Page 48 of Unfinished Noise

Spencer reached for Jamie’s hand, his voice low, still rough from everything they’d been through. “When I message you… you answer me. Not because of a rule. Because I can’t go through another day not knowing if you’re okay.” His thumb brushed Jamie’s knuckles, gentle but firm. “If you disappear on me like that again, yeah—you’ll be in trouble. Real trouble.”

“Yes, Daddy Spencer. I promise to answer all your voicemails and messages within thirty minutes.”

Spencer kissed his forehead. “Good.”

The server arrived, and they ordered steaks—medium rare for Spencer, medium for Jamie—and drinks. Jamie ordered a beer; Spencer got a bourbon on ice he didn’t need before work but wanted to relax.

When the server left, Jamie shifted closer, head resting lightly on Spencer’s shoulder. “I missed you.”

Spencer wrapped an arm around him. “Don’t leave me without discussing it first. I can’t go through that again.”

Jamie smiled. “I won’t.”

Spencer kissed the top of his head. “I know you won’t.”

Across the room, Nathan was talking quietly to Alfie, who looked calmer now, leaning into Nathan’s side. Spencer felt a wave of relief wash over him. The boys were safe with them.

Jamie’s cheeks flushed, and he tucked himself closer, letting Spencer hold him until their steaks arrived.

Jamie looked up at Spencer. “Thanks for picking us up.”

Spencer brushed a strand of hair behind Jamie’s ear, thumb lingering just long enough to steady him. “Baby, I’d cross the whole damn country for you.”

Jamie’s cheeks flushed, and he tucked himself closer, letting Spencer hold him until their steaks arrived. Spencer felt that familiar warmth settle in his chest—Jamie safe beside him, the world finally quiet.

The quiet didn’t last.

A shadow fell across their table.

Spencer looked up to see Billy and Farlan standing there—hand‑in‑hand, matching black jackets, looking like they’d stepped out of a backstage photo shoot instead of a restaurant doorway. Billy’s eyeliner was smudged; his expression unreadable. Farlan’s was softer, cautious.

“Hey,” Farlan said, offering a small smile. “We didn’t know you were here.”

Spencer forced his shoulders to relax. “Yeah. Nathan is here too.”

Billy’s gaze flicked straight to Jamie.

“I’m glad you came back,” Farlan said gently. “It’s good to see you are safe with Spencer.”

Jamie nodded, polite but guarded. “Thanks.”

Billy didn’t bother with polite.

“Why’d you leave in the first place?” Billy asked, arms crossing. “You know how much chaos that caused? Everyone was looking for you.”

Jamie stiffened.

Spencer felt the heat rise in his chest—sharp, protective. Billy always pushed too far, always forgot that Jamie wasn’t one of the band, wasn’t built for the same rough edges.

“Billy,” Spencer said, voice low but firm, “knock it off.”

Billy blinked, surprised.

Spencer leaned forward slightly, keeping his tone even. “Jamie didn’t owe anyone an explanation. And you don’t get to talk to him like that.”

Billy’s jaw tightened. Farlan squeezed his hand, a silent warning.

Spencer continued, “If you’re here to eat, grab a table. If you’re here to start something, don’t.”