”

Spencer laughed under his breath, leaning into Jamie’s side. “Feels about right.”

Jamie didn’t know what had gone down at the bar, but he knew one thing for sure—whatever chaos Billy and Farlan were stirring up, Spencer was done with it for the night.

And Jamie was more than ready to get him out of here.

Jamie watched Spencer and Nathan weave through the crowd toward him, both of them looking like they’d been wrung out by the night. Spencer’s hair was damp at the temples, cheeks flushed, shirt clinging to him from the heat of the stage lights. Nathan looked even worse—sweaty, glassy‑eyed, and ready to collapse.

Jamie lifted his soda in greeting. “You two look like you barely survived.”

Spencer huffed out a tired laugh and leaned into Jamie’s side, letting his weight settle there. “Feels about right.”

Jamie glanced back toward the bar. Farlan was still there, pacing like a storm cloud, hands flying as he snapped at Billy. Billy looked defensive, chin up, arms crossed, eyeliner smudged like he’d rubbed at his face too hard.

“What was that about?” Jamie asked.

Spencer rubbed the back of his neck, exhaling. “Farlan’s pissed at Billy.”

“Yeah, I figured that part out,” Jamie said. “Why, though?”

Spencer hesitated for half a second—just long enough for Jamie to notice. Then he sighed. “Because Billy kept staring at you while we were singing.”

Jamie blinked. “What?”

“Yeah.” Spencer’s mouth tightened. “Apparently Farlan saw it. Said Billy wasn’t paying attention to the crowd, wasn’t paying attention to him, wasn’t even paying attention to the damn song. Just… staring at you.”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously.” Spencer shook his head. “Farlan lost it. He told Billy he was being disrespectful. Said it looked like Billy was trying to start something.”

Jamie looked back toward the bar again. Farlan was still lecturing Billy, voice sharp enough to cut glass. Billy looked like he wanted to sink into the floor.

“I didn’t even notice.” Jamie said. He didn’t want to upset Spencer.

Spencer nudged him gently. “You weren’t supposed to. You were watching me.”

Jamie felt his cheeks warm. “Well… yeah.”

Spencer’s expression softened, exhaustion melting into something warm and steady. “Billy’s got his own issues. But none of that’s on you.”

Jamie nodded, leaning into him. “Still weird.”

“Very weird,” Spencer agreed. “But it’s handled.”

Nathan finally reached them, dragging a hand down his face. “If anyone needs me tomorrow, don’t. I’m sleeping until noon.”

Jamie snorted. “Pretty sure all of you are.”

Spencer wrapped an arm around Jamie’s waist, pulling him close. “Yeah. After tonight? We’re dead.”

Jamie rested his head briefly against Spencer’s shoulder, letting the noise of the club fade into background static. Whatever drama Billy had stirred up, whatever fight Farlan was still finishing—it didn’t matter right now.

Spencer was here.