“What was the name of your band?” Jamie asked
Spencer smiled at the question, the corners of his mouth tugging up before he even answered. “Black Shadows,” he said, the name rolling off his tongue like an old song lyric.
Jamie tilted his head, curious, and Spencer felt a flicker of warmth in his chest. That name still meant something to him. Not fame or glory—just a time when things felt electric and alive.
His mind drifted back to a night in Hollywood, years ago. The stage lights had been blinding, the crowd packed tight and buzzing with energy. He remembered gripping the mic, sweat slick on his palms, and belting out the chorus of their most-loved song while the audience sang it right back at him. That moment—standing under the lights, heart pounding, voice soaring—had felt like flying. Like he was exactly where he was supposed to be.
He’d looked over at his bandmates, all of them grinning like fools, and thought,We did it. We’re really here. That memory still lived in his bones, a reminder of what it felt like to be seen and heard.
Now, sitting across from Jamie, Spencer felt the contrast. No roaring crowd. No spotlight. Just one person looking at him with soft eyes, asking questions not for entertainment, but because he cared.
“Was it a rock band?” Jamie asked, voice light.
“Yeah,” Spencer said, chuckling. “Kind of moody, kind of loud. We had a thing for leather jackets and dramatic lyrics.”
Jamie smiled, and Spencer felt that same old spark—smaller, quieter, but just as real. Maybe this wasn’t a stage, but it was still a moment. And maybe, just maybe, it mattered even more.
The bells over the restaurant door jingled, interrupting his sacred memory, and Spencer looked up just in time to see Nathan and Alfie stroll in, both bundled up and grinning like they’d had a good morning in bed. Nathan spotted them in the booth instantly and made a beeline for it, Alfie trailing behind.
“I guess you started the party earlier?” Nathan teased, eyes flicking between Spencer and Jamie.
Spencer smirked. “This is Jamie Butler. He’s staying with me, but don’t worry, we’ll both be at the party.”
Jamie gave a polite nod, clearly still a little shy around new people. Spencer could feel the tension in him, like he wasn’t sure if he belonged here or if this was all temporary. Spencer wanted to ease that, but he also didn’t want to rush it.
Nathan introduced himself and Alfie, and Spencer gestured to the open ends of the booth. “Sit with us.”
They slid in, and Alfie leaned forward, curious. “Where are you from?”
“Brentwood,” Jamie said.
“We’re not too far from there,” Alfie replied, smiling.
Nathan gave Spencer a subtle side-eye—one of thosewhat’s going on here?Spencer shrugged back, palms up. No clue. They’d been friends long enough to have entire conversations without words.
“I’m trying to get Spencer to move out here.” Nathan nudged Jamie as if he was letting him in on a secret.
Jamie froze for a minute, clearly unsure how to respond, then gave a small smile, saying nothing. Spencer could tell hewas still processing everything—being here, being seen, being cared for. It was a lot.
After they finished breakfast, the server removed the dishes from their table.
“We’ll meet you two at the party cabin in an hour or two,” Spencer said, standing after Nathan and Alfie got up. “I need to grab a few things for Jamie.”
Nathan had caught it too. That look. The one that passed between them as they stood from the booth. Nathan didn’t say anything, but his eyes said plenty:You’re already halfway in, aren’t you?Spencer gave a small shrug in return.Yeah. Maybe I am.
Spencer couldn’t stop thinking about Jamie’s jacket or the lack of one. He led Jamie out into the cold, watching the boy’s shoulders hunch as they walked to the truck. Spencer’s gut twisted. It wasn’t just about the jacket—it was everything. Jamie had been left behind, abandoned in the snow like he didn’t matter. No coat, no bag, no backup plan. Just a quiet kind of heartbreak that settled in his eyes and hadn’t left since.
Spencer opened the passenger door and waited for Jamie to climb in before circling to his side. As he started the engine, he glanced over and saw Jamie rubbing his hands together, trying to warm them up. It hit him harder than he had expected. No one should be this cold. Not like this. Not after what he’s been through.
Spencer didn’t say anything right away. He just drove, mind already spinning with what he’d get Jamie at the store. Not just a jacket—he needed layers, warmth, comfort. Things that said you’re safe now without having to say it out loud.
He didn’t know what Jamie would think of it. Maybe he’d resist. Maybe he’d feel weird about it. But Spencer didn’t care. He would not let that boy freeze. Not on his watch.
They drove to the enormous store just outside town, one of those places that sold everything from flannel shirts to snow tires. Jamie hesitated at the entrance, looking overwhelmed.
“You don’t need to buy me anything,” he said.
Spencer stopped and turned to him. “It’s the daddy part of me,” he whispered. “I want to help you. Please let me get you a few things.”
