Page 83 of Unfinished Noise

Spencer nudged his knee under the table. A small gesture. Quiet. Almost apologetic. Jamie didn’t look at him. Not yet. But he didn’t pull his knee away either. Spencer shifted closer, fingers brushing Jamie’s thigh under the table.

Nathan’s voice softened, but only slightly. “This show is huge. This is more than a typical concert. It’s the kind of night that decides whether we get booked again or go home with nothing but dust in our teeth.”

Jamie felt Spencer’s hand rest lightly on his forearm. Not grabbing—just grounding.

Nathan looked directly at Jamie. Not the group. Jamie.

“Jamie,” he said, gentler now, “Spencer needs you more than ever.”

Jamie didn’t look at Spencer, but he felt Spencer’s attention shift toward him.

Nathan kept going. “Can you encourage him? Support him? Love him through this show?”

Jamie swallowed. His voice came out quiet but sure. “I do love him.”

Spencer’s fingers curled slightly against Jamie’s arm—a small squeeze that landed deep.

Nathan nodded once. “Good. That’s what I needed to hear.”

The rest of lunch passed quietly. They ate, paid, and headed back to the van. The sun outside was brutal, bouncing off the pavement like a spotlight.

Since it was Spencer’s turn to drive, Nathan pointed at Jamie. “Up front. Sit with him.”

Jamie didn’t argue. He hopped in the passenger seat and clicked his seat belt while Spencer fired up the van.

Things got a bit quiet and awkward. Then Spencer reached over and rested his hand on Jamie’s thigh. Not possessive. Not demanding. Just there.

Jamie felt the last of his irritation melt away. He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Spencer’s cheek—quick, apologetic, sincere.

Spencer’s smile was small but real.

Jamie turned toward the windshield, feeling the tension finally at ease.

They were okay.

And they were heading toward Black Rock City together.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Spencer

Black Rock City

The next day, Spencer pointed toward the trailers lined up near the edge of the lot. “Three of them. Privacy. And chairs. Don’t say I never do anything for you.”

Billy snorted. “You rented chairs. Congratulations.”

Spencer flipped him off without looking.

Spencer walked toward the trailers, boots kicking at the dusty ground. They were parked in a loose circle, close enough that they could talk between them but far enough to give everyone breathing room. It felt like a tiny camp—temporary, rough, and exactly what they needed at Black Rock City.

Jamie dragged his bag across the dirt. “I’m sleeping for twelve hours.”

“Same,” Alfie said. “Wake me when the world ends.”

Spencer smirked. “You two are dramatic.”

“Accurate,” Jamie said.