𝐉𝐚𝐱 𝐏𝐎𝐕

As I sit in the chair beside Allie's hospital bed, I gently take her hand in mine and rub soothing circles on the back of it. Allie inhales sharply, her breath catching as Dr. O'Neil carefully examines the incision on her lower abdomen. A heavy weight settles in the pit of my stomach as I watch her wince in pain while the doctor tenderly redresses her wound.

"How do you feel about going home today, Allie?" Dr. O'Neil asks with a smile as he lowers her gown.

The medical staff are already discussing discharging her, even though it's been less than twenty-four hours since she had abdominal surgery? She's still grimacing in pain from the slightest movement. Moments like these make me remember why I chose a career in music versus being in healthcare.

"I think that's a good plan. I know the surgery wasn't major," she says, adjusting herself in the bed to get more comfortable.

"It wasn't major?" I ask curiously, raising one eyebrow in speculation.

I know little about medical talk, but when I think about surgery, it sounds pretty major to me.

Dr. O'Neil lets out a soft chuckle as he shakes his head and turns to face me with a soft smile.

"She had no major bleeding during surgery, her vitals have been perfect while being admitted, and she's tolerating food," he explains kindly.

"I'm really okay, Jax. I promise," she says reassuringly.

"You're lucky to have such a caring husband there, Allie," Dr. O'Neil adds, gesturing towards me.

Before Allie has a chance to interject, the doctor swiftly snatches her chart from the end of the bed.

With brisk steps, he heads toward the door, pausing briefly to reassure her, "it might take a few hours, but we'll have you out of here this afternoon. If you need anything, just let us know," he says as he slips out of the room.

Allie lets out a soft, gentle chuckle, shaking her head bashfully as she gazes at me. I lean in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead, feeling a rush of warmth fill my chest.

"If you're going home today, I should probably pack a few things for myself, huh?" I chuckle.

"Oh, you don't have to stay with me, Jax. I know you guys are busy with recording, and you already spent the night here," she says, gesturing toward the cot on the other end of the room. "I'm sure you want to get some sleep in your own bed."

The nurses made multiple attempts to request that I leave after visiting hours had concluded last night. However, Allie was adamant that she needed me to stay with her. Eventually, Dr. O'Neil came in and agreed that I should remain by her side.

"I would much rather be with you than my empty bed, Allie," I reassure her.

A bright smile slowly creeps past her lips as her cheeks flush with a rosy hue. The simple act of bringing joy to this woman never fails to fill me with overwhelming happiness and a sense of achievement. I would gladly talk forever if every word I spoke could elicit such a beautiful smile from her.

"I'm going to grab a few things, chat with the guys a bit, and be back to pick you up. If you need anything, call me," I say as I rise from my seat and gently press my lips to hers. "I love you, Allie," I whisper as I hover over her, her blue eyes twinkling in the sunlight that seeps through the windows.

"I love you, too, Jax," she replies with a radiant smile, drawing me in for another sweet and tender kiss.

"I'll be back, I promise," I say, a grin pulling at the corner of my mouth.

I stroll casually toward the door, savoring each step as I gradually turn the handle and step out into the hallway. I suddenly remember the guys had planned on recording bass tracks with James this afternoon. Taking my cell phone from my pocket, I send a group message to inform them I'd be arriving soon in hopes of having a discussion.

As I make my way to the car park, I reach into the pocket of my worn leather jacket and retrieve the key fob. Holding it aloft, I listen intently for the faint chirping that will guide me in the right direction.

Upon arriving at the vehicle, I settle into the driver's seat, feeling the weight of the impending conversation with the band settling heavily on my shoulders. The uncertainty of how they will react to all of this consumes my thoughts, but ultimately, I cannot afford to let this opportunity slip away.

The car's engine hums softly as I sit motionless in the driver's seat, contemplating how to start the conversation without sparking an argument. I drum my fingers along the steering wheel, searching for the right approach.

Gareth and I founded Bottom Line nearly a decade ago when we were only sixteen. We practiced in our garages every day for years and played at the local pubs until last year, when we took a chance at an American festival and captured the attention of a talent scout from a Boston-based record label. Over the years, we've had a few drummers and bassists come and go, but Casey and James have been our reliable and dedicated bandmates for the past four years.

I take a deep breath, allowing the surge of apprehension to wash over me as I slowly run my hands down my face. It's almost amusing how my anxiety levels skyrocket at the thought of having a discussion with my band about our future. Yet, when I'm standing on stage at a festival, there's an electric, vibrant energy that makes me feel more alive than ever. As I pull out of the parking space, it feels like I'm walking into the lion's den, and I can't shake off that feeling.

Driving across town leaves me with enough time to ponder the impending conversation with the band, leaving me with a sense of hope as I enter the car park for the hotel. The fluorescent lights flicker overhead as I carefully navigate through the aisles until I pull into the first available spot, the sound of my tires echoing against the concrete walls. I linger in the car for a few extra moments, the anticipation building with each breath as I mentally rehearse exactly what I want to say before heading upstairs. With a deep breath, I finally shove the keys and my cell phone into my pockets, and make my way towards the entrance.

As the elevator doors slide open, they reveal the softly lit, carpeted hallway leading to our hotel room. I take deliberate, unhurried steps, feeling the weight of each foot as it glides across the carpet. Retrieving the keycard from my back pocket, I slowly raise it towards the door as the lock clicks open and carefully nudge it open.

"Hey! How's Allie?" James greets sitting at the breakfast bar, wearing only a t-shirt and a pair of boxers.

"Hey man, she's doing good. She's being discharged this afternoon," I say, entering the kitchenette as I sit on one of the black bar stools.

James takes a sip of his coffee as he sets the mug back down on the counter.

"I'm glad she pulled through," he says, gently placing his hand on my shoulder. "I can see how much she means to you."

"That's actually what I came by to talk to you guys about," I say hushedly.

James furrows his eyebrows in confusion, his gaze locking onto me. After a moment, his expression softens as if a sudden understanding washes over him, and a smile gradually spreads across his face.

"You know I will support any choice you decide to make," he murmurs softly.

"Thanks man, I appreciate that," I tell him with a faint smile.

I slide out of the bar stool and saunter to the sitting room, where I find Gareth and Casey sitting on the couch watching the news. I enter the room, exuding confidence as I pause at the entryway.

"Hey Jax," Gareth says as he sets his phone face down on the cushion next to him.

Casey looks up slowly from the tv as he nods his head and says, "Hey dude. Glad to hear Allie's okay."

Taking slowed steps into the room, my feet glide across the smooth tile as I make my way toward the dark brown suede armchair beside the couch. I lower myself into it, feeling a sense of relaxation as my body sinks deeper into the cushion.

"So, how was recording yesterday?" I inquire as I lean back with my arms folded across my chest.

Casey takes a sip from his mug and sets it on the coffee table.

"It was good. We didn't do much of the recording. We mostly practiced the new songs," he explains as he checks his phone casually and tucks it back into his pocket.

"Yeah, we didn't want to do too much with you being out. We can pick it up when you know Allie's all set," Gareth adds reassuringly.

Thinking of Allie instantly fills me with a comforting warmth, causing a faint smile to spread across my face. I'm grateful for the understanding my bandmates have shown, knowing that I have to prioritize making sure Allie is safe before joining them for the recording session.

"That's something I wanted to talk to you guys about," I say confidently as James enters the room and sits beside Gareth on the small white couch.

All three of them redirect their attention to me as Gareth folds his hands in his lap, a sign of respect from him to show me that I have his full attention.

"I was thinking that when Allie heads back home I would drive them up, just to ensure she gets there safely. She's going be a wreck getting in a car again, so I figured I'd drive them up and take an Uber back here afterward," I continue as I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees.

"Yeah, man. That makes sense," Gareth nods. "I was thinking of asking Nora to hang back an extra day or two so we could figure out our plan now that there's a baby in the picture."

Casey nods to himself as he takes his phone out of his pocket and begins scrolling. "Yeah, that sounds good," he says.

A sudden wave of nervousness engulfs me, causing my chest to tighten. This is the moment of truth.

"There's one other thing," I announce, my gaze shifting among the three of them as their attention gradually turns back to me.

Swallowing hard, I draw in a deep breath before continuing, "I've been contemplating the idea of relocating to the States. I would be willing to travel back and forth as necessary, but I believe most of our work could be efficiently handled through Zoom calls, touring wouldn't be much different as I'd still be on the road with you guys."

Casey lets out a scornful snort, the sound echoing loudly in the room. He shakes his head in disbelief and leans back against the soft cushion of the white sofa. Gareth, James, and I exchange puzzled glances, all turning to Casey, waiting for him to clarify his perspective.

"This situation feels like a repeat of what happened with Amelia," Casey says with irritation lacing his tone. "You moved three hours away to be with her, and that ended in divorce. What positive outcome do you expect from moving to an entirely different country?"

"Hey man," Gareth says, trying to diffuse the situation as Casey continues to shake his head.

"I can understand your concern, but this is different, Case," I defend.

"How is it different?" he asks with a hint of annoyance.

"I thought Amelia was my forever, and quickly realized she wasn't. I didn't feel this strongly for her," I defend.

Casey releases another scoff, his head shaking in disbelief, emphasizing his incredulity.

"You think you and Amelia got married too quickly? Dude, you got your dick wet once, and you're ready to move across the globe," he sneers.

"Dude," James utters, urging Casey to stop talking.

"Know what? Maybe I should take a crack at it. She was easy enough to give it up to you so quickly. Maybe she can change my mind too," Casey shrugs with a sly smile.

My body jolts off the seat, propelling by a surge of anger coursing through my veins in an instant. I raise my fist rapidly as I crash it into Casey's nose, feeling the bones crack beneath my knuckles. Bright red crimson flows as Casey covers his now bleeding nose with his hands and lets out a painful grunt.

"Are you fucking kidding me, Jax?" he yells.

When Casey lets go of his nose, he looks into the palm of his hands, seeing the blood pool as his eyes turn dark.

"So, that's how it's going to be?" he growls.

He jumps off the couch quickly as he lunges forward, tackling me onto the glass coffee table as it shatters loudly beneath us. The glass shards nip at my back through my leather jacket as Casey swings his arm back, colliding his fist with my jaw as intense pain shoots through my entire face.

James and Gareth spring out of their seats with urgency as Gareth grabs Casey by both arms, throwing him forcefully against the couch. Meanwhile, James rushes to my side, carefully guiding me off the scattered shards of broken glass beneath me.

"Get your shit and get the fuck out," Gareth barks, pointing toward the door.

"Gladly. You guys are never going to make it," Casey sneers. "Not with Jax constantly fucking moving to chase tail."

I storm out of my seat, my frustration evident in every step as I make my way to the door.

"You guys figure out what you want to do," I state furiously before slipping out, the door slamming shut behind me.

I feel the cold blood trickle down to my upper lip as I use the sleeve of my leather jacket to wipe it away.

Striding down the seemingly never-ending hallway, I jab my finger repeatedly into the elevator call button. Taking my phone out of my pocket to let Allie know I'm on my way, I quickly notice a large spiderweb crack spreading across the black screen.

That's just fucking perfect.