Page 12 of Unfinished Noise

“Bowling,” Spencer confirmed, bumping Jamie’s shoulder with his own.

Jamie loved the casual little touches Spencer didn’t seem to think about. The ones that grounded Jamie within his own chaos.

The air was thick with the scents of worn carpet, tangy nacho cheese, and memories of childhood birthday parties. Neon lights flickered above the lanes, casting colorful glows, while the music thumped so loudly Jamie’s ribs vibrated.

The teams were obvious: Jamie and Spencer versus Nathan and Alfie.

“Prepare to lose,” Nathan announced, grabbing a bright orange ball that looked like it weighed nothing.

“Bold words for someone who throws like a baby giraffe,” Spencer shot back.

Jamie snorted. “A newborn baby giraffe.”

Alfie clutched his chest dramatically. “The disrespect in this family.”

They played the first game with nonstop jabs—Nathan accusing Spencer of “illegal wrist action,” Spencer accusing Nathan of “being allergic to accuracy.” They all cheered every time Jamie threw a strike.

By the second game, Jamie was laughing and leaning into Spencer every time he came back from a throw. Spencer kept kissing the top of his head like it was a reflex.

This is good. This is easy. This is how it should be.

Then the door opened.

Billy and Farlan walked in as if they owned the place, or as if they were trying very hard not to. Billy’s blond hair was tied back, Farlan’s dark curls a little messy, both of them dressed like they were trying to look harmless.

“Hey,” Billy said, lifting a hand. “Mind if we join?”

Nathan hesitated for half a second. “Sure. We’re on game three.”

Jamie forced a smile. “Yeah. Cool.”

It wasn’t cool.

He wished they’d stayed wherever they were staying. He wished the universe had given him one afternoon without the ghost of Spencer’s past strolling in with perfect timing.

Billy grabbed a ball from the rack, and Jamie caught the quick flick of Billy’s eyes toward Spencer. Not long. Not obvious. But enough.

Don’t look at him like that. Jamie’s stomach tightened. He’s mine. He chose me.

Spencer didn’t notice. Or maybe he did and didn’t care. He was busy tying his hair up, laughing at something Alfie said.

Billy stepped up to the lane and threw a perfect strike.

“Show‑off,” Farlan muttered.

Billy grinned. “Just warming up.”

Jamie crossed his arms. “Congrats. You can knock down pins.”

Spencer nudged him gently. “Baby…”

“I’m fine,” Jamie said, even though he wasn’t. Not really.

Billy said nothing rude. Didn’t smirk. Didn’t flirt. He was on his best behavior.

Jamie still hated that he was here.

Spencer leaned close. “Are you okay?” he murmured, voice low enough that only Jamie could hear.